For NBC, it may be 'Must See TV' again

Okay, who gave the executives over at NBC the sensibility pills?

In what seems like an extremely logical move (at least for now), NBC has produced a Thursday night schedule for the new fall season that may make the phrase "Must See TV" truthful once again. As mentioned by the amazingly talented Bob Sassone in his post on the NBC fall upfronts, comedies My Name is Earl and The Office will be pushed back one hour to the 8-9 pm slot. Following will be the new Aaron Sorkin drama Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (which Aaron will hopefully shorten to just Studio 60). Network stalwart ER will round out the night in its usual 10 pm slot.

Notice something here? For the first time in many years, NBC may have a very solid Thursday primetime. With Earl  and The Office anchoring the night, you are getting away from a curse the network had for many years; pairing a successful sitcom (such as Friends) with a mediocre or poor sitcom (Single Guy, Four Kings, or any other forgettable show). Both shows compliment each other and have been steady performers this past season.

With cast members Bradley Whitford, Matthew Perry and Amanda Peet (among others), there is bound to be a strong buzz for Sorkin's Studio 60. Fans of Sorkin's past work on shows like the dearly departed The West Wing will tune in to see he still has the stuff, while others may tune just to see Perry act in a dramatic series (after 10 years as Chandler Bing on Friends. Perhaps you've heard of that show?). This buzz could then feed into ER, which is looking at a potential fresh resurgence as John Stamos joins the cast. The only uncertainty is when ER is replaced in mid-season for the new crime-drama, The Black Donnellys. If Studio 60 does well, the new show could have a strong lead-in and a long life. If not, then "Must See TV" could be in jeopardy once again.