[/caption]NBC should hope one of their new shows hits with the audience and the critics because they need a hit badly. The crop of returning shows consists of older shows that suffered from mediocre bad seasons. Plus, the age factor exists. How much life do some of these shows have left? Dick Wolf and Lorne Michaels are responsible for half of the primetime schedule. NBC has a show with a cult following in Chuck so the show's audience is what it is. Most of the returning shows are what they are now. They are set in their ways. Community has the best chance of finding a bigger audience this year and becoming a bonafide hit. Dan Harmon and the writers aren't afraid to take risks as proved by last year's terrific paintball episode. But NBC probably will finish fourth overall once again.
For the next couple of days, The Foot's previewing each scripted series on all five networks. On Wednesday, I previewed every returning scripted ABC series. On Tuesday, it will be FOX's turn. Today is NBC.
The Show: 30 Rock
What Season?: The Fifth
Returns To Air: September 23, 2010 at 9:30PM
What To Expect: The press release merely states that the show is renewed for a fifth season. Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) is with Avery, the business news anchor who is carrying his child so expect a birth storyline. Matt Damon will be around for a brief time as Liz Lemon's (Tina Fey) love interest. He plays an almost-astronaut. And Kenneth is being transfered to Los Angeles.
The biggest news surrounding 30 Rock is the live episode that will happen on October 14. The cast and crew will be live for the 9:30PM East Coast airing and they will be live for the West Coast airing.
The show didn't receive the best reviews for last season but they have their audience, the emmys love the show and the show will easily get a sixth season.
The Show: Chuck
What Season?: The Fourth
Returns To Air: September 20, 2010 at 8PM
What To Expect: No press releases for NBC Preview, folks. I'm sure the masses fell in love with the press release. Don't worry. The press releases will return on FOX day. If not then, The CW day.
The big news surrounding the show's fourth season are the guest stars they're bringing in. Linda Hamilton joins the cast as Chuck's mother while Dolph Lundgren and the Old Spice Guy will make appearances on the show.
Last season's finale set the pieces for a sort of reboot as the old base of spy operations was blown up. TWoP said the show took "a quantum leap in a new direction with a cool new base of operations."
The Show: Community
What Season?: The Second
Returns To Air: September 23, 2010 at 8PM
What To Expect: Community was one of the best comedies on the air last season. It is original and full of tongue-in-cheek jokes while self-aware about sitcom cliches and tropes.
Last season ended with a great twist/cliffhanger. Torn between Britta and Slatter, Jeff finds an expected-but-still-OH-WOW love interest in Annie after she ended things with Vaughn. The first season ended on the image of Jeff and Annie locked in a passionate kiss as Britta and Slatter waited inside for his decision. Professor Chang is no longer the Professor because he never WAS a professor. Chang will become one of the group seemingly. And Troy decided to move in with Pierce after Abed refused to be roommates with him because he didn't want to destory the friendship. Pierce might be a tough roommate for Troy to handle.
Also, Betty White guest stars in the season premiere as an Anthropology teacher. John Oliver will have a larger role this season as well. Drew Carey and Rob Corrdry will stop by Greendale as well.
The Show: Law & Order: Special Victims United
What Season?: The Twelfth
Returns To Air: September 22, 2010 at 9PM
What To Expect: (From NBC Press Release) "We're looking forward to launching our 12th season with a special two hours of 'SVU' that will take Benson and Stabler through the twists and turns everyone loves," said Neal Baer, executive producer. "We're blasting off with a stellar guest cast including Joan Cusack, Peter Strauss and 'Lost's' Henry Ian Cusick."
What To Expect Part Two: Last season, the medical examiner was shot and the Assistant DA left the show. Jennifer Love Hewitt will guest star in the premiere as a rape victim who fears leaving the house. Overall, expect more crimes to be solved. It usually happens in the world of Law & Order.
The Show: The Office
What Season?: The Seventh
Returns To Air: September 23, 2010 at 9PM
What To Expect: Hm. Is someone leaving this show? Oh yes, someone is. The star of the show. I think it's a mistake for the show to continue without Steve Carrell. The quality of the show is already dropping. But NBC won't because they make many terrible decisions, thus, the struggle for ratings.
Last season, Michael told Kathy Bates that he wants Holly back. Well, Kathy Bates will guest star in an episode or two this season. No idea about Amy Ryan. And the biggest storyline will be Michael Scott's departure and the search to replace him.
The Show: Parenthood
What Season?: The Second
Returns To Air: September 14, 2010 at 10PM
What To Expect: More family drama with all of the characters. My research didn't find much about the happenings of last season or what to expect for the upcoming season.
The Show: Saturday Night Live
What Season?: The Thirty Sixth
Returns To Air: September 25, 2010 at 11:35PM
What To Expect: No more Will Forte because he left the show; however, SNL hired three new cast members. Among them is a guy who can finally replace Fred Armisen as Obama on the show. Seth Meyers is still head writer and weekend update anchor.
The host for the premiere hasn't been released but Bryan Cranston will host the October 2 show. Jane Lynch will host the October 9 show.
OTHER RETURNING SHOWS
Sunday Night Football returns September 9 with the New Orleans Saints hosting the Minnesota Vikings.
The Apprentice returns September 16 at 10PM
The Biggest Loser returns September 21 at 8PM
THE YOUTUBE CLIP OF THE WEEK
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