NBC sets its
post-Olympics schedule
Includes the debut of much-delayed 'Parenthood'
By Toni Fitzgerald
Dec 15, 2009
After a roughly six-month delay, NBC's much-anticipated new drama "Parenthood" will finally make its debut after the Winter Olympics.
The network set its midseason schedule yesterday, including the premiere of "Parenthood" on March 1 at 9 p.m., airing after returning comedy "Chuck" on Mondays.
Nearly two weeks later, the new reality show "The Marriage Ref," produced by Jerry Seinfeld, will bow on Sunday, March 14, at 8 p.m., followed by the latest edition of "Celebrity Apprentice" at 9 p.m.
Those three shows will undoubtedly receive a huge push during NBC's Olympics coverage, which airs Feb. 12 to Feb. 28. The network will attract more than double its regular audience during those two weeks, primo real estate to air promotions for new shows and also some returning ones, like "Chuck," with relatively modest ratings.
The 2006 Winter Olympics averaged 20.2 million total viewers per night.
Still, NBC will not be completing ripping up its schedule post-Olympics. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights will remain the same as this fall.
"The Biggest Loser," which aired its top finale in four years last week, will return on Jan. 5, and "Chuck" will premiere on Jan. 11, both getting a chance to gain some viewer traction before being preempted by the Olympics for two weeks.
"Parenthood" was supposed to premiere in September, but the series was put on hiatus after star Maura Tierney was diagnosed with breast cancer over the summer.
Tierney eventually dropped out of the show, and NBC had to recast her part, delaying the show till midseason. The nurse drama "Mercy" stepped in for "Parenthood" and has performed so-so, receiving a full-season pickup despite middling ratings.
Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls") eventually inherited Tierney's role on the drama about family dynamics, which is based on the 1989 movie of the same name.
"Parenthood" will take the place of "Heroes," whose future at the network is very much in question after dipping to series lows this fall.
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