Charles Barkley Teases Kenny Smith After NBA Analyst's Illness Forces Replacement at NCAA Tournament Kenny Smith, a former NBA star and longtime college basketball analyst, was absent from NCAA Tournament coverage on Friday after his team, the University of North Carolina, suffered a shocking 82-78 loss to 11th-seeded VCU. The upset, which saw the Rams overcome a 19-point deficit, marked UNC’s first back-to-back exits in the round of 64 since 1985. Smith, a former Tar Heels standout, abruptly left the CBS studio following the defeat, sparking speculation about his emotional state. Fans and commentators joked that the loss might have been too much for him to handle, with one user quipping, “Is he under the weather or crying about the UNC loss?” Another remarked, “That’s funny. Kenny seemed fine when Siena was winning. What a pro!” However, the absence of Smith was not due to the loss itself. A day later, as the Round of 64 coverage began, fans noticed a significant change: two-time WNBA champion Renee Montgomery had replaced Smith on the main desk. Montgomery, who previously won titles with the Minnesota Lynx, is now a studio analyst for CBS’s WNBA coverage and also serves as an activist and part-owner of the Atlanta Dream. The switch prompted questions about Smith’s status, but the situation was clarified when host Adam Zucker announced that Smith had been unwell and shared a get-well message with viewers. Smith’s absence was attributed to illness, as he had taken ill during the Michigan-Howard game on Thursday. The incident marked the second broadcasting-related illness in the NCAA Tournament this year, following the case of play-by-play voice Brian Anderson. Anderson, who was noticeably hoarse during Tuesday’s First Four game between NC State and Texas, was replaced by Jason Benetti on CBS and TNT.#university_of_north_carolina #kenny_smith #charles_barkley #cbs #vcu
Tracker Season 3 Episode 13 Airing Tonight on CBS The third season of Tracker has resumed with new episodes following a hiatus that began in December, leaving fans eager for Colter Shaw’s ongoing investigations and Reenie’s mysterious new client. As of March 1, the CBS drama has returned with three episodes, with audiences anticipating more as the series continues to explore Colter’s quest for justice and Reenie’s growing entanglements. The latest episode, airing on March 22, 2026, will focus on Colter’s investigation into the disappearance of Baxter, a veteran stuntman who vanished after a risky stunt on a B-movie set. The episode, titled “Breakway,” will follow Colter as he delves into the case, uncovering shady producers and a dangerous underground world linked to the stuntman’s disappearance. Baxter’s girlfriend, Laura, will reach out to Colter for help, setting the stage for a complex web of secrets and potential threats. The episode will also address personal developments for the main characters. Reenie’s mental state has become a growing concern for Colter, as he notices her struggling to process her trauma from past events. Meanwhile, Reenie’s assistant, Mel Day, continues to act suspiciously, raising questions about her loyalty and motives. Colter’s investigation into his late father’s past and Fiona Rene’s Reenie’s new client remain central mysteries, with fans hoping for clarity as the season progresses. Viewers can watch the episode on CBS or stream it live and on demand via Paramount+. The series has maintained a strong following, with audiences invested in the characters’ journeys and the unfolding mysteries. As the season moves forward, fans will continue to follow Colter and Reenie’s efforts to navigate both the dangers of their cases and the personal challenges they face.#paramount #cbs #colter_shaw #reenie #baxter
Score 2 Months of Paramount+ for Under $6 — the Best Deal for Live Streaming March Madness March Madness has officially begun, bringing with it a thrilling run of college basketball games that fans across the country are eager to watch. For those looking to stream every game without breaking the bank, Paramount+ is offering a limited-time deal that makes it easier than ever to follow the action. Until March 31, subscribers can get two months of Paramount+ for just $2.99 per month, bringing the total cost under $6 for the entire period. This promotion provides access to a wide range of March Madness games, including the First Round, Second Round, Sweet 16, and Elite Eight matches. Paramount+ serves as the primary streaming platform for CBS-broadcast games during the tournament, which means fans can catch most of the action without needing multiple subscriptions. While the 2026 men’s