2008/2009 tv schedule

[Raph's Girl]

NBC has released their 2008/2009 schedule several weeks before the rest of the networks:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/36245

MONDAY
8-9 p.m. "Chuck"
9-10 p.m. "Heroes"
10-11 p.m. "MY OWN WORST ENEMY"

TUESDAY
8- 9:30 p.m. "The Biggest Loser: Families"
9:30-10 p.m. "KATH & KIM"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. "KNIGHT RIDER"
9-10 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
10-11 p.m. "Lipstick Jungle"

THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. "My Name Is Earl"
8:30-9 p.m. "30 Rock"
9- 9:30 p.m. "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. "The Office"/ "SNL THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE"
10-11 p.m. "ER"

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "CRUSOE"
9-10 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
10-11 p.m. "Life"

SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. "Dateline NBC"
9-10 p.m. "KNIGHT RIDER" (Encores)
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Encores)

SUNDAY
7- 8:20 p.m. "Football Night in America"
8:20-11 p.m. "NBC Sunday Night Football"

NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR WINTER 2009

MONDAY
8- 9 p.m. "Chuck"
9-10 p.m. "Heroes"
10-11 p.m. "THE PHILANTHROPIST"

TUESDAY
8- 9:30 p.m. "The Biggest Loser: Couples"
9:30-10 p.m. "KATH & KIM"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. "KNIGHT RIDER"
9-10 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order"

THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. "My Name Is Earl"
8:30-9 p.m. "30 Rock"
9- 9:30 p.m. "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. "THE OFFICE" SPINOFF
10-11 p.m. "ER"/"The Celebrity Apprentice"

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
9-10 p.m. "Friday Night Lights"
10-11 p.m. "Life"

SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. "Dateline NBC"
9-10 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Encores)
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order" (Encores)

SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. Specials/"Dateline NBC"
8-9 p.m. Specials/"MERLIN"
9-10 p.m. Specials/"Medium"
10-11 p.m. Specials/"KINGS"

NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR SUMMER 2009

MONDAY
8-9 p.m. "American Gladiators"
9-10 p.m. "AMERICA'S TOUGHEST JOBS"
10-11 p.m. "Dateline NBC"

TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. "Most Outrageous Moments"
9-10 p.m. "America's Got Talent"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Encores)

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. "SHARK TAGGERS"
9-10 p.m. "America's Got Talent" (Results Show)
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order" (Encores)

THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. "The Office" (Encores)
8:30- 9 p.m. "THE OFFICE" SPINOFF (Encores)
9-10 p.m. "Last Comic Standing"
10-11 p.m. "THE LISTENER"

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "CHOPPING BLOCK"
9-11 p.m. "Dateline NBC"

SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. Drama Encores
9-10 p.m. Drama Encores
10-11 p.m. Drama Encores

SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. "Dateline NBC"
8-9 p.m. "Monk"
9-10 p.m. "Nashville Star"
10-11 p.m. "KINGS" (Encores)

2008-09 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS:

NEW DRAMAS

MY OWN WORST ENEMY - Henry Spivey (Christian Slater, "Bobby") is a middle-class efficiency expert living a humdrum life in the suburbs with a wife, two kids, a dog, and a minivan. Edward Albright is an operative who speaks 13 languages, runs a four-minute mile, and is trained to kill with his teeth. Henry and Edward are polar opposites who share only one thing in common -- the same body. When the carefully constructed wall between them breaks down, Henry and Edward are thrust into unfamiliar territory where each man is dangerously out of his element. "My Own Worst Enemy" explores the duality of a man who is literally pitted against himself. And it raises the question: who can you trust when you can't trust yourself?

Christian Slater with Multiple personality disorder...yep...he's desperate for work.

KNIGHT RIDER -On the heels of NBC's hit movie, the iconic 1980s television classic comes roaring back to life as an updated drama series showcasing the new customized KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) Ford Mustang. As the sequel resumes, KITT is absolutely the coolest car ever created: its supercomputer capable of hacking almost any system; its weapons systems efficient; and its body -- thanks to its creator's work and nanotechnology -- is capable of actually shifting shape and color. It is the ultimate car -- and someone will be willing to do anything to obtain it. "Knight Rider" stars Justin Bruening ("Cold Case"), Deanna Russo ("NCIS"), Sydney Tamiia Poitier ("Veronica Mars") and Bruce Davison ("Breach").

