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? The series is produced by Universal Media Studios. Jason Smilovic ("Kidnapped") is the executive producer; David Semel (director of the "American Dreams," "Heroes" and "Life" pilots) is the director and executive producer.
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"). David Bartis ("Heist," "The O.C."), Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Bourne Identity") and Gary Scott Thompson ("Las Vegas," "The Fast and The Furious") are executive producers and David Andron serves as supervising producer and writer. Based on characters created by Glen Larson, "Knight Rider" is from Universal Media Studios and Dutch Oven Productions.
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."
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. From the director (Francis Lawrence) of the blockbuster movie "I Am Legend" comes the ultimate story of David vs. Goliath, and there's no telling who will win. Sebastian Stan ("Gossip Girl") also stars. "Kings" is a production of Universal Media Studios; Michael Green (NBC's "Heroes") is the executive producer. Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend") is the director and executive producer and Erwin Stoff ("I Am Legend") also is executive producer.
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. A FremantleMedia Enterprises distribution of a Shine production for BBC.
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. "The Philanthropist" is produced by Universal Media Studios, Original Media and the Levinson/Fontana Company. Tom Fontana ("Homicide: Life on the Street"), Barry Levinson ("Homicide: Life on the Street") and Charlie Corwin ("L.A. Ink") are the executive producers; Jim Juvonen is a co-executive producer.
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. "The Listener" is a production of Program Partners and Shaftesbury Films. The executive producers are Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Michael Amo, Russ Cochrane, Glen Davis and Bill Laurin.
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."
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.
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.
NEW ALTERNATIVE
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Emmy Award-winning television impresario Robert Halmi Sr. ("Tin Man," "Gulliver's Travels"), Robert Halmi, Jr. ("The Poseidon Adventure," "The Christmas Card"), and Michael Prupas ("Human Trafficking") will executive-produce the miniseries.
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.
"Office" spinoff release:
NBC SHOWCASES GREG DANIELS' "THE OFFICE"
AND HIS NEW "OFFICE" SPINOFF
IN COVETED POST SUPER BOWL TIMESLOT
NEW YORK — April 2, 2008 NBC announced today that the most coveted time period of the coming season, the post Super Bowl slot, will be used to launch a spinoff of the network's hit comedy series, "The Office." Immediately following NBC Sports' coverage of Super Bowl XLIII, the network will first present an original episode of "The Office," followed by the debut of the new Greg Daniels comedy. The Super Bowl has been perennially the biggest television event of the broadcast season and was watched this year by a total audience of more than 148 million viewers. Giving this new series that coveted premiere slot will afford the show tremendous sampling from all demographic groups.
Greg Daniels, Executive Producer of "The Office," said, "Who would have ever thought that Americans would be subjected to a mock-documentary after the Superbowl? What has happened to this country?"
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."
NBC digital offerings release:
NBC DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS MORE VIDEO, ORIGINAL CONTENT AND INTERACTIVITY FOR SUMMER AND FALL SEASON PROGRAMMING
"Heroes," "Chuck" And "The Office" Webisodes On NBC.com Beginning July '08
"30 Rock" Goes "360" With Jack Donaghy's Online Business Courses
Original Digital Production "Fears, Secrets & Desires" Launches This Summer
NEW YORK — April 2, 2008 NBC Digital Entertainment today announced its full slate of content for the Summer and Fall seasons. Among the highlights are original webisodes for "Heroes," "Chuck" and "The Office" as well as "30 Rock 360," a new original digital production - "Fears, Secrets & Lies" and extensive digital features for each new show. The announcements were made by Vivi Zigler, Executive Vice President, NBC Digital Entertainment.
"The breadth and depth of our digital content is literally exploding this season," said Zigler. "We're incredibly lucky to have such collaborative writers, producers and actors to work with, all of whom help us make the entertainment experience so much richer for our users."
New chapters of webisodes for "Heroes," "Chuck" and "The Office" will debut on NBC.com beginning in July. Additional chapters of webisodes for each show will roll out throughout the season. Each chapter of webisodes will continue to weave online with on-air creative to give fans a deeper entertainment experience.
"30 Rock" joins "The Office," "Heroes" and "Lipstick Jungle," and goes "360" next season. Fans of the Emmy-winning comedy can learn from the best through Jack Donaghy's Online Business Courses (or "Jack U"), have access to Jack's blog and offer their own business advice by uploading videos. Other challenges for users will include submitting skits for "TGS," enacting provided skits from "TGC," user response to "Ask Tina" and guided tours of their workplaces (in response to Kenneth the Page's tours).
NBC.com will also debut its second season of original productions with "Fears, Secrets & Desires." This series, detailed below, will be available exclusively on NBC.com.
A comprehensive list of digital features, by show, follows.
