Concept shamelessly stolen from Replicant's thread for 2009 series, which I've kept as a bookmark for the better part of last year as a really useful reference for premiere dates, new shows I might have missed and general descriptions of new shows, both comedy and drama this time around. For simplicity's sake, I'm limiting myself to broadcast shows, but feel free to mention and talk about cable shows you want to watch, too. Without further ado...
CBS
Mike & Molly
Comedy
Premieres September 20
What is it?: Police officer Mike Biggs knows his way around the streets. As a cop, Mike's not scared of anything -- except dating, so he's joined Overeaters Anonymous to lose those extra pounds and gain some much-needed confidence. When he meets Molly at a meeting, the attraction is immediate, and suddenly Mike is excited about the prospect of a new life. But now he must find the willpower to give up his beloved junk food for the apple of his eye.
When's it airing?: Mondays 9:30PM, right after the ratings juggernaut Two and a Half Men
Other interesting details:
-The show is created by Chuck Lorre, whose existing shows Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory fed really well off each other last year. Will Mike & Molly accomplish the same feat?
-Pilot reviews were very negative. The most common criticisms are that it's uninspired, and the premise is focused on the characters' weight, in a fairly insulting fashion.
Hawaii Five-0
Police Procedural
Premieres September 20
What is it?: HAWAII FIVE-0 is a contemporary take on the classic series about a new elite federalized task force whose mission is to wipe out the crime that washes up on the Islands sun-drenched beaches. Detective Steve McGarrett (Alex OLoughlin), a decorated Naval officer turned cop, returns to Oahu to investigate his fathers murder and stays after Hawaiis governor persuades him to head up the new team: his rules, her backing, no red tape and full blanket immunity to hunt down the biggest game in town. Joining McGarrett is Detective Danny Danno Williams (Scott Caan), a newly relocated ex-New Jersey cop who prefers skyscrapers to the coastline but is committed to keeping the Islands safe for his 8-year-old daughter; and Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim), an ex-Honolulu Police Detective wrongly accused of corruption and relegated to a federal security patrol, who is also a former protégé of McGarretts father. Chins cousin, Kono (Grace Park), is a beautiful and fearless native, fresh out of the academy and eager to establish herself among the departments elite. McGarrett vows to bring closure to his fathers case while the states brash new FIVE-0 unit, who may spar and jest among themselves, is determined to eliminate the seedy elements from the 50th state.
When's it airing?: Mondays 10PM
Other interesting details:
-The show's neither a remake nor a continuity. It takes parts of the 1968 series' premise, and adapts it to today's society.
- Lost fans, rejoice! Daniel Dae Kim (Jin) is starring!
The Defenders
Law Dramedy
Premieres September 22
What is it?: A dramedy about two defense attorneys practicing law in Las Vegas who stop at nothing to help their clients. Heading the firm of Morelli & Kaczmarek are Nick Morelli, who is always willing to take on those challenging cases despite the fact that his marriage is heading towards divorce, and Pete Kaczmarek, a playboy who is equally as talented at practicing law as he is chasing women and fast cars. No case is too big or small for these eccentric lawyers, who can always be counted on to put everything they have on protecting and defending their clients in Sin City.
When's it airing?: Wednesdays, 10PM
Other interesting details: Few and far between. This seems like a typical CBS procedural, with nothing really sticking out.
Shit My Dad Says (officially censored to $#*! My Dad Says)
Comedy
Premieres September 23
What is it?:$#*! MY DAD SAYS, based on the popular Twitter feed by Justin Halpern, stars Emmy Award winner William Shatner as Ed Goodson, a forthright and opinionated dad who relishes expressing his unsolicited and often wildly politically incorrect observations to anyone within earshot. Nobody is immune from Ed's rants, including his sons, Henry, a struggling writer-turned-unpaid blogger; and Vince (Will Sasso), the meek half of his husband/wife real estate duo with domineering Kathleen (Nicole Sullivan). When Henry finds he can no longer afford to pay rent to his pretty roommate -- and secret admirer -- Sam (Stephanie Lemelin), Ed reveals a soft spot and invites Henry to move in with him. Henry agrees, knowing that the verbal assault will not abate and now there will be no escape. Describing their father/son relationship is tricky - but Ed will easily come up with a few choice words.
