Thursday TV Preview

Thursday, April 9 by Reza F.

NEXT PREV

Turn on the TV & tune it to NBC, microwave up some popcorn, then chuck your remote control out the window and give those button pushing fingers a much needed rest. NBC has 3 hours of new shows and series premieres that mean no complicated channel switching. 2 new episodes of The Office, the series premiere of Amy Poehler’s new comedy Parks and Recreation, new 30 Rock, and the series premiere of Southland, a police drama by the creators of ER. Your preview after the break.

Parks and Recreation 8:30/7:30c on NBC

In the series pilot, mid-level bureaucrat Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) takes on what should be a fairly simple project: turn an abandoned construction site into a community park, but navigating the local government of Pawnee, Ind., proves to be quite the challenge.

The Office 8/7c & 9/8c on NBC

Last week, Michael’s relationship with the new vice president became more and more strained, but that didn’t stop Michael from shirking work and responsibility even more than usual. Tonight, in the first new episode, Michael fears the new workday, so much so that he’s barely able to leave his house. But that doesn’t stop him from assembling his "dream team," and in the second, Michael holds a Paper and Pancakes company luncheon, but it might end up as a flat affair.

30 Rock 9.30/8.30c on NBC

Last week, as his 50th birthday approached, a sentimental Jack tried to recreate happy moments from his boyhood after watching home-movies. Tonight, Joy about the 50th "TGS" episode turns to worry when word spreads about imminent budget cuts at 30 Rock. Before long, Jack must distribute pink slips, Kenneth takes on new responsibilities, and Liz wheels and deals to spare her staffers from layoffs. Meanwhile, Jenna and Tracy suspect that Kenneth is masking a deep dark secret.

Southland 10/9c on NBC

In the opener of the police drama, rookie cop Ben Sherman (Benjamin McKenzie) has a tough first day with his seasoned partner, Det. John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz), who prepares him for the realities of working the streets of Los Angeles. Meanwhile, a young girl is swiped from her yard.