By Maria Elena Fernandez, Times Staff Writer

NBC announced that "Undercovers," the new spy drama from J.J. Abrams, is the network's first scripted series pickup for the 2010-11 season. But in three weeks, TV viewers will learn if we'll get to see the likes of Debra Messing, Forest Whitaker and Christian Slater on TV again and whether writer-producers like Shawn Ryan and Amy Sherman-Palladino can once again captivate us with their storytelling.

There are 82 dramas and comedies vying for slots next TV season. About half of them will be lucky to be picked up. The rest will be tossed in the industry's slush pile.

Here's a first look at 15 of the contenders.