Two networks plan changes for new year

With the November sweeps ending, the networks can focus their attention on lineup changes that will kick in starting in January.

NBC will schedule “Mr. Sterling,� a new drama starring Josh Brolin as a young U.S. senator, at 8 p.m. Fridays beginning Jan. 10. The series replaces “Providence,� though NBC has back-pedaled from saying that the series will end its five-year run in December. The network is leaving the door open to ordering additional episodes. The network also confirmed it is considering a new “Hunter� series, after a movie reunion of the cop show, starring Fred Dryer, drew solid ratings earlier this month.

In addition, NBC said that Harry Connick Jr., a guest star on “Will & Grace� this season, could be upgraded to a series regular. Connick’s character married Grace, played by Debra Messing, in last week’s episode.

ABC, meanwhile, will premiere two new dramas Jan. 27, hoping to capitalize on tune-in for its telecast of the Super Bowl the day before. The new shows, which will fill the void left by “Monday Night Football,� are a revival of “Dragnet,� starring “Married ... With Children’s� Ed O’Neill, and “Miracles,� in which a pair of investigators examine possible miracles.

-- Brian Lowry