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NBC SWEEPS INTO SPRING WITH SPECIAL EPISODES, THE BROADCAST RETURN OF 'FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS,' LIVE FINALES AND FULL MARQUEE OF GUEST STARS
Sharon Stone Guest Stars in Four Episodes of "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" Beginning April 28
All-star Mother's Day-themed Episode of "30 Rock" Airing May 6 Features Buzz Aldrin, Patti Lupone, Elizabeth Banks, Elaine Stritch, Jan Hooks, Anita Gillette, Cheyenne Jackson and Novella Nelson
"Community" Features Action-themed Episode May 6
Betty White Hosts "Saturday Night Live" May 8 with Musical Guest Jay-Z
Rob Lowe and Adam Scott Join "Parks and Recreation" May 13
Other Prominent NBC Guest Stars Include Matt Damon, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Jon Hamm, Dean Winters, Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte and Michael Sheen ("30 Rock"); Gwyneth Paltrow, Jerry Seinfeld and Greg Giraldo ("The Marriage Ref"); Olympian Lindsey Vonn ("Law & Order"); Scott Bakula ("Chuck"); Kevin Jonas ("Minute To Win It"); Jennifer Esposito ("Mercy"), Jonathan Antin, Ashanti and Tony Romo ("The Biggest Loser"), Jason Ritter ("Parenthood"), James Van Der Beek ("Mercy") and Amy Pietz ("The Office")
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - April 22, 2010 - NBC unfurls its Spring sweeps with a banner full of special episodes along with the broadcast return of "Friday Night Lights" (May 7, 8-9 p.m. ET) and the live finales of "The Biggest Loser" (May 25, 8-10 p.m. ET) and "The Celebrity Apprentice" (two-parter, May 16 and May 23, 9-11 p.m. ET both nights).
NBC showcases a special all-star Mother's Day-themed episode of "30 Rock" featuring guest stars Buzz Aldrin, Patti Lupone, Elizabeth Banks, Elaine Stritch, Jan Hooks, Anita Gillette, Cheyenne Jackson and Novella Nelson (May 6, 9:30-10 p.m. ET) as well as a variety of guest stars in the show's season finale (May 20, 9:30-10 p.m. ET) including Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Elizabeth Banks, Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte and Michael Sheen.
Sharon Stone guest stars in a four-episode arc of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" as Assistant District Attorney Jo Marlowe (April 28, May 5, May 12 and May 19 from 10-11 p.m. ET each night).
Likewise, NBC spotlights many more marquee guest stars, including legendary Emmy Award winner Betty White hosting "Saturday Night Live" along with musical guest Jay-Z on May 8 (11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. ET); Gwyneth Paltrow, Jerry Seinfeld, Greg Giraldo on "The Marriage Ref" (May 6, 10-11 p.m. ET); Rob Lowe and Adam Scott on "Parks and Recreation" (May 13 and May 20, 8:30-9 p.m. ET both nights); Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn on the season finale of "Law & Order" (May 24, 10-11 p.m. ET); singer Kevin Jonas plays for charity on "Minute to Win It" (May 23, 8-9 p.m. ET); Scott Bakula guest stars in three episodes of "Chuck" (May 17 from 8-9 p.m. ET and May 24 with two back-to-back episodes from 8-10 p.m. ET); Jason Ritter returns in the season finale of "Parenthood" (May 25, 10-11 p.m. ET) and James Van Der Beek continues his guest-starring role on "Mercy" (May 5 and May 12, 8-9 p.m. ET).
Other guest stars include Jennifer Esposito on "Mercy" (May 5 and May 12, 8-9 p.m. ET); Amy Pietz stars on three more episodes of "The Office" (April 29, May 6 and May 13, 9-9:30 p.m. ET each week); Jonathan Antin and Ashanti guest star on "The Biggest Loser: Couples" popular makeover episode (May 4, 8-10 p.m. ET) and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo guest stars on "The Biggest Loser: Couples" (May 11, 8-10 p.m. ET).
Descriptions for key sweeps shows are below with airdates and times (all times Eastern). For additional information and photography log on to NBC's media website www.nbcumv.com. For interactive games and more log on to www.nbc.com (see accompanying release).
May 4 (8-10 p.m. ET)
"The Biggest Loser: Couples"
SINGING SUPERSTAR ASHANTI AND CELEBRITY STYLIST JONATHAN ANTIN GUEST STAR IN POPULAR MAKEOVER EPISODE - It's one of the most eagerly anticipated events every season - "The Biggest Loser' makeover episode! First, the remaining six contestants get $1,000 shopping sprees at their favorite stores before heading to the salon to meet celebrity hair stylist Jonathan Antin and begin their makeovers. Then it's time for amazing reveals and emotional surprise reunions, when the made-over players show off their incredible new looks to loved ones flown in to help them celebrate their big day. Later the contestants and their guests are treated to an unforgettable concert from recording artist Ashanti, who shares her inspirational music. This week's challenge finds the players climbing Jacob's Ladder cardio machines while suspended over a pool, with the winner getting a weigh-in related prize. And finally, two contestants fall below the yellow line at weigh-in, leading to a very emotional elimination as another contestant is sent home. Alison Sweeney hosts the series, and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels also star.
