Watch Trailers For NBC's New 2015-2016 TV Series Line-Up
As most of your favorite TV shows are winding down before summer arrives, the networks are busy presenting their upfronts to show off the new programming that will be hitting screens beginning this fall and heading into early 2016. We've already seen a teaser trailer for Heroes Reborn and some new images popped up earlier today, but now NBC has trailers for some of their other new shows that star the likes of Wesley Snipes (Blade) and Jaimie Alexander (Thor: The Dark World). There's a mix of new comedies and dramas that the network hopes audiences will tune into, so let's see what they have to offer.
Watch NBC's new 2015 TV series trailers after the jump.
First up, let's take a look at the new NBC shows which have trailers available:
People Are Talking
If you can think it, they will say it. From producer Will Packer ("Ride Along") and director Pam Fryman ("How I Met Your Mother") comes this unabashed new comedy about two diverse couples who are both neighbors and best friends. As they go through life side-by-side, they can't help but analyze and obsess about everything. From topics like sex and race, to the fact that the trusted new babysitter might just be a porn star, nothing is out of bounds for this wildly outspoken foursome.
The cast includes Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tone Bell and Bresha Webb.
DJ Nash serves as writer and executive producer. Will Packer and director Pam Fryman (pilot) also executive produce. "People Are Talking" is produced by Universal Television and Will Packer Productions.
First Quick Impressions: This looks like the worst kind of network sitcom. Tired jokes, stale premises, all shrouded in the blanket of trying to be fresh and edgy. Frankly, I'd rather see Mark-Paul Gosselaar in a Saved by the Bell reunion series to pander to nostalgic audiences than something new of this level of quality.Blindspot
From executive producer Greg Berlanti ("Arrow," "The Flash," "The Mysteries of Laura") comes "Blindspot": A vast international plot explodes when a beautiful Jane Doe, completely covered in mysterious, intricate tattoos, is discovered naked in Times Square with no memory of who she is or how she got there. But there's one tattoo that is impossible to miss: the name of FBI agent Kurt Weller, emblazoned across her back. "Jane," Agent Weller and the rest of the FBI quickly realize that each mark on her body is a crime to solve, leading them closer to the truth about her identity and the mysteries to be revealed.
The cast includes Sullivan Stapleton, Jaimie Alexander, Audrey Esparza, Rob Brown, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Ukweli Roach and Ashley Johnson.
Martin Gero serves as writer and executive producer. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and director Mark Pellington also executive produce. "Blindspot" is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Berlanti Productions.
First Quick Impressions: This could be NBC's most exciting new show beyond the revival of Heroes coming this fall (though that's technically not completely new). It has a Fifth Element meets The Bourne Identity vibe, and this is one that I'm actually interested in checking out next season.Heartbreaker
Based on the real life and achievements of Dr. Kathy Magliato, this unique character-driven medical drama follows Dr. Alex Panttiere (Melissa George, "The Slap"), an outspoken world-renowned heart-transplant surgeon and one of the few women in her field. Stubborn and fearless, Alex always operates on her own terms. She revels in a racy personal life that's a full-time job in itself, manages the daily demands of skeptical faculty and dutiful interns, and pushes the boundaries of medical science to impressive new heights.
The cast includes Melissa George, Dave Annable, Don Hany, Shelley Conn, D.L. Hughley, Jamie Kennedy, Maya Erskine, J. Louis Mills and Joshua Leonard.
Jill Gordon serves as writer and executive producer. Amy Brenneman, Brad Silberling and director Robbie Duncan McNeill also executive produce. "Heartbreaker" is produced by Universal Television.
First Quick Impressions: This looks like your standard medical drama, but with a strong female lead in charge. However, the character seems to be a bit of a cliche, if only because we've seen a feisty, sarcastic type of doctor like this in House M.D. At least, Melissa George's character seems a lot more likable and less abrasive, but the show kind of feels like a dud.The Player
From the executive producers of "The Blacklist" and starring Wesley Snipes and Philip Winchester ("Strike Back," "Fringe") comes an action-packed Las Vegas thriller about a former military operative turned security expert who is drawn into a high-stakes game where an organization of wealthy individuals gamble on his ability to stop some of the biggest crimes imaginable from playing out. Can he take them down from the inside and get revenge for the death of his wife, or is it true what they say: The house always wins.
The cast also includes Charity Wakefield and Damon Gupton.
John Rogers serves as writer and executive producer. John Davis, John Fox and director Bharat Nalluri also executive produce. "The Player" is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Davis Entertainment and Kung Fu Monkey.
First Quick Impressions: I've watched this trailer twice, and I'm still not entirely sure what this show is supposed to be about. Part of it feels like a copy of the CBS series Person of Interest with a confusing, gambling twist, while the rest of it just feels like the producers are trying to hard to make this show look exciting. I would say Wesley Snipes is better than this, but I'm not so sure anymore.Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris
Five Emmy Awards and a Tony Award make multi-talented Neil Patrick Harris the perfect star for this live one-hour show that is unlike any other currently on American television. Complete with stunts, skits, pranks, audience interaction, musical numbers, giveaways and unlimited surprises, this show proves that anything can happen, and it can happen to you. Based on the wildly popular British hit "Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway," the modernized variety show format and its fearless, multi-talented star will make for one of the best nights ever on TV week after week.
