Television Programs

During the next month, the broadcast networks are rolling out at least 10 new midseason series. NBC unveiled its epic drama "Kings" last week. Two new ABC sitcoms are coming, "Better Off Ted" this week and "In the Motherhood" next. And Fox has a variety show with the Ozzy Osbourne clan, which, given its erratic history could result in either spontaneous brilliance or spontaneous combustion. Is there a hit somewhere in this bunch? The networks could sure use one.

Advertisers for years have sought to have their products weaved into the stories of television shows. The positive image of a well-known personality gulping a cola, tooling around in a recognized sports car, or shaking flakes from a cereal box can boost sales. Unfortunately, for advertisers, the plugs don't always come off as intended.

Cue those NBC chimes. Some viewers may snicker, but it's possible -- just possible -- that a few glimmers of hope are shining for the network whose troubles are so well known that even Jay Leno jokes about them. Over the last few years, the network has become nearly as well known for its management miscues and skimpy ratings as for its programming lineup. But in recent days a bit of life has stirred in the old peacock.

After years of toiling in the shadows of a giant, ABC's Sunday morning public affairs program, "This Week With George Stephanopoulos," is finally beginning to step into the spotlight once exclusively occupied by NBC's "Meet the Press." It's the economy, stupid, plus "This Week's" round table has been called pretty smart. "Meet the Press" has long been the dominant program, so far this season attracting about 4.3 million viewers each week.

One of the most popular characters in "The Penguins of Madagascar" is Julien, a lemur who has somehow deluded himself into believing he is a king, against much evidence to the contrary. As Hollywood has long known, there can be a jackpot in animals behaving badly. In just a few weeks, the animated "Penguins of Madagascar" has claimed a royal perch at Viacom's Nickelodeon, the cable network famous for "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "iCarly."

The Public Broadcasting Service turns 40 this year, and on Tuesday it gave itself a gift that just might make it feel young again. PBS' new video portal allows online viewers to stream an array of its best-known shows over the Web. The new site gathers more than 130 episodes of nearly 20 programs, including marquee fare such as "Frontline," "Nova" and "Masterpiece Theater." PBS says thousands of hours of programming should be available to users by the summer.

If there is one thing that every studio, network and cable channel has in common these days, it's that they are all frantically obsessed with finding the Next Hot New Thing -- i.e. a compelling pop culture concept or phenomenon that will spawn a new hit franchise.

NBC continues to revel in rebelling. On Monday, the fourth-ranked broadcast network announced to reporters and advertisers most of the programs that will be in its lineup next season. By doing so, for the second year in a row, NBC tried to get a head start on its competitors before their upfront presentations, which take place in Manhattan during the week of May 18.

Fox has been TV's top network among young adults for five years. And now it hopes it has the goods to take control of Thursday, TV's most lucrative night. The network kicked off TV's upfront week on Monday by announcing a fairly conservative fall schedule -- four comedies, two dramas and a late-night talk show -- that nevertheless contained a bold play for Thursdays, which has for years been ruled by rivals.

For years, the ABC television network seeded its prime-time schedule with shows produced by the company's production studio. Walt Disney Co.'s "keep it in the family" approach aimed to ensure that if any of the shows hit it big, as "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" have, the company would reap the financial rewards. But times are tougher, and the Disney-owned network is breaking with tradition. On Tuesday, ABC rolled out its slate of new shows -- and most come from outside suppliers.