NBC unveils autumn schedule

Upfront week has kicked off with NBC announcing the new-look in primetime this autumn.

Here's a night-by-night roundup of what viewers can expect.

Monday:

• Fear Factor remains in its 8pm slot
• Las Vegas boots Third Watch out of its timeslot. Described as a "fast-paced, sexy drama" following the surveillance team in charge of maintaining security at one of Las Vegas' biggest casinos
• Third Watch fans need not worry, as their show is still on Monday nights - just starting an hour later at 10pm.

Tuesday:

• Whoopi Goldberg stars in a new half-hour comedy, described as "smart and sassy." The show is from the creators and executive producers of 3rd Rock from the Sun and That 70s Show, so good things are expected from this series. Goldberg plays the role of Mavis Rae, an ex-singer who now runs a hotel
• Happy Family at 8:30 stars John Larroquette and Cybill's Christine Baranski in a half-hour comedy who are having troubles with their twenty-something children. In age, that is...
• Frasier remains secure in the 9pm slot, although rumours abound the upcoming season could be its last
• Good Morning, Miami moves to a new slot and new day to air at 9:30pm
• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit rounds the Tuesday primetime lineup off moving to the 10pm slot

Wednesday:

• Ed's back at 8pm, followed by...
• ...The West Wing, secure in the 9pm slot
• Law & Order remains at 10pm

Thursday:

• Friends continues to kick-off NBC's Must-See TV Thursday lineup
• Scrubs swiftly follows in the 8:30pm slot
• Will and Grace remains at 9pm
• Coupling has made the transatlantic hop and landed in the 9:30pm Thursday slot
• ER rounds the night off; with news that the show has been renewed for two more seasons

Friday:

• Miss Match is a new drama starring Alicia Silverstone, combining legal drama and a search for true love
• Dateline NBC - the current-affairs stalwart remains in its 9pm slot
• Boomtown moves to the Friday 10pm slot

Saturday:

• NBC Saturday Night Movie continues in the 8pm to 11pm slot

Sunday:

• Dateline NBC continues to start Sunday primetime
• American Dreams remains in the 8pm slot
• Law & Order: Criminal Intent follows at 9pm
• The Lyon's Den starring Rob Lowe makes its debut in the Sunday 10pm slot

NBC Entertainment President, Jeff Zucker, said: "NBC maintains the stability of a schedule that has been number one among 18-49-year-olds for three consecutive years and seven of the last eight. We’re thrilled with our efforts to develop the next wave of hit comedies and dramas. This is a balanced lineup that will continue NBC's legacy as the leader in quality, scripted programmes."