By James Hibberd
as star of NBC's drama pilot "Kings."
Sources said NBC is planning to announce series pickups for
"Kings," a remake of "Knight Rider," the Christian Slater drama
"My Worst Enemy," and "The Philanthropist" during its "upfront"
presentation to advertisers on Wednesday.
In line with programming chief Ben Silverman's affinity for
commercial, easily promotable franchises, three of the shows
are based on popular concepts. "Rider," which started as a
highly-rated two-hour movie/backdoor pilot in February, is a
spinoff from the 1980s series. "Enemy" is a take on "Jekyll &
Hyde" with Slater starring as a suburban dad who learns that
his alter ego is a spy.
And "Kings" is loosely based on the story of King David.
Australian actor Christopher Egan stars as a pure-hearted young
warrior who joins the court of the charismatic and
authoritative King Silas (McShane).
Meanwhile, "Philanthropist" had been an early favorite of
Silverman and his team, even though the project has failed to
cast the lead yet. It revolves around a rebel billionaire who
helps those in need.
Sources say a renewal of "Lipstick Jungle" looks unlikely
and that the network is still mulling the future of the
Patricia Arquette drama "Medium," which is in its fourth
season.
Year-round programming and development will be a central
theme at NBC's Wednesday presentation, and the unveiled 2008-09
schedule is expected to reflect that. Details about the lineup,
which will be presented in a news conference format, are being
kept under wraps.
Sources indicate "Chuck" is favored to return to its Monday
8 p.m. slot, followed by "Heroes" and "My Worst Enemy."
Tuesdays will probably have a two-hour "Biggest Loser,"
followed by "Law & Order: SVU." Wednesday is a wild card night,
with a new drama likely to debut at 9 p.m. Thursdays will
probably remain unchanged, with the two-hour comedy block
followed by a renewed "ER." "Kath & Kim," which received a
six-episode order in February, is a contender for the slot that
will be vacated by departing Thursday comedy "Scrubs." Fridays
are in flux, while Sundays will be dominated by the NFL.
Mindful of rushing "Bionic Woman" to air last year with
uneven results, sources says the network was recently toying
with the idea of taking its time with "Rider" and launching it
in midseason, possibly in the coveted post-Super Bowl slot.
NBC also has been approaching advertisers about doing more
"green weeks," with a modest version potentially planned for
later this month to coincide with Earth Day and a more
expansive version tentatively scheduled for November.
NBC launched a heavily marketed week of green-themed
programming and marketing last November under the moniker
"Green Is Universal," but the event was largely overshadowed by
the beginning of the writers strike.
NBC is eschewing the usual May upfront extravaganza as a
cost-cutting measure and to get the jump on rivals. NBC also
will have three days of one-on-one meetings with advertisers,
then a larger "spotlight" event May 12 in Manhattan.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
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