NBC is ready to bring back its popular Must-See TV tagline. Variety reports that the Peacock network will revive the popular 1990s Thursday night programming block with new shows this fall—as well as a familiar favorite. The biggest move comes for the popular NBC family drama series “This Is Us,” which will kick off its sophomore season at 9 p.m. ET on Thursdays and become the anchor for Thursday night’s new lineup. In another high-profile move, the Mandy Moore-Milo Ventimiglia drama will also get a special episode following NBC’s Super Bowl telecast next February.
In addition to the hit series “This Is Us,” the strategic new NBC lineup will feature the highly-anticipated revival of the sitcom “Will and Grace.” The original version of the show, which starred Debra Messing and Eric McCormack, ended its eight-season run in 2006.
Why is ‘This Is Us’ moving to a new night?
NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt told reporters that his hope is to roll out the red carpet for the return of “Must-See TV” programming, and it seems that last season’s breakout hit drama series is a perfect choice as an anchor. Greenblatt said “This Is Us” earned the move to the high-profile Thursday night time slot in the same way that past NBC favorites like “Cheers,” “Friends,” and “L.A.
Law,” and other long-running hits did. “This Is Us” has already been renewed for two more seasons on NBC.
NBC’s Must-See TV lineup this fall will feature the comedies “Will and Grace” and “Great News,” followed by “This Is Us” and “Law and Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders.” After “Will & Grace” ends its 12-episode run, a rotating selection of other NBC comedy series’ will fill in the 8 p.m.
timeslot.
NBC’s former Thursday night comedies, “Superstore” and “The Good Place” will get "This Is Us’” former Tuesday night spot, between the strong lead-in “The Voice” and followed by “Chicago Fire.”
Must-See TV’s classic lineup was a hit
NBC’s Must-See TV lineup ran throughout the 1990s and early 2000s and included shows like “Mad About You,” “Wings,””Seinfeld”, “Frasier,” “ER” and the original version of “The Apprentice.” NBC dropped the tagline in 2006 to focus on their “Comedy Done Right” programming block.
The Thursday night timeslot is an important one for advertisers. According to the Los Angeles Times, the coveted night draws advertisers who want to reach movie audiences and consumers before they go shopping on the weekend.
