NBC kicked off the week of network “upfront presentations” Sunday, unveiling its new fall schedules by unveiling five new dramas and seven new comedies for its 2013-15 season.
Once more the schedule is built around the network’s biggest hits, “The Voice” and a move for its fall success “The Blacklist” to Thursdays in February, following its post-Super Bowl showcase.
Final seasons are planned for both “Parenthood” and “Parks & Recreation,” with the latter not starting until midseason.
There are new comedies from Tina Fey, Ellen DeGeneres and two from Will Ferrell (all in producing capacities). In addition to new cop dramas, there is one based in comics, “Constantine.”
The new fall dramas are:
- “State of Affairs” (pictured above) in which Katherine Heigl returns to TV as the CIA analyst who assembles the daily briefing for the President (Alfre Woodard) but takes things in her own hands too, from the maker of “The Blacklist,” Joe Carnahan. Mondays starting in November.
- “The Mysteries of Laura” Debra Messing, of “Will & Grace,” but more recently of NBC’s “Smash,” returns as a tough NYPD homicide detective who has to balance life as divorced mother of twins in “light hearted” procedural cop show. From Greg Berlanti (“Brothers & Sisters”) and McG (“Supernatural”). Wednesdays.
- “Constantine” an adaptation of the DC comic series “Hellblazer,” starring Matt Ryan as a demon hunter. With a cast that includes Lucy Griffiths and Harold Perineau. Fridays following “Grimm.”
The new fall comedies are:
- “Marry Me,” in which Casey Wilson (“SNL” and “Happy Endings”) and Ken Marino (“Eastbound & Down,” the web’s “Burning Love”) encounter many problems on the way up the aisle. From David Caspe of “Happy Endings.” Tuesdays.
- “Bad Judge.” Perhaps to match its recent “Bad Teacher,” Kate Walsh (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”) stars as a an L.A. criminal court judge who is also hard partying. From Adam Mckay and Will Ferrell. Thursdays.
- “A to Z” Another romantic comedy involving Ben Feldman (who made his mark on “Mad Men” as Ginsberg) and Cristin Millioti, the recently unveiled mother on “How I Met Your Mother.” In part from Rashida Jones. Thursdays
Midseason dramas are
- “Odyssey” A female soldier, corporate lawyer and political activist collide, “traffic” style” in story of a corporation funding terrorists. With Peter Facinelli (“Nurse Jackie”) Jake Robinson and Anna Friel. With Treat Williams. In part from Peter Horton.
- “A.D.” More “Bible” stories from Mark Burnett and Roma Downey looking at disciples and others in a 12-hour miniseries. No cast announced.
- “Aquarius” David Duchovny stars as a cop in the late 60s L.A. whose work in the hippie underground eventually leads him to Charles Manson .
- “Emerald City” Another variation of OZ that begins with a woman looking for her biological mother, breaking into a sinister underground facility, stealing a police dog before she hits a tornado and is transported over the rainbow. A limited series.
- “Heroes Reborn” a resuscitation of the series “Heroes” using a whole new cast in 13 episodes.
- “Allegiance,” a CIA analyst learns his parents were Russian spies. With Alex O’Connor, Hope Davis and Scott Cohen.
Midseason comedies are:
- “Mission Control” in which Krysten Ritter of “Don’t Trust the B—“) is an aerospace engineer at NASA in the 1960s. Also in part from Adam McKay and Will Ferrell.
- “Mr. Robinson” Craig Robinson uses his comedy and musical skills in a sitcom about a working musician turned substitute teacher. Jean Smart plays his principal. From the Cullen brothers.
- “One Big Happy” stars Elisha Cuthbert (of “24” and “Happy Endings”) as a lesbian living with her straight friend (Nick Zano) who meets a new girlfriend (Kelly Brook) and together they create a new family. From Ellen DeGeneres and two writers from “2 Broke Girls”
- “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” Tina Fey returns to television, producing a new comedy following Ellie Kemper of “The Office” as someone just sprung from a cult now living in New York City.
Returning shows include: “About a Boy,” “The Blacklist,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Grimm,” “Hannibal,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Parenthood” and “Parks & Recreation,” as well as realty shows “America’s Got Talent,” “The Biggest Loser,” “Celebrity Apprentice,” Hollywood Game Night,” “The Voice” and “American Ninja Warrior.”
Gone are: “Believe,” “Community,” “Crisis,” “Growing Up Fisher,” “Ironside,” “The Michael J. Fox Show,” “Revolution,” “Sean Saves the World” and “Welcome to the Family.”