I don't get very excited about new television shows often, at least not before they hit the air. When a series grabs me, it's usually after a few episodes of casual viewing (like "Lost" or "Veronica Mars") or much, much later (like "The Wire" or "The Sopranos"). Instead, I go into most new TV seasons assuming that all the new shows will suck. And I'm usually proven correct. Besides, why waste time with a show that the network will probably yank off the air by November sweeps?

Well, I'm already excited about one new show on NBC's fall lineup (and have been since I first heard it was in development well over a year ago). That show is "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," the latest offering from Aaron Sorkin, creator of "Sports Night" and "The West Wing." It's a behind the scenes look at a late night sketch comedy show and stars such big names as Matthew Perry, Bradley Whitford, Steven Weber, Amanda Peet, D.L. Hughley, Timothy Busfield, Nate Corddry, and Sarah Paulsen.

("Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels was reportedly so furious at NBC for picking up a show that mocks his own that he demanded the network also give one of its fall slots to a show created by current SNL cast member Tina Fey, which is also a behind the scenes look at a sketch comedy show; given how much bad comedy Michaels has allowed on the air over the last 30 years, his anger alone is enough to make me to watch "Studio 60.")

I read an early script draft of the show's pilot episode just a few weeks ago and was simply blown away by Sorkin's work. And now today, someone has posted a six minute trailer for the show over on YouTube. Shown at Monday's upfront presentation for the NBC fall season, I actually got a few goose bumps as I watched it. I've been dropping TV shows left and right for the last few months, but this is one I'm definitely adding in September.

Which, of course, means it will either A) suck or B) get such terrible ratings that NBC will cancel it by November. ("B" is the better bet given that the show will air Thursdays at 9 p.m. -- opposite both "C.S.I." and "Grey's Anatomy.")

[YouTube] Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - 6 MINUTE PREVIEW
(via TV Squad)

For those of you who still haven't seen the digital short from last weekend's "Saturday Night Live," NBC has posted the video on its website.

I think this one might be as good as "Lazy Sunday."

[NBC.com] Saturday Night Live: Natalie Raps

Taking a much needed hiatus from the blog. Of course, you already knew that...

I'm still not sure when or if I'll be back for good.

In the meantime, if you missed Saturday Night Live this weekend (and you probably did because the show is awful this year -- FIRE TINA FEY!), you missed out on the best sketch the show has produced in several years: "Lazy Sunday" starring Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg.

Fortunately, you can now watch the video online over at YouTube.

A transcript is also available at The Gothamist, but you really need to see (and hear) this one to appreciate it fully.

[YouTube] SNL - The Chronic of Narnia Rap
[The Gothamist] None More Amusing: SNL Narnia Rap Video

(via TV Squad)