Click the pages to see the fall 2015-2016 TV schedule and NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS and The CW’s renewals and new shows…
NBC Fall 2015 Shows
First up at this year’s TV upfronts in New York is NBC. Much of the network’s schedule will be new this fall after NBC cleaned house and cancelled or ended most of their current shows. Only seven dramas and one comedy were renewed, with The Blacklist, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Grimm, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Mysteries of Laura, The Night Shift (returning midseason), and Undateable being the lucky ones.
Check out the full schedule here.
Blindspot on NBC
A vast international plot explodes when a beautiful Jane Doe (Jaimie Alexander, Thor, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) is discovered naked in Times Square, completely covered in mysterious, intricate tattoos with no memory of who she is or how she got there. But there’s one tattoo that is impossible to miss: the name of FBI agent Kurt Weller (Sullivan Stapleton, Strike Back), emblazoned across her back. “Jane,” Agent Weller and the rest of the FBI quickly realize that each mark on her body is a crime to solve, leading them closer to the truth about her identity and the mysteries to be revealed.
Also stars Audrey Esparza, Rob Brown, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Ukweli Roach and Ashley Johnson. Written by Martin Gero (Stargate: Atlantis). Directed by Mark Pellington (Cold Case, The Mothman Prophecies). Executive producers are Greg Berlanti (Arrow, The Flash) and Sarah Schechter.
The series will air Mondays at 10pm, starting Sept. 21.
The Player on NBC
From the executive producers of The Blacklist and starring Wesley Snipes and Philip Winchester (Strike Back, Fringe) comes an action-packed Las Vegas thriller about a former military operative turned security expert who is drawn into a high-stakes game where an organization of wealthy individuals gamble on his ability to stop some of the biggest crimes imaginable from playing out. Can he take them down from the inside and get revenge for the death of his wife, or is it true what they say: The house always wins.
Also stars Charity Wakefield and Damon Gupton (Empire). Written by John Rogers. Directed by Bharat Nalluri. Executive producers are John Davis, John Fox.
The series will air Thursdays at 10pm, starting Sept. 24.
Chicago Med on NBC
Executive producer Dick Wolf delivers the newest installment of the compelling Chicago franchise, an emotional thrill ride through the day-to-day chaos of the city’s most explosive hospital and the courageous team of doctors who hold it together. They will tackle unique new cases inspired by topical events, forging fiery relationships in the pulse-pounding pandemonium of the emergency room, and through it all, familiar faces from the Chicago police and fire departments will intertwine as this third team of Chicago heroes hits the ground running.
Stars Oliver Platt (The West Wing), S. Epatha Merkerson (Law & Order), Laurie Holden (The Walking Dead, The X-Files), Nick Gehlfuss and Yaya Dacosta. Written by Dick Wolf (Law & Order), Matt Olmstead, Michael Brandt and Derek Haas. Directed by Joe Chappelle (Chicago Fire, Fringe). Executive producers are Danielle Gelber and Peter Jankowski.
The series will air Tuesdays at 9pm, starting Nov. 10.
Heroes Reborn on NBC
From original creator Tim Kring, the supernatural phenomenon begins again with a fresh crop of inspiring heroes who take on the ultimate struggle between those with extraordinary abilities and those with nefarious motives to hunt and harness their powers. Epic adventures await these newly empowered allies as they cross paths with some of the original characters (such as the beloved ‘HRG’ (Jack Coleman, Heroes) and fan-favorite time-traveler Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka, Heroes), unlocking the mysterious fate of the universe and their place within it.
Also stars Zachary Levi (Chuck), Ryan Guzman (The Boy Next Door), Robbie Kay (Once Upon a Time), Danika Yarosh (Shameless), Judith Shekoni (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2), Kiki Sukezane (Death Yankee 3), Henry Zebrowski (A to Z), Eve Harlow (The 100) and Gatlin Green (Criminal Minds). Written by Tim Kring (Heroes). Executive producers are Peter Elkoff and James Middleton.
The series will air Thursdays at 8pm, starting Sept. 24.
Heartbreaker on NBC
Based on the real life and achievements of Dr. Kathy Magliato, this unique character-driven medical drama follows Dr. Alex Panttiere (Melissa George, The Slap, Alias), an outspoken world-renowned heart-transplant surgeon and one of the few women in her field. Stubborn and fearless, Alex always operates on her own terms. She revels in a racy personal life that’s a full-time job in itself, manages the daily demands of skeptical faculty and dutiful interns, and pushes the boundaries of medical science to impressive new heights.
Also stars Dave Annable (Red Band Society, Brothers & Sisters), Don Hany, Shelley Conn, D.L. Hughley, Jamie Kennedy, Maya Erskine, J. Louis Mills and Joshua Leonard. Written by Jill Gordon. Directed by Robbie Duncan McNeill. Executive producers are Amy Brenneman (Judging Amy), Brad Silberling.
