NBC Banking on Sci Fi and Fantasy This Fall

NBC is turning to sci fi, fantasy and action in the 2008-09 season to bolster its sagging fortunes. Variety reports NBC will offer up shows including the much discussed Knight Rider revamp, a reimagining of Robinson Crusoe, and wonders of wonders, an actual original show called The Listener.

That one focuses on a telepathic paramedic. Heroes has been a surprise hit for the network, but its other genre shows have failed to capture that same magic. Bionic Woman and Journeyman were casualties of both their low ratings and the writers’ strike.

For that matter, Heroes’ second season failed to recapture much of the magic of its first season. The hit show’s sophomore campaign spent a great deal of time exploring romantic subplots that didn’t connect with most viewers. It wasn’t until the final few episodes that things seemed to get rolling.

NBC Photo: Mitch Haddad