• January 23, 2001

"Friends" isn't the only comedy on NBC's super-size menu this February: The network will also serve up larger portions of "Will & Grace" and "Just Shoot Me" on the final Thursday of sweeps.

Sources say NBC Entertainment president Jeff Zucker has finalized plans to air on Feb. 22 a 40-minute version of "Will & Grace" at 8:40 p.m. (following the previously announced 40-minute "Friends") and a 40-minute edition of "Just Shoot Me" at 9:20 p.m.

NBC will also announce plans to air a 20-minute "Friends" clip compilation at 8:40 p.m. on the third Thursday of sweeps (Feb. 15).

With CBS' "Survivor: The Australian Outback" threatening its Thursday-night dominance next month, NBC plans to air four 40-minute "Super-Size" editions of "Friends" during sweeps. The network is also going ahead with 20-minute mini-"Saturday Night Live" programs following "Friends" the first two Thursdays of February.

- Reuters/Variety