'E.R.' gets an NBC extension

 

NBC and super-producer John Wells have reportedly reached a deal that will prolong the final season of "E.R." 

According to the industry trade papers, NBC is expected to order three additional episodes for the 15th and final season of "E.R." In addition, the network will give a six-episode order to Wells' new series, the cop drama "Police."

[And yes, "Police" -- formerly "LAPD" -- may be the dullest title ever for a cop show, but "E.R." isn't such a fresh name for a medical drama and it did OK.]

The final season of "E.R." has regularly won its timeslot in the key 18-49 demographic and in NBC's season of discontent, the network will be pleased to pick up three more winning hours in the spring.

The question, though, will involve the fate of NBC's new drama "Kings," which is already the subject of a viral marketing campaign and was scheduled to move into the Thursday 10 p.m. ET time slot after the conclusion of "E.R." on March 12.

The Hollywood Reporter speculates that in one programming scenario "Police" may be in line to take that Thursday slot.

Written by Ann Biderman and directed by Christopher Chulack, "Police" stars Tom Everett Scott, Regina King, Benjamin McKenzie and Kevin Alejandro. The trade says that NBC wanted a 12-episode midseason commitment, but with NBC's inevitable drama cutback for the Jay Leno-enhanced 2009-10 season, WBTV preferred a shorter order.