NBC’s Fall Schedule…

NBC has announced their fall line-up.  Sci-Fi seems to be big this fall, probably because Heroes was one of the only new hits this year.  To an extent, this makes sense.  Sci-Fi never worked that well on the networks (at the time, The Incredible Hulk was the longest running sci-fi show in big three network history, going but five seasons).  That’s because network shows needed big ratings to sustain them.  Now, however, the networks, especially the traditional big three, are in a massive ratings slide.  The big three as late as the ’80s drew in 80% of the national audience.  Last year the ‘big’ four networks drew less than 50% between them, and that’s of the people who were even watching TV in primetime.

This means, as long as the networks can survive on these meager numbers, anyway, that shows will need smaller audiences to survive.  Sci-fi draws small numbers, but again smaller numbers may, in some cases, be enough.  To some extent, anyway.  Something like Battlestar Galactica still draws a puny audience by network standards.

Anyway, NBC will be bringing in Journeyman, which basically sounds like a riff on Quantum Leap:  “a romantic-mystery from the Emmy Award-winning producers of “The West Wing,” concerning a San Francisco newspaper reporter (Kevin McKidd, “Rome”) who inexplicably begins to travel through time and alter people’s lives.”  This will take the slot after Heroes, and should be a better match with that show than the failed Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip or The Black Donnellys. 

More sci-fi fare is also offered.  “Comedic spy thriller” Chuck is about a nerd shanghaied into government service after secrets are imprinted in his brain.  Meanwhile, NBC has given the order to revive and redo The Bionic Woman.  Only time will tell if it is better, stronger or faster than the old series.  Still, David Eick of the new Battlestar Galactica is one of the guys behind it, so that’s cool. 

Life is about a cop who gets his job back after spending a hitch in prison for a crime he was innocent of.  Lipstick Jungle joins the Sunday Chick line-up, and is based on a book by Candace Bushnell of Sex & the City fame.   Brooke Shields is in the cast for that one. 
The IT Crowd is, like The Office, a working-place comedy adapted from a British show. 

Then there’s this:  “NBC “bulks up” with 30 combined episodes of “Heroes” and “Heroes: Origins,” an innovative new spin-off that each week will introduce a new character — one of whom will be chosen by viewers through the “Heroes” website on NBC.com to become a cast regular the following season.”  Hmm.

Returning shows include Scrubs (probably because ABC was planning to grab it if it were cancelled by NBC); the critically acclaimed but low-rated Friday Night Lights; and Law & Order, which was finally on the bubble this year.  Meanwhile, Law & Order: Criminal Intent will continue as a new show, but over on the USA cable TV channel.

There will be some flip-flopping on NBC’s resurgent Thursday night comedy line-up, with My Name is Earl still anchoring at 7:00 (Central Standard Time), followed now by 30 Rock, then The Office, and finally Scrubs. 

Here is the complete line-up:

NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2007-08