fall 2010 schedule: nbc

Last night, I was perusing the next week two weeks of scheduled programming on my DVR because that's what I do during my free time), and there they were....new season premieres!

It's time to get down to business and analyze the full fall schedule. In past seasons, I've broken down the schedule by day of the week, but decided to go by network this year. So, we'll do NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, and CW/Misc. over the next week (premieres will start rolling out the week of 9/13). We'll look at new and returning shows, and at the end, I'll give you a rundown on what will be on my personal TV schedule this fall.

NBC

This network was my bad boyfriend last season. We were in a big fight, but now I'm back for more. Will I ever learn? He has a lot to prove with new shows this season after wiping out the 10:00 hour block last year with the Big Fat Late Night Snafu (although, there are surprisingly few new shows on the schedule).

Monday

Chuck

4th season premieres: September 20

my take: I'm so glad Chuck earned its rightful place on the fall schedule this year. However, only 13 episodes were ordered - an additional 9 are contingent on good ratings this fall. Last season was great and set up some really interesting game changers. When we last saw him, Chuck had promised sister Ellie that he would leave the CIA. What will he do? We should be meeting Chuck's mysterious mom in the near future too. If you haven't watched already, I highly recommend jumping on the Chuck train.

The Event

1st season premieres: September 20

my take: You've probably seen one of the 2,000 promos for The Event this summer. You'll recognize: Jason Ritter, Blair Underwood (playing the president), Laura Innes (ER), Scott Patterson (Gilmore Girls), and many others in a very recognizable TV cast. The premise is purposely elusive described as a "conspiracy thriller" centered around Sean Walker (Ritter) investigating the mysterious disappearance of his fiancee during which he uncovers a huge U.S. government cover-up. Based on the cast and the fact that it's not a cop or legal drama, I will check this out.

Chase

1st season premieres: September 20
my take: A Jerry Bruckheimer-produced US Marshall action drama doesn't peak my interest really. Kelli Giddish (Past Life) plays Annie Frost, a Texas Marshall. Her crew includes Jesse Metcalfe (Desperate Housewives), Cole Hauser (the redhead dude from Good Will Hunting), and Amaury Nolasco (Prison Break). I feel like this show is the perfect illustration of NBC trying to get their ER/NYPD Blue mojo back. I may check out the pilot, but I'm not really an action junkie, so this probably isn't for me.

Tuesday

Biggest Loser

10th season premieres: September 21

my take: Somewhere around season 5, this show started disturbing me. Many of the cast members do tremendous work to change their lives. But something about the game of it all - the melodrama perpetrated by NBC, throwing the weigh-ins, etc. - started to creep me out, so I don't watch anymore.

Parenthood

2nd season premieres: September 14

my take: Watch this show! This is probably my most anticipated returning show. We got a short season last spring, and I just really loved it. There are still come kinks to work out - namely the grandparent story, which seemed rushed last season. But overall, great characters, real problems, and fun to watch. My favorites are Lauren Graham and Mae Whitman - great chemistry as mother and daughter.

Wednesday

Undercovers

1st season premieres: September 22

my take: Another new show that NBC has put a lot of promo power behind. This is a Mr. & Mrs. Smith style show starring Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Steven and Samantha Bloom (decidedly less interesting than their real names). The two were the best spies in the history of the CIA, but retired 5 years ago to get married and open a flower shop. Now, they're reluctantly getting back in the game. Interesting premise, but I'm not chomping at the bit for this one either. More cops and bad guys. I'll probably watch the pilot - if only because it's directed by EP JJ Abrams.

Law & Order: SVU

12th season premieres: September 22

my take: I'm starting to think I only watch this out of habit.

Law & Order: Los Angeles

1st season premieres: September 23

my take: Why did they cancel the mothership series only to do another spinoff? Another cop show! This feels very CSI: Miami to me. Not planning to watch. If you're interested, the cast includes familiar faces like Terrence Howard, Skeet Ulrich, and Alfred Molina.

Thursday

Community

2nd season premieres: September 23

my take: Community turned into one of my favorite new comedies last season. The start was shaky, but they hit a stride and finished very strong. That paintball episode? Genius. I'm a sucker for television and film allusions, and these writers know how to do it. Joel McHale leads the pack well, but costars Danny Pudi, Donald Glover, and Alison Brie (better known as Trudy Campbell) are the bread and butter.

30 Rock

5th season premieres: September 23

my take: I'm still not really watching 30 Rock regularly. Don't hate me. I know it's good, just not appointment TV for me.

The Office

7th season premieres: September 23

my take: News of this being the last season for Steve Carrell puts the pressure on for a good finish. Luckly, Carrell (because he's classy) gave the writers enough notice to write a well-planned exit for Michael Scott. I think we're all hoping it involves Holly. I haven't decided how I feel about a post-Carrell office. This show has always been a favorite of mine, so part of me hopes it will just end on a high note and finish the series this year. At the same time, there's a whole lot of talent among the cast and writers, so it could be fun to see a rebirth with a new boss. I vote for promoting within.

Outsourced

1st season premieres: September 23

my take: The only new comedy of the fall for NBC, so there's a fair amount of pressure to live up to the Thursday night comedy block. The premise is an American novelty goods company whose call center has been outsourced to India. Newcomer Ben Rappaport plays Todd Dempsey, young middle manager who moves to India to manage the office. I feel like this could walk a very line between funny and stereotypically insensitive, no? A lot will depend on the writing and the performances, so I'm willing to give it a try.

The Apprentice

?? season premieres: September 16

my take: NBC is bringing back the original (non-celebrity) Apprentice. Not sure how I feel about this in the Thursday 10:00 timeslot, a position usually reserved for their best dramas - maybe they're dodging the competition on other networks by trying to provide a totally different option? Either way, not watching.

Friday

School Pride

1st season premieres: October 15

my take: New reality show produced by Cheryl Hines and Denise Cramsey about communities coming together to renovate their local school. The style seems very similar to Extreme Makeover: Home, so I'll probably cry.

Dateline NBC

1100th season premieres: September 24

my take: Don't care.

Outlaw

1st season premieres: September 15

my take: I really don't understand why this isn't on Thursday nights instead of Apprentice. Shouldn't they swap? The last of NBC's new fall shows, this one stars Jimmy Smits as a playboy and gambling Supreme Court justice who becomes frustrated with a flawed system, quits the job, and forms a traveling private practice to tackle the most controversial cases across the country. An interesting concept, but I'm worried it will beat us over the head with right/wrong/moral/hot button issues. Smits probably makes it worth a look though.

In summary:

• Most recommended returning shows: Chuck, Parenthood, and Community
• New shows I'll be checking out: The Event, Outsourced, possibly Outlaw and Chase
• Between the returning and new shows, NBC is officially the law and order network this season. It might be the first time in two decades without a medical drama on this network (RIP Mercy).
• With reruns on Saturdays and football on Sundays, NBC has never put anything new and scripted on weekends, staying out of the CBS/ABC competition on Sunday nights.
• Looking for Parks and Recreation? Me too. Unfortunately, it was relegated to a spring start for reasons unknown (Amy Poehler's pregnancy was not a factor since they worked well into early summer to bank episodes). I will miss it this fall.

What say you? What will you be watching on NBC this fall? Any new shows tickle your pickle? Leave some comments! Fall 2010 will be the season of comments. Don't let me down!