SMASH to Return to NBC on February 5!

NBC today announced changes to its 2013 primetime mid-season schedule highlighted by the premieres of three new series, including comedy "1600 Penn," from one of the architects of "Modern Family"; an intriguing drama "Deception" (formerly "Infamous"); and producer Eva Longoria's big reality relationship show "Ready for Love." In addition, several of the network's biggest hits will return, including "Smash" (February 5), which this season will feature Nikki Blonsky, Jesse L. Martin, Jeremy Jordan, Sean Hayes and Jennifer Hudson.

Following are the highlights of the changes:

Mondays:

The new drama "Deception" - starring Meagan Good ("Think Like a Man"), Victor Garber ("Alias"), Tate Donovan ("Damages") and Katherine LaNasa ("Alfie") in a dark family murder mystery -- debuts on January 7 (10-11 p.m. ET). Preceding "Deception" is the new season of "The Biggest Loser" which returns with a two-night premiere on Sunday, January 6 (9-11 p.m. ET) and Monday, January 7 (8-10 p.m. ET), and will continue on Mondays (8-10 p.m. ET) until the return of "The Voice."

"The Voice" maintains its momentum as it returns March 25 for a fourth season (8-10 p.m. ET) and Tuesday, March 26 (8-9 p.m. ET). It continues its two-night Monday/Tuesday schedule as it did this fall. "Revolution" -- the season's only bona fide new hit series -- will return and follow "The Voice" on March 25 (10-11 p.m. ET) when it concludes its current fall broadcast dates in November.

Tuesdays:

Last year's acclaimed musical drama "Smash" makes its much-anticipated return with a two-hour episode on February 5 (9-11 p.m. ET) -- with Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson -- and will resume on Tuesday, February 12 (10-11 p.m. ET) in its regular day and time. "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" premieres on January 8 with back-to-back episodes (8-8:30 p.m. ET and 8:30-9 p.m. ET) and will continue in that hour each Tuesday.

"The Voice" also will return on Tuesdays on March 26 (8-9 p.m. ET).

Thursdays:

The new comedy "1600 Penn" -- starring Bill Pullman ("Independence Day"), Jenna Elfman ("Dharma and Greg") and Josh Gad (Broadway's "The Book of Mormon") as a typical American family who just happen to live in the White House -- debuts on January 10 (9:30-10 p.m. ET). Jason Winer, Emmy-winning director of "Modern Family" is co-creator and director. The critically hailed comedy "Community" returns on February 7 (8-8:30 p.m. ET). "Parks and Recreation" moves up one hour on the Thursday schedule to 8:30-9 p.m. (ET) on January 17.

Sundays:

The new alternative series "Ready for Love" -- an innovative and dramatic new relationship show about making real connections with executive producer Eva Longoria - premieres Sunday, March 31 (8-10 p.m. ET). Donald Trump's "The Celebrity Apprentice" resumes with an "All-Star" edition of former celebrity contestants on March 3 (9-11 p.m. ET) for four weeks before continuing in one-hour episodes on Sunday, March 31 (10-11 p.m. ET).

“Smash” is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire – to be a Broadway star. The series stars Emmy Award winner Debra Messing (“Will & Grace”), Oscar winner Anjelica Huston (“Prizzi's Honor”), Jack Davenport (“Pirates of the Caribbean” films), Tony Award winner Christian Borle (“Peter and the Starcatcher”), Katharine McPhee (“American Idol”), Megan Hilty (“9 to 5: The Musical”), Tony Award nominee Jeremy Jordan(“Newsies”),Andy Mientus("Spring Awakening"),Leslie OdomJr. ("Leap of Faith") and Krysta Rodriguez("Spring Awakening").

From Universal Television in association with DreamWorks Television, “Smash” stemmed from an idea of executive producer and multiple Emmy and Oscar winner Steven Spielberg (“ER,” “Schindler's List”). The series’ executive producers also include Joshua Safran (“Gossip Girl”), Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Oscar-winning “Chicago,” “Hairspray”), Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey (“United States of Tara,” “The Borgias”), Tony and Grammy Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman(“Hairspray,” “Catch Me If You Can”), Jim Chory (“Heroes,” “American Dreams”) and Theresa Rebeck (“Mauritius,” “NYPD Blue”).