NBC's fall lineup = Everyone else's hits

Anyone else think that NBC is just trying to make their own versions of hit shows? Maybe it will work, but if you're just copying the best, you'll never be number 1. Though I suppose NBC would settle for not being last at this point.

On the plus side, it makes it easy to decide which "new" shows to watch when you can just match them to the shows you already watch. You can check out trailers here.

My theory:

Grimm = Supernatural

Same timeslot even, subtle. Throw in Fringe in the same timeslot too, and it's hard to see how this show can carve out any kind of niche of it's own. They're behind the eight ball on this one.

The Playboy Club = Mad Men

This could work since it seems to be more low brow than Mad Men, which is good since it's on NBC. Even has a little gangster action thrown in for good measure. May be the most likely to succeed in their new fall lineup.

Up All Night = Raising Hope

Different setup but the whole "raising a baby when we're horribly underqualified" thing is still there. I love Christina Applegate and Will Arnett though so kind of hope this is good still. Not getting my hopes up though.

Smash = Glee

Well, Glee for adults. Adult drama replaces high school drama and there's lots of song and dance. Looks promising actually, but is slated for midseason.

Prime Suspect = Literally a remake of a UK show

Could be ok. But don't see how Maria Bello can fill the shoes of Helen Mirren. Was probably more relevant in 1991 as well.

Awake = Journeyman?

This one looks really, really, really interesting. Admittedly this is a unique version of a familiar story (that has rarely succeeded in the past) but the trailer is by far the most interesting of any I've watched (for any network). The tone feels like nothing else on TV. That said, I have every faith that NBC will screw it up.

*Obviously none of these shows are carbon copies but they are all too close for comfort to me.

P.S. Whoever approved ABC's "Work It" should be shot. I can't believe that was actually produced much less green lit. Then again, this is the same network that green lit a show based on the Geico Cavemen so I guess I shouldn't be surprised...