With the success of Heroes, one of the recent bright spots for network NBC, it was not at all surprising to see the drama firmly entrenched in the Monday night primetime slot when NBC announced its fall lineup today.
What was a bit surprising, however, was a six-episode spin-off of the series titled Heroes: Origins. The show will run during the Heroes midseason break, says Reuters, and detail a brand new character each week.
The characters' fates will be in the hands of the viewers, as online voting will propel one of the half-dozen new "ordinary people with extraordinary powers" into the following season of Heroes as a regular cast member. The six episodes will bring the total number of Heroes episodes up to 30 for its second season.
NBC was nothing short of a superhero for Law & Order as the network renewed the long-running crime drama series for its 18th season, ending speculation that it could move to TNT. Jack McCoy and company will do their thing in a new timeslot, Sunday at 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, Law & Order spin-off Law & Order: Criminal Intent has been ordered over to the NBC Universal's USA Network. New episodes will premiere on the cable channel, with repeat runs running on NBC at a later date. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit will also be back and remain in its Tuesday night timeslot.
NBC also confirmed what was reported early by various outlets last week. Scrubs, Friday Night Lights, and Medium are coming back for another season, and Crossing Jordan, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and The Black Donnellys have been cancelled.
In addition to the four new dramas picked up late last week, NBC will also be adding the estrogen-charged Lipstick Jungle to its schedule. The show is based on a novel by Candace Bushnell (Sex and the City), and doesn't stray too far from the formula of Bushnell's popular HBO series. Lipstick follows three high-power female execs in New York City as they deal with their jobs, life in the big city, and yes, men.
Speaking of following formulas, NBC is recycling another corporate-set British comedy for American audiences, as it did with The Office. The IT Crowd takes a look at life from the perspective of a geeky Information Technology department "of a large, impersonal corporation." The show is expected to join the fall lineup midway through the season.
Below are the days and times of NBC's 2007-2008 fall lineup.
(New shows are highlighted in bold)
MONDAY
8-9 p.m. Deal or No Deal
9-10 p.m. Heroes
10-11 p.m. Journeyman
TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. The Biggest Loser
9-10 p.m. Chuck
10-11 p.m. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. Deal or No Deal
9-10 p.m. Bionic Woman
10-11 p.m. Life
THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. My Name Is Earl
8:30-9 p.m. 30 Rock
9-9:30 p.m. The Office
9:30-10 p.m. Scrubs
10-11 p.m. ER
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. 1 vs 100/The Singing Bee
9-10 p.m. Las Vegas
10-11 p.m. Friday Night Lights
SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. Dateline NBC
9-11 p.m. Drama Series Encores
SUNDAY (Fall 2007)
7-8 p.m. Football Night in America
8-11 p.m. NBC Sunday Night Football
SUNDAY (After the NFL season concludes in January 2008)
7-8 p.m. Dateline NBC
8-9 p.m. Law & Order
9-10 p.m. Medium
10-11 p.m. Lipstick Jungle
Comments (78)
The Heroes spinoff,though an obvious attempt to capitalize on a proven moneymaker--is done in an innovative manner--and will help provide new blood for the show--and WHY are so many people crabbing about letting audience members vote on who to make permanent--although the public often has lousy taste--they couldn't POSSIBLY do worse than the NBC programming department--that group of Geniuses that has made such historic decisions as cancelling the original STAR TREK, for Pete's sake! AS for Friday Night Lights--UGH! This is nothing but a nighttime SOAP OPERA with a little sports thrown in to give the wives and girlfriends arguing points on why the male half of the duo ought to watch it with them--it can't die out fast enough to suit me! And for piy's sake--isn't 18 years of Law and Order ENOUGH?!? Even Giuliani quit cleaning up New York after that much time!moreless
Studio 60 started out as an original, funny, and smart show but it declined rapidly. It seemed as though the writers simply gave up when the first rumors started to float about possible cancellation. I loved the show, but it's gone downhill in the last few episodes. I agree with another comment that Heroes and Friday Night Lights would go well together. It's a similar audience, and FNL would get the carryover ratings that Studio 60 couldn't (the two shows were too different, so no carryover). Crossing Jordan will still be on cable but it was a good staple show, and I'd be lying if I said I was sad to see Law and Order: CI air on USA. It'll do much better over there.
LOL. "Friday Night Lights" moves to Friday.
The "Well, there's SOME interest, but we want to kill it" timeslot, where its ratings will drop sufficiently that they CAN justify killing it.
Except for a few Programming-Exec Stunners like "The X-Files" and the first year of Joan of Arcadia, "Friday Night" is the Spot O' Doom, where the programming execs put shows they want to kill.
The only exception to this was ABC's programming for "teens too young to drive" through the latter part of the 90s.
Enjoy it while you can, "Friday Night Lights" won't be back for a 3rd season.
Heroes. ooooooooooooh yeah
I love Heroes, definitely my show for 2007, but I've slight reservations about this spin off series. It just seems like the CW are trying to capitalise on the success of the show with a lame idea..just a thought! Can't wait for season two though.
