2007 NBC PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT GUIDE - COMEDY SERIES

AREA 57

Taking on the challenge of a classified mission in a top-secret location is hard enough. Throw in a dysfunctional crew that despises you and an alien that makes fun of you and you've got one bizarre challenge on your hands. So what if Colonel Steven Isaac's new career move turns out to be more punishment than promotion? He's ready for it. Foul extraterrestrial bodily emissions? No problem. Random objects falling from the sky? He's got it covered. Dirty looks and dirtier rumors? No worries. The laughs are all in a day's work in this unique comedy.

BUSINESS CLASS

Kirk is a traveling soda salesman without a conscience. He'll break into the competition's luggage for their secrets. He'll take advantage of a bereaved client's vulnerability in order to make a big sale. He'll do whatever it takes. Then there's Terry, Kirk's inexperienced new partner who's as straight as an arrow. In the frenzied world of airports, hotels and soda sales, it's up to Kirk to show Terry the ropes. But will they hang each other out to dry before each week's adventure is over? Only time will tell in this fresh buddy comedy.

THE IT CROWD

You know those cool guys who charm the ladies, have tons of friends and get invited to the hottest parties? Roy and Moss are not those guys. A night of fun for these I.T. nerds means getting dressed to the nines for the latest iPhone webcast. But Jen, their new office manager, is going to change all that. Tech-savvy, she's not, but she knows how to win people over and get ahead. After living for years in oblivion, Roy and Moss hope Jen can help them get the recognition they so desperately long for.

I'M WITH STUPID

There are odd couples and then there are Paul and Sheldon. Paul, who owns his own apartment, puts the weight of the world on his wheelchair-bound shoulders and he's starving for attention, so much so that he'll report a make-believe crime so the police will visit. Then there's Sheldon, who's broke and homeless, but forever the friendly opportunist. When these two guys decide to live together, the comedy comes naturally. With an ensemble of disabled neighbors, including sexy calendar girl, Leah, cool and charismatic Sid, and his voice box-speaking sidekick, Graham, there's never a dull moment in this series based on the BBC hit.

IMPROV EVERYWHERE

A crowd of New York subway hoppers ride without pants. A mass of blue shirt, khaki-wearing wanderers walk around a major retailer trying to fit in. A little league baseball game turns into a major sporting event. Welcome to the seemingly random, but perfectly planned world of Charlie Todd, his improvisational group and a band of volunteers. Watch as this creative group surprises unsuspecting citizens with pranks, and generates huge laughs along the way. Any time and any place is perfect for one of their elaborate stunts. This wild entertainment ride is headed straight for your living room � but keep an eye out for their adventures in your neighborhood.

LIPSHITZ SAVES THE WORLD

Think you've got problems? Try having to clean your room, study for a physics exam, and save the world � all before Mom calls you for dinner. That's a typical day in the life for 17-year-old Adam Lipshitz, who's been chosen to rid the world of danger. As part of his mission, this nerd-turned-superhero has to follow the off-the-wall antics of Leslie Nielsen and his team of celebrities, including Jenny McCarthy and Dr. Ruth. Fighting teenage angst and the forces of evil isn't going to be easy, but you know it's going to be a whole lot of fun.

THE MASTERSONS OF MANHATTAN

The Mastersons are anything but typical. Amanda is on trial for murder. Victoria hasn't left the house since the 1980s. Laura still hasn't recovered from being kidnapped as a child. And Roger is pretending to be a doctor. This is the world of stretch limousines, hushed secrets and dysfunctional New York City socialites, where at any given moment a wild plot is unfolding. From courtroom drama to bedroom drama, these remarkable family members live so over the top that you can't help but laugh with them�and at them.

THIS IS CULDESAC

Are you ready for a world of cubicle wars and robot love? That's what you'll find in the town of Culdesac, where a new brand of sketch comedy is being born. The dynamic duo of Luke Barats and Joe Bereta play most of the town's main characters � milkmen, missionaries, security guards, and even teachers. This imaginary city comes to life through a series of over-the-top behaviors and silly pranks. Original and entertaining, these two guys deliver small town fun with big time laughs.

WILDLIFE

Wildlife Park is home to hundreds of rare and exotic animal species, but it's the employees who steal the show. There's Jim, the head zookeeper, who's great with animals, but bad with people. And there's his brother Dave, who's great with people, but bad with animals. When Dave takes a job running the park with their father, Jim and Dave become instantly at odds with one another, vying for their father's attention as well as their co-worker Missy's affection. This is an endearing series where laughs are on display right next to real-life animals.

ZIP

Trip Stringer is a con artist who believes that the power of positive thinking will help him go from "have not" to "have lots." Unfortunately, none of his schemes have panned out and he's a long way off from his dream house in zip code 90210. For years, this single father of three has been forced to make the most of coupons and "borrow" clothes from the tailor shop where he works. In every episode, Trip juggles a get-rich-fast con with his duties as a parent, but he'll never give up trying to break into high society's inner sanctum.