NBC 2004-2005 show lineup

So it begins. The networks are slowly announcing their upcoming fall lineup, and testing the waters. Here’s our first, NBC – the network that’s been plagued by terrible choices, bad scheduling, and plummeting ratings. Still, do you think NBC’s fall 2004 schedule is worth it? Take a look.

LAX 10/9pm Mondays
Television favorites Heather Locklear and Blair Underwood are teamed as intense rivals in this dramatic series centered in a world unto itself: a major international airport. Security breaches, terrorist threats, illegal immigrants, missing children, drug busts – when it comes to stories to tell, well, the sky’s the limit. Each week will feature compelling dramas, from chance encounters to surprise reunions to the ongoing power struggles and romantic misadventures between the people who keep LAX running smoothly. Cast: Heather Locklear, Blair Underwood, Paul Leyden, David Paetkau, Wendy Hoopes, Frank John Hughes, Chad Todhunter.

FATHER OF THE PRIDE 9/8pm Tuesdays
NBC teams with the creative powerhouses who brought you Shrek, along with some all-star voices, to create a computer-generated-imaging (CGI) comedy series of the highest caliber. Viewers will journey inside the lives of a pride of white lions who perform in the world-famous Siegfried and Roy show and will also explore their lush Las Vegas habitat. Voice Talent: John Goodman, Cheryl Hines, Carl Reiner, Orlando Jones, Danielle Harris, Daryl Sabara, Julian Holloway, Dave Herman.

HAWAII 8/7pm Wednesdays
Hawaii can seduce just about anyone…cops and criminals alike. Murder. Drug-running. Organized cartels. The stories are as gritty as any urban center, despite the idyllic surroundings. Where else would cops discover a smoldering torso at the base of an active volcano? The diverse group of cops and detectives may work against a breathtaking backdrop of jungles and seascapes, but they can never take a vacation from the tangle of local and international criminals constantly crossing their paths. Cast: Michael Biehn, Sharif Atkins, Ivan Sergei, Eric Balfour, Aya Sumika, Cary Tagawa, Peter Navy Tuiasosopo.

JOEY 8/7pm Thursdays
Emmy nominee Matt LeBlanc reprises his Friends role as charming Joey Tribbiani in this comedy spin-off that continues the beloved Friends tradition. Joey, an aspiring actor, is off to Los Angeles to pursue his dream and begin a new chapter in his life. In this new town he’s sure to face new challenges, both professional and personal. After reuniting with his sister, Gina, Joey moves in with his 20-year-old genius nephew, Michael, who is literally a rocket scientist. What Joey lacks in book smarts, however, he makes up for with people smarts, making him the best new friend his nephew could ask for. Cast: Matt LeBlanc, Drea deMatteo, Paulo Costanzo, Ashley Scott, Jennifer Coolidge.

MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 10/9pm Fridays
Based on true accounts, these are the stories of the National Institutes of Health, America’s most elite unit of medical experts. But these doctors don’t operate in a hospital. At a moment’s notice, they’re summoned anywhere in the country, authorized to take over treatment of any case. Each assignment is a life-or-death race against time so when they solve a case, chances are they save a life. Part cop show, part medical drama, Medical Investigation is one great hour of mystery. Cast: Neal McDonough, Kelli Williams, Anna Belknap, Troy Winbush, Christopher Gorham, Clare Carey, Chris Kelly.

THE CONTENDER 8/7pm Tuesdays
Powerhouse producer Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Apprentice) and box office champ Sylvester Stallone team up for a one-two reality punch with The Contender, a new series following 16 amateur boxers as they train and compete. With Stallone as their guide, viewers will get to know the contenders by not only following their professional training, but also by seeing their personal lives and struggles. Five-time world champion fighter Sugar Ray Leonard is also signed to star.

REVELATIONS 9/8pm Wednesdays
This limited-run drama series stars Bill Pullman as Dr. Richard Massey, a scientist faced with his toughest personal, professional and philosophical challenges. Massey is searching for reasonable explanations to signs indicating that the apocalyptic end as foretold in Scriptures is in motion. To save humanity, he must let go of scientific facts and embrace faith, so Massey aligns himself with a nun whose devout beliefs are unshakeable. Time is running out, literally, as the two race around the globe to thwart Armageddon and restore hope. Cast: Bill Pullman, Natascha McElhone, Michael Massee, Chelsey & Brittany Cole, Tobin Bell.