NBC SETS ITS SIGHTS ON 'NOBODY'S WATCHING' AS NETWORK SIGNS NEW DEAL FOR COMEDY PROJECT

Pilot from NBC Universal Television Studio and Writer-Producer Bill Lawrence (NBC's "Scrubs") Is Resurrected

BURBANK, Calif. -- July 21, 2006 -- NBC has approved a deal with the buzz-generating comedy pilot "Nobody's Watching" - hailed for its instant popularity on YouTube where it has been downloaded over 600,000 times - from Emmy Award-nominated writer-producer Bill Lawrence (NBC's "Scrubs") and NBC Universal Television Studio. The announcement was made today by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment. The deal includes ordering webisodes and the development of scripts with the intention of ordering an on-air NBC primetime series sometime this season.

"This comedy pilot has generated a life of its own and we are intrigued by its potential to develop into a series," said Reilly. "Sometimes, if you show it, they will come � and we've seen how people have responded on the internet, plus we always bet on Bill Lawrence's work."

"I couldn't be more excited going forward with 'Nobody's Watching,'" said executive producer Bill Lawrence. "I have always been passionate about this project, but more importantly, I think this is just the first of many television shows to be rescued by the internet and I think we will see more launched on the internet in the future. We plan to start rolling out viral content as early as September."

"From the start, we've had a great time working with Bill on 'Nobody's Watching,'" said Angela Bromstad, President, NBC Universal Television Studio. "It's extremely rewarding to see the show get the attention it deserves and we're looking forward to this exciting new venture."

The pilot for the series had been lying virtually dormant since Spring 2005 until it became available on www.youtube.com several weeks ago and suddenly became a story unto itself when it attracted an increasing swarm of adoring fans.

The concept of "Nobody's Watching" centers on Derek and Will, two young television addicts from Ohio who are frustrated with the dreadful state of television programming. As a result, they decide to become the subjects of a reality show when a major network gives them the opportunity to create their own sitcom. Unaware that the network executives are manipulating and recording their every word and move, the two continue their crusade to develop what they hope will be great television.

The executive producers-writers are Lawrence ("Scrubs," "Spin City"), Neil Goldman ("Scrubs," "Family Guy") and Garrett Donovan ("Scrubs," "Family Guy"). Gail Mancuso ("Gilmore Girls," "Scrubs," "Two and a Half Men") directed the pilot.