Nina Tassler was the third network executive of the week to take the stage at the TCA press tour [1] today, and she shed some light on the departure of Moonlight [2], the future of Swingtown [3], and what CSI [4] will look like sans William Petersen. Some highlights:

• To help fill the hole on CSI left by Petersen's departure later this season, Tassler said the producers plan to introduce a new character with "an interesting genetic profile" that is comparable to that found in many serial killers. His character is on something of a journey of self-discovery, she said. But he's not going to be a direct replacement for Petersen's character: "He is an outsider coming into the CSI unit," Tassler said, and he is not (at least immediately) the boss. They're still searching for an actor to play the role.
• As for Moonlight, Tassler reminded reporters that she's not anti-vampire. "Everybody knows I love vampires," she said. "Vampires, witches, werewolves, warlocks — I love them all." But she said that while there was a lot of outcry over the show's cancellation, most of it was passion for star Alex O'Loughlin rather than the show as a whole. She said she'd love to find a place for O'Loughlin on another show in the future.
• Tassler said CBS supports and believes in Swingtown [5], but she's "a little disappointed in the ratings." As of now, there's no decision made about whether to renew the show or not — though CBS is at least confident enough to have the cast attend tonight's all-star party.

To see what Tassler had to say about Britney Spears and Sarah Chalke on How I Met Your Mother [6], just .

• In response to a question about Britney Spears "saving" HIMYM, Tassler insisted Britney shouldn't get the credit for that. "It was never in danger," she said. "We just took a while to make the announcement."
• As for Sarah Chalke, Tassler said she's confirmed for multiple episodes at the start of the season — but, as of now, Tassler doesn't think she's the mother.
• Will there be more stunt casting? Yes, Tassler said, probably so. She said actors and their agents approach the shows — often as fans — saying they'd like to do a guest spot, and sometimes those work out on screen.

Photo courtesy of CBS [7]