CBS Defends ‘Hitler’ Series, ‘CSI: Miami’ Casting

CBS executives defended on Monday plans for a four-hour biographical miniseries about Adolf Hitler, saying the project will not portray the leader in a favorable light.

“We know how his story ends, and we’re going to show how the story begins,” CBS Television President Leslie Moonves told a gathering of television journalists in Pasadena, some of whom questioned the propriety of the project. “This is very timely.”

CBS Entertainment President Nancy Tellem added, “We’re looking at Hitler between the ages of 17 to 34, before he became ‘Hitler.’ We’re showing how a bad guy rose to power.” She said there seemed to be some concern that the miniseries would somehow portray Hitler as “a hero or sympathetic character. But this is going to be based on scholarly works.”

The miniseries will be based on Ian Kershaw’s biography “Hitler: 1889-1936 Hubris.” Moonves said he did not anticipate any problems with advertisers sponsoring the project. The lead role has not yet been cast.

Moonves also announced that CBS, the first of the major networks to appear before the reporters in the twice-yearly ritual to discuss their fall schedules, will debut seven new comedy and dramatic series during the week of Sept. 23.

One of those new dramas, “CSI: Miami,” also drew some flak from reporters due to its casting. Though the series--a spinoff of the hit series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”--is set in a predominantly Latino urban setting, only one Latino is in the six-member ensemble. The show, which stars David Caruso, Kim Delaney and Emily Procter, also features African American actress Khandi Alexander as the investigative team’s coroner.

Moonves said the network’s continued commitment to racial diversity is demonstrated by the fact that minorities make up one-third of the drama’s cast.

“We’re not running away from diversity,” he said. “There’s not a single role on any of our shows where it doesn’t come up.”

He added that if the new “CSI” is a hit, other “CSI” spinoffs might be possible, similar to the model of NBC’s “Law & Order,” which has spawned two successful spinoffs.

“Would I like to see ‘CSI’ five nights a week? Sure, but I want to play this cautiously,” he said. “I don’t think we’re going to make plans for ‘CSI: Toledo.’ ”

Moonves and Tellem added that CBS is also moving forward with plans for a Victoria’s Secret fashion show during the key ratings month of November.

Controversy, including complaints to the Federal Communications Commission, surrounded a similar program broadcast by ABC last year that nonetheless drew a vast audience. As before, the new specials will feature women in sexy lingerie.

“Yes, it’s a bit out of character for CBS,” said Moonves. “It’s not what people expect from us. It’s not your grandmother’s CBS.”