Loved the pilot. Hopefully the Hoff will be in several eps

CRUSOE - Based on the legendary novel by Daniel Defoe, this is the tale of Robinson Crusoe. A young man leaves his true love to embark on an adventure -- only to end up shipwrecked on a remote tropical island for 28 years, completely detached from the life he once knew. His desire to return to his wife and his strong and unlikely friendship with Friday are the only things that keep him sane. While stranded, Crusoe encounters enemies and braves the elements. Equal parts "MacGyver," "Castaway" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," this series is an inspirational tale of survival rife with action and comedy. Power Entertainment produces "Crusoe."

Wait what? A tv series about Robinson Crusoe?! WTF?!

KINGS -- "Kings" is an inspiring exploration of the timeless David vs. Goliath struggle. The show is set in a modern metropolis under siege where the fighting has gone on for too long and cost far too many lives. When David Shepherd (Christopher Egan, "Resident Evil: Extinction"), a brave young soldier, rescues the king's (Golden Globe winner Ian McShane, "Deadwood") son from enemy territory, he sets events in motion that will finally bring peace. Suddenly, David is thrust into the limelight, earning the affections of women -- including the king's daughter. When he's promoted to captain, he becomes the reluctant poster boy for hope. But for David, the line between his allies and enemies will blur as the power players in the kingdom go to great lengths to see him fall.

Um.. ook

MERLIN - "Merlin" brings to life a new legend for a modern audience. "Merlin" is an exciting, hour-long fantasy series set in the mythic city of Camelot -- but inspired by 21st Century storytelling. Before Merlin (Colin Morgan, "Doctor Who") and Arthur (Bradley James, "Lewis") became legends, they were ambitious young men looking for adventure, hoping to live up to their family's expectations, discovering love and finding their own true destiny, making mistakes along the way. The innovative, action-packed drama has cross-generational appeal and paints a picture of Merlin and Arthur's early life that audiences have never witnessed before. Anthony Head ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), Richard Wilson ("A Passage to India"), Angel Coulby ("Magicians") and Katie McGrath ("The Tudors") also star.

Im an Arthurian lore fanatic and will DEFINATLY be watching this...

THE PHILANTHROPIST -- This one-hour drama is about a rebel with a cause. Teddy Rist loves women, money and power. After the tragic death of his only child, Teddy has an awakening and becomes the world's first vigilante philanthropist -- a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth, connections and power to help people in need. He'll do anything to achieve his goals -- bargain with the self-righteous, trade with the nefarious and even tell the truth. Instead of spending $25,000 a plate at a fundraiser, he's dodging bullets in third-world countries to hand-deliver vaccine. It's a global adventure that will take viewers to the ends of the Earth and will inspire them as well.

Um...so...Batman or Green Arrow with a twist

THE LISTENER -- In this one-hour drama, Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik, "The Runaway") is a 24-year-old paramedic living with a secret: he can read people's minds. This telepathic procedural takes viewers into the heart of a tortured hero who struggles to solve crimes with his unique gift. Week-to-week, "The Listener" balances high-stakes drama with irreverent humor and sends Toby on an intellectual and emotional adventure. Ennis Esmer ("The Path to 9/11") also stars.

.

Aww...they gave Prof. Xavier his own series...

NEW COMEDIES

THE OFFICE SPINOFF - From Greg Daniels, the executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning American version of NBC's "The Office," comes the most highly anticipated comedy of the season in "The Office" spinoff. Audiences will follow another comic journey, complete with new faces and new locations, but with the same unique sense of humor and brand of quality from Daniels and his creative team. It's the next chapter of what viewers have come to know and love about "The Office."

Is there a spin-off of the British version??

KATH & KIM -- They're the most dysfunctional duo in suburbia. Kath Day (Molly Shannon, NBC's "Saturday Night Live") is the mom, a foxy, 40-something divorcée who finally has time for herself and her valiant search for love. Kim Day (Selma Blair, "Hellboy," "Hellboy II") is the daughter, a self-absorbed princess recently separated from her husband who finds consolation in stuffing her face. When Kim decides to move back home, Kath reluctantly agrees -- but to Kim's chagrin, Kath is not about to cater to her every whim as she has in the past. Based on the most successful comedy in Australia of the same name, Kath and Kim are two brassy women who prefer the finer things in life like acrylic nails, big hair and faux diamond chips. The series is produced by Universal Media Studios and Reveille. The executive producer/writer is Michelle Nader ("The King of Queens") and the executive producer/director is Paul Feig ("Freaks and Geeks," "The Office"). Gina Riley, Jane Turner and Rick McKenna also are executive producers.

