For all the struggles NBC has had this season, it’s virtually assured of a good February thanks to its broadcast of the Super Bowl. It’s also hoping to use the game as a launchpad for several new and returning shows.
The network, which has already set a portion of its 2009 schedule — including the return of Friday Night Lights to the network — on Wednesday (Dec. 3) announced its post-Super Bowl plans. They include an hour-long Office right after the game, the return of Medium the following night and the series finale of ER in March.
“The biggest event on television will provide the perfect promotional platform as we launch some of the most eagerly anticipated new and returning shows on any schedule,” NBC co-chairman Ben Silverman says.
NBC Returns With Friday Night Lights, Joins Dance in January The Office will get the usually ratings-boosting post-Super Bowl spot on Sunday, Feb. 1. NBC said as much last spring when it announced its 2008-09 schedule, although at the time the episode was going to be paired with the premiere of an Office spinoff. That project has since morphed into the non-spinoff starring Amy Poehler, which doesn’t yet have a debut date.
Medium will begin its fifth season at 10 p.m. ET Monday, Feb. 2. That night will also mark the return of Chuck — with a special 3-D episode — and the beginning of a new volume of Heroes.
Following the Super Bowl, the network will air the miniseries XIII on consecutive Sundays Feb. 8 and 15. Feb. 22 remains open, but on March 1, NBC will roll out a new season of Celebrity Apprentice — which is expanding to two Trump-tastic hours every week.
Knight Rider will end its season on Feb. 25; a replacement will be announced soon, NBC promises. ER, meanwhile, will finish its long run with a two-hour finale on Thursday, March 12. New drama Kings will take its place with a two-hour premiere on March 19 before taking over the 10 p.m. Thursday spot the next week.
Source: Zap2It
