NBC had their upfronts yesterday, and announced a whole new slate of shows that will premiere over the course of the next year.  The proposed 52-week schedule is a ground-breaking one.  It contains more series than any other network has attempted before, and will very much decrease the amount of re-runs over the year.  There are some very intriguing new series slated to premiere on the peacock, and we've got the basic information and synopses for each of them.  In case you missed it, we wrote an article running down the entire NBC presentation yesterday: NBC Upfronts.

Fall:

Crusoe:  A man is stranded, alone, on an island for decades, yet still is determined to find a way back home to his family.  Crusoe will stay faithful to the book, apparently.  Ben Silverman confirmed that there would be scenes shot in London, as well as on the deserted island. Casting has not become official.  This is set for debut in the Fall.

Kath and Kim:  This is an Australian import.  It's a comedy about a younger lady who just left her fiance and moves in with her divorced mother.  It will star former Saturday Night Live cast member Molly Shannon and Selma Blair. This is set for debut in the Fall.

Knight Rider:  You know the deal.  Action vehicle starring a talking car.  This will debut in the Fall.

My Own Worst Enemy: A weird Jekyll and Hyde type story.  A normal suburban man shares his body with a trained killing machine.  It stars Christian Slater and is set to premiere in the Fall. 


Mid-Season:

Kings: This is an epic, underdog story.  A king's son is rescued, and this begins an action-packed chain of events.  It stars Deadwood's Ian McShane as one of the eponymous kings.  It's set for debut in mid-season.

Merlin: A different take on the classic King Arthur story.  It's like Muppet Babies: the drama will follow Arthur and Merlin as young men.  Anthony Head (Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) heads up the cast.  This is set for a mid-season debut. 

The Office Spin-Off: Like The Office, only with new people (and some old favorites).  It's going to be run by Office show-runner Greg Daniels. Tentatively set for mid-season, but will hit air whenever it's ready. 

The Philanthropist: A Robin Hood meets James Bond story.  A billionaire goes to extreme measures to help those in need around the world.  Set for mid-season.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of NBC)