Jumping the gun on its broadcast rivals, NBC unveiled its fall schedule on Wednesday. Among the highlights:

– In what could have diaster written all over it, “The Office” will spawn a spin-off series (Remember NBC’s success with “Joey”?). The show doesn’t have a tile yet, or a totally fleshed-out concept, or a cast, but the network plans to give it the coveted post-Super Bowl slot in 2009. NBC chief Ben Silverman says he won’t put the show on the air unless it “in no way harms the mothership.” Um, we’ll see.

– The next season of “ER” will be the show’s 15th — and last. It will feature 19 episodes and air free of repeats.

– “Friday Night Lights” will get a third season under a unique cost-sharing deal (See post below).

– A revamped “Knight Rider,” as expected, will join the schedule as a regular series airing Wednesday nights at 8.

– The network will do a series called “Crusoe,” based on the classic adventure novel.

– “Saturday Night Live” will air three prime-time specials in the run-up to the presidential election.

– Fresh talent includes Christian Slater in a new drama called “My Own Worst Enemy,” Ian McShane of “Deadwood” fame starring in a drama called “Kings,” and Molly Shannon and Selma Blair teaming up in an Americanized version of the Australian comedy “Kath & Kim.”