“The Closer” July 2011 Premiere Promo

Here is a new promo from TNT for the summer 2011 season of “The Closer” which will premiere on July 11, 2011.


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Rizzoli & Isles “Catwalk” Promo & Behind the Scenes

Here is a new season 2 promo for Rizzoli & Isles – called the “catwalk” promo – with Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. I've also included a behind the scenes video from the set while filming the promo.

Rizzoli & Isles will premiere season 2 in July on TNT.


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Rizzoli & Isles New TNT Promo July 2011

Here is a new promo for Rizzoli & Isles for the 2011 summer season. The show stars Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, and will premiere in July on TNT.


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Falling Skies Promotional Photos

Here are several new promotional photos released by TNT for the upcoming series “Falling Skies” which premieres this summer. The photos feature Noah Wyle and Moon Bloodgood.

Photo credit: James White

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Men of a Certain Age “The Great Escape” Advance Photos & Episode Information

Here is the episode information and advance photos of the summer season premiere of “Men of a Certain Age” titled “The Great Escape.”

“The Great Escape” - Wednesday, June 1, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) TNT
Joe decides to spend some time with his former bookie Manfro (guest star Jon Manfrellotti), who is preparing to undergo a difficult medical treatment. Terry and Erin take a bold new step in their relationship. And Owen receives an intriguing offer from a rival dealership. Penelope Ann Miller also guest-stars.


Directed by Phil Traill
Written by Lew Schneider
Created by Ray Romano & Mike Royce

Photo Credit: Danny Feld

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Rizzoli & Isles Summer 2011 Promotional Photo

Just released by TNT, here’s the new promotional photo for the 2011 summer season of Rizzoli & Isles, featuring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander.

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Rizzoli & Isles – Summer 2011 Promo Teaser

From TNT, here’s a little teaser for Rizzoli & Isles fans, which features Angie Harmon, Sasha Alexander, and Executive Producer Janet Tamaro. It includes some tidbits about the upcoming summer 2011 season. Enjoy!


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“Luther” Series 2 Promos

Here are 2 new trailers for the BBC series “Luther,” starring Idris Elba, which will begin series 2 on BBC America sometime “soon” in 2011. Stay tuned!






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CBS 2011-2012 Fall Schedule: Moving Day for CSI

Fall 2011 will mean moving day for one of CBS’ longest and strongest dramas: CSI will be airing on Wednesday at 10 PM ET. Here’s the new CBS schedule; all new shows and other changes have been noted, all times Eastern.

CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
2011-2012 PRIME TIME SCHEDULE

MONDAY
8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
8:30-9:00 PM 2 BROKE GIRLS (New)
9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN
9:30-10:00 PM MIKE & MOLLY
10:00-11:00 PM HAWAII FIVE-0

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM NCIS
9:00-10:00 PM, NCIS: LOS ANGELES
10:00-11:00 PM UNFORGETTABLE (New)

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR: SOUTH PACIFIC
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (New day and time)

THURSDAY
8:00-8:30 PM THE BIG BANG THEORY
8:30-9:00 PM HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN (New)
9:00-10:00 PM PERSON OF INTEREST (New)
10:00-11:00 PM THE MENTALIST

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM A GIFTED MAN (New)
9:00-10:00 PM CSI: NY
10:00-11:00 PM BLUE BLOODS

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (New time)
8:30-9:00 PM COMEDYTIME SATURDAY
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS MYSTERY

SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES
8:00-9:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE
9:00-10:00 PM THE GOOD WIFE (NT)
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI




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TNT and TBS Announce Extensive Slate of New Projects (Press Release)

Turner Press Release
Release Date: 5/18/2011

TNT and TBS Announce Extensive Slate of New Projects from Top Talents, Including Mitch Albom, Thom Beers, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Conan O’Brien, Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Richard North Patterson, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, Joel Silver, Arthur Smith, Scott Turow, Bertram van Munster and John Wells

TNT Announces Plans for New Series Major Crimes, Starring Mary McDonnell, Debuting after Series Finale of The Closer in 2012

Conan O’Brien Will Take His TBS Show on the Road for the First Time with a Week-Long Visit to New York in Late 2011, Followed by a Trip to Chicago in 2012


TNT and TBS, which staged their Upfront presentation today in New York, are making bold moves to bolster their remarkably strong foundations in original programming. The networks are developing extensive new lineups of scripted and unscripted series and making a new push into half-hour comedy in partnership with some of the top talents in the industry, from award-winning actors to acclaimed producers, writers and best-selling authors.


This year marks the beginning of production of the final season of the blockbuster hit The Closer, starring Emmy® winner Kyra Sedgwick. TNT confirmed today that it has ordered a 10-episode season of Major Crimes, a series set in the Los Angeles Police Department that promises to become television’s next great crime drama. The seventh and final season of The Closer will include 15 episodes in 2011 and six in summer 2012, leading into the launch of Major Crimes, starring Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica). McDonnell has been featured on The Closer as Capt. Raydor, who was often on a collision course with Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, played by Sedgwick. Major Crimes will be executive-produced by James Duff, creator of The Closer, along with Greer Shephard and Michael M. Robin. Major Crimes and The Closer come to TNT from Warner Bros. Television.

