• by John Gaffney , May 14, 2002

Five new shows, two time slot changes. NBC, the top rated network, took no chances in presenting its fall lineup that kicked off the major networks new season.

The NBC slate was more notable for two shows that didn’t make it. The Julia Louis-Dreyfus' comedy, "Watching Ellie" and the game show "Weakest Link" got the axe. Two shows that were rumored to get the axe, stayed: "Providence" and "Ed. " both received renewals. “Just Shoot Me” moves to Tuesday nights and the critical post-“Friends” 8:30 Thursday slot will be filled by “Scrubs.”

The new shows include "Good Morning Miami,” a comedy about a Harvard-educated producer trying to turn around a morning show. Three new comedies will bow on Tuesdays. "American Dreams," depicts two teen-age girls who become dancers on "American Bandstand." -"Hidden Hills," is about two suburban couple. "In-Laws," stars Jean Smart as a mother whose daughter and son-in-law move in. "Frasier" star Kelsey Grammer is the executive producer.

While the big networks focused on the fall season, USA Network announced a summer lineup studded with entertainment and sporting events. Willie Nelson & Friends: Stars & Guitars will pay tribute to the country music legend on Monday, May 27. Lineup includes Ryan Adams, Jon Bon Jovi & Richie Sambora, Sheryl Crow, The Dixie Chicks, Vince Gill, Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Norah Jones, Toby Keith, Mark Knopfler Band, Rob Thomas and matchbox twenty, Brian McKnight, Aaron Neville, Ray Price, Hank Williams III and Lee Ann Womack.

“A Tribute To Tom Hanks: The 2002 Afi Life Achievement Award” will honor the actor on June 24 for becoming the first man since Spencer Tracy to receive back-to-back Academy Awards for Best Actor and his various other film successes. The network will once again televise the early rounds of the US Open Tennis Championships, beginning August 25.