NBC unveils fall schedule

It's up-fronts week, that magical week when all the networks renew some shows, send some shows to an early exit and try to get us excited for the next big thing.

NBC is first this week. NBC is trying to reverse the downward trend of previous years and has an aggressive new slate of shows coming out this fall. The line-up for the fall includes six new drama and four new comedies.

Among the highlights:

• Heroes - A show about ordinary people finding out they have extraordinary powers. Sounds a bit like Buffy and a bit like the X-Men franchise. Could be good but it's got a tough time slot of Mondays at 8 p.m CST (where it will be opposite 24 come January and the mega-block of CBS comedies).
• Friday Night Lights - based on the movie of the same name. Kyle Chandler takes over the lead for Billy Bob Thornton. Scheduled to air Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
• Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - Aaron (The West Wing, Sports Night) Sorkin's new show. Stars Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet and Bradley Whitford. A drama about the going-on's behind the scenes at an SNL-like show. This one is being aggressively placed at 8 p.m. on Thursdays between My Name is Earl and the Office and ER. Can it challenge the ratings juggernaut that is CSI?
• Kidnapped - A serialized thriller about a teenage boy who is kidnapped. Sounds a lot like they built a show around Kim Bauer if you ask me. Will air Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
• 20 Good Years - John Lithgow and Jeffrey Tambor team up for a new comedy that sounds a lot like The Odd Couple. Airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. up against some little show called Lost.
• 30 Rock - Tina Fey's behind the scenes comedy about a show that is a lot like SNL. Airs Wednesdays at 8:30.

Oh yeah, and NBC has this little thing called the NFL that will air on Sunday nights.

Scrubs is expected to be back mid-season as will Crossing Jordon. All of the various Law and Order shows are coming back as is ER.

Not making it: Surface and Teachers.

The new Andy Richter sitcom, which was reported as dead last week will be a mid-season replacement.

More details and if your favorite NBC show made it back can be found here.