NBC upped Rob Lowe to a series regular on Parks and Recreation ? ? one of many announcements the network made today during its annual session with the nation’s TV critics. NBC also revealed that Kathy Bates will return for a guest spot on The Office , while Drew Carey will guest star on Community.

In other news, 30 Rock will perform a live episode of the show from New York’s Studio 8H on Oct. 14. And NBC closed a development deal with Peter Berg’s Film 44, which means the network is still committed to rebooting Prime Suspect for a possible midseason berth. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit will kick off with a two-hour premiere on Sept. 22, Parenthood will bow on Sept 14, followed by the debut of the Jimmy Smits drama Outlaw on Sept. 15, and The Apprentice will return with a two-hour premiere Sept. 16.

The new drama Law & Order: Los Angeles will bow Sept. 29.

Image credit: John M. Heller/Getty Images