NBC gives 'Parenthood' a 'Chuck' lead-in

Network also sets premieres for 'Marriage Ref' and 'Celebrity Apprentice'

By Daniel Fienberg Monday, Dec 14, 2009 2:45 PM

Peter Krause of 'Parenthood'

Credit: NBC

NBC has set out the pieces for its midseason schedule, announcing premiere dates for "Parenthood," as well as the reality shows "The Marriage Ref" and "The Celebrity Apprentice."

Originally scheduled for a fall premiere, but pushed back due to Maura Tierney's illness and the subsequent addition of Lauren Graham to the cast, "Parenthood" will premiere on Monday, March 1 in the Monday 9 p.m. slot after "Chuck."

That means you can expect to see a nearly endless supply of "Parenthood" commercials during NBC's broadcasting of the Winter Olympics, running from Feb. 12-28.

Also likely to get a big Olympics promotional push are "The Marriage Ref," produced by Jerry Seinfeld, and "The Celebrity Apprentice," which premiere on Sunday, March 14. "The Marriage Ref" will air in the 8 p.m. hour on Sundays, with "The Celebrity Apprentice" following in two-hour weekly blocks.

In addition to this premieres, NBC also announced that the new season of "The Biggest Loser" will premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

There are several question marks stemming from NBC's Monday (Dec. 15) announcement. While the network repeated scheduling for several special events, including the Golden Globes (Sunday Jan. 17) and the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, no mention was made of "Day One," which was recently reduced from a series to a miniseries. In addition, the comedy "100 Questions" has braved recasting and a reduction in its episode order and now it appears not to have a home on NBC's schedule.

In addition, no mention was made of a premiere date or slot for "Friday Night Lights," though that was always expected to air in the summer on NBC.

Daniel Fienberg
Executive Editor

A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.