NBC schedule includes 8 new shows

NBC did not follow the traditional practice of announcing its fall schedule this week, having already done so in early April. Here's a summary of the network's plans.

NBC plans a spinoff of "The Office" and a reprise of the action show "Knight Rider" in its 2008-09 season. The "Office" progeny will premiere after an episode of the parent show following NBC's coverage of the Super Bowl in February 2009.

"Knight Rider," about a high-tech car that helps in fighting crime, is a reprise of the 1980s series and will star Val Kilmer as the voice of the car.

"Saturday Night Live" will air for four half-hours in prime time in advance of the presidential election.

"E.R." will be back for a 15th and final season. Another returning show is "Friday Night Lights," the critically acclaimed series about a football team in a small Texas town.

Other new NBC offerings:

"Merlin," a fantasy drama set in mythic Camelot.

"Kings," based on the biblical story of David, but set in a modern metropolis.

"The Philanthropist," about a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth to help people.

"My Worst Enemy," about a suburban dad who lives a secret life as a spy, starring Christian Slater.

"Kath & Kim," a mother-and-daughter comedy starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair.

"Crusoe," based on the classic novel about a castaway struggling for survival.

"The Bionic Woman," "Journeyman" and "Scrubs" have been axed from the coming season at NBC, but "Scrubs" is being resurrected on ABC.