TCA: Lorre OK with 'Big Bang' timeslot move

Chuck Lorre said on the opening day of press tour that he has complete faith in CBS' move of "The Big Bang Theory" from 9:30 p.m. Monday to 8 p.m. Thursday when the fall season begins the third week of September.

"It's not my job and nobody asks my opinion," Lorre said of the shift following a question as to whether the network asks his feelings on such timeslot matters before they've been given an official OK. "Given where we are after three seasons, it would be crazy to argue with the choices CBS has made along the way. Our job isn't to program the show, but produce the show."

"It's our fourth time slot in four years," Lorre continued. "It's working out fine but not what we anticipated. It's just nice just to be here."

Lorre hasn't had to do much worrying at the Eye, where he has shepherded "Two and a Half Men" to a seven-season run, has received good buzz for new sitcom "Mike & Molly" and finds enough time for "Big Bang" as well.

With that busy a schedule, he made it clear he lets entertainment prexy Nina Tassler worry about scheduling but remains constantly concerned about keeping the ratings for all his shows. "Big Bang" is the No. 1 sitcom in 18-49 and "Two and a Half Men" is often tops in total viewers.

Lorre clearly doesn't take his success, which dates back to "Roseanne," "Cybill" and "Grace Under Fire," for granted.

"Our relationship with the audience is so fragile. There are so many choices out there and with the timeslot change, it's almost like relaunching the show," he said of "Big Bang" landing in the former "Survivor" timeslot.

(Pictured above: "The Big Bang Theory" creators and exec producers Chuck Lorre, left, and Bill Prady at Wednesday's TCA panel)

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