POSTED: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 12:00am
UPDATED: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 10:27am
The march to the fall TV season is officially underway.
NBC was the first of the major networks to show off its new schedule to advertisers.
It's a presentation known in the business as "the upfront".
The new NBC lineup is heavy on comedy.
Four are set to debut, including "Go On" starring former "Friends" star Matthew Perry.
He plays a wisecracking sportscaster forced into group therapy.
There's also some monkey business afoot with "Animal Practice" with Justin Kirk starring as an irascible veterinarian.
Babies are also part of the comedy mix in "Guys With Kids" about young dads coping with parenthood.
Meanwhile, "The New Normal" is about a gay couple who hire a surrogate to have a child.
Cast member Ellen Barkin says she welcomes the discussion that story line could generate.
"Let's hold a mirror up to what's divisive in our society, let's do it with love, tenderness and humor," she says.
There are also two new dramas in the mix.
"Chicago Fire" is from "Law and Order" creator Dick Wolf.
It spotlights firefighters and paramedics in the Windy City.
Finally, the futuristic drama "Revolution" shows society trying to reconnect decades after a world wide loss of electricity.
"It's a return to a world where we'll see humanity rediscovered on the backs of some really great action," says star Giancarlo Esposito.
Action the network hopes leads to big ratings.
Meanwhile, NBC confirmed that this will indeed be the final season for "30 Rock".
The show will end with an hour long episode this fall.
"The Voice" will be back in the fall, and will also have an edition next spring.
First year hit "Smash" will return at midseason, as will "The Biggest Loser".
Fan favorites "Parenthood" and "Community" are among the shows returning in the fall, along with "Up All Night", "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation".