In a bid to bolster its Monday lineup — and provide a stronger lead-in for rookie drama “Scorpion” — CBS has slotted the fifth season of “Mike & Molly” for the night starting Dec. 8.

“Mike & Molly,” which had aired in Monday’s 9 o’clock hour in its first four seasons, will take over the 8:30 p.m. timeslot currently occupied by “The Millers.” CBS pulled the plug on “Millers” last week, with the second-year show airing tonight and next week before disappearing.

The move is not a surprise, as CBS had a full 22-episode season order of “Mike & Molly” and was expected to get it on the air sooner rather than later. “Mike” was also on the bench at the start of last season, and then summoned to the Monday lineup in November after “We Are Men” was axed after just two airings.

“Scorpion” remains a solid performer for CBS, but has fallen off in the ratings in recent weeks with the low-rated “The Millers” as a lead-in. “Mike & Molly” figures to be a ratings upgrade.

To get viewers ready for the return of “Mike & Molly,” CBS will air four repeat episodes of the comedy from 8 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 1, followed by “Scorpion” at a special time.