Struggling network NBC has made its initial fall announcements — picking up six new series, including a remake of the Hugh Grant film “About a Boy,” while shedding the lame comedies “Whitney,” “1600 Penn,” “Guys With Kids” and “Up All Night.”
It also renewed veteran sitcom “Park & Recreation” (starring Amy Poehler) for a sixth season.
Thinking that viewers might want to laugh at shows that are actually funny, they also picked up three other comedy pilots.
“Sean Saves the World,” finds Sean Hayes playing (another) gay character, this one with a teenage daughter. Linda Lavin plays Hayes’ boss.
“The Family Guide” stars JK Simmons — most recently seen on TNT’s “The Closer” — and Parker Posey as divorced parents whose family becomes closer after the split.
A full season order was previously given to a new Michael J. Fox show.
Several dramas are waiting in the wings, including “Crisis” — about Beltway power players — and “Believe,” about the relationship between a young psychic and an ex-con.