Oh great...now we're getting shows from Australia....

[Raph's Girl]

SNL THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE - Dubbed "TV's funniest and most influential political player" by Entertainment Weekly, "SNL" expands its "Weekend Update" coverage to Thursdays in primetime for three live half-hour shows beginning October 16. With all of the excitement and attention around "Saturday Night Live" during the presidential primaries, the anticipation for the show's take on this Fall's election will be at a fever pitch, "SNL Thursday Night Live" will keep the momentum -- and the laughs -- going. The program is a production of Broadway Video in association with SNL Studios. Lorne Michaels is the executive producer.

Do we REALLY need TNL???

CHOPPING BLOCK -- It's time to sharpen your knives! It's not just about the meal, it's about the business of food. From the producers of "Hell's Kitchen," original rock-star chef Marco Pierre White comes to America to host the ultimate food fight on NBC -- a new reality competition set in the high-drama, high-stakes world of New York City restaurants. The cooks are given a grilling over the course of the series. The teams, which are made up of couples, will be tested in challenges that vary from having less than a week to design and revamp a restaurant space to planning a menu and creating a signature dish. The winning couple will get a chance to have their dreams come true -- opening their very own restaurant in Manhattan. The series is produced by Granada America.

I love cooking shows like this

AMERICA'S TOUGHEST JOBS - From creator/executive producer Thom Beers ("Deadliest Catch," "Ice Road Truckers") and executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun, "America's Toughest Jobs" is a new extreme competition series that will test 12 people who venture out of their safe, comfortable careers and are injected into some of the most challenging, dangerous and demanding jobs on earth. From logging high in the Oregon Forest to oil drilling on the Texas range, or from driving icy roads to extreme fishing -- each job requires guts and stamina, and they'll have to live up to the same standards as the pros. In the end, their new boss and co-workers will determine success or failure, and those who don't make the grade get sent home. Upping the ante, the annual salary of each job will be thrown into the pot until the finale, where one rookie will take home the well-earned cash. "America's Toughest Jobs" is created by executive producer Beers and is produced by Original Productions and BermanBraun.

Um...I thought that was the plot of Dirty Jobs??

SHARK TAGGERS -- From creator/executive producer Thom Beers ("Deadliest Catch," "Ice Road Truckers") and executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun, "Shark Taggers" is a one-hour reality series that follows daring marine biologists as they track down the ocean's top predators and hand-tag them with cutting-edge satellite transmitters or investigate bull sharks' sudden attacks on surfers. The series is produced by Original Productions and BermanBraun.

I love Deadliest catch, Ice Road Truckers, Tuna Wranglers, and Lobstermen/Lobster Wars. Im sure I'll love this as well!

MOST OUTRAGEOUS MOMENTS -- This half-hour show proves that anything can happen when the cameras keep rolling. Audiences can enjoy hilarious outtakes from some of NBC's most popular shows, as well as outrageous moments from home videos, newscasts, game shows and commercials from around the globe. "Most Outrageous Moments" is produced by Universal Media Studios and Scott Satin Productions. Scott Satin ("Who Wants to Be a Superhero?") serves as executive producer.

Kewl.... Bloopers rock!

NEW EVENTS/MINISERIES/MOVIES

THE LAST TEMPLAR -- In this four-hour miniseries, Oscar winner Mira Sorvino ("Mighty Aphrodite") stars in an epic action-adventure tale about the greatest mystery of our time. At the New york Metropolitan Museum, four horsemen dressed as 12th century knights storm the gala opening of an exhibition of Vatican treasures and steal an arcane medieval decoder. For archaeologist Tess Chaykin (Sorvino) and FBI agent Sean Daly (Scott Foley, "The Unit"), this is just the start of a suspenseful game of cat and mouse as they race across three continents in search of the enemy -- and the lost secret of the Knights Templar. The miniseries is produced by MUSE Entertainment Enterprises. Victor Garber ("Alias") and Omar Sharif ("Doctor Zhivago") also star.

Hopefully this will be just as good as the book. But I doubt it.

