NBC leads Revolution

US broadcast network NBC has picked up five new series, including a drama from Lost creator JJ Abrams, ahead of its annual Upfront presentation.

Revolution, written by Eric Kripke (Supernatural) and directed by Jon Favreau, follows a group of characters struggling to survive in a world where all forms of energy no longer exist.

It is produced by Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, with Abrams, Kripke and Bryan Burk exec producing.

Four comedies have also been given the greenlight, according to US reports, including The New Normal, a single-camera comedy about a gay couple and the woman who becomes their surrogate to help them start a family. It is produced by 20th Century Fox and written by Ryan Murphy and Ali Adler.

Animal Practice (fka Animal Kingdom), which stars Justin Kirk as a vet who loves animals but usually hates their owners. It was created by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, and produced by American Work. Anthony and Joe Russo exec produce.

1600 Penn, produced by 20th Century Fox, follows a dysfunctional First Family living in the White House, with Bill Pullman starring as the president. It was created by Jon Lovett, Josh Gad and Jason Winer.

Save Me stars Anne Heche as a woman in a broken marriage who goes through a transformation and starts creating miracles. It is from Sony Pictures Television and Original Film and Television.

John Scott Shepherd is writer-exec producer. Scott Winant also exec produces with Neal Moritz and Vivian Cannon.

The five pick-ups take the number of series orders from NBC to six, following its earlier backing for another comedy, the Matthew Perry-starrer Go On.

The series is about a sportscaster who finds support in his mandatory group therapy sessions. It is produced by Universal Television.

NBC will reveal its full Upfronts slate on May 14 in New York.