The TV Talk’s Fall Picks – NBC

While I’m counting down the days until fall, I’ve decided to detail the shows I’m looking forward to (and what I’m not) from each network. Disclaimer: I’ve only seen the trailers and am only going on my intuition as an avid TV viewer. The links will take you to the web site for each new show, click on them to watch trailers and see cast photos.

Returning Favorites:

I cannot wait for the return of “Parenthood.” More Lauren Graham, more Mae Whitman, and some intriguing new pregnancy twists. Tuesdays 10pm.

The first season of “Harry’s Law” was not for me, but I may check in on it to see how incoming cast members like Karen Olivo can revamp the show. Wednesdays 9pm.

With most of NBC’s Thursday night comedy line-up in tact, I’m looking forward for personal faves “Community” and “Parks & Recreation”.  Also, “The Office” returns with new series regular and CEO James Spader, meaning Michael’s job is still up for grabs. Thursdays beginning at 8pm.

“Chuck” returns for it’s final 13 episodes, which is bittersweet for a show that was always on the renewal bubble. Fridays 8pm in October.

New Series:

While “The Playboy Club” doesn’t look perfect, I’m still intrigued by the look of the series, Amber Heard‘s involvement, and the concept of a time-period television series that probably won’t take itself as seriously as “Mad Men” does. Mondays 10pm.

“Up All Night” is one of the new shows that I’m most looking forward to. After Maya Rudolph‘s hilarious turn in the hit summer film “Bridesmaids,” I can’t wait to see her team up in this new comedy series with Will Arnett and Christina Applegate, who play a married couple with a newborn. Wednesdays 8pm.

Part of NBC’s attempt to start a Wednesday night comedy block, “Free Agents” looks somewhat promising.  The series stars Hank Azaria and Kathryn Hahn as unlucky in love PR executives who fall for each other. The supporting cast includes “Chelsea Lately” round table comedians Natasha Leggero and Mo Mandel, as well as Anthony Head, or Rupert Giles to “Buffy” fans. Wednesdays 8:30pm.

In fact, “Chelsea Lately” alums are everywhere, including Whitney Cummings in the new series “Whitney.” Unfortunately, based on the trailer, this series looks like terrible, complete with a laugh track and very few laughs. Yet it’s always great to see more of Maulik Pancholy, Jack Donaghy’s assistant on “30 Rock” and Sanjay from “Weeds.”

I can’t vouch for the ability of the “Prime Suspect” reboot to stand up to the original UK series, considering I haven’t seen an episode of the Helen Mirren as the original Jane Timoney.  But from what I’ve seen, the show looks like a much better-than-average cop procedural and Maria Bello seems terrific in the role. Thursdays 10pm.

Another show that I’m just not so sure about, “Grimm” puts a spin on the fairy-tale genre by turning it into a cop procedural.  The effects were a little cheesy looking, and I can’t help but feel like there’s a reason this show will air on Fridays after the fast-fading “Chuck.” Fridays 9pm.

NBC has much more coming in midseason, as they had one of the highest orders for new series for broadcast networks.  Along with the return of “30 Rock,” the network will premiere two remakes, the first being “Are You There Vodka? It’s Me Chelsea,“ an adaptation of the popular Chelsea Handler memoir, and “The Firm,” an adaptation of the novel and film of the same name. The very intriguing dual-universe series “Awake,” comedies “Bent” and “BFF,” and the highly anticipated musical series “Smash,” starring Debra Messing and Anjelica Huston will also premiere.

Also, don’t forget to check out my take on FOX’s Fall Schedule, my take on CBS’s Fall Schedule, my take on ABC’s Fall Schedule, and my take on the CW’s Fall Schedule.

Source: NBC, Inside TV: (1,2)