TNT is working with several chart-topping authors on a new lineup of original movies set to debut in November and December 2011. The TNT Tuesday Night Mystery(working title) will feature a slate of six contemporary crime dramas, from true-crime stories to fictional mysteries. TNT is developing the two-hour movie Innocent, based on the book by best-selling author Scott Turow. TNT is also developing movies based on Richard North Patterson’s Silent Witness; Sandra Brown’s Ricochet; Lisa Gardner’s Hide; April Smith’s Good Morning, Killer; and Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark’s Deck the Halls. The TNT Tuesday Night Mystery marks TNT’s return to original TV movies, a format that has earned the network many Emmys, along with unprecedented ratings that hold records yet today.

For TBS, Conan O’Brien is taking his late-night talk show CONAN on the road for the first time. O’Brien will set up shop at the Beacon Theater in New York Oct. 31-Nov. 3 to celebrate the first anniversary of his arrival at TBS. The event will mark O’Brien’s first stint in New York since he hosted Late Night with Conan O’Brien. In 2012, CONAN will hit the road again for a stop in Chicago.

TBS has also given the greenlight to The Wedding Band (working title), an hour-long comedy from FremantleMedia and Mike Tollin Productions. TBS has ordered 10 episodes of the series starring Brian Austin Green (Beverly Hills, 90210, Desperate Housewives), Harold Perrineau (Lost, Oz), Peter Cambor (NCIS: Los Angeles, Notes from the Underbelly), Derek Miller (Secret Girlfriend) and Melora Hardin (The Office). The show is executive-produced by Mike Tollin (Smallville, Arli$$). Josh Lobis (South Park) and Darin Moiselle (South Park), who wrote the pilot, serve as co-executive producers with Ben Spector (Two Brothers). Bryan Gordon (Curb Your Enthusiasm) directed and also served as co-executive producer on the pilot. The show, which follows the misadventures of four friends who spend their spare time performing in a band, is slated to premiere in summer 2012.

In 2011-12, TNT is bringing back seven hit series, including basic cable’s #1 show, Rizzoli & Isles; The Closer; and recent Peabody Award winner Men of a Certain Age. Also returning are Leverage, HawthoRNe, Memphis Beat and Southland. TNT will launch two new series this summer: Falling Skies, the eagerly anticipated series from DreamWorks Television and executive producer Steven Spielberg, starring Noah Wyle; and Franklin & Bash, a light-hearted lawyer drama from Sony Pictures Television. For 2012, TNT has ordered Perception from ABC Studios, a series starring Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award® winner Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) that centers on a neuroscientist who works to solve complex criminal cases.

“We understand that exceptional programming comes from working with exceptional talent,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “We hire the best actors, actresses, writers, producers and directors in the business, give them a clear creative target and then try to get out of their way and let them make terrific television.”

“With strong brands and solid foundations in programming, TNT and TBS present a great value proposition to our clients,” said David Levy, president of sales, distribution and sports, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. “Turner continues to make investments in original programming that has broad demographic appeal for advertisers and their brand messages, helping create meaningful connections with consumers everywhere TNT and TBS live, from on-air to online.”

TNT and TBS today revealed these extensive development plans:

TNT scripted series in development

Untitled Kip Koenig/John Wells Productions Project – Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, this drama follows a family of cops who uncover the mystical and often crime-ridden world of a small town where things aren’t as they appear. The project comes to TNT from Warner Horizon Television, Kip Koenig (Grey’s Anatomy) and John Wells Productions (Southland, Shameless, The West Wing).

Scent of the Missing – A search-and-rescue officer braves the harshest conditions with her best friend and partner, a Labrador retriever. Based on the book of the same name, Scent of the Missing comes to TNT from CBS Television Studios and executive producers Barry Josephson (Bones) and Carol Mendelsohn (CSI) and producers Diane Nabatoff (Take The Lead) and Shelly Glasser (The Good Girl).

Gateway – In a nation still healing from the Civil War, lawlessness rules the small towns of the Old West. Three brothers bound by duty, honor and self-preservation take a stand. Together, they fight to survive and thrive – all in a small town called Gateway. The series comes to TNT from Warner Horizon Television, Bruce McKenna (The Pacific, Band of Brothers), Danny Cannon (CSI) and Deran Serafian (House, CSI).

Untitled Eric Garcia Project – A daydreaming police clerk’s overactive imagination isn’t just a way to escape her mundane work life. It’s also her mind’s way of helping detectives solve crime. The project comes to TNT from Warner Horizon Television, Eric Garcia (Matchstick Men) and executive producers McG (Terminator Salvation, the Charlie’s Angels movies) and Peter Johnson (Supernatural) of Wonderland Sound and Vision (Supernatural, Chuck, The O.C.).

Untitled Jay Cocks Project – Based on the character from the Laura Lippman series of books, this drama centers on Tess Monaghan, a former newspaper reporter who has become a private eye in the tough city of Baltimore. The project comes to TNT from Jay Cocks (Gangs of New York) and Bill Haber’s Ostar Productions (TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles).

