LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- Amongst a sea of news about NBC's late-night changes, Peacock scripted chief Angela Bromstad confirmed a handful of primetime developments following the network's executive session at the TCA Winter Press Tour.
Here's a breakdown of the news:
-- Series-turned-mini-series "Day One" has been trimmed even further as the project will now simply air as a two-hour backdoor pilot movie. While no air date has been set, it's understood we'll see it "towards the end of the season." She later adds, "It will be a pilot where you could see where it could go in series but there will be a [resolution] at the end of the two hours."
-- "Law & Order" has been picked up for at least four additional episodes, bringing its season total to 20. Despite the extension, Bromstad confirms the show isn't yet a go for season 21.
-- As for a proposed Los Angeles edition of the franchise, she reveals "we're talking about writers." The genesis of an LA edition was born out of a discussion about "if, for instance, 'Law & Order' the mothership didn't go beyond a couple more years then that [way] of telling stories is so unique that I actually think it could work in Los Angeles with a new look and a new set of cast [members]. And also there's not really, other than 'Southland,' a great LA-based cop show." Bromstad also noted it could be ready as early as the fall and was quick to stress it's not an either/or scenario - both "Law & Order" and a "Law & Order: LA" project will be treated separately.
-- "100 Questions" is still on track to launch in the spring however international acquisition "Persons Unknown" is more likely a summer show.
-- "Trauma" will definitely return sometime after the Olympics.
-- Bromstad on its "Rockford Files" update: "It's just that great character. There isn't that P.I. character on television right now. So if we do a creative reinvention of that, that title I don't think there's anyone better to do it than David Shore, who creates such a great character in 'House.' And I will tell you the script was just one of the best Christmas presents I've had in a long time... it [feels] very contemporary but has all the hallmarks of the original series."
-- "Heroes" creator Tim Kring is currently pitching the network his ideas for a fifth season. Production however has already been completed on season four so a definitive conclusion won't be possible if it is canceled.
-- And finally, during the panel proper Jeff Gaspin noted they have the option to air the fourth season of "Friday Night Lights" beginning March 1 however it's undecided if they'll move it up from its previously announced summer return. As for "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," the Peacock still has the rights to some of last season's episodes but must wait for USA to broadcast its run for the new episodes.
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