When's it airing?: Thursday 8:30, following The Big Bang Theory and against NBC's 30 Rock
Other interesting tidbits:
-The story based on a Twitter feed is somewhat clever
-CBS is hoping for The Big Bang Theory to provide a good lead-in and beat NBC's long-standing Comedy Thursday. Will they succeed?
-William Shatner is starring.
Blue Bloods
Crime Drama
Premieres September 24
What is it? This crime drama centers around The Reagan's, a multi-generational family of New York City cops. Patriarch Frank is the New York Chief of Police who rules his brood much like he does with the cops on his force. Frank's son Danny is a seasoned detective on the force, and his youngest son Jamie has decided to join the force despite having just earned his law degree from Harvard. When Jamie is asked to take part in a covert police investigation, what he uncovers could put the family's legacy in jeopardy and threaten to tear them apart forever.
When's it airing? Fridays, 10PM
Other interesting tidbits: Nothing stands out. Judging by the time slot, CBS agrees.
NBC
The Event
Thriller/Conspiracy Drama
Premieres September 20
What is it?: Jason Ritter stars as Sean Walker in this high-octane drama about an "Everyman" searching for his missing fiancée, whose disappearance leads Walker to uncover one of the biggest cover-ups in U.S. history.
When's it airing?: Mondays 9PM, following Chuck.
Other interesting details:
-NBC appears to have a lot of faith in The Event to fill the void left by 24's departure. Speaking of which, it's scheduled in 24's former timeslot.
-Reviews seem positive so far.
Chase
Crime Drama
Premieres September 20
What is it?: Jerry Bruckheimer brings his magic to the small screen with this exciting crime drama about a team of U.S. Marshalls who are hunting down some of American's most vile and dangerous fugitives. The team is led by U.S. Marshal Annie Frost, a rough and tough deputy whose Texas upbringing gives her a unique advantage in tracking down the bad guys.
When's it airing?: Mondays, 10PM
Other interesting stuff:
-Legendary procedural...producer Jerry Bruckheimer is producing.
-Reviews are cautiously positive so far.
Undercovers
Spy Dramedy
Premieres September 22
What is it? J.J. Abrams brings his brilliant mind back to television with this thrilling spy drama. Steven and Samantha Bloom appear to be your average married couple, but little do their friends and neighbors know that they are actually retired CIA agents. When their former colleague and good friend Nash goes missing while on assignment, the two are forced back into the spy game and tasked with locating Nash. During their mission, Samantha and Steven realize that the excitement that comes from being spies might just be exactly what they need to repair their dull marriage.
When's it airing? Wednesdays, 8PM.
Other interesting tidbits:
-Creator J.J. Abrams also directed the pilot episode, the first time he's done so for any series since Lost.
-He describes the series as lighter in tone and funnier than his former spy series Alias (of which, by the way, a remake/reboot may be in the cards for the 2011-2012 season).
-It gathered some press coverage last winter for having two black leads, a very rare occurence in American television (commendable effort)
-NBC has high hopes for this costly series; it's in an easy time slot, and its creator has good clout in the business. Will it be enough?
Law & Order: Los Angeles (commonly called LOLA or LO:LA, for better or for worse)
Police Procedural/Crime Drama
Premieres September 22
What is it? Really? Do you have to ask?
When's it airing? Wednesdays 10PM
Other interesting details:
-It's somewhat funny that NBC would cancel the Law & Order mothership only to bring a new spinoff in its place but hey, who am I to judge?
Outsourced
Office Comedy
Premieres September 23
What is it? "Outsourced" is a comedy where the Midwest meets the exotic East in a hilarious culture clash. The series centers on the all-American company Mid America Novelties that sells whoopee cushions, foam fingers and wallets made of bacon -- and whose call center has suddenly been outsourced to India. Todd Dempsy (Ben Rappaport, off-Broadway's "The Gingerbread House") is the new company's manager who learns that he's being transferred to India to run the operation.
When's it airing? Thursdays 9:30PM, following The Office
Other interesting tidbits:
-I'm not sure about reviews, but the released clips are terrible. Worse than so-bad-it's-good.
-With The Office as a lead-in, it's among the best-placed of NBC's new shows to succeed. But then again, both 30 Rock and Community had significant drops from their lead-in in this slot, so success is far from guaranteed.
-As far as I know, Outsourced is the only NBC comedy besides Parks & Recreation without a full-season order. Thus, Parks is likely to take the slot after the holidays, even if Outsourced ends up getting a renewal.
-With this, NBC's Thursday line-up now has 3 office comedies versus two of another type.
Outlaw (formerly known as Garza)
Law Drama
Premieres September 24
What is it? After coming to the realization that the justice system is seriously flawed, former U.S. Supreme Court justice Cyrus Garza leaves behind his powerful seat on the bench to practice law once again. Using his inside knowledge of the system to his advantage, Garza will represent "the little guy," but not without ruffling a few feathers along the way.
When's it airing? Fridays 10PM
Other interesting tidbits:
-Outlaw is produced by Conaco, Conan O'Brien's production company. Yes, the same Conan that NBC ousted just 6 months ago during the Lenocalypse.
-Terrible time slot for a new show. Is NBC trying to screw Conan again or is it genuinely bad?
Fox
Lone Star
Thriller/Drama
Premieres September 20
What is it? In Houston, Texas the very charming Bob Allen is married to Cat, whose father Clint is the patriarch of one of the richest oil families in the country. His plans for the future are to position himself high enough in the oil company so he can one day clean them out. Hundreds of miles away in Midland, Texas, Robert Allen has a girlfriend named Lindsay and spends his time bilking investors out of their hard-earned cash. Bob and Robert happen to be the same man, living two lives -- which are coming dangerously close to colliding.
When's it airing? Mondays 9PM. The fight between this and NBC's The Event could be interesting.
Other interesting tidbits:
-One of very few new Fox shows; they have the best problem ever: they don't have enough time slots to introduce new ones since they're all doing so well.
Raising Hope
Family Comedy
Premieres September 21
What is it? Jimmy Chance, who hasn't made the best decisions in life, is trying his best to raise his daughter with the help of his family who didn't do the best job raising him as a child.
When's it airing? Tuesdays 9PM
Other interesting tidbits:
-Fox hasn't had a lot of luck with live action comedies. Will they finally break out with their latest one-hour block?
Running Wilde
Comedy
Premieres September 21
What is it? Will Arnett stars as a Beverly Hills jackass who ends up falling in love with Emmy Kadubic (played by Keri Russell), a charitable tree hugger, who hates his lifestyle and moral code.
When's it airing? Tuesdays, 9:30PM
Other interesting tidbits:
-The series sports the same creator as the cult comedy Arrested Development
-The second part of Fox's only live-action comedy block
ABC
No Ordinary Family
Superhero Dramedy
Premieres September 28
What is it? The Powells are about to go from ordinary to extraordinary. After 16 years of marriage, Jim and Stephanie's relationship lacks the spark it once had, and their family life now consists of balancing work and their two children, leaving little time for family bonding. During a family vacation set up by Jim in an attempt to reconnect, their plane crashes into the Amazon River. But this is where the fun starts for the Powells, as they soon discover that something's not quite right. Each of them now possesses unique and distinct superpowers.
When's it airing? Tuesdays 8PM
Other interesting details:
-ABC's betting big on this show; it probably has the most buzz out of all their new series
-The family setting seems to be a winning formula at ABC, with last year's Modern Family being a breakout hit and this one following.
-The pilot episode was made available a few weeks ago, and is all over the internet by now.
Detroit 1-8-7
Crime Drama
Premieres September 21
What is it? Michael Imperioli returns to television in this gritty crime drama set in Detroit. The series puts the viewer in the front seat of the action as camera crews film the Homicide Unit as part of a documentary about fighting crime on the dangerous streets of Detroit. Crews not only get a firsthand look into how the unit rolls in the city with the highest murder rate, but how the job affects the personal lives of the diverse group of detectives on the job.
When's it airing? Tuesdays 10PM
Other interesting tidbits: None in particular. It's a crime drama, which, for better or for worse, says all that needs to be said.
Better With You
Comedy
Premieres September 22
What is it? Joanna Garcia and Jennifer Finnigan star as sisters in different stages of their romantic relationships. One is in a long term, unmarried relationship, while the other gets pregnant and marries her new boyfriend.
When's it airing? Wednesdays 8:30PM, leading into Modern Family.
Other interesting tidbits:
-ABC's hoping that this will perform well enough to complete their Wednesday comedy lineup, still following a somewhat loose family theme.
The Whole Truth
Legal Drama
Premieres September 22
What is it? Starring Joely Richardson and Rob Morrow as Kathryn and Jimmy, two attorneys from different backgrounds who were friends in law school and are now pitted against one another regularly as Kathryn works for the D.A.s office and Jimmy is a criminal defense attorney.
When's it airing? Wednesdays 10PM
Other interesting stuff: Nothing in particular.
My Generation
Drama
Premieres September 23
What is it? A lot can happen in 10 years and the class of 2000 from Greenbelt High School in Austin, TX are no exception to the rule. When they were seniors in high school, a documentary crew followed a group high schoolers during their senior year and have returned 10 years later to catch up with the class of 2000 to see if they have followed through on their hopes and dreams. What they'll find is that no matter how hard you plan for the future, even the best-laid plans don't always turn out the way they're supposed to in the end -- but it doesn't necessarily mean it's too late to change your destiny.
When's it airing? Thursdays 8PM
Other interesting tidbits: This appears to be a sort of middle ground between competition Bones and the CBS and NBC comedies. Can it find a niche in that slot?
The CW
Nikita
Spy Drama
Premieres September 9
What is it? The '90s cult-classic returns to television with this remake about a young woman who is framed for murder, sentenced to death, and then forced to become an assassin for a covert branch of the government called Division after they fake her execution. When she realizes that she has been betrayed by everyone she thought she could trust, Nikita goes AWOL and goes on a mission to save future victims and expose this covert operation.
When's it airing? Thursdays 9PM
Other interesting tidbits:
-Yes, this is the third version of Nikita's story that we're about to see.
-One more spy show joins the likes of Covert Affairs and Undercovers in this 2010-2011 season. Could we be witnessing a resurgence of the spy genre?
Hellcats
Teen Drama
Premieres September 8
What is it? Marti Perkins has it all -- looks, smarts, talent, and a scholarship to Lancer University to study pre-law. Her world is turned complete upside down when she loses her scholarship and must use her skills as a gymnast to join the legendary cheerleading team. Marti manages to make the team, but she is devastated when she enters a "world of camaraderie, backstabbing and the intersection of sports, backroom academia and big money."
When's it airing? Wednesdays 9PM
I'll update the post if I've forgotten something or if something's wrong. Please tell me of any mistake you find. Hope this is as useful to you guys as last year's was for me when I was just getting into TV again
CBS
Mike & Molly
Comedy
Premieres September 20
What is it?: Police officer Mike Biggs knows his way around the streets. As a cop, Mike's not scared of anything -- except dating, so he's joined Overeaters Anonymous to lose those extra pounds and gain some much-needed confidence. When he meets Molly at a meeting, the attraction is immediate, and suddenly Mike is excited about the prospect of a new life. But now he must find the willpower to give up his beloved junk food for the apple of his eye.
When's it airing?: Mondays 9:30PM, right after the ratings juggernaut Two and a Half Men
Other interesting details:
-The show is created by Chuck Lorre, whose existing shows Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory fed really well off each other last year. Will Mike & Molly accomplish the same feat?
-Pilot reviews were very negative. The most common criticisms are that it's uninspired, and the premise is focused on the characters' weight, in a fairly insulting fashion.
Hawaii Five-0
Police Procedural
Premieres September 20
What is it?: HAWAII FIVE-0 is a contemporary take on the classic series about a new elite federalized task force whose mission is to wipe out the crime that washes up on the Islands sun-drenched beaches. Detective Steve McGarrett (Alex OLoughlin), a decorated Naval officer turned cop, returns to Oahu to investigate his fathers murder and stays after Hawaiis governor persuades him to head up the new team: his rules, her backing, no red tape and full blanket immunity to hunt down the biggest game in town. Joining McGarrett is Detective Danny Danno Williams (Scott Caan), a newly relocated ex-New Jersey cop who prefers skyscrapers to the coastline but is committed to keeping the Islands safe for his 8-year-old daughter; and Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim), an ex-Honolulu Police Detective wrongly accused of corruption and relegated to a federal security patrol, who is also a former protégé of McGarretts father. Chins cousin, Kono (Grace Park), is a beautiful and fearless native, fresh out of the academy and eager to establish herself among the departments elite. McGarrett vows to bring closure to his fathers case while the states brash new FIVE-0 unit, who may spar and jest among themselves, is determined to eliminate the seedy elements from the 50th state.
When's it airing?: Mondays 10PM
Other interesting details:
-The show's neither a remake nor a continuity. It takes parts of the 1968 series' premise, and adapts it to today's society.
- Lost fans, rejoice! Daniel Dae Kim (Jin) is starring!
The Defenders
Law Dramedy
Premieres September 22
What is it?: A dramedy about two defense attorneys practicing law in Las Vegas who stop at nothing to help their clients. Heading the firm of Morelli & Kaczmarek are Nick Morelli, who is always willing to take on those challenging cases despite the fact that his marriage is heading towards divorce, and Pete Kaczmarek, a playboy who is equally as talented at practicing law as he is chasing women and fast cars. No case is too big or small for these eccentric lawyers, who can always be counted on to put everything they have on protecting and defending their clients in Sin City.
When's it airing?: Wednesdays, 10PM
Other interesting details: Few and far between. This seems like a typical CBS procedural, with nothing really sticking out.
Shit My Dad Says (officially censored to $#*! My Dad Says)
Comedy
Premieres September 23
What is it?:$#*! MY DAD SAYS, based on the popular Twitter feed by Justin Halpern, stars Emmy Award winner William Shatner as Ed Goodson, a forthright and opinionated dad who relishes expressing his unsolicited and often wildly politically incorrect observations to anyone within earshot. Nobody is immune from Ed's rants, including his sons, Henry, a struggling writer-turned-unpaid blogger; and Vince (Will Sasso), the meek half of his husband/wife real estate duo with domineering Kathleen (Nicole Sullivan). When Henry finds he can no longer afford to pay rent to his pretty roommate -- and secret admirer -- Sam (Stephanie Lemelin), Ed reveals a soft spot and invites Henry to move in with him. Henry agrees, knowing that the verbal assault will not abate and now there will be no escape. Describing their father/son relationship is tricky - but Ed will easily come up with a few choice words.
When's it airing?: Thursday 8:30, following The Big Bang Theory and against NBC's 30 Rock
Other interesting tidbits:
-The story based on a Twitter feed is somewhat clever
-CBS is hoping for The Big Bang Theory to provide a good lead-in and beat NBC's long-standing Comedy Thursday. Will they succeed?
-William Shatner is starring.
Blue Bloods
Crime Drama
Premieres September 24
What is it? This crime drama centers around The Reagan's, a multi-generational family of New York City cops. Patriarch Frank is the New York Chief of Police who rules his brood much like he does with the cops on his force. Frank's son Danny is a seasoned detective on the force, and his youngest son Jamie has decided to join the force despite having just earned his law degree from Harvard. When Jamie is asked to take part in a covert police investigation, what he uncovers could put the family's legacy in jeopardy and threaten to tear them apart forever.
When's it airing? Fridays, 10PM
Other interesting tidbits: Nothing stands out. Judging by the time slot, CBS agrees.
NBC
The Event
Thriller/Conspiracy Drama
Premieres September 20
What is it?: Jason Ritter stars as Sean Walker in this high-octane drama about an "Everyman" searching for his missing fiancée, whose disappearance leads Walker to uncover one of the biggest cover-ups in U.S. history.
When's it airing?: Mondays 9PM, following Chuck.
Watch that, too! </shameless plug>
Other interesting details:
-NBC appears to have a lot of faith in The Event to fill the void left by 24's departure. Speaking of which, it's scheduled in 24's former timeslot.
-Reviews seem positive so far.
Chase
Crime Drama
Premieres September 20
What is it?: Jerry Bruckheimer brings his magic to the small screen with this exciting crime drama about a team of U.S. Marshalls who are hunting down some of American's most vile and dangerous fugitives. The team is led by U.S. Marshal Annie Frost, a rough and tough deputy whose Texas upbringing gives her a unique advantage in tracking down the bad guys.
When's it airing?: Mondays, 10PM
Other interesting stuff:
-Legendary procedural...producer Jerry Bruckheimer is producing.
-Reviews are cautiously positive so far.
Undercovers
Spy Dramedy
Premieres September 22
What is it? J.J. Abrams brings his brilliant mind back to television with this thrilling spy drama. Steven and Samantha Bloom appear to be your average married couple, but little do their friends and neighbors know that they are actually retired CIA agents. When their former colleague and good friend Nash goes missing while on assignment, the two are forced back into the spy game and tasked with locating Nash. During their mission, Samantha and Steven realize that the excitement that comes from being spies might just be exactly what they need to repair their dull marriage.
