Medical dramas, Parenthood series to join Leno on NBC prime-time slate

Two new medical dramas, a Ron Howard-produced series based on his 1989 film Parenthood and a comedy featuring Chevy Chase are among the new offerings NBC will unveil next season along with talk show host Jay Leno's move to prime time.

The U.S. network's decision to give The Jay Leno Show a 10 p.m. time-slot, five days a week — generally the home of scripted shows such as the various Law & Order incarnations or the recently concluded ER — caused much discussion in the industry.

However, NBC is "doubling down on its scripted commitment," Ben Silverman, co-chair of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, emphasized in a presentation to advertisers and press in New York on Monday.

"We're going to have more strength from 8 to 10 p.m. than we've ever had to assure that Jay has big lead-ins," he said.

Leno steps down as the host of The Tonight Show later this month, with Conan O'Brien taking over the post June 1.

Medical dramas billed as ER successors

Hoping to attract medical drama fans will be Trauma, a paramedics-focused series deemed an "adrenaline-rush" successor to ER, and Mercy, an ensemble production chronicling the stories of nurses.

Film director Howard's extended family drama Parenthood will make the transition from silver to small screen with a strong cast of actors that includes Coach star Craig T. Nelson, Six Feet Under's Peter Krause, recent ER alumna Maura Tierney and Bonnie Bedelia.

Chevy Chase, who recently popped up as a villain in NBC's quirky spy dramedy series Chuck, returns in Community, a sitcom about a circle of community college misfits.

A prime-time edition of Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update faux newscast, the post-apocalyptic saga Day One and online dating comedy 100 Questions round out the new additions NBC revealed on Monday.

Southland, Parks & Recreation renewed

Officials have also confirmed that the network's new L.A. cop drama Southland — a gritty, multiple-storyline series following the lives of a rookie patrolman and several grizzled detectives — was renewed for another season, as was the Amy Poehler-led comedy Parks & Recreation.

NBC previously announced the return of 30 Rock, The Office, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Celebrity Apprentice, The Biggest Loser and Friday Night Lights.

New reality TV series making the cut include the Jerry Seinfeld-produced The Marriage Ref, Breakthrough with Tony Robbins and Who Do You Think You Are?

The network has reserved judgment on a host of shows, leaving them "on the bubble," including Chuck (a cult favourite that currently has both critics and ardent fans currently campaigning for its renewal), paranormal detective drama Medium, goofy comedy My Name is Earl and the original incarnation of Law & Order.

NBC will reveal its complete schedule May 19.