NBC is banking on Lost and Fringe co-creator J.J. Abrams to work his magic once again. In the new series, Undercovers," Abrams leaves behind mysterious islands and alternate universes and instead returns to his Alias roots. Undercovers offers viewers frothy spy action with a cast of attractive, likeable characters.

Undercovers, premiering tonight on NBC, introduces the couple of Steven (Boris Kodjoe, Soul Food) and Samantha (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Doctor Who) Bloom. The two run a catering business and generally have a good middle-class life. What they havent got is some much-need spice in their marriage.
Enter Carlton Shaw (Gerald McRaney, Jericho," Deadwood), who convinces the couple to return to the life they left behind as CIA spies. As they dash off to Europe to find their missing friend Leo Nash (Carter MacIntyre, Nip/Tuck), they rekindle their stunted romance in between chases and rooftop battles.

Mekia Cox (90210) also stars as Samanthas sister. Finally, Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) rounds out the cast as amusing field agent and hero-worshipper Bill Hoyt.

Undercovers is a good mix of early Abrams hit Alias and current NBC spy comedy Chuck. So far, it avoids the overextended mythology of Alias and the slapstick of Chuck, finding a sweet spot somewhere in the middle.

Abrams has demonstrated a deft hand at crafting intriguing premises and choosing good people behind the scenes to help turn them into successful series. In this case that includes Josh Reims, a fellow Felicity alum and writer for Brothers & Sisters and Dirty Sexy Money, as well as Fringe and Lost producer Bryan Burk.

Given the pedigree of names behind the series as well as the natural chemistry of its leads, Undercovers shows signs of being a great addition to NBCs fall schedule. And, just in case it needs a little luck, Abrams has thrown in Brad Grunberg, brother of Abramslong-time good luck charm Greg Grunberg. After all, NBC could use all the luck it can get these days.

"Undercovers" airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.