NBC announced early renewals for a trio of returning shows while providing reassurance that weakened powerhouse "Heroes" has a "very secure" future. NBC also set premiere dates for its untitled Amy Poehler comedy (8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, the current "Kath & Kim" slot) and confirmed John Wells' new police drama "Southland" will take over for "ER" at Thursdays at 10 p.m.  April 9, while "Kings" will air at 8 p.m. Sundays starting March 15. New cooking competition series "The Chopping Block" will premiere at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, filling the "Knight Rider" slot.

Subscribe to the Hollywood Reporter and see the entertainment industry from its best angle: the inside looking out. Complete access to real-time news and exclusive analysis that goes behind the scenes from film to television, home video to digital media.

   Subscribe now.