There are still many NBC shows to be cancelled and renewed but the peacock network has already picked up five new series for next season. One is called About a Boy and it’s based on the Nick Hornby novel — which was already made as a Hugh Grant movie back in 2002.

The TV show version will star Will Freeman, Minnie Driver, Benjamin Stockham, Al Madrigal, and Anjelah N. Johnson-Reyes. Stockham (below, left) was a regular on NBC’s 1600 Penn which has yet to be cancelled but surely will be.

Here’s the network’s description and a photo from the pilot:

ABOUT A BOY – Based on the best-selling Nick Hornby (“High Fidelity,” “An Education”) novel, written/produced by Jason Katims (“Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood”) and directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “Revolution”) comes a different kind of coming-of-age story. Will Freeman (David Walton, “Bent,” “Perfect Couples”) lives a charmed existence as the ultimate man-child. After writing a hit song, he was granted a life of free time, free love and freedom from financial woes. He’s single, unemployed and loving it.

So imagine his surprise when Fiona (Minnie Driver, “Good Will Hunting,” “Barney’s Version”), a needy, single mom and her oddly charming 11-year-old son Marcus (Benjamin Stockham, “1600 Penn”) move in next door and disrupt his perfect world. When Marcus begins dropping by his home unannounced, Will’s not so sure about being a kid’s new best friend, until, of course, Will discovers that women find single dads irresistible.

That changes everything and a deal is struck: Marcus will pretend to be Will’s son and, in return, Marcus is allowed to chill at Will’s house, play ping-pong and gorge on steaks, something his very vegan mom would never allow. Before he realizes it, Will starts to enjoy the visits and even finds himself looking out for the kid. In fact, this newfound friendship may very well teach him a thing or two that he never imagined possible – about himself and caring for others. Also starring are Al Madrigal (“Gary Unmarried”) and Anjelah N. Johnson-Reyes (“Our Family Wedding”).

Katims, Favreau, Tim Bevan (“Les Misérables,” “About a Boy”), Eric Fellner (“Les Misérables,” “About a Boy”), Liza Chasin (“Les Misérables,” “About a Boy”), Robert De Niro (“About a Boy,” “Meet the Parents”) and Jane Rosenthal (“About a Boy,” “Meet the Parents”) serve as executive producers. “About a Boy” is a production of Universal Television, Working Title Films, True Jack Productions and Tribeca Productions.

What do you think? Does this new series sound like it will be worth watching next season?