Networks announce midseason plans

The broadcast networks have been on a tear the past two weeks, announcing their midseason schedules. We previously covered  Fox's midseason schedule; here's what ABC, CBS, NBC and The CW plan (from their press releases):

ABC

Three new dramas will be joining the ABC lineup: "Castle" on Monday, March 9 at 10:00 p.m.; "Cupid" on Tuesday, March 24 at 10:00 p.m.; and "The Unusuals" on Wednesday, April 8 at 10:00 p.m. In addition, ABC News' "Primetime: What Would You Do?" will return on Tuesday, January 6 at 10:00 p.m. (all times ET).

"Castle"

Wildly famous mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion, "Desperate Housewives"), who is bored with his own success, learns that a real-world copycat killer has started staging murder scenes depicted in his novels. Rick is soon questioned by NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic, "The Spirit"), a very bright, aggressive detective who keeps her investigations under tight rein. Rick and Kate's styles instantly clash, yet sparks begin to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle steps in to help find the killer. And once that case is solved, he and Beckett build upon their new relationship as they look to solve strange homicides in New York - as much fun as one can have with death & murder. Castle is kept grounded by his Broadway diva mother, Martha Rodgers (Susan Sullivan, "Dharma and Greg") and quick-witted teenage daughter Alexis (Molly Quinn, "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story").

Also starring in the series are Ruben Santiago-Hudson ("Law & Order") as NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery, Tamala Jones ("Daddy Day Camp") as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas ("Generation Kill") as NYPD Detective Tony Esposito and Seamus Dever ("Army Wives") as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan.

"Castle" is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe serves as executive producer/creator along with executive producers Armyan Bernstein, Barry Schindel, Rob Bowman and Laurie Zaks.

"Cupid"

"Cupid" is a romantic dramedy about Trevor Pierce (Bobby Cannavale, "Will & Grace"), a larger than life character who may or may not be the Roman god of love, Cupid, sent to earth to bring 100 couples together before he is allowed to return to Mt. Olympus. As fate would have it, Trevor is under the care of psychiatrist and self-help author Dr. Claire McCrae (Sarah Paulson, "The Spirit," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip"), who is also dedicated to helping lonely hearts find their soul mates. When it comes to true love, Claire believes it's all about friendship and compatibility, but for Trevor, heat and passion conquer all. Only time will tell who will win the battle for love.

"Cupid" stars Bobby Cannavale as Trevor, Sarah Paulson as Claire, Rick Gomez as Felix and Camille Guaty as Lita.

"Cupid" is produced by ABC Studios. Rob Thomas serves as executive producer/creator along with executive producers Jennifer Gwartz, Danielle Stokdyk, Dan Etheridge and Diane Ruggerio.

"The Unusuals"

In "The Unusuals," it helps if a cop has a twisted sense of humor, because every moment could be your last. Just ask Casey Shraeger (Amber Tamblyn, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"), who started her day as an NYPD vice detective before unexpectedly being transferred to the homicide division. She quickly realizes that, not only does everyone in her new department have a distinct sense of humor, but also their own dirty little secrets.

The series stars Amber Tamblyn as Detective Casey Shraeger, Jeremy Renner as Detective Jason Walsh, Harold Perrineau as Detective Leo Banks, Josh Close as Detective Henry Cole, Monique Gabriela Curnen as Detective Allison Beaumont, Kai Lennox as Detective Eddie Alvarez, with Terry Kinney as Sergeant Harvey Brown and Adam Goldberg as Detective Eric Delahoy.

Created by Noah Hawley, "The Unusuals" is executive-produced by Hawley, Robert DeLaurentis and Peter O'Fallon, with Peter Tolan as an executive consultant on the series, which is produced by 26 Keys, Inc. in association with Sony Pictures Television for ABC.

"Primetime: What Would You Do?"

Suppose you witnessed a stranger slip a suspicious powder into his date's drink - would you tell his date? What if you saw a deli cashier exhibit racial discrimination to a customer trying to place an order - how would you respond? Using hidden cameras, "Primetime: What Would You Do?" sets up everyday scenarios and then captures people's reactions. Whether they're compelled to act or mind their own business, John Quiñones reports on their split-second - and often surprising - decision-making process.

Often people speculate on how they might act in a difficult situation, but this series looks at how they actually do in the face of everyday dilemmas that test their character and values. According to a 2008 Columbia Journalism Review essay, "Primetime: What Would You Do?" is "the flip side of reality TV... rather than show how people act in manufactured situations when they know they're being watched, they show us how people act when they don't."

