'The Mentalist' Divines a Full Season

By Rick Porter, Zap2It.com | October 15, 2008

Simon Baker of 'The Mentalist'

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CBS' drama hit is the third new show to be picked up

It didn't take a psychic, real or fake, to predict that CBS would give a full-season order to its new hit, "The Mentalist."

The network announced Wednesday (Oct. 15) that it's picking up the most-watched new series of the fall in a no-brainer of a decision. The order comes closely on the heels of CBS asking for six extra scripts -- which will now become part of the show's back nine episodes.

Starring Simon Baker as a debunked TV psychic-turned-highly observant consultant to the California Bureau of Investigation, "The Mentalist" is averaging about 16.1 million viewers a week this season. That puts it in the top 10 of all shows and several million viewers ahead of any of its fellow freshmen.

CBS says the series is also the top newcomer in the adults 25-54 demographic, where it's drawing a 5.3 rating. It's also doing pretty well in the 18-49 demo; its 3.8 rating trails only FOX's "Fringe" (4.6) among new shows.

"The Mentalist" is the third new show to be picked up for a full season, following "Fringe" and The CW's "90210."

The series also stars Robin Tunney, Amanda Righetti, Tim Kang and Owain Yeoman. Bruno Heller ("Rome") is the creator and executive producer.