Final Four and NCAA national championship games will air on TBS, the majority of the tournament’s games will still be available on Paramount+ and CBS. This makes the deal particularly appealing for sports enthusiasts who want to stay updated on all major matchups without paying for additional services. The limited-time offer is designed to encourage viewers to commit to a longer subscription period at a discounted rate. At just $2.99 per month, the cost is significantly lower than the standard Paramount+ subscription price, making it an attractive option for those who plan to watch multiple games throughout the tournament. The promotion also highlights the growing trend of streaming services offering special deals around major sporting events, allowing fans to enjoy live sports at a fraction of the usual cost.#paramount_plus #ncaa #cbs #march_madness #tbs
2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Schedule and Coverage Details The 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship will begin with the First Four games on truTV, starting Tuesday, March 17, and continuing on Wednesday, March 18, at 6 PM ET. First Round games will follow on Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, at Noon ET. All games will be broadcast live across four national networks—TBS, CBS, TNT, and truTV—and streamed on NCAA March Madness Live. CBS games will also be available on Paramount+, while TBS, TNT, and truTV games will stream on HBO Max. The tournament’s 68-team field is finalized, with 31 automatic bids and 37 at-large selections. Each team aims to advance through the bracket, which will culminate in the Final Four National Semifinals on April 4 and the Men’s National Championship on April 6 in Indianapolis, airing on TBS. Tip times for the Second Round games on Saturday will be announced after Thursday’s matches, with Sunday’s schedule released following Friday’s games. The First Four and First Round matchups for March 17–20 will determine early-round progressions, with detailed tip times and commentator assignments provided. The tournament’s schedule spans from Selection Sunday on March 15 through the championship games, offering fans comprehensive coverage of all rounds. A printable bracket and full schedule for the 2026 March Madness event are available, including dates and locations for each round. Additional resources include explanations of the NET rankings, historical insights into March Madness, and coverage of HBCU teams’ participation in the tournament. The event also highlights key moments from past legends like Charles Barkley and Dick Vitale, as well as notable buzzer-beater performances in tournament history.#tnt #cbs #tru_tv #tbs #ncaa_division_i_men_s_basketball_championship
March Madness 2026 Begins Tonight in Dayton, Ohio The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament kicks off tonight in Dayton, Ohio, with the first round of games, known as the “First Four,” set to take place. Two matchups featuring No. 16 seeds will open the tournament, as Howard University faces UMBC, while No. 11 seeds NC State and Texas will square off in another early contest. Additional First Four games will be held on Wednesday, with Prairie View A&M vs. Lehigh and Miami (OH) vs. SMU set to compete. All four matchups will be broadcast on truTV. The tournament will be televised across multiple networks, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with additional games available via streaming platforms. HBO Max and Paramount+ will also carry select matches, offering fans flexible viewing options. Notably, Paramount+ is currently offering a discounted rate of $2.99 per month for the first two months, providing an affordable way to access the tournament. For viewers seeking to stream truTV, several services provide access. The network is available on Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV, with the latter offering a promotional price of $59.99 per month for the first two months. A 10-day free trial is also available for YouTube TV, while Hulu provides a three-day trial. TruTV can be found on DIRECTV through the Choice, Ultimate, or Premiere Packs, as well as on Optimum, Spectrum, Cox, and Xfinity via their channel finder tools. To watch truTV live, users can access the network’s website or app with a valid cable login. A free 10-minute preview is available for new users. Alternatively, the Blue package on Sling TV offers access to truTV, though the Orange package does not include the channel.#ncaa_men_s_basketball_tournament #cbs #dayton_ohio #tru_tv #tbs