Untitled Shaun Cassidy/Kimberly Williams-Paisley Project – When a hot Southern mess of a family takes in their widowed daughter-in-law and her gifted young son, these vibrant characters all in their own way come to learn that it’s not the family you’re born into that counts but the family you make. This emotional comedy/drama, set in and around the bucolic town of Franklin, Tenn., comes to TNT from executive producers Kimberly Williams-Paisley (According to Jim), Brad Paisley and Shaun Cassidy (Roar, Invasion).

Untitled Mitch Albom Project – Set in a Detroit radio station, this drama follows a station manager who, against his wishes, returns home to try and breathe life into his struggling city. The project comes to TNT from best-selling author and columnist Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie).

Snatched – Should she settle down and have a family? Or jump out of a plane while retrieving a priceless artifact? This hero finds herself at the ultimate crossroads of domesticity and a full-throttle adrenaline rush. Snatched comes to TNT from Prospect Park and Steven Mitchell and Craig W. Van Sickle (Tin Man).

The Command – The Command centers on an elite and real squad of detectives within the New York City police department – Borough Command. Cherry-picked by one commanding officer, these detectives get only the toughest, highest-profile and most-unsolvable cases. The best detectives, the hardest cases. The Command comes to TNT from Cineflix Studios; director/executive producer Antoine Fuqua (Shooter, Training Day); writers/executive producers Todd Komarnicki (Resistance, Elf) and Tony Spiridakis (Ash Tuesday); and producer Jim Thompson (War).

Enigma – Enigma is a modern-day mystery-of-the-week in the vein of Sherlock Holmes. The project comes to TNT from CBS Television Studios and Anthony Zuiker (CSI), Matt Weinberg and Ed Whitmore (Waking the Dead), who will write the pilot script.


TBS scripted series in development

An American Couple – Set in the suburbs of Illinois, this one-hour comedy follows a newly engaged couple embarking on their journey to the altar. Pete, the hero and the ultimate guy’s guy, decides it’s time to man up, much to the chagrin of his immature friends. An American Couple comes to TBS from Warner Horizon Television, Conaco, writer and executive producer Mike O’Malley (Glee) and executive producers David Kissinger, Conan O’Brien and Jeff Ross.

Untitled Phoef Sutton Project – Anchored by lead detective Emerson Slade, this single-camera comedy spoofs cop and detective shows. The half-hour series centers on an elite force of great minds who solve crimes while working together as a dysfunctional family. The project comes to TBS from Warner Horizon Television, Conaco, writer and executive producer Phoef Sutton (Terriers) and executive producers David Kissinger, Conan O’Brien and Jeff Ross.

Men at Work (working title) – When Milo is thrust into single life after discovering his girlfriend has been cheating, he finds comfort in three best friends who help reinvent his manhood with the promise of sex, alcohol and some serious bromance. This half-hour series is written and executive-produced by Breckin Meyer (TNT’s Franklin & Bash, Robot Chicken).


TNT unscripted series in development

The Great Escape – What if you found yourself on the deck of a sinking ocean liner, in a prisoner-of-war camp or trapped on a desert island? What if you only had your wits and everyday skills to help escape? The Great Escape puts teams of ordinary people in the middle of their own epic action/adventure movie. Players must work together to evade pursuers, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and be the first to reach freedom to win a cash prize. The Great Escape comes to TNT from Fox Television Studios, Imagine Entertainment, The Hochberg Ebersol Company, Profiles Television Productions and executive producers Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind),Brian Grazer (24), Francie Calfo (Scoundrels), Elise Doganieri (The Amazing Race), Bertram van Munster (The Amazing Race), Justin Hochberg and Charlie Ebersol.

Untitled Joel Silver Project – This action-packed competition show combines the excitement of The Bourne Identity with the voyeurism of The Truman Show. In each self-contained episode, two contestants are dropped into a fictional town where they find themselves at the center of a major incident. As the minutes tick down, they must use whatever clues they can find to figure out who and what they are before the clock runs out. The project comes to TNT from Warner Horizon Television, Joel Silver (The Matrix trilogy) and Phil Gurin (Shark Tank), based on an original idea by Gurin.

Shooters – Ten of the best and brightest up-and-coming stars of the commercial-directing world compete for bragging rights to be known as the top shooter, as well as seed money to start their own production house. Shooterscomes to TNT from Scott Free Productions and executive producers Tony Scott (The Good Wife), Ridley Scott (The Good Wife) and David Zucker (The Naked Gun).

Untitled Search and Rescue Project – The creator of Deadliest Catch takes an inside look at the Alaskan Coast Guard’s search-and-rescue team. When lives are on the line, these elite men and women fly into storms and dive into the Bering Sea, some of the deadliest waters in the world. The project comes to TNT from Original Productions and executive producer Thom Beers.

Untitled Business Makeover Project – A business titan brings knowledge and experience to family businesses on the brink. In each episode, a top leader will assess the big problems facing a small business to help them turn it around before it’s too late. The project comes to TNT from executive producer Arthur Smith (Hell’s Kitchen).

TBS unscripted series in development

Pyramid – Andy Richter, famed sidekick to Conan O’Brien, hosts Pyramid, a modern-day take on the iconic game show that began as The $10,000 Pyramid. Contestants team with a celebrity partner to take turns guessing words or phrases in a category. Pyramid comes to TBS from Sony Pictures Television, Embassy Row and executive producer Michael Davies (Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?).

