A May of Remembering

As the classic Peter Allen song states, everything old is new again. In fact, nostalgia programming is so prevalent this May, it’s overshadowing the month’s other big events, such as the series finales of “Ally McBeal” and “The X-Files” and Anthony Edwards’ departure from “ER.”

NBC has the lion’s share of the nostalgia programming under the umbrella of the network’s 75th anniversary celebration. (The Peacock network hasn’t been on the small screen for that long--the anniversary actually commemorates NBC’s birth as a radio network.) But all the networks are getting into the act, fueled in part by the huge ratings a “Carol Burnett Show” retrospective garnered for CBS last fall.

Jeff Gaspin, NBC’s executive vice president of specials, says nostalgia programming has always been “fun, exciting and hot.” But he believes it’s especially popular this year because of the Sept. 11 tragedy. “Nostalgia provides an opportunity for us to look back at a time where we at least believe it as less complicated,” he said.

“I don’t know in reality if that’s true,” Gaspin added, “but you tend to look back at the good stuff, not necessarily the bad stuff. I think at this point in our culture, looking back to times that might have been simpler or felt simpler and safer provides a positive feeling for us.”

Here’s a look at some of the oldies but goodies scheduled for this month, one of the three ratings sweeps periods each year used to help set TV advertising rates:

“NBC’s 75th Anniversary Special”: The network celebrates with a three-hour program from Studio 8H in New York City, featuring NBC stars past and present, as well as memorable clips. Expect to see Milton Berle among the faces. Sunday, NBC.

“Third Watch”: “Hill Street Blues” stars Veronica Hamel, Bruce Weitz and Ed Marinaro guest. Monday, NBC.

“The Honeymooner’s 50th Anniversary Celebration”: Pays homage to the seminal comedy series that starred Jackie Gleason, Audrey Meadows, Art Carney and Joyce Randolph. Monday, CBS.

“Entertainment Tonight Presents: Laverne & Shirley Together Again”: Retrospective of the slapstick comedy series that starred Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams as the zany friends and roomies. Tuesday, ABC.

“Favorite Stars: Then & Now ... An E! Entertainment Television Special”: A visit with “old heartthrobs, America’s sweethearts, child stars and dynamic duos” from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Phoebe Cates, Maureen McCormick, Willie Aames and Christopher Atkins. Tuesday, ABC.

“The Drew Carey Show”: A Mother’s Day-themed episode features Marion Ross, Adrienne Barbeau, Richard Chamberlain, June Lockhart and Phyllis Diller. Wednesday, ABC.

“L.A. Law: The Movie”: Movie reunites most of the cast--Jimmy Smits is MIA--of the long-running, Emmy Award-winning legal series. Corbin Bernsen, Susan Dey, Harry Hamlin, Richard Dysart, Jill Eikenberry, Michael Tucker, Michele Greene, Alan Rachins, Susan Ruttan and Larry Drake star. May 12, NBC.

“The Mary Tyler Moore Show Reunion”: Moore turns the world on with her smile in this intimate look at her classic ‘70s sitcom. The program features cast members Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Gavin MacLeod, Betty White and Georgia Engel, plus a tribute to the late Ted Knight, who played the bumbling newscaster Ted Baxter. May 13, CBS.

“TV Guide’s 50 Best Shows of All Time”: Mary Tyler Moore, Jim Belushi, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Dick Van Dyke are among the stars who talk about their favorite TV shows. May 13, ABC.

“MASH: 30th Anniversary Reunion Special”: Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers and Mike Farrell head the lineup of former cast members who will reminisce for two hours. May 17, Fox.

“The Cosby Show: A Look Back”: Celebration of the six-time Emmy Award-winning Bill Cosby comedy series that aired from 1984-92. May 19, NBC.

“20 Years of Must See TV”: Eric McCormack hosts this “in-depth” look at NBC’s successful Thursday-night lineup over the past two decades. May 20, NBC.

“NBC’s Funniest Out-Takes”: Previously unseen outtakes from such series as “Just Shoot Me,” “Ed,” “Cheers,” “Family Ties,” “Quincy” and “You Bet Your Life.” May 21, NBC.

“That’s Incredible: The Reunion”: The original hosts of the ‘80s series, John Davidson, Frank Tarkenton and Cathy Lee Crosby, reunite for this hourlong special, which features memorable moments from the reality series. May 21, ABC.