More ABC

The hit half-hour comedy series "Scrubs" will move to ABC for its eighth season. This irreverent and offbeat comedy will debut TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, with back-to-back episodes from 9:00-9:30 and 9:30-10:00 p.m., ET on the ABC Television Network.

In the premiere episode, TUESDAY, JANUARY 6 (9:00-9:30 p.m., ET), entitled "My Jerks," Dr. Kelso's beautiful but unethical replacement, Dr. Maddox (played by guest star Courteney Cox), shakes things up at Sacred Heart, while J.D. struggles to manage a new crop of incompetent interns and Carla helps Elliott put her ego in check.

On the second episode (9:30-10:00 p.m., ET), "My Last Words," J.D. and Turk set aside their decade-long steak night tradition to comfort a dying patient, while Dr. Maddox (guest starring Courteney Cox) begins to show her true colors.

Beginning January 8, 2009, the hit drama series "Private Practice" moves to Thursdays at 10:00 p.m., ET. The series that introduced the world to Addison Montgomery, award-winning "Grey's Anatomy," will serve as the lead-in for "Private Practice," at 9:00 p.m., ET.

 The critically-acclaimed "Life on Mars" moves to Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m., ET, following the hit drama series, "Lost," at 9:00 p.m., ET, beginning January 28, 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CBS

CBS today announced mid-season schedule changes that include the return of the drama FLASHPOINT, the premiere of the mystery event HARPER'S ISLAND, the debut of the new game show GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD and the returns of the Network's reality hits SURVIVOR and THE AMAZING RACE. 

          FLASHPOINT, last summer's top original scripted series, premieres Friday, Jan. 9 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT).

          FLASHPOINT, starring Enrico Colantoni, Hugh Dillon, Amy Jo Johnson, David Paetkau, Michael Cram, Sergio Di Zio, Ruth Marshall and Mark Taylor, depicts the emotional journey into the tough, risk-filled lives of a group of cops in the Strategic Response Unit (inspired by Toronto's Emergency Task Force).

          FLASHPOINT is produced by Pink Sky Entertainment in association with CBS Paramount Network Television.  Bill Mustos and Anne Marie La Traverse are executive producers.

 HARPER'S ISLAND, a 13-episode mystery event, premieres Thursday, April 9  (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) and concludes Thursday, July 2 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).  HARPER'S ISLAND is about a group of family and friends who travel to a secluded island for a destination wedding. They've come to laugh... to love... and, though they don't know it... to die. As the wedding festivities begin, friendships are tested and secrets exposed as a murderer claims victims, one by one, transforming the wedding week of fun and celebration into a terrifying struggle for survival. In every episode, someone is killed and every person is a suspect, from the wedding party to the island locals. By the end of the 13 episodes, all questions will be answered, the killer will be revealed and only a few will survive.

             Jon Turteltaub ("Jericho") and Jeffrey Bell ("Alias," "Angel," "The X-Files") are executive producers for CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Junction Entertainment.  Karim Zreik ("Jericho"), Dan Shotz ("Jericho") and Tyler Bensinger ("Cold Case") are co-executive producers and Ari Schlossberg ("Hide and Seek") is co-executive producer and creator.

GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD, a hidden camera game show from Ashton Kutcher, premieres Saturday, Jan. 3 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT). Ordinary people must perform extraordinary tasks on an unsuspecting public to win up to $50,000. Under the watchful eye of host Joe Rogan, each contestant performs five outrageous, embarrassing and hilarious tasks worth $5,000 each.  In a no-holds-barred bonus round, each contestant has the chance to double their money up to $50,000. 

GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD is from fox21, produced by Hat Trick Productions and Katalyst Films.  Executive producers are Jimmy Mulville & Leon Wilde and Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke and Michael Binkow.

The 18th edition of SURVIVOR premieres Thursday, Feb. 12 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) while THE AMAZING RACE returns with its 14th edition on Sunday, Feb. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).

