NBC is coming off its worst season in recent memory, hitting all-time lows in both total viewers and adults 18-49.

But for next fall’s new season, the network is emphasizing stability instead of change, hoping that some of its critically acclaimed but little-watched newer shows will catch and viewers will remain loyal to older but fading hits like “ER” and the “Law & Order” franchise.

The network announced its new fall schedule this morning in advance of this afternoon’s upfront presentation to advertisers. It includes very few surprises and no bold moves like the rumored switch of “Heroes” from Monday to Thursday night.

The network ordered five new dramas, two reality series and just one sitcom.

Donald Trump’s “Apprentice,” which had struggled the last two years, may be gone, but its Thursday lineup, where ratings have fallen in double-digit percentages, returns intact.

This is a conscious strategy by NBC not to panic.

For two years running, following the end of big hit “Friends,” the network ripped up its schedule, and the changes were disastrous. The network is still recovering from an over-reliance on quick fixes like spinoffs of “Friends,” “Apprentice” and “Law & Order,” which all failed under Jeff Zucker.

NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly is driven by the belief that many of his high-quality shows, like “30 Rock” and “Friday Night Lights,” can build bigger audiences from a small base, much as “The Office” did after a dismal first year.

Though NBC’s ratings have fallen, media buyers have been happy with some of the network’s shows, especially its highly regarded Thursday comedies, and it continues to index highly among high-income households.

Wednesday, where NBC simply never found a competitive lineup this year, will get the most changes.

“Deal or No Deal” will lead off the night at 8 p.m., where it has performed decently in the past, followed by new drama “Bionic Woman,” a remake of the 1970s show, and “Life,” a new drama about an ex-con detective, at 10 p.m.

Thursday remains the same, with NBC ordering 30 episodes of “Office” and 25 of “My Name is Earl,” compared with traditional 22-episode season orders. That will cut down on reruns.

The first two hours on Monday remain the same, with “Deal” followed by “Heroes.” A six-episode "Heroes" mini-spinoff called "Heroes: Origins" will air in that slot as well, giving the backstories of several potential heroes. The audience will then vote on which character should join the show.

“Journeyman,” a new drama about a newspaper reporter who travels back in time to change lives, gets the highly coveted 10 p.m. Monday slot, airing after NBC’s highest-rated non-sports show.

Three shows aired there this year – “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “The Black Donnellys” and “Wedding Crashers.” All three have officially been canceled, as has “Crossing Jordan.”

"Apprentice" may be back, Reilly said, but the network will make a decision after seeing the other networks' schedules.

On Tuesday, “The Biggest Loser” returns to its old 8 p.m. slot after last year’s run on Wednesday. New drama “Chuck,” about a computer geek who becomes a government secret agent, takes over “Law & Order: Criminal Intent’s” 9 p.m. slot, and “L&O: Special Victims Unit” remains at 10 p.m.

Friday features the returning “1 vs. 100” at 8 p.m. in what will become a slot for a rotation of game shows. Another, karaoke competition “The Singing Bee,” will take “100’s” place at midseason. “Las Vegas” returns at 9 p.m., and “Friday Night Lights” takes over “Law & Order’s” old 10 p.m. timeslot.

Saturdays stay the same, with “Dateline” at 8 p.m. and crime drama repeats from 9-11 p.m.

Sunday will include “Football Night in America” and “Sunday Night Football” through January, the latter of which was NBC’s highest-rated program this year.

After football, a new lineup will premiere on Sundays. It starts at 7 p.m. with “Dateline,” followed at 8 p.m. by “Law & Order,” back for its 18th season.

“Medium” returns at 9 p.m., followed by the Brooke Shields drama “Lipstick Jungle” at 10 p.m., based on “Sex and the City” author Candace Bushnell’s novel.

“Criminal Intent” will air originals on USA but will repeat on NBC later next year in a timeslot to be determined.

The network’s lone new sitcom, “Crowd,” will likely debut at midseason to replace “Scrubs,” which will only produce 18 episodes in its final season.

New reality series “World Moves,” executive produced by “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson, is a hip-hop dance competition also airing at midseason.