In preparation for next week's upfront presentations, during which the major TV networks introduce their 2011-2012 programming schedules to the press, NBC today gave series orders to four pilots it had in contention.

Appearing on your TVs next year will be the dramas 'Prime Suspect' and 'Smash,' along with two female-fronted comedies, 'Up All Night' and 'Whitney.' According to Deadline, the network plans to continue its pickup spree in the morning. So, what did NBC choose?

'Smash,' NBC's answer to 'Glee,' follows the staging of a Broadway musical based on Marilyn Monroe's life. It stars Debra Messing as the show's lyricist, Anjelica Huston as the producer, former 'American Idol' Katharine McPhee as the lead starlet and Jack Davenport as the choreographer. The cast will sing original songs penned by Grammy- and Tony-winning songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

MTV is preparing a spin-off of its popular reality series 'Teen Mom.' The network has reportedly already set its cast and done some location shooting.

This should come as no surprise since 'Teen Mom,' itself a spin-off of '16 and Pregnant,' averaged 2.8 million viewers. And the show -- chronicling the lives of teen mothers Amber, Maci [at right], Catelynn and Farrah -- attracted close to 6 million to its finale. '16 and Pregnant,' which returns for a new season Oct. 26, averaged 3 million viewers.

According to the New York Post, the series will be separate from both shows, but feature cast members from both.

"We're always exploring new production ideas, but can't confirm anything at this time," an MTV spokeswoman told the Post.

In other TV news ...

• Christopher Lloyd will guest star on 'Fringe.' The 'Back to the Future' star will play Walter's musical hero on an episode of the Fox drama airing early next year. [TV Guide]

• Gwyneth Paltrow will perform at the 44th Annual CMA Awards in November on ABC. Paltrow will sing the title track to her film 'Country Song' with Vince Gill. [Hollywood Reporter]

• Whitney Cummings is working on a sitcom at NBC. The comic has signed a deal that would see her writing, producing and starring in the romantic comedy project. [Vulture]

Please, Whitney Cummings. Please put your pants back on. The comedian pulls down her jeans to show off her underwear on 'Chelsea Lately' (weeknights, 11PM ET on E!), revealing what suspiciously looks like a large stain.

Whitney Cummings had her first one-hour special on TV the other night (Sat., 11:30PM ET on Comedy Central). This was kind of a big deal. Apparently, only about eight women ever have been given their own stand-up comedy hours on television. That's a little sexist, but hey -- Whitney took full advantage of her slot, and attempted to balance out the battle of the sexes.

On 'Whitney Cummings: Money Shot,' the comedienne discussed many important topics: including porn, stripping, and dating. Here are some of her observations: