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The leaves are turning and with them your tv will no doubt be seeing more activity over the coming months. It’s a fact of life and the tv networks know that. As it gets colder and there are less options outdoors, we turn to the tube to soak up our time. Thankfully, they give us the appropriate- or in my case completely inappropriate- amount of programming to keep us busy.
(Side rant: I was researching this post and found that I watch far too much television. How come you are letting me do so? From what I understand, these things rot your brain and if that’s true, I’m pretty well done for. Next time you see me watching TV or saying, “I’m just going to watch tv tonight.” Your immediate reaction should be the following, “No, you’re not.” Ideally this would be followed by repeating the mantra “TV ROTS YOUR BRAIN” or a geniuine open-handed slap to the face. Together, I feel we can beat this thing.)
So I am really psyched for TV to come back, some great shows are out there and it’s very exciting this time of year, it’s like a Christmas/Hannukah hybrid because the premieres are revealed over a period of time, but there are more than 8 of them, well for me anyways. I have a crop of returning shows and new ones that I’m extremely excited about. Here are my thoughts on them. I’ll give you a weekly rundown with shows I think are important/you may watch, who I recommend it for, when it starts, and when necessary a head to head concerning shows I like that are on at the same time. Phew! Get ready.
Sunday
9pm
Curb Your Enthusiasm (9/20)- Larry David’s series of crazy, largely improved shows returns, and this season the cast of Seinfeld is reuniting. Hilarity should ensue. Recommended for: those who thought Seinfeld needed more EDGE
Dexter (9/27)- Everyone’s favorite serial killer has a new kindred spirit in town in John Lithgow’s prolific Trinity Killer. He also has a new family to contend with. This season promises to be Dexter’s most challenging yet and I’m sure I’ll end up awkwardly rooting for a serial killer again. Recommended for: people who don’t have a problem rooting for the semi-bad guy
9:30pm
Bored to Death (9/20)- Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, and Ted Danson. The cast will almost surely prop this show up while it finds its legs. Schwartzman stars as a mystery writer turned P.I. The feel is classic noir with comedy and given the cast, it should be quite good. Recommended for: fans of funny, quirky tv
10pm
Californication (9/27)- Hank’s sex-driven antics are back. I can’t even really put into words what this show is about besides dysfunction in Hollywood-style families. It’s a wild show, I DO know that, and one that I can’t seem to stop watching. Recommended for: people who don’t mind losing control
Head to Head Battle: Dexter vs Curb/Bored- This one’s easy for me. I’ve only followed Curb very slowly and Bored is a new show, so Dexter is the obvious choice here.
Monday
8pm
Heroes (9/21)- Superheroes who rarely use their powers to fight are getting BORING. VERY boring. It looked like this show was moving in the right direction bringing Bryan Fuller back on to consult and THEN, he ran off to do a couple other shows. SO, we’re left with Tim Kring again, who created a great first season, but since then has lost his way. I’m giving this show a maximum of 5 episodes before I break up with it. Recommended for: people who love heartbreak, because this show will certainly bring it.
House (9/21)- Cranky, cranked-up doctor gets sent away. Last season, House went crazy. His drugs and psychological issues finally caught up with him and he was committed. Holy crap! Who’s going to tell the interns “It’ not lupus!” There are going to be so many lupus treatments at that hospital now. Exciting to see how House recovers. Recommended for: fans of mysteries with moderate character building and cranky, crazy, genius physicians (who does that NOT include?)
How I Met Your Mother (9/21)- The most underrated sitcom on television continues to ask the question begged by its title and the day-to-day adventures of Ted, Barney, Robin, Marshall, and Lily take center stage. I have the feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of Barney-Robin action and that we may get some serious clues as to who the mother is. Recommended for: Followers of the Bro Code
9pm
Greek (8/31)- ABC Family’s show about college life and all of its hook, break, and make ups comes back. It’s getting to be graduation time for some of the show’s seniors, a time of big decisions. We’ll see how the comedy will mix with some high drama this season. Recommended for: anyone who wants to escape back to their days of higher education.
Gossip Girl (9/14)- I don’t watch it, honestly, but I know those who do (I’m serious, I don’t!). But I do know that they have pretty girls and boys and their lives are extremely dramatic. Apparently Chuck kisses another boy this season. This is a BIG deal from what I understand. Recommended for: those who love the upper crust and high fashion in high school.
9:30pm
Big Bang Theory (9/21)- Hot Penny and the Dorks (awesome band name) come back to a new timeslot and continue their nerdy adventures of love. God only knows what these clowns are up to this season. I’m sure it will be funny. Recommended for: nerds in love.
10pm
Castle (9/21)- Nathan Fillion! That’s really all I’ve got. I love him. He’s brilliant as the suave, arrogant Richard Castle, a writer turned police consultant. It’s a seralized procedural that is light, but knows how to take itself seriously. Recommended for: Those who need a little more character than Law and Order gives them
Jay Leno (9/14)- Jay couldn’t leave or NBC didn’t want him to. So Jay steps in again and leads into Conan. LET CONAN HAVE HIS TIME. I’m really scared about what Leno will be doing here as I’ve never found him funny in the slightest and this is supposed to be focused more on comedy. We’ll see if NBC’s experiment of 3 late-night style talk shows works soon enough. SERIOUSLY LET CONAN HAVE HIS TIME. Recommended for: I can’t honestly recommend this.
Head to head: Heroes vs. House vs. HIMYM vs. Greek- Wow, a big one. In order to save time, I should probably check out the hour-long shows…BUT at this point HIMYM is a must-watch at original airtime. I’m not married to House or Heroes. I usually catch up on House at midseason anyways. HIMYM is a go!
Tuesday
8pm
V (11/2)- ABC’s remake of the aliens-as-oppressive government landmark series starts in November. Early reviews have been mixed, but I have high hopes for this show. It has a strong cast, great source material, and is coming seemingly at the right time. We’ll just have to see if the lizard people still resonate come Noevember. Recommended for: people who find lizards attractive or don’t have a problem with finding them attractive
10pm
The Forgotten (9/22)- Christian Slater tries to return to tv again, this time as a detective. He helps lead a group who attempt to piece together the lives of bodies that are, get this: FORGOTTEN. I’m not even sure why I’m including this on the list of shows to watch. Recommended for: Christian Slater fan club
Wednesday
9pm
Modern Family (9/23)- I was lucky enough to get sneak peek at this pilot through Entertainment Weekly. It is HILARIOUS. I want to describe about 6 different scenes right now, but will hold back. This show, if it builds on the pilot, will no doubt, be the funniest show on television in short order. It’s just plain incredible. Watch this show. Recommended for: anyone, literally ANYONE
Glee (9/2)- It’s already back! And it’s still very funny. Jane Lynch steals every scene she’s in. But this show is going to have a hard time finding a HUGE audience due to its musical comedy nature. It’s very funny and the musical numbers/scenes are top-notch. I loved the second episode’s montage for Kanye West’s “Gold Digger.” I have really high hopes that this show continues to grow because it has a lot going for it. Recommended for: anyone willing to take a chance
Friday Night Lights (10/28)- Downright obsessed with this show in a way I haven’t been with many others (LOST, Veronica Mars, The Wire). It’s dramatic, heart-warming, funny all at the same time. The characters here are something to behold and the acting is about as good as it gets on primetime television. Unfortunately, this is the premier date for DirecTV’s run of the show. Those of us waiting for NBC have a few months more to wait! This season will be unlike any other as much of this cast will be changing and on a show where characters carry so much weight, that is a big deal. Recommended for: EVERYONE. this show just about does it for everyone.
9:30pm
Cougartown (9/23)- I am more than willing to give any show from Bill Lawrence (Scrubs, and a fellow W and M alum) a second look. Add in Courteney Cox, a crush from my youth- and things are looking really good for me and this show to work something out. Pilot reviews are stellar, so I expect good things. Recommended for: can’t really tell yet, but looks to be funny!
Thursday
8pm
Bones (9/17)- My favorite TV non-couple solve mysteries and serve up the sexual tension like no other team. Last season ended with Booth having some medical issues and Brennan wanting him to father her child. Just another day in the life. I’m excited to learn more about Booth and Brennan and I believe this season we will! Recommended for: those who like their murder mysteries with a bit of wit and minor romance.
