NBC bets on comedy

NBC has rolled out its Fall 2012 schedule and announced its new shows. As the No. 4 network, NBC still has nothing to lose, yet it seems to be presenting the least risky slate of new shows.

Monday:
8-10 p.m. "The Voice
10 p.m. "Revolution" - When all electricity suddenly goes out, the world is thrust into chaos and must learn to live simpler life. Of course it turns out there is also giant mysterious conspracy to solve. The pilot is directed by Jon Favreau and the series is executive produced by Eric Kripke and J.J. Abrams.
First Impression: I'm intrigued by the cast and impressive pedigree. Tim's not interested but I think this could be a good show if handled properly.

Tuesday:
8-9 p.m. "The Voice"
9 p.m. "Go On" - Matthew Perry is a sportscaster who must enter therapy to deal with the death of his wife. It is here he meets an ecletic group suffering with their own unique sob stories.
First Impression: I still love Perry and will always give his series' a chance. Does this remind anyone else of the often underappreciated "Dear John."
9:30 p.m. "The New Normal" - Ryan Murphy's new comedy stars Justin Bartha ("The Hangover") and Andrew Rannels as a gay couple who turn to a surrogate to carry their child. Ellen Barkin co-stars as the loud, outspoken mother of surrogate Goldie.
First Impression: In a world where I can already watch "Modern Family," why do I need its less funny cousin.
10 p.m. "Parenthood"

Wednesday:
8-8:30 p.m. "Animal Practice" - A veterinarian who loves animals but is terrible with people and the wacky doctors he works with. And there's a monkey.
First Impression: No. Just no.
8:30-9 p.m. "Guys with Kids" - A group of dads who hangout and deal with fatherhood. Stars Anthony Anderson, Jesse Bradford and Tempestt Bledsoe, and executive produced by Jimmy Fallon.
First Impression: Anderson and Fallon make this worth at least a try. Though right now it seems like it could go either way.
9-10 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
10-11 p.m. "Chicago Fire" - The pressures and trials of a fire crew in Chicago after they lose one of their own. Jesse Spencer ("House"), Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg and Eamonn Walker star.
First Impression: I enjoyed this previously when it was "Third Watch."

Thursday:
8-8:30 p.m. "30 Rock"
8:30-9 p.m. "Up All Night"
9-9:30 p.m. "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. "Parks and Recreation"
10 p.m. "Rock Center with Brian Williams"

Friday:
8-8:30 p.m "Whitney"
8:30-9 p.m. "Community" - Seriously NBC! What the hell!?
9-10 p.m. "Grimm"
10-11 p.m. "Dateline NBC"

Sunday:
"Sunday Night Football"

Midseason:
"Next Caller" - Dane Cook as a shock jock who must suddenly co-host his show with an NPR feminist.
First Impression: I'd rather watch "Animal Practice," though Jeffrey Tambor helps a little.
"Save Me" - Anne Heche as a divorcee turned prophet.
First Impression: ?
"Do No Harm" - A young successful doctor has a Jekyll and Hyde alternate personality. He must fight his darker tendecies and protect his family and patients.
First Impression: This all depends on Steven Pasquale performance as Ian the Mr. Hyde of the duo.
"Infamous" - Meaghan Good is a cop who returns to the rich family she grew up in, as the maid's daughter, to solve the possible murder of the socialite daughter. Victor Garber plays the patriarch of the family, while Tate Donovan returns to his "O.C" roots as his son.
First Impression: A full-on nighttime soap, however it lacks the sophistication of "Revenge."

NBC has presented a mixed bag and seems to be continuing with the throw up everything and see what sticks approach. However, there are some interesting prospects still to come with "The Munsters" reboot "Mockingbird Lane" and "Hannibal."

Up next: FOX.