Original Digital Production:
"Fears, Secrets, & Desires" — In this unique online experience users help create an original online series by sharing their deepest, darkest secrets, their unimaginable fears and their scandalous desires. Two hosts will entice and inspire users by sharing their own stories, as well as providing discussion topics each week via vlogs. Users will submit stories in one of three areas on the site: Fears, Secrets or Desires. Starting in October 2008, selected posts will be adapted for an online NBC Anthology series that brings the posts to life with creative interpretation meant to tease, tantalize or terrify. Segments will be produced both in-house at NBC.com, and by Hollywood talent normally associated with the big or small screens, not necessarily the computer screen.
Returning Shows:
"American Gladiators" — The site explodes with a User Generated Photo Gallery – "Be A Gladiator," Gladiator personality quiz, and Ultimate Gladiator Workout and advice from the Gladiators.
"Biggest Loser" — Users will be able to see more confessional videos, extended "Where Are They Now?" segments, bonus scenes and customized features which will include recipe sharing and contests and fitness tips, widgets and games.
"Chuck" — In addition to the new webisodes, fans of the show will be able to join Buy More and take Big Mike's Management Lessons and see inside the Nerd Herd "Help Desk" as well as get a look at the villains photo gallery and check out the Buy More Music Section (featuring music from the show).
"Deal or No Deal" — New content includes video profiles of the models, a quarterly tournament with an online game and a highly anticipated new PSMS game.
"ER" — New features include weekly preview scenes.
"Heroes" — Season 3 of "Heroes 360" expands the "Heroes" universe further with webisodes, online manhunts for the villains, the addition of more micro sites that allow the users to uncover more of the "Heroes" universe, wireless iTV interactivity and the ability to view the graphic novel on mobile platforms.
"Last Comic Standing" — Users can see extended audition footage, a User Generated "You're Funny" showcase and weekly international commentary from former finalist Deb DiGiovanni.
"Late Night with Conan O'Brien" — If They Mated; Actual Items; Celebrity Survey; Travels with Conan (customization available); Late Night Underground hosted by Late Night Insider; REWIND; Pale Force New Season
"Law & Order: SVU" — Popular weekly previews give fans a sneak peek into what's ahead.
"Life" — New content features include an interactive prison timeline giving the fans a chance to see what happened while Charlie Crews was incarcerated, a User Generated conspiracy wall and a "Life" Wiki.
"Lipstick Jungle" — In addition to popular existing features such as "Get The Look" Online Store, fans will find a mobile shopping guide and new additions to the online Bonfire Magazine.
"Medium" — Users can recreate their favorite "Allison Waking Up In Bed After a Nightmare" scene, upload it and share.
"Nashville Star" — New content features include original behind-the-scenes segments with online correspondent Wix Wichman, extended audition clips, weekly highlights, behind-the-scenes photos, quizzes, games and featured music.
"The Office" — In addition to new webisodes, this mega micro-site has it all for fans of "The Office." Returning features include deleted scenes, Dwight's blog, User Generated office galleries, Adventures with Dwight bobblehead gallery, Office quote game, Office personality quiz, Adventures with Angela page, an interactive photo set tour and season two of Dunder Mifflin Infinity, the on line community where fans get a chance to run the branches.
"Saturday Night Live" — Users will get a VIP tour backstage with weekly production blogs and video tours.
"The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" — Jay's Garage enters its third season and opens it up to the users to create their own Garage pages. An historical "Tonight Show" timeline will also be introduced this season.
New Shows:
"America's Toughest Jobs" — Features will include in-depth contestant profiles, challenge analysis and an online survival game.
"Celebrity Family Feud" — Fans will find celebrity family bios, interviews, photos and profiles.
"Chopping Block" — Digital features will include featured recipes delivered via web, mobile and SMS and a New York City restaurant guide.
"Kath & Kim" — NBC.com will have full episode streaming accompanied by weekly "wine time" segments – featuring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair as their characters discuss the week in pop-culture, fashion and neighborhood gossip, beauty Q & A and Kim dating profiles powered by myNBC.
"Kings" — Digital features will include city sites for Shiloh, Gilboah and Gath, creating a deeper experience for the user. Additionally, viewers will find videos about the King's ascension to power, a family history expose and full streaming episodes.
"Knight Rider" — Fans of the show will find a "KITT" My Ride feature, weekly KITT voicemails to mobile subscribers, talking KITT e-cards and streaming full episodes.
"The Last Templar" — Digital features will include a Guide to the Templars, Making Of video pieces, interactive decoder games and full streaming episodes.
"Merlin" — Digital features will include Merlin's diary and Spells for Everyday Life.
"My Own Worst Enemy" — New content features will include an alter ego game, dossiers on supporting characters, an archive of Edward and Henry video messages to each other and a split site (suburbs v. international intrigue).
"The Philanthropist"— In addition to full streaming episodes, users will find Giving Back tips, Teddy's Lifestyle game and money tracker files.
"Crusoe" — Digital features will include extended flashback scenes, an interactive adventure game, Crusoe's diary and full episode streaming.
"Shark Taggers" — Fans will be able to meet the taggers through video profiles, interact with a Tag the Shark game and watch deleted scenes.
"XIII" — Digital features will include interactive mobile events synched to the live broadcast and full episode streaming.
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