After getting maimed in the ratings this season, NBC is calling in the big guns to save the day (or, as it were, the prime time) next fall, including a new batch of Heroes, a rejiggered Bionic Woman, supersize Office workers, Brooke Shields and, yes, more Law men and women.
In announcing its new fall schedule Monday in New York, the Peacock's biggest surprise was the unveiling of a hitherto top-secret spinoff of the network's lone rookie hit from this season. Heroes: Origins will focus on previously unseen folks whose lives are transformed when they discover they have incredible abilities.
In an American Idol-esque twist, viewers will get a chance to pick their favorite new superhero during the spinoff's six-episode run, with the character tallying the most votes moving up to the big leagues, becoming a full-time cast member on Heroes during the 2008-09 season.
Adding the new series will allow NBC extend the reach of the Heroes brand to a combined 30 episodes, with the new show running during Heroes ' long hiatus. The series took a ratings hit after returning from a seven-week absence this season
E! News - More Heroes to NBC's Rescue! - Sam Waterston | Patricia Arquette