Networks throw series at wall, hope some stick

This week in New York, the networks are holding streamlined versions of their upfronts, the annual presentations to advertisers and marketers, during which they announce their fall schedules and try to collect as much advertising money as they can in advance. Last year, and for many years before, this involved big parties and lots of fanfare. This year, it's more like low-key announcements and press releases. It's rough in the entertainment business these days.

NBC's big news today was the official announcement that Jimmy Fallon will take over Conan O'Brien's slot in 2009, when Brookline-native Conan takes over the "Tonight Show." The network also announced a handful of new series, including a reality show called "Momma's Boys," produced by Ryan Seacrest, in which eligible bachelors and their mothers will live in a house with some bride wannabes. (If the moms are anything like the mother in "I Love New York," well, look out.)

Another new NBC offering for the fall: "My Own Worst Enemy," a drama starring Christian Slater as a guy with a split personality: half a mild-mannered bureaucrat named Henry, half an operative named Edward who is trained to kill with his teeth. NBC also announced what it calls "an important cross-platform marketing and programming partnership" with General Motors, which amounts to the fact that Henry and Edward will each drive a different GM car.

The trade magazines, meanwhile, have been announcing a flurry of new network pickups. CBS, which cancelled "Jericho" this year and struck out with "Cane," will offer a series of new shows, including four new dramas: "Elemental," a paranormal crime show produced by Jerry Bruckheimer; "The Ex List," a remake of an Israeli show about a woman (Elizabeth Reaser, who plays Ava on "Grey's Anatomy") who culls through her list of ex-boyfriends in search of her husband; "The Mentalist," about a psychic who helps police fight crime; and "Harper's Island," a murder-mystery from "Jericho" executive producer Jon Turteltaub. CBS will also offer two new comedies: "Project Gary," about a divorced dad played by Jay Mohr; and "Worst Week," about a middle-class family with - surprise! - dysfunction, preparing for a wedding.

According to Variety, ABC has greenlit "Life on Mars," a sci-fi thriller, along with "Opportunity Knocks," a reality series executive-produced by Ashton Kutcher. Also on the way: an animated comedy called "The Goode Life," from "King of the Hill" impresario Mike Judge.

Fox, meanwhile, is introducing several new comedies: "The Inn," about a boutique hotel; "Sit Down, Shut Up," an animated show about high school teachers from the creator of "Arrested Development;" and "The Cleveland Show," a cartoon spinoff of "Family Guy."

And if you haven't heard, the CW is planning a remake of "Beverly Hills 90210," the prospect of which gets me all aflutter. Best news of all: Jessica Walter of "Arrested Development" has joined the cast as a grandmother who was once a big star - and is now a big drinker. It's got to have camp written all over it. Right?