The series will air in 2016.
Game of Silence on NBC
Carol Mendelsohn, architect of the CSI phenomenon, presents a gripping new drama about a successful Atlanta attorney (David Lyons, Revolution, The Cape) whose long-lost childhood friends unexpectedly reappear after 25 years. When a dark secret they thought they had buried resurfaces, the brotherhood bands together to right the wrongs of their shared past – a journey that will push the limits of their loyalty and quench their thirst for revenge.
Also stars Michael Raymond-James (True Blood, Once Upon a Time), Larenz Tate (Ray), Bre Blair, Conor O’Farrell, Deidrie Henry, Demetrius Grosse and Claire Van Der Boom. Written by David Hudgins. Directed byNiels Arden Oplev. Executive producers are Carol Mendelsohn, Julie Weitz.
The series will air in 2016.
Shades of Blue on NBC
In a provocative new drama, the iconic Jennifer Lopez stars as sexy New York detective (and single mother) Harlee Santos, who fell in with a tight-knit group of dirty cops, taking bribes and protection money that she uses to provide the best life for her honest and talented daughter. When she’s trapped by the FBI, however, and forced to inform on her own “brothers,” she’ll have to walk the fine line between love, loyalty, honor and betrayal, and try to keep it together for her daughter’s future.
Also stars Ray Liotta, Warren Kole, Dayo Okeniyi, Drea De Matteo, Hampton Fluker, Vincent Laresca and Sarah Jeffery. Jack Orman and Adi Hasak serve as writers and executive producers. Jennifer Lopez, Barry Levinson (pilot), Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Ryan Seacrest and Nina Wass also executive produce.
The series will air in 2016.
Emerald City on NBC
In the blink of a tornado’s eye, 20-year-old Dorothy Gale and her K9 police dog are transported to another world, one far removed from our own — a mystical land of competing kingdoms, lethal warriors, dark magic and a bloody battle for supremacy. This is the fabled Land of Oz in a way you’ve never seen before, where wicked witches don’t stay dead for long and a young girl becomes a headstrong warrior who holds the fate of kingdoms in her hands. The hourlong series from writer/executive producer David Schulner is scheduled for 10 episodes.
New NBC Comedies
People are Talking on NBC
If you can think it, they will say it. From producer Will Packer (Ride Along) and director Pam Fryman (How I Met Your Mother) comes this unabashed new comedy about two diverse couples who are both neighbors and best friends. As they go through life side-by-side, they can’t help but analyze and obsess about everything. From topics like sex and race, to the fact that the trusted new babysitter might just be a porn star, nothing is out of bounds for this wildly outspoken foursome.
The cast includes Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Franklin & Bash, Saved by the Bell), Tone Bell and Bresha Webb. D.J. Nash (Growing Up Fisher) wrote the script and executive produces with Will Packer and director Pam Fryman (pilot).
The series will air Fridays at 8:30pm.
Superstore on NBC
America Ferrara (Ugly Betty) and Ben Feldman (Mad Men, A to Z) star in a hilarious workplace comedy about a unique family of employees at a super-sized megastore. From the bright-eyed newbies and the seen-it-all veterans to the clueless summer hires and in-it-for-life managers, together they hilariously tackle the day-to-day grind of rabid bargain hunters, riot-causing sales and nap-worthy training sessions.
The cast also includes Mark McKinney, Lauren Ash, Colton Dunn, Nichole Bloom and Nico Santos. Justin Spitzer (The Office) serves as writer and executive producer. David Bernad and director Ruben Fleischer also executive produce.
The series will air in 2016.
Crowded on NBC
No more sex, booze, and paying the bills naked. After 20 years of parenting, empty nesters Mike (Patrick Warburton, Seinfeld) and Martina (Carrie Preston, True Blood) are finally reclaiming their wild side. Yet when both of their two grown daughters unexpectedly move back in, and Mike’s parents scratch their plans to spend their golden years in Florida, their roost is full again. From executive producer Sean Hayes, this new (and very timely) family comedy proves that life is crazy with a full house, especially the second time around.
The cast also includes Stacy Keach, Carlease Burke, Mia Serafino and Miranda Cosgrove. Suzanne Martin (Hot in Cleveland) serves as writer and executive producer. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner also executive produce. James Burrows will direct.
The series will air in 2016.
You, Me And the End of the World on NBC
In this bold adrenaline-fueled new one-hour comedy drama, the news that a comet is on an unavoidable collision course with Earth sets in motion the most hilariously unexpected chain of events imaginable. Set against the backdrop of apocalyptic chaos and starring Rob Lowe (Parks and Recreation), Jenna Fischer (The Office), Megan Mullally (Will & Grace) and Mathew Baynton (Yonderland), the story follows an eclectic group of seemingly unconnected characters around the world as their lives start to intersect in the most unexpected ways.