.... spin off??? voting??? eeeee ok ???
interesting...very interesting...
Voting on a Heroes spin-off? That sounds like a bad idea. I can feel a backlash coming on with the newbie.
Though, I wish we could do that with Lost. "I vote to kill all of them and move on with our lives, Seacrest."
Anyone who says "finally, it's about time Friday Night Lights is on a Friday, just like the show name" is a moron. So, is the show Las Vegas only supposed to be watched in Las Vegas??? I mean it's the name of the show, geez. Get a brain. Love this show, and while I don't like the new timeslot, we'll be okay!
Like all the other Studio 60 fans, I feel absolutely dashed by the news of its demise. But, instead of boycotting NBC, why not join me in an email campaign? I'm not saying that you shouldn't boycott NBC--they really need to woo their viewers back and maybe a boycott would work. However, it might be much more annoying for them to get a rasher of "Save Studio 60" emails every day. Of course, boycotting is easier for me than others--I stopped watching NBC after the last episode of Studio 60 aired.
Like all the other Studio 60 fans, I feel absolutely dashed by the news of its demise. But, instead of boycotting NBC, why not join me in an email campaign? I'm not saying that you shouldn't boycott NBC--they really need to woo their viewers back and maybe a boycott would work. However, it might be much more annoying for them to get a rasher of "Save Studio 60" emails every day. Of course, boycotting is easier for me than others--I stopped watching NBC after the last episode of Studio 60 aired.
hmmm intresting idea but atm im kinda getting bored of heroes because it looks like they are rushing the episodes but hopefully these episodes will be much better. Still one of my favourite shows
Here is how I would have configured the lineup:<u>MONDAY</u>8:00 Deal or No Deal9:00 Medium10:00 <b>Journeyman</b><u>TUESDAY</u>8:00 The Biggest Loser9:00 <b>Lipstick Jungle</b>10:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit<u>WEDNESDAY</u>8:00 Deal or No Deal9:00 <b>Chuck</b>10:00 ER<u>THURSDAY</u>8:00 My Name is Earl8:30 Scrubs <i>(fall)</i> / <b>The IT Crowd</b> <i>(spring)</i>9:00 The Office9:30 30 Rock10:00 Heroes<u>FRIDAY</u>8:00 1 vs 100/The Singing Bee9:00 <b>The Bionic Woman</b>10:00 Las Vegas<u>SATURDAY</u>8:00 Dateline NBC9:00 <i>(Drama Repeat)</i>10:00 <i>(Drama Repeat)</i><u>SUNDAY</u><i>(September)</i>7:00 Sunday Night Football<i>(January)</i>7:00 Dateline NBC8:00 Friday Night Lights9:00 Law & Order10:00 <b>Life</b>An earlier return for "Law & Order," or repeats of the new USA Network airings of "L&O: Criminal Intent," would replace the inevitable first canceled new series.
I love Heroes! I can't wait for new episodes. I just hope they change the air time. right now it airs the same time as 24... which is very stupid
In television Friday means canceled but obligated. Doesn't mean it's a bad show just that: a. While one exec may love the show another hates it so it gets put there to die. (just look at Fire Fly) b. The ratings were solid but not stellar so it is put there to clear more valuable real estate.
c. The episodes were purchased before they could cancel it.
Real shame about Studio 60 though, I read an article saying it was the top rated "time shifted" (Tivo'd) show on television. Maybe if ratings would finally completely accept DVRs as viewer ship we wouldn't of lost this show that had so much potential.
As for 30 Rock, NBC is still holding out hope that it will become the next Seinfeld which started out weak but ended strong. They are placing it between two strong shows that are considerably stronger to help boost the ratings. They hope that more people will agree with the critics who said it was great. Personally I gave it a chance when it debuted in the Wednesday slot with 20 Good Years and was not impressed.moreless
I liked Studio 60 when it premiered, but by mid-season every other line in the show was sarcasm.
Black Donnelly's was the best show I have seen since Lost. The potential for that show was enormous. I would have liked to have seen season 2 before it was cancelled.
Who cares about Crossing Jordan. I hope Medium, 30 Rock, and ER follow.
The only reasons I have to watch NBC now is Heroes, The Office, Scrubs, and Friday Night Lights. Not including Leno, Conan, and SNL.
I have to say both Journeyman and Bionic Woman look like to could be very good. Although I find it hilarious that both shows leads are British.
Kevin McKidd had been magnificent on Rome and I hope he continues.
Chuck bored me just reading its premise. I don't hold out much to be cheerleading that particular show, but I will not judge it until I have seen it.
:D:D Scrubs was renewed!!!
Poor NBC just can't get it right. Moving Friday Night Lights to Friday is a bad move. And I'm betting Lipstick Jungle is going to tank and don't get me started on the Bionic Woman....
WHAT ABOUT THE CW????? IM CURIOUS ABOUT ONE TREE HILL!!!! THE MOST AWSOME SHOW EVER!! :]
I would like to state, in response to the cancellation of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, that I will be boycotting NBC; with the exception of the last 3 episodes of Studio 60 set to air on Thursday nights, I will no longer watch NBC. I hope that anyone who is as upset to see such a good show go with out being given a chance to gain the potential viewer ship I'm certain is out there will follow suit. That is all.
