NBC has announced that "30 Rock" will return for a final season next year in an abbreviated form, running 13 or 14 episodes instead of the usual 22.
There's speculation that the network might employ the same strategy with its other highly regarded, but low-rated shows, such as "Community," "The Office" and "Parks & Recreation." Those shows, plus "Whitney" and "Are You There Chelsea," are still on the bubble for the moment.
As I've always advocated, more doesn't always mean better. I think virtually every network show ought to be 13 episodes only rather than a full 22, since it helps keep the writing much more sharp and focused. (The lone exception should be "The Good Wife," in which 22 doesn't seem like enough.)
Among the new shows the Peacock has signed up include "1600 Penn," a sitcom set in the White House created by actor Josh Gad ("The Book of Mormon"), and "Animal Practice," which stars comic Justin Kirk as a House-like doctor who hates people but loves animals. It's got Tyler Labine as part of the cast, so my hopes for it aren't very high.
Previously, NBC announced it had picked up the JJ Abrams-produced drama "Revolution," about our world suddenly losing all of its energy sources. I'll watch the pilot for sure, since it's scripted by Eric Kripke ("Supernatural") and Bryan Burk ("Lost").
Other comedies for the network include Ryan Murphy's "The New Normal," about a gay couple who hires a surrogate to have their baby; "Go On," which stars Matthew Perry as a popular sports talk show host; and "Save Me," with Anne Heche as a woman who may be channeling God.
TUESDAY'S BEST BETS: "The Voice" (NBC, 9 p.m.) announces its second winner on the two-hour season finale, full of live performances from several major acts. It follows a new "Fashion Star."
"NCIS," "NCIS: LA" and "Unforgettable" continue to wind down their seasons on CBS from 8-11 p.m., while "New Girl" (Fox, 9 p.m.) finishes its first season with the gang stuck in the desert. It follows a new "Glee" prom episode.
ABC has "Last Man Standing" and "Cougar Town" from 8-9 p.m., followed by a "Dancing With The Stars" installment that includes a tribute to the late Dick Clark, and a new "Private Practice" at 10 p.m.
On The CW, "90210" and "The LA Complex" are new from 8-10 p.m.