Flash Forward (9/24) – Anyone who knows me, knows I’m looking forward to this show. It’s created by David Goyer, one of the masterminds behind the rebooted Batman movies among others, and the cast looks to be excellent. The premise is that the whole world blacks out for a little over 2 minutes and most people have a vision of themselves sometime in the future. The questions this show is going to ask may remind you of another big show…LOST. EXCITEMENT. Recommended for: folks who love to see what happens next
9pm
Supernatural (9/10)- The Brothers Winchester have to deal with much more on a day-t0-day basis. In fact, much more in one day than I’ve ever had to. This show is one of my favorites because it has shown such amazing growth over the last 2 seasons. It’s moved from a semi-serial to an intense one, with heavy mythology and intertwining stories. The brothers always remain at the core. How did they start the current season? Oh just accidentally (with the help of some rogue angels) releasing the Devil. Should be an interesting road form here on out. Recommended for: anyone with a close brother, anyone who loves a classic good vs. evil story
Fringe (9/17)- Last season’s best new drama comes back with a vengeance. After blowing just about everyone’s minds in the season finale, Fringe looks to build on that momentum and continue to flesh out its crazy universe. After finding out there are multiple parallel dimensions that can be explored, I think we’re in for a crazy ride and one that I can’t wait to be on. Recommended for: those who love having their mind bent
The Office (9/17) – You all know it by now. One of the best-written tv shows of the 00′s returns with what is possibly the most highly-anticipated wedding of this television season. Jim and Pam are finally getting hitched! I think everyone is rightfully excited for this to finally happen. God only knows what Michael will do to put the spotlight on himself. Recommended for: folks who laugh at awkward situations
9:30pm
Community (9/17)- I’ve been lucky enough to see this pilot as well (Thanks facebook!) and it is also hilarious. This show looks to join the ranks of NBC’s current vaunted Thursday lineup. I think it’s going to be great especially because it has not only Joel McHale of The Soup, but Chevy Chase as a philandering elder statesman enrolled at a local community college. Great comedy early on and it’s got heart unlike its Thursday night counterparts. Recommended for: those who like awkward laughs, but with heart!
30 Rock (10/15)- This will usurp Community when it returns. It’s the hands-down funniest show on TV. But I think it should be challenged by Modern Family this season. Things at TGS will certainly continue to be the craziest situation on television and my love for Liz Lemon will continue to grow. 30 Rock has the strongest comedic cast on television and I defy you to argue with that, just try not to laugh at them. Recommended for: anyone who needs a laugh.
10pm
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (9/17)- If The Office makes you uncomfortable, tread no closer to Sunny. The main characters on this show are the most selfish, clueless, and downright worst people on tv. They make villains look like saints. That being said, they are the funniest people not working on 30 Rock. You know you’re not supposed to laugh at them, but you can’t help doing it. Recommended for: those ready to get out of their comfort zone and split their sides laughing
The Mentalist (9/24)- Simon Baker’s Patrick Jane was my favorite new character of last season. A smug-on-the-surface police consultant who harbors a deep self-loathing, Jane is one of the most intriguing characters in years. He is dogged in his pursuit of Red John, the serial killer who murdered his Jane’s family. The chase continues this year as Jane continues to lock horns with perps across California. I don’t think we’ll get too much in the way of Red John, but we should get some further development of romance between two of the CBI team’s most eligible singles. Recommended for: character-loving, crime-solving fiends
Head to Head: Bones vs. FlashForward- Bones is one of my favorites on tv and super-underrated. It’ll hold first position in my heart, but if/when FF makes a splash and changes my mind, I won’t be surprised. For the time being, it’s gotta be Bones; Supernatural vs. Fringe vs. The Office/30 Rock/Community- This is the hardest head to head for the entire season for me. I love all of them. ALL of them. This is going to make me get DVR. I know it. I’ll put Supernatural on the back burner. And I think I’ll start off watching Fringe as my show at 9pm because Community is a new show. But really this could change week to week. AHHHH. DVR- here I come. The Mentalist vs. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia- Considering Sunny usually replays at 11pm, I’ll be free to watch Patrick Jane solve mysteries at 10pm, I think! LOVE SUNNY. Thursday is just too jampacked.
Friday
Dollhouse (9/25)- Joss Whedon’s show got a pickup for a second season and I’m really happy for that, as the show totally found its footing near the end of last season. I’m excited to see what Whedon and Eliza Dushku bring to the table this season after consuming the final 5-6 eps of last season like Jared Fogle eats Subway. Recommended for: fans of Alias and the like.
Saturday
Wait, this is a day? No one told the TV execs, because there is just about NOTHING on TV on saturdays. So… go out, have fun. Quit sitting in front of the TV you lame-o.
And there you have it folks, my fall tv preview. Is it depressing that this is the longest post I’ve ever written? Possibly.
FYI: Greek comes on at 9pm. And you didn’t finish your thought with Big Bang.