The TNT Tuesday Night Mystery movies in development

Innocent – Twenty years after being cleared in the death of his mistress, Judge Rusty Sabich is charged with the murder of his late wife. During the trial, a secret affair from Rusty’s recent past threatens to hamper his defense and fracture his relationship with his son. Innocent is based on Scott Turow’s book, a sequel to his blockbuster hit Presumed Innocent. The movie is written, directed and executive-produced by Mike Robe (TNT’s Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King).

Ricochet – Two homicide detectives find their careers – and lives – on the line when they get caught up in a case of murder and betrayal in high-society Savannah. Based on the book by #1 New York Times best-selling author Sandra Brown, the project is executive-produced by Howard Braunstein (The Informant!) and Jim Head (On Strike for Christmas) and written by Donald Martin (The Craigslist Killer).

Silent Witness – In this legal drama based on a novel by Richard North Patterson, prominent defense attorney Tony Lord returns to his hometown to defend an old friend, a teacher accused of murdering one of his students. The case re-opens the heartache from Tony’s own high school days, when he was a student falsely accused of murdering his first love. Lizzie Friedman and Greg Little, the team behind One Lucky Elephant, Whiz Kids and Sex and Death 101, serve as executive producers. The script is being written by Thomas Michael Donnelly (Our Fathers).

Deck the Halls – Adapted from the first book in Mary Higgins Clark and daughter Carol Higgins Clark’s series of holiday mystery novels, this warm-hearted story brings together two of the authors’ most popular characters: Detective Regan Reilly and cleaning-woman-turned-private-eye Alvirah Meegan. The women investigate the kidnapping of Regan’s father and a young female driver just before the holidays. The race is on to rescue the pair and get them home in time for Christmas. Howard Burkons (John Q, TNT’s The Ron Clark Story) is set to write the script. He will executive-produce with Brenda Friend (Joan of Arc, The Ron Clark Story).

Good Morning, Killer– Based on a novel by April Smith, this thriller follows FBI Special Agent Ana Gray as she hunts for a kidnapper. As Ana develops a rapport with the kidnapper’s latest victim, the suspect suddenly changes his pattern. Now Ana must race to find him before he strikes again. Smith is set to write the script and executive-produce the project.

Hide – Based on the book by Lisa Gardner, Hide pits two detectives against a killer who seems to have returned from the dead. The project is written by Janet Brownell (Eloise at the Plaza) and executive-produced by Stephanie Germain (The Day After Tomorrow).

The Killer Next Door – This project is based on the true story surrounding the horrific attack on a respectable couple in an upscale New York neighborhood. With the man killed and the woman disfigured, suspicion immediately falls on their charming, handsome son. As the truth becomes clear, the community is shocked to learn that the murderer may not be the person they would expect. Ilene Kahn Power (Gia, Traffic, Who Is Clark Rockefeller?) serves as executive producer, with the script by co-executive producer Edithe Swensen (Who Is Clark Rockefeller?).

The Broken – This tense drama centers on a Los Angeles police officer caught in a dangerous situation when she is forced to go on the run with a murder suspect. They must fight to stay one step ahead of the assassins and cops on their trail. Written by Rick Dahl, the project is being executive-produced by Danielle von Zerneck (Living in Oblivion, God’s Lonely Man) and Frank von Zerneck (Miracle on Ice, First Daughter).



Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.


*************************************************************************************************************

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House “Moving On” Advance Photos

Here are advance photos from House “Moving On” which will air on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 8PM ET on Fox. The photos feature Hugh Laurie, Robert Sean Leonard, Lisa Edelstein, Omar Epps, Jesse Spencer, Olivia Wilde, Peter Jacobson, and guest stars Shohreh Aghdashloo and James Hiroyuki Liao.

Photo by: Adam Taylor/NBC © NBCUniversal, Inc.

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“The Playboy Club” Behind The Scenes; Eddie Cibrian, Hugh Hefner Interviews

Here is a behind the scenes look at the new NBC series “The Playboy Club” which will be airing this fall. Also included are clips from interviews with cast member Eddie Cibrian and from Hugh Hefner.



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“The Playboy Club” Pilot Episode Photos

Here are several photos from the pilot episode of NBC’s new series “The Playboy Club” featuring Eddie Cibrian as Nick, David Krumholtz as Billy, Amber Heard as Maureen, Naturi Naughton as Brenda, Leah Renee as Alice, Laura Benanti as Carol Lynne, and Matt DeCaro as Clyde Hill.

Photos by: Matt Dinerstein/NBC © NBCUniversal, Inc.

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NBC Reveals Its 2011-12 Primetime Schedule (NBC Press Release)

NBC Press Release
May 15, 2011

WITH A COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION, STRATEGIC POSITIONING AND SEASON-LONG STRENGTH, NBC REVEALS ITS 2011-12 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE


Fall and Mid-Season Lineups Feature New Dramas "Smash," "Prime Suspect," "The Playboy Club," "Awake," "Grimm" and "The Firm"
New Comedies Are "Up All Night," "Whitney," "Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea," "Free Agents," "Best Friends Forever" and "Bent"


NEW YORK CITY -- May 15, 2011 -- NBC has introduced its 2011-12 primetime schedule, showcasing six new dramas and six new comedies from a roster of renowned hit-makers that includes Steven Spielberg, Lorne Michaels, Brian Grazer, Tom Werner, John Grisham and Peter Berg, among many others.

