The release of the NBC schedule is imminent. TVGuide.com has the scoop on the lineup. Of particular interest are some of the new shows (in caps).

FALL 2008

WEDNESDAY
8-9 pm: KNIGHT RIDER
9-10 pm: Deal or No Deal
10-11 pm: Lipstick Jungle

THURSDAY
8-8:30 pm: My Name Is Earl
8:30-9 pm: 30 Rock
9-9:30 pm: The Office
9:30-10 pm: The Office/SNL THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE*

FRIDAY
8-9 pm: CRUSOE

WINTER 2009

THURSDAY
8-8:30 pm: My Name Is Earl
8:30-9 pm: 30 Rock
9-9:30 pm: The Office
9:30-10 pm: THE OFFICE SPIN-OFF

First, “Knight Rider” teamed with “Deal or no Deal” and “Lipstick Jungle”? That is strange. They might as well admitted that most the audience would be watching via DVR.

Then there is a “The Office” spin-off. This was hinted way back in October. Having it back to back with “The Office” is very Happy Days/Laverne and Shirley of them. Even though none of the current cast is leaving to join the spin-off, I expect that there will be some occasional crossover.

And “Thursday Night Live”? I hadn’t heard of this one before. One can guess that it’ll be very political, and be more a spin-off of Weekend Update. SNL has a hard enough time being consistent on Saturday night.

Finally, “Friday Night Lights” get its reprieve and is renewed (as previously reported).

Go check out the entire list. There is a lot to talk about.