NBC sets November return for 'This Is Us,' 'Chicago' dramas
LOS ANGELES An optimistic NBC said Thursday it will bring This Is Us and other scripted series back in November despite the TV industry's coronavirus-caused production shutdown that's only beginning to ease. Broadcast TV's usual robust September start to the new season has already bowed to the pandemic, with NBC and other networks relying heavily on reality and acquired series that month. This Is Us, the family drama starring Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia, will kick off its fifth season on Nov. 10, the network said. That will be followed by the Nov. 11 return of the Chicago drama franchise: Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med.The Mariska Hargitay-led Law & Order: SVU will start its record-building 22nd season on Nov. 12, followed by The Blacklist," starring James Spader and Megan Boone, on Nov. 13. Connecting, a new comedy about friends using video chats to remain bonded despite pandemic isolation, will debut Oct. 1.