Saturday, Effective Jan. 3

8:00-8:30 PM              GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD (Premiere)

8:30-9:00 PM              GAME SHOW IN MY HEAD (Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM            CRIMETIME SATURDAY

10:00-11:00 PM      48 HOURS MYSTERY

Friday, Effective Jan. 9

8:00-9:00 PM              GHOST WHISPERER

9:00-10:00 PM            FLASHPOINT (Premiere)

10:00-11:00 PM            NUMB3RS

Thursday, Effective Feb. 12

8:00-9:00 PM              SURVIVOR 18 (Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM            CSI

10:00-11:00 PM            ELEVENTH HOUR

Sunday, Effective Feb. 15

7:00-8:00 PM              60 MINUTES

8:00-9:00 PM              THE AMAZING RACE 14 (Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM            COLD CASE

10:00-11:00 PM      THE UNIT

Thursday, Effective April 9

8:00-9:00 PM              SURVIVOR

9:00-10:00 PM            CSI

10:00-11:00 PM            HARPER'S ISLAND (Series Debut)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NBC

NBC announced today the January 2009 schedule that features the series premieres of "Superstars of Dance" (debuting January 4) and "Howie Do It" (January 9), the returns of "The Biggest Loser: Couples" (January 6) and "Friday Night Lights" (January 16).

Likewise, NBC will broadcast the original movie event "The Last Templar" Sunday and Monday, January 25-26, 9-11 p.m. ET both nights).

NBC also showcases the new specials "Saturday Night Live Sports Extra" on Sunday, January 4 (7-9 p.m. ET) and "Saturday Night Live Film Festival" on Sunday, January 18 (9-11 p.m. ET). "Dateline NBC" also will broadcast a Presidential Inauguration Day Special on Tuesday, January 20 (10-11 p.m. ET).

Among the new night-by-night lineup changes are:

The two-hour premiere of "Superstars of Dance" - from the producers of "So You Think You Can Dance?" -- will be broadcast on Sunday, January 4 (9-11 p.m. ET) before the series resumes in its regular day and time on Monday, January 5 through January 19 (8-10 p.m. ET). The new competition series -- showcasing the world's best and most varied dancers -- will be followed on Mondays by "Momma's Boys" (10-11 p.m. ET), the new alternative series from executive producer Ryan Seacrest.

The season finale of "Superstars of Dance" will wrap on Monday, January 26 (8-9 p.m. ET).

On Tuesdays -- from January 6 -- NBC will telecast "The Biggest Loser: Couples" (8-10 p.m. ET) followed by "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (10-11 p.m. ET).

Fridays will see the debut of "Howie Do It" -- starring Howie Mandel of NBC's "Deal or No Deal" (8-9 p.m. ET) -- beginning January 9.

The critically acclaimed "Friday Night Lights" will then return to NBC's Friday-night lineup on January 16 (9-10 p.m. ET).

The new January program schedule grid follows (all times ET); new series are capitalized:

MONDAYS (beginning January 5)

8-10 p.m. -- "SUPERSTARS OF DANCE"; premieres Sunday, January 4 (9-11 p.m.); season finale Monday, January 26 (8-9 p.m.)

10-11 p.m. - "MOMMA'S BOYS"

("Chuck" and "Heroes" return in February)

 TUESDAYS (beginning January 6)

8-10 p.m. - "The Biggest Loser: Couples"

10-11 p.m. -- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

TUESDAY (January 20)

10-11 p.m. - "Dateline NBC": Presidential Inauguration Special (10-11 p.m. ET)

WEDNESDAYS (beginning January 7)

8-9 p.m. -- "Knight Rider"

9-10 p.m. - "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" encores ("Life" returns in February)

10-11 p.m. -- "Law & Order"

THURSDAYS (beginning January 8)

8-8:30 p.m. - "My Name Is Earl"

8:30-9 p.m. -- "Kath & Kim"

9:00-9:31 p.m. -- "The Office"

9:31-10 p.m. -- "30 Rock"

10-11 p.m. - "ER"

FRIDAYS

8-9 p.m. -- "HOWIE DO IT" (series premiere January 9)

9-10 p.m. - "Friday Night Lights" (beginning January 16)

10-11 p.m. -- "Dateline NBC" (beginning December 5)

SATURDAYS (beginning January 10)

8-11 - "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" encores

SUNDAYS (January 4)

7-9 p.m. - "Saturday Night Live Sports Extra"

9-11 p.m. - "SUPERSTARS OF DANCE" (premiere)

"Sunday -- Event Specials"

8-11 p.m. - "THE GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS" (January 11)

9-11 p.m. - "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE FILM FESTIVAL" (January 18)

9-11 p.m. -- THE LAST TEMPLAR -- (January 25 and Monday, January 26)

6:15-10 p.m. -- SUPER BOWL XLIII (February 1)

More NBC

NBC unveiled today a wide spectrum of its post-January mid-season schedule that features the series premieres of the new drama "Kings" (March 19) with a two-hour event, plus the season debuts of "Medium" (February 2) and a two-hour "Celebrity Apprentice" (March 1) -- as well as original episode returns for "Chuck" (returning with a special "3-D" episode February 2), "Heroes" (which begins "Fugitives," a new volume on February 2) and "Life" (February 4) -- and the movie event "XIII" (February 8 & 15). All the series and movie events will be given a huge promotional boost during "Super Bowl XLIII" on February 1.