CIA Season 1, Episode 4 Airs on CBS March 16 The fourth episode of the first season of CIA premieres Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. ET on CBS. The drama, developed by Dick Wolf and the team behind FBI, follows a rule-breaking CIA case officer, played by Tom Ellis, and a by-the-book FBI agent, portrayed by Nick Gehlfuss, as they collaborate at the CIA’s New York Station. The duo navigates covert operations, uncovering international conspiracies, terrorist networks, and geopolitical secrets. CBS highlights that their contrasting approaches may ultimately prove to be their greatest asset. The episode centers on a wanted Belarusian national who is discovered posing as an expecting father. The characters, Colin and Bill, work to dismantle an international illegal baby smuggling ring. Meanwhile, Bill grapples with concerns about his father’s health back home. The plot builds on the previous episode, which saw Nikki insisting on traveling to Hong Kong to rescue a detained U.S. intelligence officer. The series, which debuted on February 23, has received mixed reviews. Fans and critics have noted its blend of action and character-driven storytelling. Viewers are encouraged to tune in each Monday for new episodes. For those unable to watch on CBS, the episode can be streamed live via Fubo, which offers access to the show without a traditional cable subscription. Regional restrictions may apply. The platform promotes its service as a way to watch live sports and TV without a long-term commitment. The episode’s release aligns with the show’s ongoing exploration of espionage, moral ambiguity, and the personal stakes faced by its protagonists. As the series progresses, it continues to balance high-stakes investigations with the personal lives of its characters.#cia #cbs #tom_ellis #nick_gehlfuss #belarus
CBS Renew/Cancel Week 17: CIA's Final Mission and March Madness Voting Kick Off CBS is making its priorities clear as it navigates its renew/cancel decisions for Week 17, with mixed outcomes for several shows. The network’s focus appears to be shifting toward newer series, leaving some established programs in uncertain territory. Meanwhile, the annual CBS Renew/Cancel March Madness voting event has officially begun, allowing fans to weigh in on their favorite series. CIA, the freshman spy drama, is facing mounting challenges despite a modest ratings boost. The show reached a 0.22 rating in the key 18-49 demographic this week, its highest yet, but CBS’s lack of public acknowledgment of its performance raises concerns. While the FBI series has seen a season-high rating, the network has prioritized promoting Marshals over CIA, which has not received a single press release about its performance. CBS’s history of making renewal decisions in advance suggests CIA may already be on the chopping block, especially with several new dramas in the pipeline. The show’s 65% retention rate, while better than some, is far from impressive, and its lack of full ownership further complicates its chances. Hollywood Squares, the long-running game show, has struggled to find its footing in its new time slot. After a brief run at 8 PM and 9 PM, it now airs at 10:30 PM on Wednesdays, a slot that has proven difficult for the show. Its 0.14 rating in the 18-49 demo highlights its weak performance, particularly with a poor lead-in from a cooking show. CBS’s decision to place it behind Survivor 50, a hit reality series, seems to signal a lack of confidence in the show’s future. With nearly a year until the next Survivor season, the network may opt for a stronger program to fill the slot, leaving Hollywood Squares in a precarious position.#cia #cbs #hollywood_squares #marshals #march_madness_voting
Selection Sunday Announcers 2026: CBS Lineup Revealed The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s Selection Sunday will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET, with the bracket reveal set to broadcast on CBS. The event marks the beginning of the college basketball season’s most anticipated moment, as teams are matched against one another in a process that determines the path to the national championship. The bracket’s unveiling will feature a mix of established analysts and familiar faces, with the broadcast team offering insights into the matchups and potential upsets. Adam Zucker, based in New York, will serve as the primary host for the selection show. Joining him at the desk will be Clark Kellogg, Jay Wright, and Seth Davis. The panel will provide commentary on the seeding process, the implications of each team’s placement, and the likelihood of underdog stories emerging. The broadcast is expected to highlight the competitive dynamics of the tournament, with