XIII - "XIII" is a high-stakes cat-and-mouse thriller starring Val Kilmer ("The Doors") and Stephen Dorff ("World Trade Center"). This adrenaline-charged miniseries begins dramatically as the first female U.S. President is shot dead by a sniper during her Veteran's Day speech. Three months later, a wounded man is found tattered in a forest with no memory of his identity. The only clue is a tattoo on his neck, "XIII." Could his lightning-fast reflexes and killer instincts betray him as the presidential assassin that the U.S. is desperately searching for? Submerged in a far-reaching conspiracy, which threatens to overthrow the entire government, XIII's identity becomes the key to unraveling a complex and dangerous secret that will shock and excite. From the first bullet, this gripping action-thriller will leave audiences gasping for more. "XIII" is produced by Prodigy Pictures and Cipango.

This is based on a comic book series. I need to read it.

[Ra]

Originally Posted by Raph's Girl

Oh great...now we're getting shows from Australia....

And what's so bad about that?

Don't knock 'til you've tried it. Really. I loved the first two seasons to death, and I love watching the odd episode when I can. Then again, it has quite a bit of Australian humor in it...but you really can't help but laugh at some of the things they do and say. Like Sharon, "The Second-Best Friend".



My god she's a riot...

But back to the shows...eh. I've noticed a trend retelling classic stories this time...notably David and Goliath, the tales of King Arther, Robinson Crusoe...but that's just me. Hopefully they'll do it right. Other than that, I'm a bit disappointed with what they've got on offer this year. Oh well. Hopefully I'll be able to check out Merlin and possibly Crusoe to see what's on offer.

[Drtooth]

I'm gonna have to check out Knight Rider. Wasn't able to catch the movie. I suppose that since they picked it up, they'll air it again just before it premires.

Some of those shows sound good, but still more reality? Yeah, it's cheaper to produce, but I'd think by now everyone's sick of that stuff. 2 More versions of the Biggest Loser too? I figured by now people were tired of the pretending to be healthy fad, and moving on to the pretending to care about the environment fad. Anyway to exploit that?

Do we REALLY need TNL???

I bet its just as unfunny, maybe even unfunnier than current SNL. Seriously, Kenan Thompson has to most talent in that cast allong with Darryl Hammond... and thye just see to focus on the same type of humor every single week. At least this way, no one has to stay up late to watch it. I'd think if they did an SNL show for Thursdays, they'd go with compilation type shows, like "Best of Commercials" etc. Cheap to produce, and all. But it is indeed a waiting period for the next series.

That Office Spinoff? is that true? I thought someone told me it was an April Fool's prank.

THE PHILANTHROPIST -- This one-hour drama is about a rebel with a cause. Teddy Rist loves women, money and power. After the tragic death of his only child, Teddy has an awakening and becomes the world's first vigilante philanthropist -- a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth, connections and power to help people in need. He'll do anything to achieve his goals -- bargain with the self-righteous, trade with the nefarious and even tell the truth. Instead of spending $25,000 a plate at a fundraiser, he's dodging bullets in third-world countries to hand-deliver vaccine. It's a global adventure that will take viewers to the ends of the Earth and will inspire them as well.

I could almost swear this is a remake of something. I swear I heard the title "The Phianthropist" was used before. Unless I'm thinking of something else. Man, other than these reality shows, these all sound pretty interresting.

[Roseangelo]

Originally Posted by Drtooth

I bet its just as unfunnier, maybe even unfunnier than current SNL.

It's only for three weeks and it's just a Weekend Update-type segment that will deal with the Presidential race in the weeks before election day.

That Office Spinoff? is that true? I thought someone told me it was an April Fool's prank.

Yup, that's true. Just so long as this doesn't bring down The Office with it, as I don't have much faith in this spinoff.

[Drtooth]

Originally Posted by Roseangelo

Yup, that's true. Just so long as this doesn't bring down The Office with it, as I don't have much faith in this spinoff.

Okay, actually, the news was posted a day after, so, I'm gonna go ahead and post the "office" news:
http://www.officetally.com/the-offic...-off-announced

Basically it states "One has been announced." I don't even know if they've developed it yet.

But I see those SNL things being presidential race related. But if they do one more gag about how the media loves Obama and Hates Hillary again, I'm gonna lose it. I'm pretty sure, given both sources, there's quite a bit more comedy between those two than they'd care to do. The cartoons are still hillarious, though. Too bad they're in one out of every 3 or 4 episodes.

[Sewer Bull]

Originally Posted by Ra

And what's so bad about that?

Cos' you Aussies suck! D=

[GK Punk]

Originally Posted by Drtooth

I bet its just as unfunnier, maybe even unfunnier than current SNL.

