Although NBC won’t hold its Upfront, where the network will announce its 2012-2013 TV schedule, until next Monday, they’ve already made news by picking up more than a half-dozen series so far: Ryan Murphy’s “The New Normal,” Eric Kripke’s “Revolution”…actually, I’ll get to all that later. Here’s what you care about: the fate of NBC’s existing Thursday night sitcoms. According to Deadline:
It looks like NBC’s “30 Rock” will be back for a likely-abbreviated seventh and final season. I hear the Emmy-winning comedy has closed deals with its key high-level writers to return for what is expected to be a final season of 13-14 episodes.
It’s tough imagining NBC without “30 Rock,” but a 14-episode final season isn’t a terrible thing; the series usually has a few dud episodes every year, and fewer episodes means stronger overall scripts. As for the rest:
As for NBC’s other bubble comedies, newbie “Whitney” does not appear likely to return. Fellow freshman “Up All Night” has been looking a little better, but its executive producer Jon Pollack just moved to NBC’s newly picked up comedy series “Go On” as a co-executive producer…As for veterans “Community” and “Parks & Recreation,” the former’s chances are considered 50-50, “Parks & Rec”‘s higher that that.
No matter what happens with “Community,” and we should know very soon, the news of its renewal or lack there of will likely cause the Internet to break. Have your “STREETS AHEAD” or “YOU ARE WORSE THAN BRITTA, NBC” comments ready. Here are the new shows that NBC has already picked up, with series synopses.
Co-written by Ryan Murphy and Ali Adler and directed by Murphy, “The New Normal” is described as a heartwarming comedy about a blended family of a gay couple — Bryan (Andrew Rannells) and David (Justin Bartha) — and a cash-strapped waitress and mother of one Goldie (Georgia King) who becomes a surrogate to help them have a child. Co-starring is Ellen Barkin as Goldie’s glamorous/bigoted grandmother.
Written by Eric Kripke, directed by Jon Favreau and produced by JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot and Warner Bros TV, “Revolution” is described as a high-octane action drama following a group of characters struggling to survive and reunite with loved ones in a world where all forms of energy have mysteriously ceased to exist. Billy Burke plays the lead, with Giancarlo Esposito, Tracy Spiradakos, Graham Rogers, and Anna Lise co-starring.
The single-camera comedy [“Save Me”], written/executive produced by John Scott Shepherd, stars Anne Heche as a woman who lets herself – and her marriage – go until she undergoes an “awakening” that transforms her spiritually and physically into a desirable and outspoken woman who just might be channeling god.
Matthew Perry stars in and co-executive produces “Go On,” a single-camera project written by Scott Silveri and directed by Todd Holland. Produced by Universal TV, it centers on an irreverent yet charming sportscaster (Perry) who, trying to move on from a loss, finds surprising solace from the members of his mandatory support group.
NBC has pulled the trigger on a 13-episode order to “Hannibal,” a straight-to-series project from Gaumont International Television, written and executive produced by Bryan Fuller and executive produced by Martha DeLaurentiis. The project is described as a contemporary thriller series featuring the classic characters from Thomas Harris’ novel Red Dragon – FBI agent Will Graham and his mentor Dr. Hannibal Lecter – who are re-introduced at the beginning of their budding relationship.
“Animal Practice,” from writers Brian Gatewood and Alex Tanaka, Universal TV, and American Work, centers on a “House”-like veterinarian (Justin Kirk), who loves animals but usually hates their owners (especially the new woman who runs the clinic). Tyler Labine, Bobby Lee and Amy Huberman co-star.
“1600 Penn,” from 20th TV, is a family comedy set in the White House. Josh Gad co-created the show with Jon Lovett and is starring. Bill Pullman, Jenna Elfman and Martha MacIsaac co-star.
