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Sean Hayes, Parker Posey, Minnie Driver and Gillian Anderson have prominent roles in new television series that NBC will try next season. The network said Thursday that it had ordered five new series, in advance of its annual schedule announcement Sunday. That's when it will become clear what current shows the network will cancel to make way for the new ones.

“The Tonight Show” will begin a new era in February when Jimmy Fallon succeeds Jay Leno as host of the most storied and successful program in late-night television. NBC plans to announce on Wednesday its plan to install Mr. Fallon as the show’s sixth host at the conclusion of the network’s coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics from Sochi, Russia. NBC also is to confirm reports that it plans to shake up the axes of the television industry by moving the show from its longtime home in Los Angeles to its birthplace, New York.

Two popular reality shows made a splash upon their re-entry during the past week – and a new one had a strong debut. A new episode of "Dancing With the Stars" premiered on ABC last week before 17 million viewers, just behind CBS drama "NCIS" as the week's most popular program. It was down to 14.5 million Monday night, facing competition from the return of "The Voice" on NBC.

Word that Anderson Cooper was offered Matt Lauer’s job to co-host the “Today” show, which has slumped in the ratings, indicates that NBC is preparing a succession plan.

A successful new daytime syndicated TV talk show, “Steve Harvey,” has helped cement Mr. Harvey’s status as one of the foremost entertainers in America.

"Smash" is going off Broadway to Saturday nights. NBC announced Wednesday it's moving the struggling musical drama to the unattractive programming night. Cue the reality series understudy for position!

In an attempt for a much-needed ratings boost, NBC has essentially declared this Justin Timberlake Week — not only did the singer host “Saturday Night Live” this past weekend, but he will make history by appearing on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” every single day this week.

Jenni Rivera’s reality series will debut its third season on NBCUniversal’s mun2 network in April, just several months after the performer died

The 2013 Pro Bowl gave NBC a win among adults 18-49 and total viewers on Sunday night. Fast National returns are approximate, but before time zone adjustments the NFC-AFC matchup pulled a 3.3 rating in the key demo. That's down 8 percent from last year's game. With the pre-game special (3.0 adults), the network averaged a 3.3 adults rating and 9.9 million viewers.

On his upcoming NBC comedy, Michael J. Fox will play a newscaster who had quit his job due to Parkinson's Disease but returns to work in the show's first episode because a new medical regimen has helped him control many of the disease's symptoms.