CBS renews 18 prime-time shows

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - A slew of CBS shows have gotten the green light for next season.

The network announced Wednesday the renewal of a staggering 18 prime-time series. They include the top-rated "NCIS" and its spinoff, and the hot new Thursday drama "Person of Interest" and around-the-world competition "The Amazing Race."

A handful of shows did not get early renewals, putting them on "the bubble" for return. Those include the New York and Miami spinoffs of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

While TV networks occasionally confirm the renewal of series before the schedule is officially unveiled to advertisers in May, CBS' announcement Wednesday was unusually wide-ranging.