analysts breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of the teams involved. The selection process itself involves a committee of experts who evaluate teams based on criteria such as win-loss records, strength of schedule, and performance in key games. The final rankings will determine which teams advance to the next round, setting the stage for the March Madness journey. Fans tuning in will get a glimpse into the strategic decisions behind the bracket, as well as predictions for the upcoming season. This year’s broadcast will continue the tradition of blending analysis with entertainment, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how the tournament’s structure is shaped. The presence of seasoned commentators like Wright and Davis, alongside Zucker and Kellogg, ensures a mix of expertise and engaging storytelling.#ncaa_men_s_basketball_tournament #cbs #adam_zucker #clark_kellogg #jay_wright
CBS Premieres St. Patrick's Day Episode of 'Ghosts' in Season 5 The hit comedy series "Ghosts" returns with a special St. Patrick’s Day episode tonight, marking the 13th episode of its fifth season on CBS. The show follows Samantha and Jay, a couple who inherit a decaying country estate and attempt to convert it into a bed and breakfast, only to uncover its haunted past. The series blends humor with heartfelt storytelling, focusing on themes of connection and self-discovery through the interactions between the living and the spectral inhabitants of the home. The ensemble of ghosts includes a diverse cast of historical figures, each with distinct personalities and backstories. Thorfinn, a Viking from 1009 AD, is the oldest ghost on the property and possesses the ability to manipulate electricity after being struck by lightning. Hetty Woodstone, a 19th-century society woman and Sam’s ancestor, serves as the original “lady of the manor.” Isaac Higginfoot, a closeted Revolutionary War officer, grapples with his legacy amid the fame of Alexander Hamilton. Pete Martino, a 1980s Pinecone Trooper leader, died from an accidental arrow wound, while Trevor Lefkowitz, a 1990s Wall Street broker, is forever stuck in his signature pantsless state. Alberta Haynes, a Prohibition-era singer, remains a mystery to her fate, and Sasappis, a Lenape Native American from the 16th century, often incites chaos for entertainment. Flower, a 1960s hippie, met her end after a hallucinogen-fueled attempt to hug a bear. In tonight’s episode, titled “St. Hetty’s Day 2: The Help,” a staffing crisis during St. Patrick’s Day forces Hetty to temporarily assume a managerial role at the restaurant. This rare opportunity allows her to interact with the living again, while Kyle, a new guardian of the ghosts, navigates an amusing supernatural dynamic.#ghosts #cbs #thorfinn #hetty_woodstone #isaac_higginfoot
Jordan Spieth Struggles to Break Through at Arnold Palmer Invitational Jordan Spieth has maintained a steady performance in 2026, posting a top-12 finish at the Genesis Invitational and a top-25 result at the Sony Open. His only setback came at the WM Phoenix Open, where he missed the cut. Despite this consistency, the three-time major champion has yet to secure a victory since 2022, leaving him in pursuit of his first win of the year. Spieth has returned to full health after years of injury-related struggles, but his recent form has not yet reached his peak. With the Arnold Palmer Invitational on the horizon, CBS analyst Johnson Wagner has expressed skepticism about his chances of winning. Wagner, who previously criticized Spieth’s performance at the event, reiterated his belief that the player’s tendency to make critical errors makes him an unlikely contender at Bay Hill. Wagner highlighted the challenges posed by the Arnold Palmer Invitational’s course, noting its long rough and firm greens, which can severely penalize mistakes. He pointed to Spieth’s limited experience at Bay Hill, citing only three previous appearances and two fourth-place finishes. Wagner emphasized that the course’s difficulty creates opportunities for errors, which Spieth has struggled to avoid. “Jordan Spieth is on my can’t win list again,” Wagner said on the Golf on CBS YouTube channel. “He makes too many big mistakes to win around this golf course.” However, Spieth’s history at the Arnold Palmer Invitational contradicts Wagner’s assessment. Since making regular appearances at the event, the player has established himself as a consistent performer on the challenging layout. His best finishes came in 2021 and 2023, when he recorded top-four results.#arnold_palmer_invitational #jordan_spieth #bay_hill #cbs #johnson_wagner