When's it airing? Wednesdays, 8PM.
Other interesting tidbits:
-Creator J.J. Abrams also directed the pilot episode, the first time he's done so for any series since Lost.
-He describes the series as lighter in tone and funnier than his former spy series Alias (of which, by the way, a remake/reboot may be in the cards for the 2011-2012 season).
-It gathered some press coverage last winter for having two black leads, a very rare occurence in American television (commendable effort)
-NBC has high hopes for this costly series; it's in an easy time slot, and its creator has good clout in the business. Will it be enough?
Law & Order: Los Angeles (commonly called LOLA or LO:LA, for better or for worse)
Police Procedural/Crime Drama
Premieres September 22
What is it? Really? Do you have to ask?
When's it airing? Wednesdays 10PM
Other interesting details:
-It's somewhat funny that NBC would cancel the Law & Order mothership only to bring a new spinoff in its place but hey, who am I to judge?
Outsourced
Office Comedy
Premieres September 23
What is it? "Outsourced" is a comedy where the Midwest meets the exotic East in a hilarious culture clash. The series centers on the all-American company Mid America Novelties that sells whoopee cushions, foam fingers and wallets made of bacon -- and whose call center has suddenly been outsourced to India. Todd Dempsy (Ben Rappaport, off-Broadway's "The Gingerbread House") is the new company's manager who learns that he's being transferred to India to run the operation.
When's it airing? Thursdays 9:30PM, following The Office
Other interesting tidbits:
-I'm not sure about reviews, but the released clips are terrible. Worse than so-bad-it's-good.
-With The Office as a lead-in, it's among the best-placed of NBC's new shows to succeed. But then again, both 30 Rock and Community had significant drops from their lead-in in this slot, so success is far from guaranteed.
-As far as I know, Outsourced is the only NBC comedy besides Parks & Recreation without a full-season order. Thus, Parks is likely to take the slot after the holidays, even if Outsourced ends up getting a renewal.
-With this, NBC's Thursday line-up now has 3 office comedies versus two of another type.
Outlaw (formerly known as Garza)
Law Drama
Premieres September 24
What is it? After coming to the realization that the justice system is seriously flawed, former U.S. Supreme Court justice Cyrus Garza leaves behind his powerful seat on the bench to practice law once again. Using his inside knowledge of the system to his advantage, Garza will represent "the little guy," but not without ruffling a few feathers along the way.
When's it airing? Fridays 10PM
Other interesting tidbits:
-Outlaw is produced by Conaco, Conan O'Brien's production company. Yes, the same Conan that NBC ousted just 6 months ago during the Lenocalypse.
-Terrible time slot for a new show. Is NBC trying to screw Conan again or is it genuinely bad?
Fox
Lone Star
Thriller/Drama
Premieres September 20
What is it? In Houston, Texas the very charming Bob Allen is married to Cat, whose father Clint is the patriarch of one of the richest oil families in the country. His plans for the future are to position himself high enough in the oil company so he can one day clean them out. Hundreds of miles away in Midland, Texas, Robert Allen has a girlfriend named Lindsay and spends his time bilking investors out of their hard-earned cash. Bob and Robert happen to be the same man, living two lives -- which are coming dangerously close to colliding.
When's it airing? Mondays 9PM. The fight between this and NBC's The Event could be interesting.
Other interesting tidbits:
-One of very few new Fox shows; they have the best problem ever: they don't have enough time slots to introduce new ones since they're all doing so well.
Raising Hope
Family Comedy
Premieres September 21
What is it? Jimmy Chance, who hasn't made the best decisions in life, is trying his best to raise his daughter with the help of his family who didn't do the best job raising him as a child.
When's it airing? Tuesdays 9PM
Other interesting tidbits:
-Fox hasn't had a lot of luck with live action comedies. Will they finally break out with their latest one-hour block?
Running Wilde
Comedy
Premieres September 21
What is it? Will Arnett stars as a Beverly Hills jackass who ends up falling in love with Emmy Kadubic (played by Keri Russell), a charitable tree hugger, who hates his lifestyle and moral code.