May 5 (8-9 p.m. ET)
"Mercy"
JENNIFER ESPOSITO ("JULES FATTORE") GUEST STARS - VERONICA AND SANDS ARE CONFRONTED WITH A LIFE CHANGING DECISION; MEANWHILE BRIGGS BELIEVES THAT HE MIGHT HAVE HELPED IN THE BEATING OF ANGEL'S FRIEND - When a friend from their Iraq days shows up unexpectedly, Veronica (Taylor Schilling) and Sands (James Tupper) are suddenly faced with a life-altering decision. Sonia (Jaime Lee Kirchner), increasingly intimidated by a stalker's threats, gets help from a surprising source, while Chloe (Michelle Trachtenberg) worries that her boyfriend is causing irreparable brain trauma by playing football against medical advice. And, after Angel's (Guillermo Diaz) friend is brutally beaten, Briggs (James Van Der Beek) worries that his mafia connections may have played a role. Meanwhile, a former flame (Jennifer Esposito) comes back into his life, with dangerous consequences. Diego Klattenhoff, K.K. Moggie, Patrick Yeoman, and James LeGros also star.
May 5 (10-11 p.m. ET)
"Law & Order: SVU"
(Sharon Stone's second episode) DETECTIVES BENSON (MARISKA HARGITAY) AND STABLER (CHRIS MELONI) MUST TRACK DOWN A PREGNANT RAPE VICTIM WHO DISAPPEARS FROM THE HOSPITAL - When a pregnant woman is raped, Detectives Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Eliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) arrive at the hospital to find that she has fled. Even when someone is arrested for a similar offense, ADA Jo Marlowe (guest star Sharon Stone) says she doesn't have a case in court unless they find the victim and get a statement from her. Soon, Benson and Stabler connect the woman to an illegal adoption operation, forcing them to go undercover and expose the truth. Also starring: Ice-T (Detective Odafin Tutuola), Tamara Tunie (Dr. Melinda Warner), Richard Belzer (Detective John Munch) and B.D. Wong (Dr. George Huang).
May 6 (8-8:30 p.m. ET)
"Community"
JEFF AND BRITTA'S SEXUAL TENSION HEATS UP AS THE CAMPUS GOES TO "WAR" - The sexual tension between Jeff (Joel McHale) and Britta (Gillian Jacobs) becomes a hot topic among the study group. Meanwhile, what starts out as a simple contest for a chance at early class registration turns the peaceful campus of Greendale Community College into an all-out war zone. Friendships are tested, as only one student can be victorious. Chevy Chase, Ken Jeong, Alison Brie, Yvette Nicole Brown, Donald Glover and Danny Pudi also star.
May 6 (9:30-10 p.m. ET)
"30 Rock"
IT'S MOTHER'S DAY AT TGS, AND THE MOMS COME TO VISIT. GUEST STARRING BUZZ ALDRIN, ELIZABETH BANKS, ANITA GILLETTE, JAN HOOKS, CHEYENNE JACKSON, PATTI LUPONE, NOVELLA NELSON, AND ELAINE STRITCH - Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) meets her mother's (Guest Star Anita Gillette) old flame, while Jack Donaghy's (Alec Baldwin) mother, Colleen (Guest Star Elaine Stritch), gets tangled in his relationships with Avery Jessup (Guest Star Elizabeth Banks) and high school love, Nancy Donovan. Jenna's (Jane Krakowski) mother, Verna (Guest Star Jan Hooks) returns, while Tracy learns a lesson from his "mom" (Guest Star Novella Nelson). Also starring: Jack McBrayer (Kenneth), Judah Friedlander (Frank), Scott Adsit (Pete), and John Lutz (Lutz).
May 6 (10-11 p.m. ET)
"The Marriage Ref"
GWYNETH PALTROW, JERRY SEINFELD AND GREG GIRALDO WEIGH IN ON THE CELEBRITY PANEL - TOM PAPA HOSTS - Jerry Seinfeld is back and in the producer's chair for a funny and revealing comedy panel series about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. Each week couples from across the country will face off to settle their marital tiffs, which run the gamut of disagreements -- quirky, funny, relatable -- all with the signature Seinfeld tone. The couples that present their problems will be given a call by the Ref, popular comedian Tom Papa, just like in sports. Advising and influencing Tom's decision will be a rotating panel of "experts" offering their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions. Tonight's panelists include Gwyneth Paltrow, Jerry Seinfeld and Greg Giraldo.
