NBC today announced changes to its 2013 primetime mid-season schedule highlighted by the premieres of three new series, including comedy "1600 Penn," from one of the architects of "Modern Family"; an intriguing drama "Deception" (formerly "Infamous"); and producer Eva Longoria's big reality relationship show "Ready for Love."
In addition, several of the network's biggest hits will return, including "The Voice" with new coaches Usher and Shakira; fall hit "Revolution"; "Smash," featuring
Jennifer Hudson; and "The Biggest Loser," with some innovative changes to the format and the return of
Jillian Michaels.
Further scheduling announcements will be forthcoming.
Following are the highlights of the changes:
Mondays:
The new drama "Deception" - starring Meagan Good ("Think Like a Man"),
Victor Garber ("Alias"),
Tate Donovan ("Damages") and Katherine LaNasa ("Alfie") in a dark family murder mystery -- debuts on January 7 (10-11 p.m. ET). Preceding "Deception" is the new season of "The Biggest Loser" which returns with a two-night premiere on Sunday, January 6 (9-11 p.m. ET) and Monday, January 7 (8-10 p.m. ET), and will continue on Mondays (8-10 p.m. ET) until the return of "The Voice."
"The Voice" maintains its momentum as it returns March 25 for a fourth season (8-10 p.m. ET) and Tuesday, March 26 (8-9 p.m. ET). It continues its two-night Monday/Tuesday schedule as it did this fall. "Revolution" -- the season's only bona fide new hit series -- will return and follow "The Voice" on March 25 (10-11 p.m. ET) when it concludes its current fall broadcast dates in November.
Tuesdays:
Last year's acclaimed musical drama "Smash" makes its much-anticipated return with a two-hour episode on February 5 (9-11 p.m. ET) -- with Oscar winner
Jennifer Hudson -- and will resume on Tuesday, February 12 (10-11 p.m. ET) in its regular day and time. "
Betty White's Off Their Rockers" premieres on January 8 with back-to-back episodes (8-8:30 p.m. ET and 8:30-9 p.m. ET) and will continue in that hour each Tuesday.
"The Voice" also will return on Tuesdays on March 26 (8-9 p.m. ET).
Thursdays:
The new comedy "1600 Penn" -- starring
Bill Pullman ("Independence Day"),
Jenna Elfman ("Dharma and Greg") and
Josh Gad (Broadway's "The Book of Mormon") as a typical American family who just happen to live in the White House -- debuts on January 10 (9:30-10 p.m. ET).
Jason Winer, Emmy-winning director of "Modern Family" is co-creator and director. The critically hailed comedy "Community" returns on February 7 (8-8:30 p.m. ET). "Parks and Recreation" moves up one hour on the Thursday schedule to 8:30-9 p.m. (ET) on January 17.
Sundays:
The new alternative series "Ready for Love" -- an innovative and dramatic new relationship show about making real connections with executive producer Eva Longoria - premieres Sunday, March 31 (8-10 p.m. ET).
Donald Trump's "The Celebrity Apprentice" resumes with an "All-Star" edition of former celebrity contestants on March 3 (9-11 p.m. ET) for four weeks before continuing in one-hour episodes on Sunday, March 31 (10-11 p.m. ET).