You made my brain explode

[Drtooth]

Originally Posted by GK

You made my brain explode

I was thinking faster than I could type again. I never proofread this stuff you know. Either way, the sentiment still stands.

[FireFly]

DUDE XIII is getting TV series nice last time i heard anything dealing with it in the US was when the video game came out thing is great maybe now it will get a second chance at popular fame.....or it could be a lead balloon can't wait to hear more tho

[Raph's Girl]

Originally Posted by FireFly

DUDE XIII is getting TV series nice last time i heard anything dealing with it in the US was when the video game came out thing is great maybe now it will get a second chance at popular fame.....or it could be a lead balloon can't wait to hear more tho

XIII is not getting full series treatment. It's a mini-series.

[FireFly]

still nice to know theirs still hope for it in the United States plus i just read theres a XIII movie coming out later this year so i'm happy

[Raph's Girl]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080510/tv_nm/fox_dc_2

Fox has made the first series pickup of the network "upfront" season, ordering the comedy "The Inn," described as "Upstairs/Downstairs" set at a hip New York hotel.

"The Inn" stars Niecy Nash and Jerry O'Connell.

The network also renewed the sophomore-season sitcom "'Til Death," starring Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher.

In a somewhat surprising move, Fox opted not to bring back freshman comedy "Back to You" for a second season. The TV-newsroom-set show was created by Christopher Lloyd and stars Kelsey Grammer and Patrica Heaton.

"'Til Death" and "Back to You" -- both multicamera sitcoms -- have run in a block to OK but not spectacular ratings. With its marquee talent in front of and behind the camera, however, "Back to You" is a far more expensive production.

Dangit!!! I love "Back To You"!! Figures....*shakes her fists at FOX*

[A little *too* Raph]

Glad to see Chuck is coming back, I love that show. I really hope heroes is good this year, I don't know about everyone else but I was pretty let down the first 2 seasons.

[Raph's Girl]

Originally Posted by A little *too* Raph

Glad to see Chuck is coming back, I love that show. I really hope heroes is good this year, I don't know about everyone else but I was pretty let down the first 2 seasons.

Heroes is gonna be interesting since more villians are gonna be introduced, like Speedster (supposadly Hiro's arch-nemesis. Comparing her to the Joker).

[Drtooth]

Fox has made the first series pickup of the network "upfront" season, ordering the comedy "The Inn," described as "Upstairs/Downstairs" set at a hip New York hotel.

"The Inn" stars Niecy Nash and Jerry O'Connell.

The network also renewed the sophomore-season sitcom "'Til Death," starring Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher.

In a somewhat surprising move, Fox opted not to bring back freshman comedy "Back to You" for a second season. The TV-newsroom-set show was created by Christopher Lloyd and stars Kelsey Grammer and Patrica Heaton.

"'Til Death" and "Back to You" -- both multicamera sitcoms -- have run in a block to OK but not spectacular ratings. With its marquee talent in front of and behind the camera, however, "Back to You" is a far more expensive production.

I have to tell you, back to You really sounded like a one season wonder. Not that I would call it a bad show, but the Freshman blues kept it from becoming what it could have been. They spent so much time establishing everything, it took them forver to move forward Plus, well, any show where Fred Willard isn't drop dead hillarious just gets a D in my book. His character had a lot more potential, if he wasn't awash with cliches. And not even endearing ones. (though the fact he had that Sex grotto in the bed room, with the lude paintings that made everybody puke was the funniest bit I've seen in a while, to tell the truth). Seems to me, if they DID renew it, they could have really improved it in the second season. Now that we've moved to the part where his illigitamate daughter actually aknowledged him, there could have been some great material in season 2.

But then again, I wouldn't be surprised if a large percentage of the viewers thought BTY was going to be Frasier due to the star of the show. That always damns a show, when the general public doesn't shake off the actor's prior roles.
Though I will say the nervous Kenny-esque (Kenny from Frasier) producer brought the show down quite a lot for me. The nervous sweaty guy joke isn't that funny anymore.

However, I will say this... what the shell compelled them to renew Till Death? All it is is King of Queens recast, without anyone in the Arthur Role (unless that crazy African American guy he "adopted" as a little brother counts). The dialogue is interchangable. half the time it seems that the main characters are just reinacting unused KOQ scripts. Of course, same writers, same production company... if Brad Garret wasn't so good in it, it would really have been a waste.

