It’s that time of year again for network television, where the big four start to outline their fall schedules. NBC got a jump on all the action, releasing its plans for new series this fall. The peacock network is slated to launch at least four brand new series: Parenthood, Trauma, Mercy and Day One.
Up first is the Ron Howard and Brian Grazer produced “Parenthood,” which is being chalked up as a contemporary re-imagining of the 1989 comedy starring Steve Martin. This time around it follows the Braverman family, four grown siblings sharing the headaches, heartaches and joy of being parents. From the initial looks, it appears t. However, it does feature a pretty impressive cast: Peter Krause, Maura Tierney, Craig T. Nelson, Dax Shepard, Bonnie Bedelia, Monica Potter, Erika Christensen and Sarah Ramos. (See more on NBC.com/parenthood)
“Trauma” is another drama, this one set in San Francisco and following a team of first-responder paramedics. It will be executive produced by Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) and will star Derek Luke (”Notorious”), Cliff Curtis (”10,000 B.C”), Anastasia Griffith (”Damages”), Aimee Garcia (”George Lopez”), Kevin Rankin (”Friday Night Lights”) and Jamey Sheridan (”Law & Order: Criminal Intent”). Read more on NBC.com/trauma or check out this preview video.
“Mercy” is yet another medical drama, set to portray the lives of the staff at Mercy Hospital. Instead of following a group of doctors, this one will focus on nurses. Stars Taylor Schilling (”Dark Matter”), Jamie Lee Kirchner (”Rescue Me”) and Michelle Trachtenberg (”Gossip Girl”). Joining writer/executive producers Liz Heldens (NBC’s “Friday Night Lights”) and Gretchen Berg & Aaron Harberts (”Pushing Daisies,” “Pepper Dennis”) are executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun. Emmy Award winner Adam Bernstein (NBC’s “30 Rock,” “Rescue Me”) is the director. More info on Mercy is available on NBC.com/mercy or by watching this preview video.
As for “Day One” (executive producer/writer Jesse Alexander from “Heroes,” “Lost,” “Alias,”), it tells the story of life on earth following a global catastrophe that has devastated the world’s infrastructures. Beginning with the immediate aftermath of the cataclysmic event, “Day One” follows an eclectic band of survivors — played by Adam Campbell (”Date Movie”), Catherine Dent (”The Shield”), Julie Gonzalo (”Eli Stone”), David Lyons (”ER”), Derek Mio (”Greek”), Carly Pope (”24″), Thekla Reuten (”Sleeper Cell”) and Addison Timlin (”Cashmere Mafia”)
My first reaction to seeing this announcement is that NBC’s schedule suddenly looks very crowded, especially with serious dramas. This makes me wonder where they will fit in NBC’s current lineup and what are the expectations of their success. Between Heroes, Medium, Friday Night Lights, Southland, the Law & Orders (if they’re renewed), Chuck (if it’s renewed), the comedy block of The Office, My Name is Earl, 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation, and, of course, Jay Leno’s new talk show running anchor at 10pm daily, things are looking pretty chaotic. Of course, all of these shows won’t run concurrently, but NBC is clearly setting up a schedule that will be hard to track for its viewers.
As I mentioned, still in the wind are Chuck and Law and Order; we’re expected to hear renewal plans for those shows later in the month on May 19th.
Please bring back “life” or I’m done with this network too.I’m sooooo ANGRY ABOUT THIS!!!!!
I cant believe the way you are screwing with people. Life was an awesome show and am really PO’d that you would not bring it back. Im so over you doing this!!!!
I can’t believe they aren’t bringing back LIFE…it was one of my favorite shows…and I was absolutely shocked they would let Medium go to CBS. I can’t believe that seriously lame shows like Parks and Recreation get renewed, I feel betrayed by NBC. I have to agree with Valerie Burton…I’m pretty much through.
What about Life will it air for a third season?
I love medium and ghost whisperer faithfully and will cry when I can no longer watch them. They are thought out, well presented with perfect actors….who can fault it? If CBS got them, way to go!
I agree I fell in love with chuck so if he never returns I’m never watching that channel again.I didn’t even know life wasn’t coming back I was really looking forward to it that’s so disappointing.
Bring back CHUCK!!!
Medium has been moved to CBS! I was told it was picked up within seconds of NBC dropping it. I am so happy it will be back, hopefully CBS will let it run like the rest of the shows and not slotted as a mid-season replacement for no reason. CBS I will be watching you!
Now if My Name is Earl is picked up by FOX, ABC, or CBS I will be watching that network faithfully–This is the best comedy on TV. The show’s casting, writing are way too good to just be dropped. Please someone pick it up!
I will not watch any new shows on NBC. I am tired of getting hooked on shows like Scrubs, My Name is Earl and Medium only to have them cut from the line up. I watch them faithfully FOR YEARS and they are taken off the air too soon. Plus, shows like Scrubs and Medium are moved around for no good reason. They do not return with the rest of the line up and are instead scheduled as a mid-season replacement. Why do that to a show that has a fan base? I have to wait for months to see my favorite shows so that shows like Kath and Kim (so annoying)can try to find a fan base–and that doesn’t happen because those shows, and others like Parks and Recreation, just aren’t anywhere near as good as Earl or Scubs or Medium. NBC has let me down so much and I don’t want it to happen again. If NBC does decide to put Medium or Earl back on, I will be back. Otherwise, I will not, I am tired of being a test audience. You have shows that passed the test and the shows are cut anyway. NBC treats its fans like Pontiac treated its car owners. Bad business!
I am fully sorry that my favorite series LIFE looks like is not returning. Leno will last as long as Rosie.
Congrats to Donald Glover for landing a spot on NBC’s Community!