The season's new dramas are "Smash," "Prime Suspect," "The Playboy Club," "Awake," "Grimm" and "The Firm"; and the new comedies are "Up All Night," "Whitney," "Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea," "Free Agents," "Best Friends Forever" and "Bent."

Returning shows include "Parenthood," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Harry’s Law," "Chuck" (for its fifth and final season of 13 episodes), "Community," "Parks and Recreation," "The Office," "30 Rock" and "Dateline NBC." Among next season’s returning alternative series are "The Voice," "The Sing-Off," "The Celebrity Apprentice" and "The Biggest Loser," each in two-hour formats.

The new lineup combines schedule stability with strategic changes that position the network for future growth. Key facets of the schedule include a new hour of comedy with the Wednesday debuts of "Up All Night" (8-8:30 p.m. ET) and "Free Agents" (8:30-9 p.m. ET) and an update to NBC’s critically acclaimed Thursday lineup with the premieres this fall of the new comedy "Whitney" (9:30-10 p.m. ET) and the first-year drama "Prime Suspect" (10-11 p.m. ET). In addition, NBC has made a strong commitment to original scripted programming on Friday nights with the pairing of "Chuck" (8-9 p.m. ET) in its climactic season with the new drama "Grimm" (9-10 p.m. ET).

The #1 new series of the current season, "The Voice," returns at mid-season on Monday nights (8-10 p.m. ET) and will serve as the lead-in to the new musical drama "Smash" (10-11 p.m. ET). In the fall on Mondays from 8-10 p.m. ET will be another growing NBC reality success, "The Sing-Off," now in a weekly format following its strong December showings of the past two years.

Additional details unveiled in today’s announcement include a run of uninterrupted originals for "30 Rock" starting at mid-season and a post-football Sunday lineup of "Dateline NBC" (7-8 p.m. ET), "The Celebrity Apprentice" (8-10 p.m. ET) and the new drama "The Firm" (10-11 p.m. ET). Additional new series ready for mid-season include the drama "Awake" and the comedies "Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea," "Best Friends Forever" and "Bent."

The announcements were made by Bob Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment.

"Next season begins the rebuilding of the NBC primetime schedule, and our goal is to reinvigorate our audience with a line-up of appointment television that includes our best returning shows and a variety of innovative and attention-getting new series. We'll be placing a great deal of emphasis on how we launch each one of our programs and on maximizing the network's strengths throughout the fall and well into mid-season," said Greenblatt. "Considering it's only been three months since new management took over, I'm very pleased with what has resulted from a very strong pilot season. And with a powerful new asset like 'The Voice' already in hand, we go into the 2011-12 season with cautious but incredible optimism."

NBC FALL 2011-12 SCHEDULE
*New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)

MONDAY
8-10 p.m. – "The Sing-Off"
10-11 p.m. – "THE PLAYBOY CLUB"

TUESDAY
8-10 p.m. – "The Biggest Loser"
10-11 p.m. – "Parenthood"

WEDNESDAY
8-8:30 p.m. – "UP ALL NIGHT"
8:30-9 p.m. – "FREE AGENTS"
9-10 p.m. -- "Harry’s Law"
10-11 p.m. -- "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. – "Community"
8:30-9 p.m. -- "Parks and Recreation"
9-9:30 p.m. – "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. – "WHITNEY"
10-11 p.m. – "PRIME SUSPECT"

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Chuck"
9-10 p.m. – "GRIMM"
10-11 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"

SATURDAY
Encore programming

SUNDAY
7- 8:15 p.m. -- "Football Night in America"
8:15-11:30 p.m. -- "NBC Sunday Night Football"

NBC 2012 MID-SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
*New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)


SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
8-10 p.m. – "The Celebrity Apprentice"
10-11 p.m. – "THE FIRM"


MONDAY
8-10 p.m. – "The Voice"
10-11 p.m. – "SMASH"


2011-12 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

New Dramas


'PRIME SUSPECT' -- Based on the critically acclaimed British television series of the same name, "Prime Suspect" has been redeveloped for American audiences by writer Alexandra Cunningham ("Desperate Housewives," "NYPD Blue"), director Peter Berg (NBC's "Friday Night Lights") -- and stars Maria Bello ("A History of Violence") as tough-as-nails Detective Jane Timoney. Timoney finds that being a homicide detective in New York City is tough enough and having to contend with a male-dominated police department to get respect makes it that much tougher. She's an outsider who has just transferred to a new precinct dominated by an impenetrable clique of a boys' club. Timoney has her own vices too -- with a questionable past -- and she tends to be forceful, rude and reckless. But she’s also a brilliant cop who keeps her eye on one thing: the prime suspect. Also starring are Aidan Quinn ("Unknown"), Brian O’Byrne ("Flash Forward"), Tim Griffin ("Star Trek"), Kirk Acevedo ("Fringe"), Joe Nieves ("How I Met Your Mother"), Damon Gupton ("The Last Airbender") and Peter Gerety ("Blue Bloods"). "Prime Suspect" is produced by Universal Media Studios, ITV and Film 44. Cunningham is the executive producer/writer along with executive producer/director Berg and executive producers Sarah Aubrey, Julie Meldal-Johnson, Paul Buccieri and Lynda LaPlante.