But when is Fox going to get a successful live action sitcom? Seems like when Malcom went off the air, they have been struggling... even before that, they didn't have anything that long lasting (Grrrr for them canning Andy Richter Controls the Universe and then putting him in that routine Quints show). But as long as they don't bring back that horrible Farrley Brothers produced crap. That was an ordeal. If the entire show relies on jokes about Indian people's accents, then you know you've got a failure.

Though I will say this. I grew to really like CBS's Big Bang show. At least they treat their resident Indian character as a character, not a buffoon with a funny voice.

[Raph's Girl]

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=14&cs=1

The verdict is in, and “Boston Legal” will indeed be back on ABC next fall.

Show had been at the center of a tug-of-war between ABC and David E. Kelley Prods.

At issue: ABC wants to greenlight the pilot “Life on Mars,” but Kelley owns the rights to the show (an adaptation of the BBC drama of the same name).

Kelley has expressed his intention to leave “Mars” (Daily Variety, May 7) – but in order for the show to continue without him, first needed to negotiate his departure.

That’s where Kelley’s beloved “Legal” comes in. Show has a loyal, but small audience – and wasn’t a lock to return for another season.

But insiders now say that a deal has been reached between ABC, Kelley and 20th Century Fox TV, and “Legal” indeed will be back for a fifth season.

“Mars,” meanwhile, hasn’t been officially ordered to series yet – but a deal appears to be imminent. ABC did not confirm the pickup.

Critically acclaimed “Legal” stars Emmy winners James Spader and William Shatner as litigators Alan Shore and Denny Crane. Cast also includes Candice Bergen and John Larroquette. Bill D’Elia exec produces with Kelley.

Once Kelley’s departure is finalized, ABC Studios is expected to join 20th Century Fox TV as a co-producer on the drama. Also, “October Road” exec producers Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg are in line to take over as showrunners.

Kelley first began developing the U.S. adaptation of “Mars” in 2006, when he obtained the rights.

At the time, ABC gave the show a put pilot commitment, with Kelley set to write the script and exec produce.

"Life on Mars," which was in contention for last year, but rolled to this development season after Kelley couldn't find a proper lead for the show.

Jason O'Mara was eventually tapped last summer to play the lead, a 21st century detective who somehow finds himself transported to the 1970s -- where he encounters a serial killer who may have something to do with the present-day abduction of his girlfriend.

Kudos Film and TV, which was behind the original, is also a producer on the U.S. version.

Woohoo!!! Denny Crane!!!

[Drtooth]

Hey, Scrubs is still a go for ABC, right? I just want to see the decent ending the creators wanted to make, that the writers strike hampered.

[Raph's Girl]

ABC has released it's fall schedule. Note: This fall will be the FINAL season for Boston Legal

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/36736

NEW FALL SERIES

DRAMA

"LIFE ON MARS"
"Life on Mars" is based on the BBC series created by Matthew Graham, Tony Jordan and Ashley Pharoah. The series revolves around Sam Tyler, a modern-day police detective who, after a car crash, mysteriously finds himself transported back to 1973 and still working as a detective.
"Life on Mars" stars Jason O' Mara as Sam Tyler, Rachelle LeFevre as Annie Cartwright, Colm Meaney as Gene Hunt, Stephanie Jacobsen as Maya, Lenny Clarke as George Randall, Patrick Wenk-Wolff as Colin Raimes and Richard Benjamin as Milton Kornboll.

ALTERNATIVE

"OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS"
"Opportunity Knocks" is a new show that breaks the mold of typical game and reality shows. We will be showing up on America's doorstep and testing how well they know their family. Our mobile team will arrive at "Anywhere, America" in a semi-truck that is full of flat screen TVs, new furniture and big cash prizes that the family can win right there. We will take the action of a game show directly into our contestants' homes, setting up shop in a family's front lawn. The instant our host, JD Roth, knocks on the front door, the game will begin. Hollywood will invade a suburban neighborhood, and each week one lucky family will play the game of a lifetime in front of all their friends and neighbors.
The host poses trivia questions to family members based directly on their lives, each other and articles found in and around their home. If they're able to prove they know their family inside and out, they'll win the prizes of their dreams.

RETURNING FALL SERIES:

DRAMA

"BOSTON LEGAL"
Led by an Emmy Award-winning cast, "Boston Legal" returns for a fifth season to tell the professional and personal stories of a group of brilliant but often emotionally-challenged attorneys. Fast-paced and wildly comedic, the series confronts social and moral issues, while its characters continually stretch the boundaries of the law.

