NBC selects four series that will premiere in fall

Los Angeles Times

NEW YORK

NBC has picked up “Smash,” “Prime Suspect,” “Up All Night,” and “Whitney,” which means Debra Messing, Maria Bello, Christina Applegate and other leading ladies are tied to series orders from the network for the fall.

Based on a concept by Steven Spielberg, the musical comedy “Smash” focuses on the cast (including Debra Messing and “American Idol” alum Katharine McPhee) of a Broadway musical about Marilyn Monroe.

“Prime Suspect” finds Maria Bello as a female detective who’s investigating a murder in a mostly male precinct.

“Up All Night” is a single-camera comedy about a dry-witted working mom (Christina Applegate), her stay-at-home husband (Will Arnett), and her meddling parents.

“Whitney,” which is inspired by the stand-up of comedian Whitney Cummings, follows a young couple dealing with the highs and lows of monogamy.