Neil Patrick Harris, Orly Adelson, Siobhan Greene, David A. Hurwitz, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly executive produce. "Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris" is produced by ITV Studios America.
First Quick Impressions: Neil Patrick Harris is quite the charismatic host, and this looks like kind of show that could go viral every week like clips from The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon or recent shenanigans on The Late Late Show with James Corden. However, with shows like this, it feels like we're going backwards in the timeline of television's evolution.
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In addition, below we have the rest of NBC's new shows that are coming down the pipeline. There aren't any trailers or images for these shows yet, but these official synopses were available for the upfront presentation.
COMEDIESCoach
Craig T. Nelson ("Parenthood") reprises the iconic role that earned him an Emmy in this follow-up to the beloved series that ran for nine seasons. With original creator Barry Kemp at the helm, Hayden Fox's story picks up 18 years later when the retired coach gets back in the game to assist his son, who was just hired as head coach at an Ivy League university in Pennsylvania... where they know nothing about sports. Between dealing with the eggheads on campus and his hostile daughter-in-law at home, Coach will soon learn that he's not in Minnesota anymore. Talk about a Hail Mary!
Barry Kemp serves as writer and executive producer. Craig T. Nelson also executive produces. "Coach" is produced by Universal Television.
Crowded
No more sex, booze, and paying the bills naked. After 20 years of parenting, empty nesters Mike (Patrick Warburton, "Seinfeld") and Martina (Carrie Preston, "True Blood") are finally reclaiming their wild side. Yet when their two grown daughters both unexpectedly move back in, and Mike's parents scratch their plans to spend their golden years in Florida, their roost is full again. From executive producer Sean Hayes, this new (and very timely) family comedy proves that life is crazy with a full house, especially the second time around.
The cast includes Patrick Warburton, Carrie Preston, Stacy Keach, Carlease Burke, Mia Serafino and Miranda Cosgrove.
Suzanne Martin serves as writer and executive producer. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner also executive produce. James Burrows will direct. "Crowded" is produced by Universal Television and Hazy Mills Productions.
Hot & Bothered
If you think the steamy sex, sensational scandals and wrenching heartbreak on Latino soap operas are a little extreme, just wait until you see what happens behind the scenes. Eva Longoria ("Desperate Housewives") stars in this new comedy about Ana Sofia, a sizzling TV superstar and her lively family of cast and crew all competing to steal the spotlight. When the cameras turn off, the drama turns up as Ana battles pesky network execs, drunken script writers, narcissistic co-stars, and an unfortunately familiar new onscreen love interest.
The cast includes Jencarlos Canela, Diana Maria Riva, Jose Moreno Brooks, Alex Meneses, Amaury Nolasco, Jadyn Maria and Izzy Diaz
Chrissy Pietrosh and Jessica Goldstein serve as writers and executive producers. Eva Longoria, Ben Spector, Josh Bycel and Jonathan Fener also executive produce. "Hot & Bothered" is produced by Universal Television, Unbelievable Entertainment and Tall and Short Productions.
Superstore
America Ferrara ("Ugly Betty") and Ben Feldman ("Mad Men," "A to Z") star in a hilarious workplace comedy (from the producer of "The Office") about a unique family of employees at a super-sized megastore. From the bright-eyed newbies and the seen-it-all veterans to the clueless summer hires and in-it-for-life managers, together they hilariously tackle the day-to-day grind of rabid bargain hunters, riot-causing sales and nap-worthy training sessions.
The cast includes Mark McKinney, Lauren Ash, Colton Dunn, Nichole Bloom and Nico Santos.
Justin Spitzer serves as writer and executive producer. David Bernad and director Ruben Fleischer also executive produce. "Superstore" is produced by Universal Television and the District.
You, Me and the End of the World
In this bold adrenaline-fueled new one-hour comedy drama, the news that a comet is on an unavoidable collision course with Earth sets in motion the most hilariously unexpected chain of events imaginable. Set against the backdrop of apocalyptic chaos and starring Rob Lowe ("Parks and Recreation"), Jenna Fischer ("The Office"), Megan Mullally ("Will & Grace") and Mathew Baynton ("Yonderland"), the story follows an eclectic group of seemingly unconnected characters around the world as their lives start to intersect in the most unexpected ways. When we say eclectic, we mean a rebellious priest, an unhinged white supremacist, a mild-mannered bank manager, a germ-phobic cyber-terrorist and an American five-star general. Some of these misfits are destined to make it to a bunker deep beneath the English suburbs of Slough and, as a result, will become the hugely unlikely (and totally unsuitable) future of mankind. Wouldn't that be a disaster!
The cast also includes Joel Fry, Paterson Joseph, Gaia Scodellaro, Pauline Quirke, Fabian McCallum and Kyle Soller.