"BROTHERS & SISTERS"
"Brothers & Sisters" continues to follow the California-based Walker family through the complicated maze of American life today. The compelling one-hour drama series is about a collection of five enmeshed and somewhat damaged adult siblings and their strong but passionately devoted mother, Nora Holden (Oscar and Emmy Award winner Sally Field).

"DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES"
A primetime soap with a contemporary take on the "happily ever after," "Desperate Housewives" takes a darkly comedic look at suburbia, where the secret lives of housewives aren't always what they seem.

"DIRTY SEXY MONEY"
Power, privilege and family money are a volatile cocktail. Living proof of this are the Darlings of New York City, so absurdly wealthy, they put the "upper" in Upper East Side. This preeminent family are always getting mixed up with the wrong people and finding themselves in the middle of bad situations. It'll take a miracle to take care of the legal and sometimes illegal needs of the Darlings. That miracle comes in the form of Nick George.

"ELI STONE"
Eli Stone is a partnership-track associate lawyer with a beautiful fiance and a forgotten dream to change the world, when one day a vision of George Michael singing his song "Faith" leads him to a case defending the rights of a college sweetheart and her son. Propelled on a journey of self-discovery and guided by more mysterious visions, Eli is either suffering from delusions associated with a brain aneurysmor receiving a call from God to become a modern-day prophet.

"GREY'S ANATOMY"
"Grey's Anatomy" is the recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Television Series and multiple Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series for the past two years.
The doctors of Seattle Grace Hospital deal with life-or-death consequences on a daily basis it's in one another that they find comfort, friendship and, at times, more than friendship. Together they're discovering that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white. Real life only comes in shades of grey.

"PRIVATE PRACTICE"
Having left behind Seattle Grace Hospital for Los Angeles and a new life full of promise, Addison Montgomery has joined the medical team at Oceanside Wellness Center, where the doctors are dedicated pros; it's their private lives that need a little practice.

"PUSHING DAISIES"
From Bryan Fuller ("Heroes," "Wonderfalls") and Barry Sonnenfeld ("Men in Black") comes a series with an unprecedented blend of romance, fantasy and mystery, "Pushing Daisies," a forensic fairytale about Ned, a young man with a very special gift. As a young boy Ned discovers that he can return the dead briefly back to life with just one touch. But his random gift isn't without deadly consequences as he soon finds out. In its first season, this critically-acclaimed series received three Golden Globe nominations.

"UGLY BETTY"
In the superficial world of high fashion, image is everything. Styles come and go, and the only constants are the super thin beauties who wear them. How can an ordinary girl from Queens possibly fit in?
If you took a moment to get to know Betty Suarez, you'd see how sweet, intelligent and hard-working she is (if a bit fashion-challenged). When publishing mogul Bradford Meade handed the reigns of Mode, the bible of the fashion industry, over to this son, Daniel, he specifically hired Betty as his son's new assistant mostly because she was the only woman Daniel wouldn't sleep with. Both outsiders in their own way, Daniel and Betty form an unlikely team, each helping the other navigate the choppy waters of NYC's fashion scene.
Lindsay Lohan will appear in a five-episode arc as Kimberly.

COMEDY

"SAMANTHA WHO?"
What if you had the chance to start over, to do it all again? For Samantha Newly (Christina Applegate), this fantasy becomes a reality after a hit-and-run accident leaves her in an eight-day coma. When she awakens in the hospital, she is surrounded by family and friends. The only problem is that she has no idea who they are or who she is. In medical terms, Sam has retrograde amnesia, which allows her to fully function in the world but leaves her with no personal memories. Most people would deem this disorder a curse. But Sam has come to call it a miracle.

ALTERNATIVE

"AMERICA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS"
Currently in its 18th season, and the longest-running primetime show in ABC history, "America's Funniest Home Videos" features adults, children, pets and even inanimate objects at their spontaneous best. Tom Bergeron is the host. In its 18 seasons to date, "America's Funniest Home Videos" has given away over $10 million in prize money and evaluated more than half a million videotapes from home viewers.

"DANCING WITH THE STARS"
Hosted by Tom Bergeron ("America's Funniest Home Videos") and Samantha Harris ("E! Entertainment"), celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which are judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

"EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION"
Put together one very run-down house, a deserving family, several opinionated designers, seven days and what do you get? The answer is "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." The show has won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality Program, as well as the People's Choice Award for Favorite Reality Show/Makeover and the Family Television Award for Best Alternative/Reality Program.
Beginning this season, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" began featuring green elements on every episode with eco-friendly, low energy and recyclable sources being incorporated into the builds.