'THE PLAYBOY CLUB' -- From Academy Award-winning executive producer Brian Grazer, "The Playboy Club" is a provocative new drama about a time and place that challenged the social mores, where a visionary entrepreneur created an empire and an icon changed American culture. It’s the early '60s, and the legendary Playboy Club in Chicago is the door to all of your fantasies -- and the key is the most sought-after status symbol of its kind. Inside the seductive world of the bunny, the epitome of beauty and service, the clientele rubs shoulders with the decade’s biggest mobsters, politicos and entertainers. Nick Dalton (Eddie Cibrian, "CSI: Miami") is one of the city’s top attorneys and the ultimate playboy, rubbing elbows with everyone in the city's power structure. With mysterious ties to the mob, Nick comes to the aid of Maureen (Amber Heard, "Zombieland"), the stunning and innocent new bunny who accidentally kills the leader of the Bianchi crime family. Dating Nick is Carol-Lynne (Laura Benanti, "Take the Lead"), a bombshell and established star at the club who knows her days as a bunny are numbered and finds herself continually at odds with Billy (David Krumholtz, "Numb3rs"), the club's general manager. Adding to the charm of the Playboy club is Janie (Jenna Dewan Tatum, "American Virgin"), the carefree life of the party who is dating Max (Wes Ramsey, "CSI: Miami"), an overly protective bartender. Also starring are Naturi Naughton ("Fame") and Leah Renee ("True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet"). In addition to Grazer ("A Beautiful Mind," "American Gangster"), the executive producers on "The Playboy Club" include Chad Hodge ("Tru Calling"), Francie Calfo ("Scoundrels"), Jason Burns ("The House Bunny") and Dick Rosenzweig ("Kendra"). Hodge also wrote the pilot, which was directed by Alan Taylor ("Mad Men," "The Sopranos"). The series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Imagine Television.


'SMASH' -- "Smash" is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire -- to be a "Smash." The series centers on a desire to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe -- written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Tony Award nominee Christian Borle, "Legally Blonde: The Musical") and Julia (Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, "Will & Grace"). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty (Katharine McPhee, "American Idol") -- who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds -- and stage veteran (Megan Hilty, "9 to 5: The Musical"), who's determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break. A tenacious producer Eileen (Oscar winner, Anjelica Huston, "Prizzi’s Honor") discovers the "Marilyn" project and jumps on board with a brilliant director (Jack Davenport, "Pirates of the Caribbean" films) -- whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality. The series stemmed from an idea of executive producer and multiple Emmy and Oscar winner Steven Spielberg ("ER," "Schindler’s List"). The pilot was written by acclaimed playwright/screenwriter Theresa Rebeck ("Mauritius," "NYPD Blue"). Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Oscar-winning "Chicago," "Hairspray") and Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey ("United States of Tara," "The Borgias") will also serve as executive producers. Original songs are written by Tony and Grammy Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman ("Hairspray," "Catch Me If You Can"), who also serve as executive producers. "Smash" is a production of Universal Media Studios in association with DreamWorks. The pilot was directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer ("Spring Awakening," "American Idiot").

'GRIMM' -- "Grimm" is a new drama series inspired by the classic Grimm's Fairy Tales. Remember the fairy tales your parents used to tell you before bedtime? Those weren’t stories -- they were warnings. Nick Burkhardt (David Guintoli "Turn The Beat Around") thought he prepared himself for the realities of working as a homicide detective until he started seeing things he couldn’t quite explain. When his ailing Aunt Marie (guest star Kate Burton, "Grey’s Anatomy") arrives, Nick's life turns upside down when she reveals they are descendants of an elite group of hunters, also known as "Grimms," who fight to keep the balance of humanity safe from the supernatural creatures of the world. As Nick digs deeper into her past, he realizes that he will have to shoulder the responsibility of his ancestors -- and contend with a larger-than-life mythology of the Brothers Grimm that is now all too real. Russell Hornsby ("Lincoln Heights"), Bitsie Tulloch ("Quarterlife"), Silas Weir Mitchell ("Prison Break"), Reggie Lee ("Persons Unknown") and Sasha Roiz ("Caprica") also star. "Grimm" is a production of Universal Media Studios and Hazy Mills Productions. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner ("Hot in Cleveland") serve as executive producers, Jim Kouf ("National Treasure," "Angel") and David Greenwalt ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel") are the creators/executive producers and Marc Buckland ("My Name Is Earl") is the director.

