Prime-time preview

This week in New York, broadcast network executives began unveiling their fall season schedules to advertisers. It’s the biggest event of the year in the television business -- known as the “upfronts” -- when advertisers are urged to buy prime-time commercial spots before the beginning of the new season.

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ABC wants laughs to go with drama

ABC, already flush with successful dramas, is picking up a few more to bolster its ranks, and is looking for a new comedy hit. The network on Tuesday announced it was adding six new dramas to its lineup, six new comedies and three alternative series.

WHAT’S NEW

*--* Title Description “Brothers & Sisters” Drama about adult siblings, starring Calista Flockhart “The Nine” Nine people’s lives are intertwined as hostages in a bank heist “Day Break” Detective relives the day he is accused of murder until he can clear himself “Men in Trees” Jilted relationship coach is stuck in Alaska, starring Anne Heche “Six Degrees” Drama from J.J. Abrams about six strangers who influence one another’s lives “Traveler” Friends framed for a crime try to uncover a conspiracy “Betty the Ugly” Comedy about an “ugly duckling” in the world of fashion “Big Day” Comedy about everything that can go wrong with a wedding “Help Me Help You” Comedy starring Ted Danson about a self-help author who leads group therapy “In Case of Emergency” Former high school peers try to get their lives together “Let’s Rob ...” An unlikely gang plot to loot Mick Jagger’s condo “Notes From the Underbelly” A comedy about the politics of parenthood, beginning with pregnancy “Greg Behrendt’s Wake-Up Call” Alternative series in which the real-life relationship writer counsels a couple “Just for Laughs” Hidden-camera comedy alternative series “Set for the Rest of Your Life” Alternative game show

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WHAT’S GONE

“Alias,” “Emily’s Reasons Why Not,” “Freddie,” “Hope & Faith,” “Hot Properties,” “Invasion,” “The Night Stalker,” “Sons & Daughters.”

My Network TV opts for serial dramas

My Network TV -- News Corp.’s new six-day-a-week prime-time broadcasting service aimed at young adults -- will launch Sept. 5 with two dramas.

WHAT’S NEW

*--* Title Description “Desire” Telenovela-style nightly drama “Secret Obsessions” Telenovela-style nightly drama

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For more information on the new shows go to latimes.com/upfronts.

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Los Angeles Times