May 7 (8-9 p.m. ET)
"Friday Night Lights"
NBC SEASON PREMIERE - THE TAYLORS DEAL WITH THE EAST AND WEST DILLON DIVIDE - Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) wonders how low his fortunes can sink as he struggles to pull the East Dillon Lions together while Tami (Connie Britton) navigates the new politics at West Dillon. Meanwhile, Matt (guest star Zach Gilford) gets a taste of life as a townie and Tim (Taylor Kitsch) is inspired by a college lecture on "the hero's journey." Jesse Plemons, Aimee Teegarden, Michael B. Jordan, Jurnee Smollett and Matt Lauria also star.
May 12 (8-9 p.m. ET)
SEASON FINALE - JENNIFER ESPOSITO AND AIDA TURTURRO GUEST STAR - BRIGGS GOES TO GREAT LENGTHS TO PAY OFF HIS DEBT TO THE MAFIA, SANDS IS FORCED TO MAKE A DIFFICULT DECISION THAT WILL AFFECT HIS CAREER AND LIFE, AND VERONICA LENDS A HAND WHEN HELP IS NEEDED OUTSIDE OF MERCY--When two boys get trapped in an abandoned building, Veronica (Taylor Schilling) finds herself in the right place at the right time to help them. Back at the hospital, Chloe (Michelle Trachtenberg) pressures doctors to perform a risky surgery to save her comatose boyfriend from brain death, and Sonia (Jaime Lee Kirchner) treats a psychic patient (Aida Turturro) who makes a mysterious prediction about her future. Meanwhile, Briggs (James Van Der Beek) tries frantically to raise the funds needed to pay off his high-stakes debt with the mafia before it's too late, and Sands (James Tupper) considers a job offer to return to Afghanistan with a medical relief effort. James Le Gros, Diego Klattenhoff and Guillermo Diaz also star.
May 13 (8:30-9 p.m. ET)
"Parks and Recreation"
LESLIE'S MASTER PLAN IS SCUTTLED - ADAM SCOTT ("PARTY DOWN") AND ROB LOWE ("BROTHERS AND SISTERS") STAR - Leslie (Amy Poehler) is disappointed when her new park plans are put on hold by a visit from two state auditors (guest stars Adam Scott and Rob Lowe). April (Aubrey Plaza) has plans for Andy (Chris Pratt) at her birthday party, and Ann (Rashida Jones) tries to piece together a romantic mystery. Paul Schneider, Aziz Ansari and Nick Offerman also star.
May 13 (9:30-10 p.m. ET)
"30 Rock"
AS WEDDING FEVER HITS TGS, LIZ (TINA FEY) REVISITS OLD BOYFRIENDS. ELIZABETH BANKS, JON HAMM, JULIANNE MOORE, MICHAEL SHEEN, JASON SUDEIKIS, AND DEAN WINTERS GUEST STAR - Jack (Alec Baldwin) becomes even more entangled in his love triangle between Avery Jessup (Elizabeth Banks) and Nancy Donovan (Julianne Moore), and he turns for advice to Liz (Tina Fey), who is focusing on her own romantic problems. When Liz can't find a date to Floyd's (Guest Star Jason Sudeikis) wedding, she revisits her old boyfriends in hope that a spark will reignite. Meanwhile, Tracy (Tracy Morgan) continues his journey to earn his EGOT. Also starring: Jane Krakowski (Jenna), Jack McBrayer (Kenneth), Judah Friedlander (Frank), Scott Adsit (Pete), John Lutz (Lutz), Kevin Brown (DotCom), Grizz Chapman (Grizz), and Keith Powell (Toofer).
May 16 (7-9 p.m. ET)
"2010 Miss USA Pageant"
LIVE FROM THE PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - The 59th Annual Competition will crown a new Miss USA at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Fifty-one contestants representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Miss USA travels the nation as an advocate for breast and ovarian cancer awareness, education, research, and legislation.
May 16 (9-11 p.m. ET)
"The Celebrity Apprentice"
FINALE PART ONE - THE FINAL TWO CELEBRITIES MUST CREATE A NEW SNAPPLE TEA AND ITS MARKETING CAMPAIGN FOR A PRESENTATION AT A SPECIAL LAUNCH EVENT - FORMER APPRENTICE WINNERS JOAN RIVERS AND BILL RANCIC GUEST-STAR -Immediately following the last task, Trump summons the teams back into the boardroom and one celebrity's rude comment leads to a quick firing. Next, the remaining celebrities undergo grueling interviews with the first 'Apprentice,' Bill Rancic, and the most recent 'Celebrity Apprentice,' Joan Rivers. Bill and Joan advise Mr. Trump on who should be fired and two more celebrities are sent home. The following morning, Mr. Trump reveals the last task to the finalists, which is to create a new flavor of Snapple tea, name the tea, and design its label. In addition, they must shoot a 30-second TV commercial and create a 3-page print ad promoting their new tea -- all of which will be presented at a launch event attended by Snapple employees and fans. The finalists each receive celebrity helpers and head into negotiations for ingredients when they quickly discover that both of them want the same ingredient. A strategic move wins the favorite flavor for one, but as they prepare to shoot their commercials, one finalist discovers that a key piece of equipment is missing, which may jeopardize the entire task. Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. guest star.
