NBC Outlines Goals For Fall, Discusses Programming During Olympics

At the annual meeting of the Television Critics Association's summer panel-fest, Comcast Corporation CMCSA's NBC used its time to talk to the media about a few burning questions…namely how to not repeat old mistakes.

Analysts had used NBC as a whipping post for years prior to 2013 when its triple-threat of hits including "The Voice," "The Blacklist" and "Sunday Night Football" combined to give it a surprise win in the 18-49 demo. The network retained the title in 2014-2015, but lost it (by a slim majority) to CBS Corporation CBS last season.

While now in second place overall, NBC still had a lot to crow about including Dick Wolf's "Chicago Fire" universe which this season will add "Chicago Justice," its third spin-off series. NBC head Robert Greenblatt shared his excitement but was also quick to acknowledge that going beyond four brands would likely "guild the lily."

Related Link: The Rio Olympics Are Off To A Disastrous Start

Greenblatt also explained his decision not to use the Olympics as a launching pad for new fall series. In addition to the fact history has shown the games do nothing to help rookie series, it would mean NBC would need to launch its fall slate three weeks earlier than the rest of the networks to keep up the momentum.

That strategy would not help them long-term, especially given the number of viewers drops during the dog days of summer. This year, NBC will instead give established shows "The Voice" and freshman hit "Superstore" the plum real estate.

NBC also told reporters it didn't expect the "reboot" and "adaptation" crazes to go anywhere and while rookies "Taken" and "Cruel Intentions" still don't have airdates, the network is committed to both of them. Greenblatt also confirmed he and NBC president Jennifer Salke were dedicated to departing from "broad comedies" and moving back to the type of series that made NBC "must-see."