SueTube – Let’s talk TV with critic Susan Young

Fresh off those happy p.r. presses we have this cheery news to report:

NBC will resume the broadcast of many of its scripted series in April with new original episodes following the settlement of the Writers Guild of America strike, including “The Office,” “30 Rock,” “My Name Is Earl,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” among other programs. And we’ve got official word on the return of two freshman shows in the fall.

NBC has picked up its freshman drama series “Chuck” and “Life” as well as its hit “Heroes” for the 2008-09 season.

All three series will have major re-launch campaigns next year.

“We are thrilled to be bringing back the high-energy dramas ‘Chuck’ and Life’ for next season,” said NBC Entertainment honcho Ben Silverman. “Additionally, we will be saving and re-launching our #1 drama and most successful franchise, ‘Heroes,’ so that it will run in all original episodes in the fourth quarter.”

“These pickups are a sign of our confidence in these quality series and will allow the respective producers to get a head start on their creative arc for next season,” said co-honcho Marc Graboff. “As a result, they give us a lot to build on as we point to next year’s schedule.”

And I’m doing the happy Snoopy dance over the return of “Scrubs” after those terrible rumors that series’ fans might have to wait for the release of the DVD before we could say our fond farewells.

The smiley Zach Braff stars in “Scrubs”

“ER” (Thursdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) also will come back on Thursday, April 10 with new episodes following the complete run of “Lipstick Jungle,” which concludes on March 20.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (Tuesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) will return with fresh episodes on Tuesday, April 15. “Law & Order” (Wednesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) resumes with original episodes on Wednesday, April 23. Meanwhile, “Medium” (Mondays, 10-11 p.m. ET) continues in originals.

Specific plans for other NBC scripted series are currently being determined and will be announced later.

The following includes NBC’s new spring broadcast schedule denoting new return dates with original episodes for some of its scripted programs:

“Medium” (Mondays, 10-11 p.m.)
Continues current run

“My Name Is Earl” (Thursdays, 8-8:30 p.m.)
Resumes April 3 with one-hour episode

“30 Rock” (Thursdays, 8:30-9 p.m.)
Resumes April 10

“The Office” (Thursdays, 9-9:30 p.m.)
Resumes April 10

“Scrubs” (Thursdays, 9:30-10 p.m.)
Resumes April 10

“ER” (Thursdays, 10-11 p.m.)
Resumes April 10

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (Tuesdays, 10-11 p.m.)
Resumes April 15

“Law & Order” (Wednesdays, 10-11 p.m.)
Resumes April 23

NBC announced Monday “Law & Order” will be back in session on Wednesday nights starting Jan. 2 with a two-hour season opener. The following Wednesday, there will be a double-dose when “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” kicks off the night at 9 p.m. starting Jan. 9.

Joining the “Law & Order” cast for the show’s 18th season are Jeremy Sisto as Detective Cyrus Lupo and Linus Roache as Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Cutter. Cutter reports to Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) who has been promoted to District Attorney, replacing Arthur Branch (Fred Thompson).

Jeremy Sisto as Det. Cyrus Lupo, Jesse L. Martin as Detective Ed Green — NBC Photo: Will Hart

“The last time Rene Balcer was showrunner of ‘Law & Order’ we won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. I am thrilled he is back,” said Dick Wolf, creator and executive producer of “Law & Order.” “Jeremy and Linus bring a new energy to the cast and we hope the return to our longtime timeslot of Wednesday at 10 will bring renewed success to the show, not just from our core fans, but from a new generation of viewers as well.”

Linus Roache as A.D.A. Michael Cutter — NBC Photo: Will Hart

Detective Edward Green (Jesse L. Martin) and his new partner Detective Cyrus Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) investigate crimes and apprehend suspects under the supervision of their precinct lieutenant, Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson). In the second half-hour, the focus shifts to the criminal courts, as Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Cutter (Linus Roache) and the Executive Assistant District Attorney Connie Rubirosa (Alana De La Garza) work within a complicated justice system to prosecute the accused under the guidance of the newly appointed District Attorney Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston).

“Criminal Intent” will be recycling episodes that aired earlier on USA.

In “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” Detective Mike Logan (Chris Noth) and his partner, Detective Wheeler (Julianne Nicholson), make up the Major Case Squad alongside long-time partners Detectives Robert Goren (Vincent D’Onofrio) and Alexandra Eames (Kathryn Erbe). The two Major Case Squad detective teams split the caseloads week to week. The series takes viewers into the minds of its criminals while following the psychological approaches the Major Case Squad uses to solve the crimes. D’Onofrio (“Men in Black”) stars as Detective Goren, an exceptionally bright homicide investigator with well-honed instincts that match up favorably with his criminal quarry. Likewise, his partner, Detective Eames (Erbe, “Oz”), brings an independence and stylish edge to her work that meshes well with Goren.

Alicia Witt as Detective Nola Falacci — USA Network Photo: Will Hart

Alicia Witt (“Vanilla Sky”) joins the cast for the first six episodes as Logan’s detective partner while Nicholson is on maternity leave.

Eric Bogosian also plays Captain Ross who was rewarded with the Major Case Squad after heading a successful three-year Joint Task Force on International Money Laundering.

Eric Bogosian as Captain Danny Ross — USA Network Photo: Will Hart