When's it airing? Tuesdays, 9:30PM
Other interesting tidbits:
-The series sports the same creator as the cult comedy Arrested Development
-The second part of Fox's only live-action comedy block
ABC
No Ordinary Family
Superhero Dramedy
Premieres September 28
What is it? The Powells are about to go from ordinary to extraordinary. After 16 years of marriage, Jim and Stephanie's relationship lacks the spark it once had, and their family life now consists of balancing work and their two children, leaving little time for family bonding. During a family vacation set up by Jim in an attempt to reconnect, their plane crashes into the Amazon River. But this is where the fun starts for the Powells, as they soon discover that something's not quite right. Each of them now possesses unique and distinct superpowers.
When's it airing? Tuesdays 8PM
Other interesting details:
-ABC's betting big on this show; it probably has the most buzz out of all their new series
-The family setting seems to be a winning formula at ABC, with last year's Modern Family being a breakout hit and this one following.
-The pilot episode was made available a few weeks ago, and is all over the internet by now.
Detroit 1-8-7
Crime Drama
Premieres September 21
What is it? Michael Imperioli returns to television in this gritty crime drama set in Detroit. The series puts the viewer in the front seat of the action as camera crews film the Homicide Unit as part of a documentary about fighting crime on the dangerous streets of Detroit. Crews not only get a firsthand look into how the unit rolls in the city with the highest murder rate, but how the job affects the personal lives of the diverse group of detectives on the job.
When's it airing? Tuesdays 10PM
Other interesting tidbits: None in particular. It's a crime drama, which, for better or for worse, says all that needs to be said.
Better With You
Comedy
Premieres September 22
What is it? Joanna Garcia and Jennifer Finnigan star as sisters in different stages of their romantic relationships. One is in a long term, unmarried relationship, while the other gets pregnant and marries her new boyfriend.
When's it airing? Wednesdays 8:30PM, leading into Modern Family.
Other interesting tidbits:
-ABC's hoping that this will perform well enough to complete their Wednesday comedy lineup, still following a somewhat loose family theme.
The Whole Truth
Legal Drama
Premieres September 22
What is it? Starring Joely Richardson and Rob Morrow as Kathryn and Jimmy, two attorneys from different backgrounds who were friends in law school and are now pitted against one another regularly as Kathryn works for the D.A.s office and Jimmy is a criminal defense attorney.
When's it airing? Wednesdays 10PM
Other interesting stuff: Nothing in particular.
My Generation
Drama
Premieres September 23
What is it? A lot can happen in 10 years and the class of 2000 from Greenbelt High School in Austin, TX are no exception to the rule. When they were seniors in high school, a documentary crew followed a group high schoolers during their senior year and have returned 10 years later to catch up with the class of 2000 to see if they have followed through on their hopes and dreams. What they'll find is that no matter how hard you plan for the future, even the best-laid plans don't always turn out the way they're supposed to in the end -- but it doesn't necessarily mean it's too late to change your destiny.
When's it airing? Thursdays 8PM
Other interesting tidbits: This appears to be a sort of middle ground between competition Bones and the CBS and NBC comedies. Can it find a niche in that slot?
The CW
Nikita
Spy Drama
Premieres September 9
What is it? The '90s cult-classic returns to television with this remake about a young woman who is framed for murder, sentenced to death, and then forced to become an assassin for a covert branch of the government called Division after they fake her execution. When she realizes that she has been betrayed by everyone she thought she could trust, Nikita goes AWOL and goes on a mission to save future victims and expose this covert operation.
When's it airing? Thursdays 9PM
Other interesting tidbits:
-Yes, this is the third version of Nikita's story that we're about to see.
-One more spy show joins the likes of Covert Affairs and Undercovers in this 2010-2011 season. Could we be witnessing a resurgence of the spy genre?
Hellcats
Teen Drama
Premieres September 8
What is it? Marti Perkins has it all -- looks, smarts, talent, and a scholarship to Lancer University to study pre-law. Her world is turned complete upside down when she loses her scholarship and must use her skills as a gymnast to join the legendary cheerleading team. Marti manages to make the team, but she is devastated when she enters a "world of camaraderie, backstabbing and the intersection of sports, backroom academia and big money."
When's it airing? Wednesdays 9PM
I'll update the post if I've forgotten something or if something's wrong. Please tell me of any mistake you find. Hope this is as useful to you guys as last year's was for me when I was just getting into TV again
