NBC CHILLS OUT SUMMER 2006 WITH PREMIERES OF NEW ORIGINAL ALTERNATIVE SERIES "TREASURE HUNTERS" AND "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT" AND THE RETURN OF "LAST COMIC STANDING"

BURBANK, Calif. -- April 10, 2006 -- NBC announced premiere dates for its bold summer 2006 alternative programming including new original series "Treasure Hunters" (Sunday, June 18) and "America's Got Talent" (Wednesday, June 21) -- plus the return of the standup comedy competition series "Last Comic Standing" (Tuesday, May 30). The announcement was made today by Craig Plestis, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming and Development, NBC Entertainment.

"This summer's alternative lineup represents all the high-energy and fun-filled programming viewers crave," said Plestis. "We purposely intended to showcase these promising projects during these months to allow them to cultivate a dedicated audience."

Following are format descriptions for NBC's summer alternative series in order of premiere dates.

LAST COMIC STANDING (two-hour premiere Tuesday, May 30, 8-10 p.m. ET; regular time Tuesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET) -- The Emmy-nominated series "Last Comic Standing" serves up a new season of laughs and surprises as the innovative comedy showcase searches for the funniest people in America. Anthony Clark ("Yes, Dear") hosts the lively laughfest, which begins with a nationwide talent search for professional and aspiring comedians. Then once the selection is narrowed down to 12, the series will follow the comedians - both male and female - as they live together and compete for the ultimate prize - an exclusive talent contract with NBC and a comedy special on Bravo. "Last Comic Standing" is produced by Peter Engel Productions, Magical Elves and NBC Universal Television Studio. The executive producers are Peter Engel ("Saved By the Bell," "City Guys"), Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz (Bravo's "Project Runway" and NBC's "Treasure Hunters") and Barry Katz ("Action," "Dane Cook's Tourgasm").

TREASURE HUNTERS (special two-hour premiere Sunday, June 18, 8-10 p.m. ET following the U.S. Open; regular time period Mondays, 9-10 p.m. ET) - "Treasure Hunters" is a fast-paced adventure/mystery reality series where multi-player teams try to stay one step ahead of each other as they are mentally and physically challenged in their quest of a promised hidden treasure. The teams must avoid elimination as they travel to historically significant locations where they must decipher cryptic codes and puzzles, each with a clue leading them closer to solving the ultimate puzzle, and obtaining the coveted grand prize. Laird Macintosh ("Ultimate Playground") hosts the series, which is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio in association with Magical Elves Productions, Imagine Television and Madison Road Entertainment. Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz (Bravo's "Project Runway," NBC's "Last Comic Standing") of Magical Elves Productions, along with Brian Grazer and David Nevins of Imagine Television, and Tom Mazza, Danica Krislovich and Jak Severson of Madison Road Entertainment, serve as executive producers.

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT (two-hour premiere Wednesday, June 21, 8-10 p.m. ET; regular time Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET; 30-minute results shows Thursdays beginning July 13, 8:30-9 p.m. ET) - Simon Cowell ("American Idol") and FremantleMedia ("American Idol") will bring the hottest performers from across the country to TV audiences in a new talent competition series that allows viewers to determine who will walk away with a $1 million cash prize. The series features a colorful array of hopeful future stars who possess widely varying levels of talent. Singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique novelty acts of all ages will have a chance to strut and perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges who will determine which acts advance to the final rounds. "America's Got Talent" is produced by Cowell's SYCO TV production company and FremantleMedia. Simon Cowell, Ken Warwick and Cecile Frot-Coutaz ("American Idol") are the executive producers. Jason Raff ("Three Wishes) is the co-executive producer.

As previously announced, the scripted drama series "Windfall" starring Luke Perry ("Beverly Hills, 90210"), Lana Parrilla ("Boomtown"), Jason Gedrick ("Boomtown"), Sarah Wynter ("24") and D.J. Cotrona ("Skin"), that follows 20 lottery winners after their unexpected good fortune, will also premiere this summer on Thursday, June 8 (10-11 p.m. ET).