'AWAKE' -- "Awake" is an intriguing drama about a detective (Jason Issacs, "Harry Potter," "Brotherhood") who finds he is leading an arduous double life that defies reality. When Detective Michael Britten (Issacs) regains consciousness following his family's car accident, he is told that his wife Hannah (Laura Allen, "Terriers") perished but that his teen son, Rex (Dylan Minnette, "Saving Grace"), has survived. As he tries to put the pieces of his life back together, he awakens again in a parallel reality in which his wife is very much alive -- but his son Rex died in the accident. In order to keep both of his loved ones alive at one time, he begins living two dueling realities in parallel worlds, which churns up confusion -- in one moment, Michael and his wife debate about having another child to replace their son, while in the other reality, he is attracted to his son’s tennis coach, Tara (Michaela McManus, "The Vampire Diaries"), to fill the void from the loss of his wife. Trying to regain some normalcy, Michael returns to police work and solves crimes in both worlds with the help of two different partners -- Detective Isaiah "Bird" Freeman (Steve Harris, "The Practice") and Detective Efrem Vega (Wilmer Valderrama, "That '70s Show"). Also starring are Emmy Award winner Cherry Jones ("24") and BD Wong (NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") as therapists in each respective world. The series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. Kyle Killen ("Lone Star") and Howard Gordon ("24") are executive producers. David Slade ("Twilight: Eclipse," "30 Days of Night") also serves as executive producer and directed the pilot written by Killen.

'THE FIRM' -- Based on the blockbuster feature film and best-selling novel by world-renowned author John Grisham ("The Pelican Brief," "The Client"), "The Firm" continues the story of attorney Mitchell McDeere and his family 10 years after the events of the film and novel. As a young associate, McDeere brought down the prestigious Memphis law firm of Bendini, Lambert & Locke, which operated as a front for the Chicago mob -- and his life was never the same. After a difficult decade, which included a stay in the Federal Witness Protection program, Mitch and his family now emerge from isolation to reclaim their lives and their future -- only to find that past dangers are still lurking and new threats are everywhere. "The Firm" is produced by Entertainment One in association with Sony Pictures Television and Paramount Pictures. The executive producers are Grisham, Lukas Reiter ("Law & Order," "Boston Legal"), John Morayniss ("Haven," "Hung"), Michael Rosenberg ("Hung," "Skins") and Noreen Halpern ("Rookie Blue," "Hung").


New Comedies


'WHITNEY' -- A hilarious look at modern love, "Whitney" is a new multi-camera comedy series about Whitney (Whitney Cummings, "Chelsea Lately") and Alex (Chris D’Elia, "Glory Daze"), a happily unmarried couple. Together for five years, the duo is in no rush to get hitched. However, after attending yet another one of their friends’ weddings, Whitney realizes that she and Alex are dangerously close to relationship boredom. Determined not to let that happen, Whitney consults her close circle of opinionated girlfriends -- including Lily (Zoe Lister-Jones, "The Other Guys") and Roxanne (Rhea Seehorn, "The Starter Wife") -- and then snaps into action. A few awkward sexy costumes and one botched seductive evening later, the couple ends up in the emergency room. Even so, Whitney and Alex realize that while their relationship might not be perfect on paper, they really do love each other -- and that works for them. Also starring are Maulik Pancholy (NBC's "30 Rock") as Lily's perfect boyfriend, and Dan O’Brien ("How I Met Your Mother") as an eternal bachelor. "Whitney" is produced by Universal Media Studios and Scott Stuber Productions. Stuber ("The Break Up"), Quan Phung, Betsy Thomas ("My Boys") and Barry Katz ("Last Comic Standing") are executive producers. Cummings also serves as executive producer/writer. Andy Ackerman ("Seinfeld," "The New Adventures of Old Christine") is an executive producer and directed the pilot.

'UP ALL NIGHT' -- From Emily Spivey (NBC's "Parks and Recreation," NBC's "Saturday Night Live") and legendary Emmy Award-winning producer Lorne Michaels, comes "Up All Night," a modern take on parenthood that shows the challenges of balancing a career, marriage and a new baby. Christina Applegate ("Samantha Who?") stars as Reagan, a successful public relations executive, and Will Arnett ("Arrested Development") plays Chris, Reagan’s supportive, stay-at-home husband. The two have just become parents – a surprise that has set their lives on a new path as responsible adults -- for the most part. Maya Rudolph ("Saturday Night Live," "Bridesmaids") stars as Ava, Reagan’s outlandish boss and best friend, whose whirlwind social escapades serve as constant reminders of Reagan's former carefree life. James Pumphrey ("High Road") portrays Brian, Reagan’s socially awkward hipster assistant. "Up All Night" is a production of Universal Media Studios and Broadway Video. Spivey is the creator and serves as executive producer along with Michaels and Jon Pollack (NBC’s "30 Rock").

'FREE AGENTS' – "Free Agents" is a crooked workplace/romantic new comedy from creator John Enbom ("Party Down") and Emmy Award-winning director Todd Holland ("Malcolm in the Middle") based on the cult U.K. series of the same name that explores the trials and tribulations of two public relations executives on the rebound. Alex (Hank Azaria, "The Simpsons," "Huff") is newly divorced and can barely keep himself together while his co-worker Helen (Kathryn Hahn, "Hung") thinks she has it together but is obsessed with her deceased fiancé and actually is falling apart. Then a drunken Alex and Helen end up in bed together, and in the resulting sober confusion, Helen decides that they should only be friends. Meanwhile Alex’s co-workers, Dan (Mo Mandel, "Love Bites," "Modern Family") and Gregg (Al Madrigal, "Wizards of Waverly Place," "Gary, Unmarried"), and Stephen (Anthony Head, "Merlin," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") fail in their attempts to help him get back out on the dating scene. When Alex finally agrees to a date, Helen gets a little jealous, and he gets cold feet, so they end up back where they started -- in a casual, intimate and beautifully awkward relationship. Also starring is Joe Lo Truglio ("Backwash," "Mad Love") and Natasha Leggero ("Ugly Americans," "’Til Death"). "Free Agents" is a production of Universal Media Studios in association with Dark Toy and Big Talk Productions. Enbom is executive producer/creator along with executive producer/director Holland. Karey Burke ("Miss/Guided") executive-produces, along with Big Talk Productions' Kenton Allen ("Free Agents," BBC Network) and Nira Park, as well as Chris Niel.


