The writers’ strike has forced the networks to creatively fill their programming gaps.  Some shows have been brought back earlier than planned (e.g. Big Brother) while others are airing multiple times a week (e.g. House).  Then there are those networks who have sister channels to steal from.  Thanks to NBC’s relationship with the USA Network, Law and Order: Criminal Intent was available to occupy an open Wednesday time slot.  Now CBS will be adopting the same recycling strategy to beef up their Sunday nights.

Starting next month,  the Eye network will re-air episodes of Showtime’s Dexter.  Fortunately for CBS, the series about a forensics expert who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer already had a syndication version in the making.  (Think Sex and the City on TBS.)  Although many worry the Michael C. Hall vehicle will lose its edge under the editing scalpel, the show’s graphic content is supposedly on par with other network programs.

Look for the sanitized updates to hit the airwaves on February 17.

(Can’t keep up with all scheduling changes?  Check out TV Envy’s Revamped Programming Schedule.)