‘Five-0’ booked for another season

Although it’s probably no surprise to TV viewers, CBS announced Wednesday it has renewed “Hawaii Five-0” for a third season of crime fighting.

The popular isle-based drama, seen here at 9 p.m. Mondays on KGMB, has won its hour and among adults ages 18-49 many times this season, according to Nielsen ratings.

The network announcement also signaled the return next season of 18 prime-time shows on CBS, which said the renewals were a strong validation of its programming.

“This large-scale renewal is testimony to the strength, stability and success of a deep and diverse roster of top-rated programming,” said Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment. “It positions us for continued success next season and certainly creates an environment that will give our new shows the best possible chance to succeed.”

“Five-0” has only a few more episodes to shoot for its 23-episode second season and production is expected to wrap up sometime in April.

Local production is taking a short break this week while regulars Scott Caan and Daniel Dae Kim are in California to shoot a special crossover episode of “NCIS: Los Angeles.” Preparation to shoot the Hawaii portion of that crossover is expected to start next week.

CBS renewed four comedies, nine dramas and three reality shows for the 2012-2013 season, including “Person of Interest,” starring Michael Emerson of “Lost” fame. Also returning will be “Survivor,” “2 Broke Girls,” “Mike & Molly,” “NCIS,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Amazing Race,” “Undercover Boss,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Criminal Minds,” “The Mentalist,” “Blue Bloods” and “The Good Wife.”

The “CSI” spinoffs set in New York and Miami were not included in the list of early renewals, joining “Unforgettable,” “A Gifted Man,” “Rules of Engagement” and the new comedy “Rob” on the bubble for potential cancellation.

CBS said it is in negotiations regarding future seasons of “Two and a Half Men,” starring Ashton Kutcher.