'ARE YOU THERE VODKA? IT’S ME, CHELSEA' -- Inspired by the best-selling book from comedienne/talk show host Chelsea Handler ("Chelsea Lately"), the new comedy "Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea," follows the exploits of twentysomething bartender Chelsea (Laura Prepon, "That '70s Show") a strong-willed force of nature who is determined to live life to the fullest and make no apologies. Her friends are along for the ride but they all know it is Chelsea’s way or the highway. Mark (Jo Koy, "Chelsea Lately") is a charming bartender whose wit makes him the perfect foil for Chelsea while Shoniqua (Angel Laketa Moore, "ER") is a smart and sassy fellow waitress who looks out for Chelsea's best interests. Close friend and fellow bartender Todd (Mark Povinelli, "Water for Elephants") has a wry sense of humor that keeps her in check. Also starring are Natalie Morales (NBC’s "Parks and Recreation") as Ivory, Chelsea’s feisty best friend; Lauren Lapkus ("The Middle") as Dee Dee, Chelsea’s sheltered, shy roommate, and Lenny Clarke ("Rescue Me") as Chelsea’s dad, Melvin. Handler has a recurring role as Chelsea’s sister Sloan, a happily married new mom who has little in common with her carefree sister. "Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea" is a production of Warner Bros. Television in association with Werner Entertainment and Borderline Amazing Productions. Dottie Dartland Zicklin ("Dharma & Greg") and Julie Larson ("The Drew Carey Show") are creators and executive producers. Handler serves as executive producer along with Tom Werner ("That '70s Show"), Mike Clements ("The Life & Times of Tim") and Tom Brunelle ("Chelsea Lately").

'BEST FRIENDS FOREVER' -- "Best Friends Forever" is a single-camera comedy that takes a look at what happens when best friends promise to support each other -- no matter what the cost or circumstances. When Jessica’s (Jessica St. Clair, "In the Motherhood") husband files for divorce, she immediately seeks comfort and flies across the country to move back in with her best friend, Lennon (Lennon Parham, "Accidentally on Purpose"). Unfortunately, Lennon’s boyfriend, Joe (Adam Pally, "Happy Endings"), has just moved into the apartment and has turned Jessica’s old room into his perfect home office. As Lennon and Jessica fall into their old routines -- beloved traditions, Steel Magnolia marathons and epic girl-talk sessions -- Joe begins to feel as if he’s the odd man out. While Lennon struggles to find balance between her previous life with Jessica and her new life with Joe, Jessica’s reentry to single life is complicated by the unresolved feelings that an old friend, Rav (Stephen Schneider, "The Funniest Movie Ever…Just Kidding"), has for her and the fact that pleated khakis aren't the most flattering single girl look. "Best Friends Forever" is produced by Universal Media Studios and American Work. St. Clair, Parham, Scot Armstrong ("Old School," "The Hangover Part II") and Ravi Nandan ("Off Duty") are the executive producers. Fred Savage ("Party Down") directed the pilot.

'BENT' -- "Bent" is a new romantic comedy about two people who suddenly find themselves attracted to the qualities that typically repel them. On the surface, Alex (Amanda Peet, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") and Pete (David Walton, "Perfect Couples") could not be more different. The recently divorced Alex is a resilient and tough lawyer who now is raising her eight-year-old daughter, Charlie (Joey King, "Ramona and Beezus"), as a single mom. Unwilling to let anything get in her way, she downsizes into a smaller house, and she hires Pete, a recovering gambling addict and unapologetic womanizer, as the contractor to re-do her kitchen. The remodeling job is Pete's last chance to prove that he is no longer a screw-up -- but he doesn't know what's about to hit him when he encounters the force of nature that is Alex -- nor does she realize that she's met her match in Pete, a man unafraid to call out her flaws. Jeffrey Tambor ("Arrested Development") also stars as Pete's father, Walt, an out-of-work actor, while Margo Harshman ("Sorority Row") stars as Alex's wild younger sister Screwsie. This romantic comedy from writer and executive producer Tad Quill ("Scrubs," "Spin City") and director Craig Zisk ("Nurse Jackie," "Weeds") will prove that these resilient characters are "bent, not broken." The series is produced by Universal Media Studios.


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House “After Hours” Advance Photos

Here are some advance photos from House “After Hours” which will air on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 8PM ET on Fox. The photos include Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein, Robert Sean Leonard, Olivia Wilde, and Jesse Spencer.

Photos by: Adam Taylor/NBC © NBCUniversal, Inc.


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