New NBC Series Delays Its Debut

Before it even debuted, a new NBC drama, entitled "Parenthood," will be on hiatus due to a medical evaluation actress Maura Tierney, one of the stars of the show, is undergoing.

According to EW.com, the show was set to air in September, but has been pushed back to midseason between November and February 2010. Instead, "Mercy," a new medical drama from NBC which was to air in midseason, will be rushed to air in "Parenthood's" place this September.

The New York Times reports the cast of "Mercy" has been called in early to shoot the show, due to the circumstances, so the show can be ready to air this fall.

"Parenthood" is based on the 1989 film of the same name staring Steve Martin. The show was to revolve around four siblings, including Tierney, and their parents. Tierney was to play a woman who after experiencing some financial difficulties, returns to live with her parents.

Neither NBC nor a rep for Tierney would comment on the matter.