It’s that time of year when the 2009-2010 TV season ends. When all the show have either their season or series finales. As one season concludes, the major networks unveil their plans for Fall. The whole process when networks present their new offerings to the media and potential advertisers is called upfronts. For the entire week, each network takes turns to start building the hype for Fall.

Though NBC has been releasing small bits of information the previous weeks, they were officially the first to present their schedule. After the humongous failure of the Jay Leno Show during the 10pm slot, canceling long-running “Law and Order” and being in last place for the big four networks, NBC had the most time slots to fill amongst the big four. Here are the best three new shows that piqued my interest and have the best chance of succeeding.

UNDERCOVERS
Think Mr. & Mrs Smith or True Lies but with African American leads. One being the incredibly hunky Boris Kodjoe. Coming from the genius that is J.J. Abrams (Lost, Alias, Felicity, Star Trek Movie), this is bound to become an entertaining way to spend an hour. The hour-long spy drama features Steven and Samantha who are both former CIA agents. But after a brief retirement, they are thrust back into a world of danger, excitement and espionage. With a very appealing cast (check out the trailer above) and terms like “sex-pionage” already on the pop culture radar, “Undercovers” could be a bonafide hit for the peacock network.

LOVE BITES
Ever since it was announced ABC’s “Ugly Betty” was canceled, I was hoping someone would snatch up the under-utilized Becki Newton (Amanda) during pilot season. Thankfully someone did. Former “Sex and the City” writer, Cindy Chupack and Working Title Films (“Love Actually”, “Bridget Jones Diary”) bring us a series about love and modern romance. On paper, it has all the right ingredients. Good cast, great writing team, but then I saw the first few moments of the trailer and I wasn’t immediately grabbed. I, incorrectly so, was expecting Becki Newton to be Amanda. But after I dismissed that preconception, I definitely got into it. The Jennifer Love Hewitt segment is totally endearing.

OUTSOURCED
This has politically incorrect written all over it, and THAT’s why this show will be hilarious. The comedy takes place at an outsourced call center in India and while the obvious cultural differences will obviously be exploited, it also pokes fun at North American culture as well. From the looks of the preview, a few of the characters look downright hilarious and lovable. I’m all over this one and can’t wait to see the premiere episode.

OTHER POTENTIAL HITS
“Friends With Benefits”, “The Cape”, “The Event”, “Law and Order: Los Angeles”

NBC 2010-2011 SCHEDULE

MONDAY
8-9 p.m: Chuck
9-10 p.m: The Event (new)
10-11 p.m.: Chase (new)

TUESDAY
8-10 p.m.: The Biggest Loser
10-11 p.m.: Parenthood

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m.: Undercovers (new)
9-10 p.m.: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
10-11 p.m.: Law & Order: Los Angeles (new)

THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m.: Community
8:30-9 p.m.: 30 Rock (Parks and Recreation midseason)
9-9:30 p.m.: The Office
9:30-10 p.m.: Outsourced (new)
10-11 p.m.: Love Bites (new)

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m.: Who Do You Think You Are?/School Pride (new)
9-10 p.m.: Dateline NBC
10-11 p.m.: Outlaw (new)

SUNDAY
7- 8:15 p.m.: Football Night in America
8:15-11:30 p.m.: NBC Sunday Night Football

SUNDAY (midseason)
7-8 p.m.: Dateline NBC
8-9 p.m. – Minute to Win It
9-11 p.m. – The Celebrity Apprentice

Other shows being held for midseason: The Cape, Friends with Benefits, Harry’s Law, Paul Reiser Comedy, Perfect Couples

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