NBC began the springtime ritual of broadcast network upfronts Sunday — a time when the network show their roster for the coming TV season in order to lure advertising enthusiasm.
Working off a season in which five of their first-year shows from last year are returning, and one of them, “Blacklist,” a big enough hit to warrant its own spin-off in its second year, the network also is building on its growing Dick Wolf franchise shows set in Chicago, where its fire department, police and medical shows will be followed by a law show (and probably dry cleaning next year).
Still, of the 15 new shows announced Sunday, just three of them are planned for the fall schedule, when the network hopes to tout its stability after a summer at the Olympics.
The new comedies are:
- “The Good Place,” starring Kristen Bell as a woman who finds herself in the afterlife by mistake, with Ted Danson as her afterlife mentor. From producer Mike Schur (“Parks and Recreation”). Starting in the fall.
- “Great News” about a TV producer (Briga Heelan) whose mom (Andrea Martin of “SCTV”) has accepted an internship there too. From writer Tracey Wigfield, produced by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. With John Michael Higgins and Horatio Sanz. Midseason.
- “Powerless,” another DC Comics offshoot starring Vanessa Hudgens as an insurance adjuster specializing in damage caused by superheroes. With Danny Pudi. Midseason.
- “Trial and Error” about a big city lawyer defending a Southern professor (John Lithgow) in a murder trail. According to the press release, “‘Making a Murderer’ can be funny!” Midseason.
- “Marlon” a comedy based on the life of Marlon Wayans, that also stars him, co-parenting a pair of kids. Midseason.
The new dramas are:
- “Timeless,” about a scientist, soldier and history professor who go time traveling to save the world and catch a fugitive. From Shawn Ryan (“The Shield”) and Eric Kripke (“Revolution”). With Abigail Spencer, Matt Lanter, Goran Visnjic. Mondays this fall.
- “This is Us,” about intersecting lives, from “Crazy Stupid Love” creator Dan Fogelman. With Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore.Tuesdays this fall.
- “Taken,” is an origin story from the “Taken” movies from creator Luc Besson about a younger former Green Beret (Clive Standen, “The Vikings”) dealing with personal tragedy and seeking revenge. Midseason.
- “Chicago Justice,” the fourth iteration of the Dick Wolf-produced Windy City series with Carl Weathers and Philip Winchester. Midseason.
- “Emerald City,” “a complete reimagination of ‘The Wizard of Oz” by director Tarsem Singh, with plenty of dark magic and bloody battles. With Vincent D’Onofrio, Joely Richardson. Midseason.
- “The Blacklist: Redemption,” a spinoff with undercover agent played by Ryan Eggold joining forces with Famke Janssen. Midseason.
- “Midnight, Texas,” about small town vampires, based on the book series by Charlaine Harris of “True Blood” fame and directed by Niels Arden Oplev of “Mr. Robot” fame. With Francois Arnaud, Dylan Bruce, Sarah Ramos.
New reality series include:
- “The Wall,” about physical challenges, hosted by Chris Hardwick and produced by LeBron James; “Better Late than Never” in which William Shatner, Henry Winkler, Terry Bradshaw and George Foreman traverse Asia. Midseason.
- “First Dates,” which follows new couples first fumblings, from Ellen DeGeneres, and narrated by Drew Barrymore.
- “The New Celebrity Apprentice,” in which Arnold Schwarzenegger takes over the boardroom from the other guy, who was busy with something else. Advisers will include Warren Buffett and Tyra Banks.
Upcoming specials include “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors” “Hairspray Live!” with Harvey Fierstein, Martin Short and Jennifer Hudson and a live play, Aaron Sorkin’s “A Few Good Men.”
Returning shows to NBC include “The Voice,” “The Blacklist,” “Blindspot,” “The Carmichael Show,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Grimm,” “Hollywood Game Night,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Little Big Shots,” “Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon,” “Dateline,” “America’s Got Talent,” “American Ninja Warrior,” “Shades of Blue” and “Superstore.”
Gone from the schedule are: “The Mysteries of Laura,” “Undateable,” “Crowded,” “Truth Be Told,” “Heartbeat,” “Game of Silence,” “Telenovela,” “Truth Be Told,” “The Player,” “Heroes Reborn,” “You, Me and the Apocalypse.”