Network Upfronts — NBC


This week is network Upfronts — a time when the networks unveil their schedule for the fall, including what shows are returning, what new shows have been added, and where everything will run in the fall. As these presentations are made, I'll be offering my thoughts on each network's offering.

NBC took some big swings with the schedule, but they needed to take some big swings. The question is whether it will work.

Best Pick Up: NBC really only has a few things going for it. NFL football is about the only thing that keeps the network afloat in the fall, then there's "The Voice" which draws an audience. NBC only had a couple new shows last year that hit, and while "Chicago Fire" didn't put up great numbers, nor was it a personal favorite, the show was quietly reliable. Pushing it to Tuesdays at 10 p.m., a timeslot that was wide open this spring, could help boost the show's ratings.

Oddest Move: "Parenthood" has never been a big hit, but it has been a reliable performer and has a passionate core audience. So moving it to Thursdays at 10 p.m. seems like an odd move. That is usually a challenging timeslot — with "Elementary" on CBS and "Scandal" on ABC rocking the ratings this year. That could change as other networks unveil their schedules, but it is somewhat likely that will be a tough place to score strong ratings. A runner up is "Revolution" moving to Wednesdays at 8 p.m., an odd time for the show.

Most Disappointing Move: I think "Hannibal" was the best new show of this season. It struggled to keep an audience, but it could be a great Friday show. Sadly, NBC has yet to make a decision on the show... leading me to believe it will be cancelled. That's a shame. This is a show that deserved another chance.

Most Interesting New Show: Michael J. Fox is a great performer, and he's always done well on TV. It makes perfect sense for NBC to bring in a new show with Michael J. Fox and place in the Must See TV comedy block. With "30 Rock" and "The Office" gone, NBC needs new comedy blood. Michael J. Fox being back is a welcome sight.

Least Interesting New Show: "Sean Saves The World" just looks like an amalgam of the comedies that continue to fail for NBC. Thursday nights at 9 p.m. is a prime slot, but there is nothing about this show that looks original or appealing.

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