Actor James Brolin played Ronald Reagan in the drama

The network has admitted the biopic did not present "a balanced portrayal" of Mr Reagan and wife Nancy after coming under huge pressure from Republicans.

The two-part drama created a storm after the former president's supporters questioned its accuracy.

It will now be shown on cable channel Showtime, which is owned by CBS' parent company Viacom.

A CBS statement said the mini-series featured "impressive production values and acting performances" and producers had sources to verify every scene.

Some of the former president's supporters are boycotting CBS

But it continued: "We believe it does not present a balanced portrayal of the Reagans for CBS and its audience."

Mr Reagan is now 92 and suffers from Alzheimer's disease. He was president for eight years from 1981.

The Republican party had demanded an advance viewing of the biopic, while others called for a boycott of CBS.

Jeff Wald, manager of actor James Brolin, who plays Mr Reagan, said criticism of the programme was a "hatchet job" and its producers were "absolutely dismayed" at the backlash.

'Not revenge'

A report in Newsweek said CBS executives had been editing the film themselves after director Robert Allen "opted out" of the editing process.

And an internet campaign was set up by Mr Reagan supporters to encourage viewers to boycott CBS.

Producer Neil Meron has defended the show, telling the New York Times: "This is not a vendetta, this is not revenge. It is about telling a good story in our honest sort of way."