Immediately following "Super Bowl XLIII" on February 1, NBC will broadcast an original, hour-long episode of "The Office" (10:30-11:30 p.m. ET; simultaneously to all time zones). Noteworthy announcements regarding this special episode are forthcoming.

In addition, NBC has scheduled the two-hour series finale of "ER" for Thursday, March 12 (9-11 p.m. ET).

The original movie event "XIII," starring Val Kilmer and Stephen Dorff, will air on Sunday, February 8 and 15 (9-11 p.m. ET both nights).

Premieres for additional mid-season shows -- "The Untitled Amy Poehler Project" and "The Philanthropist" - will be announced at a future date.

The announcements were made by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

"February and March are going to be exciting months on NBC and the Super Bowl is just the beginning," said Silverman. "The biggest event on television will provide the perfect promotional platform as we launch some of the most eagerly anticipated new and returning shows on any schedule."

Beginning February 2, Monday nights will feature original episodes of "Chuck" (8-9 p.m. ET), the latest volume of "Heroes" (9-10 p.m. ET) and the return of "Medium" (10-11 p.m. ET).

The new post-January mid-season additions to NBC's program schedule grid follows (all times ET); new series are capitalized except for "ER":

MONDAYS (beginning February 2)

8-9 p.m. -- "Chuck" (returns with "3-D" episode)

9-10 p.m. -- "Heroes" (new volume "Fugitives" begins)

10-11 p.m. -"Medium"

WEDNESDAYS

8-9 p.m. -- "Knight Rider" (season finale February 25; new show beginning March 4 to be announced soon)

9-10 p.m. - "Life" (beginning February 4)

THURSDAY (March 12)

9-11 p.m. - "ER" Series Finale

THURSDAY

9-11 p.m. - "KINGS" (two-hour series premiere March 19)

10-11 p.m. - "KINGS" (regular day and time beginning March 26)

SUNDAYS (February 8 and 15)

9-11 p.m. -- "XIII" (original movie event)

SUNDAYS (beginning March 1)

9-11 p.m. -- "Celebrity Apprentice" (special two-hour episodes)

SUNDAY EVENT SPECIALS

6:15-10:30 p.m. - "SUPER BOWL XLIII" (February 1)

10:30-11:30 p.m. (ET) - "The Office" (February 1; broadcast simultaneous to all time zones)

9-11 p.m. - "XIII" (February 8 and 15)

From executive producer Michael Green (NBC's "Heroes") comes "Kings," a riveting new drama about a modern-day monarchy. "Kings" is a contemporary retelling of the timeless tale of David and Goliath. This series is an epic story of greed and power, war and romance, forbidden loves and secret alliances -- and a young hero who rises to power in a modern-day kingdom. King Silas Benjamin (Ian McShane, "Deadwood") is the well-entrenched king of Gilboa, with its capital in Shiloh, a clean new city that is unspoiled by time or litter. Silas must deal with the tensions rising between Gilboa and neighboring nation Gath. When several prisoners of war are taken, a young soldier, David Shepard (Chris Egan, "Eragon"), defies orders and crosses enemy lines to save them. Unknown to David, the soldier he saves is Jack Benjamin (Sebastian Stan, "The Covenant"), the son of the king. From that day forth, David's life will never be the same.

Also starring are Susanna Thompson ("Once & Again"), Allison Miller ("Lucy's Piano"), Wes Studi ("Comanche Moon," "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee"), Eamonn Walker ("Oz") and Dylan Baker ("Spiderman 2"). The series is from Universal Media Studios. "Kings" is executive-produced by Green, Erwin Stoff ("I Am Legend") and Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend"), who also directed the pilot.

