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NBC’s ‘Studio 60’ Leads Pre-Upfront Buzz

It seems that after two years of presenting a disappointing slate, NBC finally has some shows that excite media buyers, including the most-anticipated new program this fall, Media Life reports.

NBC’s new Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - from West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin - stars Mathew Perry, Wing’s Bradley Whitford and Amanda Peet. The program follows the drama behind the scenes of a Saturday Night Live-style variety show. That combined with other promising shows on NBC’s slate could help NBC move up after two straight seasons of finishing fourth among adults 18-49.

Rather than creating hits, the broadcasters have developed several types of shows this year, with an equal number of dramas and comedies.

“The networks are trying different things, but there’s also a large amount of romantic comedies, legal, medical, and police dramas,” said Brad Adgate, senior vp and corporate research director at Horizon Media.

The network with the most buzz is ABC, which has about a dozen dramas in development, including a Telemundo-based novella and soap operas.

CBS president Les Moonves said his network has the luxury of experimentation thanks to its established situation. Fox is developing more comedies. Meanwhile, the upcoming CW’s lineup includes programs from both UPN and the WB.