Friday Night Lights is going to tank on Friday. Typically people are out enjoying the start of the weekend on Friday nights. That's not a smart move. Keep it at Wednesdays.
NBC, once again, has proves that it is the least imaginative and most trigger-happy network on TV. It finds a single hit, and tries to replicate it over and over and over again. Studio 60 was one of the most intelligent shows on TV in years - apparently to intelligent for TV execs to understand - and they pull it. They try out the Black DOnnellys which was a direct rip-off of the Sopranos, and it bombs. Rather than admit their mistake, they decide to throw reruns in the time slot until we all forget about Studio 60, only to air the last 6 episodes over the summer. And what do they plan for next year? Journeyman, and Heroes knock-off. Someone needs to give them all a good swift kick in the can!moreless
Happy about Medium though I already had heard it was renewed. Sorry, for Crossing Jordan, but since I had stopped watching this year; it might be a little my fault...
Funny, they put friday night lights finaly on fridat night :P
Donnelly's and sunset 60 really should have stayed... they had no chance (especially donnelly's) to develop a story there...
i agree with you psychobkrazy.. cant wait for the origins. and i think ill be looking forward to watch lipstick jungle
I can't wait for Origins and I am so happy that Crossing Jordan is gone, finally!!
I'm gonna miss Crossing Jordan. :( I am pleased that Scrubs will be back though. :D
This Heroes spinoff is a dumb idea.
excited for Heroes, but I hate Deal or no deal's wednesday night timeslot, I will most definitely be watching Bones at 8 as long as that's where FOX keeps it :) If Ugly Betty, on ABC, stays in the Thursday night at 8 slot, then I may not be watching as much 30 Rock as I'd want to.
but this is what DVD recorders and the internet are for!
Cutting Crossing Jordan? Once again NBC is showing their stupidity...This show's been scrapped three times in the past, and be brought back...That tells me there is a high demand for the show...The cast and stories are way better then medium, Friday Night Lights, and dare I say it, Law & Order the original...
I'm also actually very much looking forward to Bionic Woman; cast is great, budget is there, creative is pumped - should be one heck of a ride!
This kind of a spin-off should be done with Battlestar Galactica - origin of the Cylons!
CROSSING JORDAN CANCELLED?? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Though it seemed poor in the last season, ITS STILL GOOD. NOOOOO No-More las vegas crossovers!!! WAAAH
CROSSING JORDAN CANCELLED?? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Though it seemed poor in the last season, ITS STILL GOOD. NOOOOO No-More las vegas crossovers!!! WAAAH
I think they had a good idea making people choose one of the characters for Heroes' second season. I really don't understand why they canceled Studio 60, it was an original show, brilliant and fun.
I just can't wait to watch Heroes: Origins and participate from Argentina in deciding which new character will appear in season two...
I'm glad that Law & Order, Medium and Hero's are
being renewed. I really enjoy those programs on NBC
I am also looking forward to watching Hero's:Origins and the new show Bionic Woman. I remember when they had the original Bionic Woman in the 1970's with Lindsey Wagner in the title role. It was only on for two years. It was a very good show.
I'm all for audience participation, but I'd rather go back to the good ole days of shows not taking midseason breaks. 24 the last few years has been enjoyable partially because the momentum never stops building.
I think Lost really got hurt by it's long midseason break this year. The first half didn't do so well, and then it kinda just goes away for a while and then tries to storm it's way back in.
They should have put Friday Night Lights on Mondays after Heroes. They didn't really have to put it on Fridays just for sake of its title. It was good enough for Wednesdays, but should be placed on Mondays where it could get higher ratings after the top hit Heroes.
interesting
Cool they kept Heroes and Scrubs...Can't wait for Heroes: Origins
I'm glad that NBC decided to support Friday Night Lights for another year but that timeslot seems like a strange choice.
It makes me wonder what the other networks are going to do and how this is going to affect my TV watching. Especially on Sunday nights.
I'm happy that Friday Night Lights is back & The Bionic Woman sounds interesting as a remake
Glad too see Scrubs isn't being cancelled ... Why in the world is "Friday Night Lights" & "Deal or No Deal" still running ... they need to get cut .....
NBC cut some good shows and left the bad ones ...
Good news for Heros, Scrubs, Friday Night Lights, and Law and Order. I don't think that Friday Night Lights will be able to compete with Numbers. Now that Law and Order has been moved to Sunday, I may start watching it again. I'm also glad that Law and Order:CI has been moved to the USA network. I think it stands a much better chance of winning back fans. The show just couldn't compete against House.
So sad Crossing Jordan is canselled.
I am so glad that NBC wised up and didn't cancel Scrubs. Best news I've heard this week! Although I'm still pissed at them for canceling The Black Donnnellys. You win some, you lose some I guess...
The new Heroes: origins could be interesting. I'll watch Heroes for sure next season, and i think i'll watch journeyman as well. Bionic Woman could be cool too i guess.