"XIII" is a high-stakes cat-and-mouse thriller starring Val Kilmer ("The Doors"), Stephen Dorff ("World Trade Center"), Stephen McHattie ("Watchmen") and Jessalyn Gilsig (NBC's "Heroes"). The adrenaline-charged miniseries begins dramatically as the first female U.S. president is shot dead by a sniper during her Veterans Day speech. Three months later, a wounded man is found tattered in a forest with no memory of his identity. The only clue is a tattoo on his neck -- "XIII." Could his lightning-fast reflexes and killer instincts betray him as the presidential assassin that the U.S. is desperately searching for? Submerged in a far-reaching conspiracy, which threatens to overthrow the entire government, XIII's identity becomes the key to unraveling a complex and dangerous secret that will shock and excite. From the first bullet, this gripping action-thriller will leave audiences gasping for more. Ted Atherton ("Max Payne"), John Bourgeois ("Burn Up"), Greg Bryk ("ReGenesis"), Lucinda Davis ("Wargames: The Dead Code"), and Caterina Murino ("Casino Royale") also star. "XIII" is an official Canada/France co-production, developed and produced by Prodigy Pictures and Cipango in association with Power. Prodigy Pictures' Jay Firestone, Cipango's Edouard Vesinne and Thomas Anargyros and Power's Justin Bodle will serve as executive producers. Directed by Duane Clark ("CSI," "Meadowlands), "XIII" is written by David Wolkove ("La Femme Nikita," "Relic Hunter") and Philippe Lyon ("The Trail," "Alive").

"The Celebrity Apprentice" and host Donald Trump will return with two-hour episodes and a dynamic cast of brilliant celebrity business minds. Last season saw Piers Morgan defeat Trace Adkins to become the first Celebrity Apprentice. This season, 16 new celebrities will be vying for the coveted title, using all their business savvy as they fight for causes close to their hearts. Celebrities will be subjected to long hours, grueling mental challenges, personality clashes, and intense scrutiny -- all without the help of their regular support system of agents, managers, and personal assistants. Ultimately, they will face the judgment of Donald Trump and his advisors in the boardroom, which will include his children (and colleagues), Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The CW

The CW Network has set its midseason schedule, featuring new episodes of its scripted series and the premiere of the scare-fest reality series "13 - Fear Is Real."

The CW's smash hit Monday lineup returns on January 5, with new episodes of sophomore sensation "GOSSIP GIRL" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET), followed by fan favorite "ONE TREE HILL" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET). 

Two freshman series return to the Tuesday lineup on January 6 with new episodes of this season's most buzzed-about series, "90210" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET), leading into the critical hit "PRIVILEGED" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET). 

The new Wednesday night schedule kicks off on January 7, featuring the premiere of new horror/reality series "13 - FEAR IS REAL" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET), in which 13 people compete to "stay alive" while facing their deepest fears in an all-out elimination competition and scare-fest.  An encore performance of "90210" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET) will follow the new series on Wednesday nights.

On Thursday, the heroic team of "SMALLVILLE" (8:00-9:00p.m. ET) and "SUPERNATURAL" (9:00-10:00p.m. ET) will return to The CW's line-up with new episodes on January 15.

On Friday night, "EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS" (8:00-8:30p.m. ET) and "THE GAME" (8:30-9:00p.m. ET) return to The CW's comedy block with new episodes on January 9.   Encore performances of "13 - FEAR IS REAL" will begin airing Friday nights on January 9.

The Devil and his minions will be back on the trail of evil-doers when "REAPER" returns to the schedule on Tuesday, March 17 (9:00-10:00p.m. ET).

Following is The CW's midseason schedule:

Monday

8:00-9:00 p.m.         "GOSSIP GIRL" (New Episodes Begin January 5)

9:00-10:00 p.m.         "ONE TREE HILL" (New Episodes Begin January 5)

Tuesday

8:00-9:00 p.m.         "90210" (New Episodes Begin January 6)

9:00-10:00 p.m.         "PRIVILEGED" (New Episodes Begin January 6)

Wednesday 

8:00-9:00 p.m.          "13 - FEAR IS REAL" (Series Premiere January 7)

9:00-10:00 p.m.         "90210" (Encore Episodes Begin January 7)

Thursday

8:00-9:00 p.m.         "SMALLVILLE" (New Episodes Begin January 15)

9:00-10:00 p.m.         "SUPERNATURAL" (New Episodes Begin January 15)

Friday

8:00-8:30 p.m.         "EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS" (New Episodes Begin January 9)

8:30-9:00 p.m.         "THE GAME" (New Episodes Begin January 9)

9:00-10:00 p.m.             "13 - FEAR IS REAL" (Encore Episodes Begin January 9)

Tuesday (Beginning March 17)

8:00-9:00 p.m.         "90210"

9:00-10:00 p.m.         "REAPER"