NBC's New Season

NBC's New Season Lineup Leans Heavily on Drama - New York Times: "NBC is expected to announce a fall schedule today that will include a new drama from Aaron Sorkin, the creator of "The West Wing"; a new comedy from the head writer and star of "Saturday Night Live," Tina Fey; and a series adaptation of the book and movie "Friday Night Lights."

New NBC shows are expected to star familiar names like Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, John Lithgow, Jeff Goldblum and Alec Baldwin. The network had already announced it would bring back several that had been considered on the fence for renewal, including "Las Vegas," "Crossing Jordan" and "Medium," and the six new hours will tip the network heavily in drama's direction.

Mr. Sorkin, who won multiple Emmy Awards for "The West Wing," has created a new series tentatively titled "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." It examines the backstage drama at a late-night sketch comedy show much like "Saturday Night Live." With the show struggling, two hot writers, played by Mr. Perry, who starred in "Friends," and Bradley Whitford of "The West Wing" are asked to save it by a high-intensity program executive, played by Ms. Peet (currently finishing up a run in "Barefoot in the Park" on Broadway.)"