NBC: 2006-2007 Primetime Schedule

May 15, 2006 News

Coming in January 2007

Andy Barker, P.I.

Timeslot: TBD
Genre: Comedy
Premise: An accountant is mistaken for a private detective, and decides to embrace his new role.
Reminds me of: Countless mistaken-identity farces.
Famous names: Writer-producer Conan O'Brien, Andy Richter.

The Black Donnellys

Timeslot: Thu., 10:00-11:00 p.m.
Genre: Drama
Premise: Four Irish brothers make a career out of organized crime.
Reminds me of: The Sopranos.
Famous names: Director Paul Haggis.

Raines

Timeslot: Sun., 10:00-11:00 p.m.
Genre: Drama
Premise: A detective solves murders by talking to the victims -- after they're dead.
Reminds me of: Medium.
Famous name: Jeff Goldblum.

The Singles Table

Genre: Comedy
Premise: A group of singletons meet at a wedding, and become friends.
Reminds me of: Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Famous names: None.

Returning

The Biggest Loser
Crossing Jordan
Dateline Saturday
Deal or No Deal
ER
all three Law and Order series
Las Vegas
Medium
My Name is Earl
The Office
Scrubs

Not returning

Conviction
E-Ring
Fear Factor
Joey
Surface
Teachers
The West Wing
Will and Grace

My predictions

First new show to be cancelled: Andy Barker, P.I. Andy Richter is good in an ensemble, but can he carry a show? Also, the mistaken-identity farce is funny the first time, or even the second. Week after week, though, is a different story.

First new show to become a cult favorite: Raines. It's not the most original concept, but Jeff Goldblum is a good actor. If his character is interesting enough, this show will stick.

New show I'm most looking forward to: Studio 60. With Sorkin's brilliant dialogue and some of his favorite actors, this is as close to a slam-dunk as you get.

-- A. Wu