NBC's "Chuck," "Life" and "Heroes" Renewed for 2008/2009 Season

NBC announced on Wednesday the three scripted dramas that won't be coming back with new episodes this spring are renewed for the 2008/2009 season. The network also disclosed return dates for shows that will continue production immediately.

NBC exec Ben Silverman said all three dramas will get major relaunch campaigns in the fall.

"Chuck" and "Life" have been renewed for 13 episodes (the network may add more if they do well in the fall), while "Heroes" will be coming back for more than the standard 22 episodes (the exact number will be announced in the future).

Freshman dramas "Chuck" and "Life" have averaged 8.68 million and 8.11 million viewers, respectively.

In the early days of the writers' strike, NBC renewed both shows for a full first season of 22 episodes, but was forced to abandon that plan.

The 11-episode second season arc of "Heroes" titled "Generations" averaged 13.07 million viewers, down 9% from 14.37 million "Heroes" averaged last season.

NBC's other freshman dramas "Journeyman" and "The Bionic Woman" are not expected to return next season.

Meanwhile, NBC announced the following return dates for its hit scripted comedies and dramas:


"Medium" (Mondays, 10-11 p.m. ET)
Continues current run

April 3:
"My Name Is Earl" (Thursdays, 8-8:30 p.m. ET)
Resumes with one-hour episode

April 10:
"30 Rock" (Thursdays, 8:30-9 p.m. ET)
"The Office" (Thursdays, 9-9:30 p.m. ET)
"Scrubs" (Thursdays, 9:30-10 p.m. ET)
"ER" (Thursdays, 10-11 p.m. ET)

April 15:
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Tuesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET)

April 23:
"Law & Order" (Wednesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET)


"Scrubs" which is in its final year will return April 10 with the 5 episodes already in the can. NBC has yet to announce if they will order any additional episodes to end the series deservingly. One of the options is for such episodes to go straight to DVD.

Meanwhile, future remains uncertain for "Friday Night Lights" which concluded its second season last Friday.

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