• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, February 26, 2007

NBC is hoping its one new drama hit this season will help it launch another. The network is looking to use "Heroes" to provide a solid lead-in tonight for the premiere of "The Black Donnellys," which will follow it at 10 p.m.

Network executives have touted the drama about four Irish-American brothers and organized crime in New York since last upfront--although other shows they plugged heavily, such as "Studio 60" and "Friday Night Lights," have fizzled.

After the premiere on the network, NBC will attempt to give "Donnellys" increased sampling. The show will re-air on cable siblings USA Network on March 6 and Bravo, which will run the first two episodes on March 11.

Meanwhile, ABC is employing a similar Programming 101 strategy of using a big-time hit as a lead-in-launching pad for a new show, slotting new drama "October Road" in on Thursdays after "Grey's Anatomy" starting March 15. The drama about a young author at a life crossroads will air in the Thursday 10 p.m. slot for an unspecified number of weeks, where it will replace first-year drama "Men in Trees."

ABC also said drama "Six Degrees" will return in the Friday 9 p.m. slot on the network starting March 23.