LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- A heavy dose of "Deal or No Deal" will kick off NBC's 2008 schedule the network confirmed today.

Four of the first seven days of the new year will open with the series - Wednesday, January 2 at 8:00/7:00c; Thursday, January 3 at 8:00/7:00c; Sunday, January 6 at 7:00/6:00c; and Monday, January 7 at 9:00/8:00c.

Said airings will help highlight the network's midseason programming, which includes the return of "The Biggest Loser" (Tuesday, January 1 at 8:00/7:00c), "Law & Order" (Wednesday, January 2 at 9:00/8:00c), "The Apprentice" (Thursday, January 3 at 9:00/8:00c), "1 vs. 100" (Friday, January 4 at 8:00/7:00c) and "Medium" (Monday, January 7 at 10:00/9:00c) as well as the launch of "American Gladiators" (Sunday, January 6 at 9:00/8:00c).

Also due that week are new episodes of "Law & Order: SVU" (January 1), "ER" (January 3), "Friday Night Lights" (January 4) and "Las Vegas" (January 4).

Going forward then "Deal" will regularly air Mondays at 9:00/8:00c and Wednesdays at 8:00/7:00c. Among its highlights: an episode featuring 9/11 hero Will Jimeno on January 2, a two-hour disco/80s-themed episode on January 6 while Ellen DeGeneres stopped by the show's January 16 installment.