Executive producers are Juliette Howell, Lynn Horsford, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Cameron Roach, Lizzie Gray and Andrew Conrad. "You, Me and the End of the World" is a production of Working Title Television, Sky TV and Bigballs Films. NBCUniversal International Television Production operates a joint television production venture with Working Title Television.
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DRAMASChicago Med
Executive producer Dick Wolf delivers the newest installment of the compelling "Chicago" franchise, an emotional thrill ride through the day-to-day chaos of the city's most explosive hospital and the courageous team of doctors who hold it together. They will tackle unique new cases inspired by topical events, forging fiery relationships in the pulse-pounding pandemonium of the emergency room, and through it all, familiar faces from the Chicago police and fire departments will intertwine as this third team of Chicago heroes hits the ground running.
The cast includes Oliver Platt, S. Epatha Merkerson, Laurie Holden, Nick Gehlfuss and Yaya Dacosta.
Dick Wolf, Matt Olmstead, Michael Brandt and Derek Haas serve as writers and executive producers. Danielle Gelber, Peter Jankowski and director Joe Chappelle (pilot) also executive produce. "Chicago Med" is produced by Universal Television and Wolf Films.
Game of Silence
Carol Mendelsohn, executive producer and veteran of the "CSI" phenomenon, and David Hudgins ("Parenthood," "Friday Night Lights") present a gripping new drama about a successful Atlanta attorney (David Lyons, "Revolution") whose long-lost childhood friends unexpectedly reappear after 25 years. When a dark secret they thought they had buried resurfaces, the brotherhood bands together to right the wrongs of their shared past – a journey that will push the limits of their loyalty and quench their thirst for revenge.
The cast includes David Lyons, Michael Raymond-James, Larenz Tate, Bre Blair, Conor O'Farrell, Deidrie Henry, Demetrius Grosse and Claire Van Der Boom.
David Hudgins serves as writer and executive producer. Carol Mendelsohn, Julie Weitz and director Niels Arden Oplev also executive produce. "Game of Silence" is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Universal Television and Carol Mendelsohn Productions.
Shades of Blue
In a provocative new drama, the iconic Jennifer Lopez stars as sexy New York detective (and single mother) Harlee Santos, who fell in with a tight-knit group of dirty cops, taking bribes and protection money that she uses to provide the best life for her honest and talented daughter. When she's trapped by the FBI, however, and forced to inform on her own "brothers," she'll have to walk the fine line between love, loyalty, honor and betrayal, and try to keep it together for her daughter's future.
The cast also includes Ray Liotta, Warren Kole, Dayo Okeniyi, Drea De Matteo, Hampton Fluker, Vincent Laresca and Sarah Jeffery.
Jack Orman and Adi Hasak serve as writers and executive producers. Jennifer Lopez, Barry Levinson (pilot), Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Ryan Seacrest and Nina Wass also executive produce. "Shades of Blue" is produced by Universal Television, Nuyorican Productions, EGTV and Ryan Seacrest Productions.
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Premiere dates for the new shows haven't been announced yet, but if you want to know what the schedule will look like this fall, here they are alongside the weekly line-up of returning shows on NBC:
MONDAY
8-10 P.M. – "The Voice"
10-11 P.M. – "BLINDSPOT"
TUESDAY
8-9 P.M. – "The Voice"
9-10. PM. – "HEARTBREAKER"
10-11 P.M. – "BEST TIME EVER WITH NEIL PATRICK HARRIS" (through November)
10-11 P.M. – "Chicago Fire" (premieres in November)
WEDNESDAY
8-9 P.M. – "The Mysteries of Laura"
9-10 P.M. – "Law & Order: SVU"
10-11 P.M. – "Chicago P.D."
THURSDAY
8-9 P.M. – "HEROES REBORN"
9-10 P.M. – "The Blacklist"
10-11 P.M. – "THE PLAYER"
FRIDAY
8-8:30 P.M. – "Undateable"
8:30-9 P.M. – "PEOPLE ARE TALKING"
9-10 P.M. – "Grimm"
10-11 P.M. – "Dateline"
SATURDAY
8-10 P.M. – "Dateline Saturday Night Mystery"
10-11 P.M. – "Saturday Night Live" (Classic encores)
SUNDAY
7-8:20 P.M. – "Football Night in America"
8:20-11 P.M. – "Sunday Night Football"
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Frankly, I don't see anything that looks or sounds like an instant hit on this list. The only two shows in this line-up that jump out as me as interesting are Blindspot and You, Me and the End of the World. Otherwise, it feels like NBC has an uphill battle to get viewers to tune in.
Notice that NBC only has one returning comedy series in the fall, and this is the place that used to have "Must-See TV" as part of their reputation. But as cable networks like FX have amped up their quality comedy programming with shows like Louie and Man Seeking Woman, and Netflix starts moving on on their territory with The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (which was originally going to be on NBC), the traditional, safer, tame network programming is starting to look pretty stale by comparison.
Do you think any of these new shows on NBC sound good? Will you give any of them a shot?