Heroes, Chuck and Life picked up by NBC, but won’t return until fall

By Jeffrey Jolson

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 2/14/07 — NBC will have a red-letter day on April 10 when its vaunted Thursday night lineup returns with new shows after the 100-Day Strike. Jonesing fans will finally be able to see the Emmy-winners “30 Rock,” “The Office,” “Scrubs” and “ER” that evening.

The peacock network will also return to court with fresh “Law & Order” with the “Special Victims Unit” spinoff return starting on Tuesday, April 15, the victim no doubt being taxpayers that day, while L&E classic makes its post-strike bow on Wednesday April 23.

In addition, “My Name is Earl” will reboot on Thursday April 3.

That’s not all from NBC. The net has picked up its freshman drama series “Chuck” and “Life” — as well as its hit “Heroes” – for the 2008-09 season, so says NBC-Uni co-chairs Ben Silverman and Marc Graboff.

“We are thrilled to be bringing back the high-energy dramas ‘Chuck’ and Life’ for next season,” said Silverman. “Additionally, we will be saving and re-launching our #1 drama and most successful franchise, ‘Heroes,’ so that it will run in all original episodes in the fourth quarter.”

“These pickups are a sign of our confidence in these quality series and will allow the respective producers to get a head start on their creative arc for next season,” said Graboff. “As a result, they give us a lot to build on as we point to next year’s schedule.”

“Heroes” is NBC’s #1 series this season in adults 18-49, the #1 Monday series on any network in adults 18-49 and the #1 scripted series on any network in adults 18-34. This season, “Heroes” has averaged a 6.2 rating, 14 share in adults 18-49 and 13.1 million viewers overall.