NBC Announces Show Renewals

On Thursday, NBC announced the renewals of a myriad of shows and the unveiling of some new ones.

According to a Hollywood Reporter article, "[NBC gave] assurance that its weakened powerhouse 'Heroes' has a 'very secure' future. Solid performers 'The Office,' '30 Rock' and 'The Biggest Loser' will be back for another season, but a final verdict on underperformer 'Lipstick Jungle' has not been rendered."

In terms of new shows coming to the channel, Thursday, April 9 at 8:30 p.m. will be the premiere of the untitled Amy Poehler comedy series. On that same night, the John Wells police drama, Southland, will premiere in the 10 p.m. slot left vacant by ER.

The Hollywood Reporter article gives some good news to die-hard fans of the long-running medical drama, ER, NBC Prime-Time Entertainment President Angela Bromstad said three previously-announced additional ER episodes "were ordered to ensure Wells had enough time to get 'Southland' ready."

This news and much more was relayed during NBC's session at the Television Critics Association winter press tour. At that gathering, Bromstad stressed that even though the fall season will have Jay Leno taking over the 10 p.m. slot, NBC will not cut back on scripted development.

It is important to note that the network is also on the prowl this fall for six dramas and four comedies and has high hopes for the action series, The Philanthropist, which could be on the air as soon as this spring.

"We have to have the quality and have to have the ratings - we have to strive for that," Bromstad said. "But we won't replace shows that are loved by fans and are good, quality shows just to put another show on."