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TwitterUpfront buzz: 'Community' building, hope for 'Chuck' at NBC
NBC is only about 72 hours away from unveiling its 2009-10 shows to the world, and the usual advance buzz is swirling as to which newbies -- and which on-the-fence current series -- will make the cut.
The showbiz trades are in agreement that one fairly sure bet is "Community," a comedy starring Joel McHale and Chevy Chase that's set at a community college. The show, created by "Sarah Silverman Program" veteran Dan Harmon, has received positive coverage throughout its development process, and the trades report that it did well at a screening for network executives earlier this week.
Another comedy, "100 Questions for Charlotte Payne," has also reportedly won some fans. It centers on a young woman (British actress Sophie Winkleman) who's trying to navigate life in New York; each episode is framed by one of the titular questions.
Things are a little murkier on the drama side, not least because Nora O'Brien, the network's vice president for drama development, died suddenly Wednesday night after collapsing on the set of the pilot "Parenthood," which is filming in Northern California. That show, starring Peter Krause, Maura Tierney and Erika Christensen, is one of the surer bets for the network.
The only other dramas that have screened so far are David E. Kelley's "Legally Mad" and Dick Wolf's "Lost & Found," and the trades say neither one set the room on fire. "Legally Mad" does, however, carry a significant penalty if NBC decides not to pick it up. Screenings for several other shows, including the dramas "Mercy," "Trauma" and "Day One" and the comedy "Off Duty," were scheduled for Friday.
Among the shows already on the schedule, "Chuck" is probably the most closely watched. Variety says "signs are pointing to" a third season for the action-comedy, while The Hollywood Reporter will only go so far as to say its chances "have improved slightly." Late-season entrants "Southland" and "Parks and Recreation" are also seen as pretty safe.
NBC's "infront" presentation is scheduled for Monday afternoon in New York.
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Zap2it Twitter Talk 
Parks needs to go and so does Chuck. These two shows are awful and with Southland really tanking last night, how can you justifb a renewal for this slop?
I think NBC should run shows without repeats in both the fall (Sept- Jan) and winter/ spring (Feb- May). This will make people more interested in watching as there is always something new on. NBC should also consider pucking up Samantha Who/ Cold Case/ Without A Trace if they are not picked up by ABC & CBS as there record of late with new shows is poor. I would renew Chuck as its one of the few NBC shows I record every week.
Richard, are we watching the same Chuck? It's fantastic! I agree with you about Parks though.
I am with Katie. Richard are you watching the same Chuck? I think Chuck is great! I do agree with you about Parks!
Chuck is one of the best hours in network tv - I have no idea what show you're watching!
Chuck is an excellent show. There's been some highs and lows along the way, but it is stuck in an awfully difficult time block (mondays are arguably stronger than thursdays now, in terms of content to compete against). They ended with a very intriguing twist, and here's hoping they at least get a 13.
The worst episode of Chuck is still much better than most of the tv shows nowadays.
Chuck is a great show and Parks has potential. I think they both should get renewed.
The only show on NBC that shows any life and is any different is..well... Life. Not bringing it back, after shifting the slot around THREE TIMES this season is a very "give up" move. It seems like an NCIS-like builder that gets better and better and gains an audience.
Chuck
i really like that show but i only started watching it recently because that's when how i met your mother and BBT are on and in all fairness HIMYM came first (and is the best if not the only really good show on CBS) but i usually watch it if their reruns or on hulu
and Parks i think should get at least one more season of at least 13 or 14 episodes because i thinks its been getting better