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NBC: New Nurse Shows

LOS ANGELES – Jay Leno’s bid for prime-time triumph next season will be backed by nurses, paramedics and filmmaker Ron Howard.

NBC is adding four new dramas to its 2009-10 schedule, including a pair of medical shows and the Howard-produced “Parenthood,” based on the 1989 movie he directed, the network announced Monday.

Two new comedies, “Community” with Chevy Chase and “100 Questions,” were announced, and the network is ordering prime-time episodes of the “Saturday Night Live” fake newscast “Weekend Update.” NBC said it’s renewing “Heroes” and newcomers “Parks & Recreation” with Amy Poehler and police drama “Southland.”

NBC is building its next schedule on a bold gambit, giving its daily 10 p.m. EDT slot to “The Jay Leno Show” — the title announced Monday — after he steps aside as “Tonight” show host this month. Conan O’Brien takes over the late-night talk show June 1.

The fourth-place network, which has struggled to launch new shows, is “doubling down on its scripted commitment,” said Ben Silverman, co-chair of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

“We’re going to have more strength from 8 to 10 p.m. than we’ve ever had to assure that Jay has big lead-ins,” Silverman said.

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NBC had previously announced the return of “30 Rock,” “The Office,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “Biggest Loser” and “Friday Night Lights.”

The new reality shows “The Marriage Ref,” produced by Jerry Seinfeld; “Breakthrough With Tony Robbins” and “Who Do You Think You Are?” also had been announced.

The fate of other series won’t be known until NBC unveils its full schedule May 19. That includes “Medium,” “Chuck,” “My Name Is Earl” and the original “Law & Order.”

NBC’s announcement jumped the gun on the traditional “upfront week” in which networks present their lineups to the advertisers who make preseason ad buys.

Next page: What are the new shows?

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