NBC seeks upward mobility with new shows

What's promising for NBC is it has nowhere to visit but up.Stuck in 4th place within the last many years, the Peacock includes a new leader in Bob Greenblatt along with a new corporate owner in Comcast, prepared to spend out whatever needs doing to garner a couple of hits.But as numerous TV executives have shateringly learned, it isn't gold coin that provides eyeballs, but quality. Greenblatt fully realizes the difficulties ahead."The goals with this season but for the next couple of years will be to rebuild the schedule," he states. "We are likely to be very aggressive and develop trendy original implies that hopefully attract our audience, which happens to be more trendy and much more desirable for marketers than the other systems. You want to restore NBC to its leadership position in quality."Peacock states it is going the feminine empowerment route using its hourlong dramas. Internet revisits the sixties with "The Playboy Club" inside a tough 10 p.m. Monday timeslot, while Maria Bello provides a Stateside undertake "Prime Suspect" within the same hour Thursday.While NBC's dramas have experienced a hard time attaining much traction recently, it is the comedies -- "Community," "Parks and Entertainment," "WorkInch -- which have received critical praise. The things they can use, though, tend to be more audiences.Greenblatt is adding "Whitney" towards the Thursday mix and starting a comedy beachhead Wednesday with laffers "Up Through The Night" and "Free Agents."NBC will need to show lots of persistence, though, as both is going to be facing solid ABC comedies "The CenterInch and newcomer "Suburgatory," CBS' reality stalwart "Survivor" and Fox's much buzzed about Simon Cowell newcomer "The X Factor."SPOTLIGHT"Prime Suspect"Because of Dick Wolf, cop dramas happen to be an excellent lifeline at NBC in the last handful of decades. Now network vet Maria Bello ("ER") looks to carry on that trend with Gotham-centric "Prime Suspect."Professional producer Alexandra Cunningham states revamping a U.K. staple is created simpler by Bello's singleminded undertake a gritty take-no-garbage detective, frequently prepared to do whatever needs doing to obvious cases -- including suffering indignities in the men in their precinct. But that does not mean there can not be some laughs on the way.InchI believe our character has all of the characteristics that made Jane Tennison so watchable, but we are attempting to incorporate maybe a bit more humor compared to British version," she states. "What we should have, which not one other show has, is Maria. She's so watchable, you are not likely to have the ability to take your vision off her."NEW FOR 2011-12"Free Agents"Hank Azaria and Kathryn Hahn work and, from time to time, sleep together. He's coming off an psychologically devastating divorce while she puts up a powerful front, yet is psychologically wounded too. From "Party Lower" creator John Enbom, series has another strong comedy voice within the ranks: "Malcolm in the centreInch vet Todd Holland may be the pilot's director."Grimm"NBC delays until March. 21 to premiere this offering, inspired by Grimm's Favorite Anecdotes. Peacock figures Friday is the greatest place for something that's fairly offbeat for broadcast, though it can be really better suited to Syfy. It'll have to achieve success by itself, because "Chuck" will not likely provide a powerful lead-in."The Playboy Club"Wishing a few of the "Mad Males" buzz rubs off here, NBC is making use of an legendary logo and prepared to battle the barbs and arrows from such conservative-based groups because the conservative Parents Television Council. In "NYPD Blue" fashion, maybe the debate can boost both interest and rankings?"Up Through The Night"Sitcom veterinarians Christina Applegate and can Arnett play a husband and wife, battling with learning to look after an infant. Pilot has gone through some tweaks -- particularly replacing Maya Rudolph's character and Applegate's profession -- meaning some were not pleased with the creative direction the show was headed."Whitney"A well known stand-up comedian and star of Comedy Central's roasts, Whitney Cummings takes the primetime plunge. NBC is wishing a comparatively cozy timeslot -- wedged between "WorkInch and "Prime Suspect" on Thursday -- can help draw auds to Cummings' frequently irreverent make of humor. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com