May 20 (9:30-10 p.m. ET)
"30 Rock"
LIZ JUGGLES THE WEDDINGS OF FLOYD (GUEST STAR JASON SUDEIKIS), CERIE (KATRINA BOWDEN) AND GRIZZ (GRIZZ CHAPMAN), WHILE JACK IS FORCED TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT HIS LOVE LIFE. ELIZABETH BANKS, MATT DAMON, WILL FORTE, JULIANNE MOORE, AND MICHAEL SHEEN GUEST STAR - Liz (Tina Fey) questions fate when she meets the man of her dreams, while Jack's (Alec Baldwin) love triangle between high school love, Nancy Donovan (guest star Julianne Moore), and CNBC anchor, Avery Jessup (guest star Elizabeth Banks), comes to a head. Meanwhile, Jenna's (Jane Krakowski) boyfriend is confronted with a similar dilemma when his desire for another woman threatens to ruin their relationship, and Kenneth (Jack McBrayer), with the help of Tracy (Tracy Morgan), tries to avoid a promotion that would land him in LA. Also starring: Judah Friedlander (Frank), Scott Adsit (Pete), John Lutz (Lutz), Kevin Brown (DotCom), and Keith Powell (Toofer).
May 23 (8-9 p.m. ET)
"Minute to Win It"
KEVIN JONAS OF THE JONAS BROTHERS COMPETES FOR CHARITY - Kevin Jonas of The Jonas Brothers stops by to compete in some nerve-wracking games for his charity Change For The Children Foundation. Guy Fieri ("Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives") hosts.
May 23 (LIVE 9-11 p.m. ET)
"The Celebrity Apprentice"
FINALE PART TWO - LIVE FROM THE SKIRBALL CENTER IN NEW YORK CITY, MR. TRUMP REVEALS THE NEXT 'CELEBRITY APPRENTICE' - Live from the Skirball Center in New York City, Mr. Trump will decide this season's winner of 'The Celebrity Apprentice' after first revealing who did the best job on the last task. In the final moments of this task, one of the finalists scrambles to finish in time, while the other is forced to soldier on alone after being left in the lurch when a helper suddenly leaves. At the launch for the new Snapple teas, one finalist delivers a more polished performance, while the other seems to have the edge with the crowd. In the end, Mr. Trump makes his final decision, live, and determines who will become the next 'Celebrity Apprentice.' The entire celebrity cast returns to join Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and George Ross for the live finale.
May 25 (LIVE from 8-10 p.m. ET)
"THE BIGGEST LOSER" REVEALED IN EXCITING LIVE SEASON FINALE - In this must-see, exciting live finale, all of the contestants from this season return for a special reunion and a chance to weigh in one last time - and show America how much weight they've all lost since beginning their weight-loss journeys. Joining them will be a few special guests from past seasons who will share their weight loss progress as well. There are four contestants left, but America has voted on the two that fell below the yellow line in last week's episode to choose who will be the third finalist in the game. After America's vote is revealed and the third finalist is announced, the eliminated player will then weigh in with the other 18 eliminated contestants to compete for the $100,000 "at home" prize. Then it's the moment viewers have been waiting for, when one of the three finalists will be named this season's "Biggest Loser" and win the coveted grand prize of $250,000! Alison Sweeney is the host, and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels also star.
May 25 (10-11 p.m. ET)
"Parenthood"
SEASON FINALE - SARAH AND AMBER REACH A BOILING POINT - JASON RITTER ("THE CLASS," "W") GUEST STARS - Tensions run high for Sarah (Lauren Graham) and Amber (Mae Whitman) leading Sarah to meet with Mr. Cyr (guest star Jason Ritter) to discuss her complex daughter. Elsewhere, Crosby (Dax Shepard) must decide whether to move with his new family or stay with his old one. Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) tries to win his way back into Camille's (Bonnie Bedelia) heart. Meanwhile, Julia (Erika Christensen) is forced to be on the Angel committee at Sydney's (Savannah Paige Rae) school but is nonplussed when she has to take care of a single mom recovering from a breast augmentation. Peter Krause, Monica Potter, Joy Bryant, Sam Jaeger, Sarah Ramos, Miles Heizer and Max Burkholder also star.
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