"SUPERNANNY"
Jo Frost criss-crosses America taking on some of its toughest parenting challenges. Hailed by the New York Times as "fascinating" and "required viewing," praised by Oprah Winfrey, David Letterman and Kelly Ripa, acclaimed by such publications as Newsweek, Hollywood Reporter and The New Yorker, and lauded by parents and nannies across America, "Supernanny" is a hit. Jo Frost, as Supernanny, can tame the wildest toddler, soothe the most savage six-year-old and get even the most difficult child to overcome problems with behavior, sleep, mealtime, potty training and other challenges that have vexed parents around the world for centuries.

"WIFE SWAP"
"Wife Swap," the critically-acclaimed unscripted reality show that takes us into the intimate heart of the American family home, revealing the extraordinarily different ways families live their lives, is currently airing its fourth season.
Each week from across the country, two families with very different values are chosen to take part in a two-week long challenge. The wives from these two families exchange husbands, children and lives (but not bedrooms) to discover just what it's like to live another woman's life. It's a mind-blowing experiment that often ends up changing their lives forever.

NEW MIDSEASON SERIES

COMEDY

"THE GOODE FAMILY"
A new animated series from Mike Judge, creator of "King of the Hill." "The Goode Family" is obsessed with doing the "right" thing, whether it's environmentally, politically or socially. Unfortunately their efforts often have unintended comic consequences.
"The Goode Family" is voiced by Mike Judge as Gerald, Nancy Carell as Helen, Dave Herman as Ubuntu and Abby Elliot as Bliss.

[Raph's Girl]

"SCRUBS"
"Scrubs" focuses on the strange experiences of Dr. John Dorian, or "J.D.," a medical resident, as he continues on his healing career in a surreal hospital, crammed full of unpredictable staffers and patients -- where humor and tragedy can collide at any time.

ALTERNATIVE

"UNTITLED ASHTON KUTCHER/TYRA BANKS PROJECT"
A beauty pageant unlike any you've ever seen, from executive producers Ashton Kutcher and Tyra Banks.

OTHER RETURNING SERIES

DRAMA

"LOST"
Awarded the 2005 Emmy and 2006 Golden Globe for Best Drama Series, "Lost's" action-packed mystery and adventure continues to bring out the very best and very worst in the people who are lost.
COMEDY

"ACCORDING TO JIM"
"According to Jim" returns for its eighth successful season as the macho "Everyman" who adores his family.
Jim (Jim Belushi) has it all: a gorgeous wife, Cheryl (Courtney Thorne-Smith), whom he challenges with his stubborn manliness but contagious charm; three precocious kids, Ruby (Taylor Atelian), Gracie (Billi Bruno) and Kyle (Conner Rayburn); and his brother-in-law, Andy (Larry Joe Campbell), his best friend, business partner and "partner in crime."

ALTERNATIVE

"THE BACHELOR"
ABC's "The Bachelor" is the original primetime romance reality series that offers one lucky man and 25 lucky women the unique opportunity to find true love.

ABC NEWS

"PRIMETIME: WHAT WOULD YOU DO?"
Using hidden cameras, "Primetime: What Would You Do?" sets up everyday scenarios and then captures people's reactions. Whether people are compelled to act or mind their own business, John Quiones reports on their split-second and often surprising decision-making process.
People often talk about how they think they would act in a difficult situation, but this series looks at how they actually do in the face of everyday dilemmas that test their character and values.

MONDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars"
9:30 p.m. "Samantha Who?"
10:00 p.m. "Boston Legal"

TUESDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Opportunity Knocks"
9:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show"
10:00 p.m. "Eli Stone"

WEDNESDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Pushing Daisies"
9:00 p.m. "Private Practice"
10:00 p.m. "Dirty Sexy Money"

THURSDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Ugly Betty"
9:00 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy"
10:00 p.m. "Life on Mars"

FRIDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Wife Swap"
9:00 p.m. "Supernanny"
10:00 p.m. "20/20"

SATURDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Saturday Night College Football"

SUNDAY:
7:00 p.m. "America's Funniest Home Videos"
8:00 p.m. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
9:00 p.m. "Desperate Housewives"
10:00 p.m. "Brothers & Sisters"

Raph's Girl note: WTF?! They're moving Boston Legal to Mondays?! Argh!!! Stop switching the days ABC!! Yeesh!! :/