When we say eclectic, we mean a rebellious priest, an unhinged white supremacist, a mild-mannered bank manager, a germ-phobic cyber-terrorist and an American five-star general. Some of these misfits are destined to make it to a bunker deep beneath the English suburbs of Slough and, as a result, will become the hugely unlikely (and totally unsuitable) future of mankind. Wouldn’t that be a disaster!
The cast also includes Joel Fry, Paterson Joseph, Gaia Scodellaro, Pauline Quirke, Fabian McCallum and Kyle Soller. Executive producers are Juliette Howell, Lynn Horsford, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Cameron Roach, Lizzie Gray and Andrew Conrad.
The series will air in 2016.
Hot & Bothered on NBC
If you think the steamy sex, sensational scandals and wrenching heartbreak on Latino soap operas are a little extreme, just wait until you see what happens behind the scenes. Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) stars in this new comedy about Ana Sofia, a sizzling TV superstar and her lively family of cast and crew all competing to steal the spotlight. When the cameras turn off, the drama turns up as Ana battles pesky network execs, drunken script writers, narcissistic co-stars, and an unfortunately familiar new onscreen love interest.
The cast includes Jencarlos Canela, Diana Maria Riva, Jose Moreno Brooks, Alex Meneses, Amaury Nolasco, Jadyn Maria and Izzy Diaz. Chrissy Pietrosh and Jessica Goldstein serve as writers and executive producers. Eva Longoria, Ben Spector, Josh Bycel and Jonathan Fener also executive produce.
The series will air in 2016.
Coach on NBC
Craig T. Nelson (Parenthood) reprises the iconic role that earned him an Emmy in this follow-up to the beloved series that ran for nine seasons. With original creator Barry Kemp at the helm, Hayden Fox’s story picks up 18 years later when the retired coach gets back in the game to assist his son, who was just hired as head coach at an Ivy League university in Pennsylvania… where they know nothing about sports. Between dealing with the eggheads on campus and his hostile daughter-in-law at home, Coach will soon learn that he’s not in Minnesota anymore.
Talk about a Hail Mary! Barry Kemp serves as writer and executive producer. Craig T. Nelson also executive produces.
The series will air in 2016.
New NBC Specials and Events
Best Time Ever With Neil Patrick Harris on NBC
Five Emmy Awards and a Tony Award make multi-talented Neil Patrick Harris the perfect star for this live one-hour show that is unlike any other currently on American television. Complete with stunts, skits, pranks, audience interaction, musical numbers, giveaways and unlimited surprises, this show proves that anything can happen, and it can happen to you. Based on the wildly popular British hit “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway,” the modernized variety show format and its fearless, multi-talented star will make for one of the best nights ever on TV week after week.
Neil Patrick Harris, Orly Adelson, Siobhan Greene, David A. Hurwitz, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly executive produce.
The series will air Tuesdays at 10pm until November.
Coat of Many Colors on NBC
Based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton’s remarkable upbringing, this once-in-a-lifetime movie special takes us inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith, and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Dolly who she is today.
Pamela K. Long serves as writer. Sam Haskell and Dolly Parton will executive produce.
The Reaper on NBC
Based on the best-selling memoir “The Reaper” by Nicholas Irving, this event miniseries recounts the 100-day Afghanistan deployment of Sgt. Nicholas Irving, nicknamed ‘The Reaper.’ The first African-American sniper, Irving tallied 33 official kills during this single deployment, a record that still stands today. “The Reaper” is a boots-on-the-ground thrilling and raw account of modern warfare and how it changes, shapes, and sometimes destroys the people who fight in it.
Tom Donnelly and Josh Oppenheimer serve as writers and executive producers. Harvey Weinstein and Bob Weinstein also executive produce.
The Wiz Live! on NBC
NBC embarks on its latest musical holiday tradition with a live television production of the groundbreaking Tony Award-winning musical that brought the vivid world of Oz to the streets of New York in a fresh, funky, sing-a-long journey down the yellow brick road.
Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (“The Sound of Music Live!,” “Peter Pan Live!”) serve as executive producers. Kenny Leon will direct with Harvey Fierstein providing new written material.
Click the pages to see NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS and The CW’s renewals and new shows…
It’s hard to pick a standout when all of the promo posters make every show look identical. Wesley Snipes’ show looks like it could be the most fun.
Hmm. I mean promo art is promo art, but I think they did a good job distinguishing them. The Player and Game of Silence though are definitely tied for worst promo art. I think FOX and ABC did a better job.
ABC definitely seems to be gearing up to dominate. They’re in a better position than NBC, at least.
Promo art has just become generic over the past few years.