Already scheduled on my DVR: Top Five Returning Shows
Sons of Anarchy –FX (Tuesday, Sept 6)
Last season "Sons of Anarchy" got a bit off track with the club flying halfway across the world in search of a kidnapped baby. This season show creator Kurt Sutter promises to bring the focus back to the existing tensions within SAMCRO.
Community – NBC (Thursday, Sept 22)
A show that’s wildly popular amongst its fans returns this fall to NBC for its third season. Though it may be difficult to jump into "Community" without having seen the previous two seasons, the show rewards its fans by being uber-meta.
Parks and Recreation – NBC (Thursday, Sept 22)
I began watching "Parks and Rec" at the recommendation of a friend, and have no regrets adding this comedy to my already packed television schedule. This underrated NBC show is less quirky than "Community," and has the charm and shine that "The Office" lost long ago.
Boardwalk Empire –HBO (Sunday, Sept 25)
This critic favorite drama returns to HBO one week after the Emmy Awards, for which it has been nominated in 18 different categories, including Best Drama. If doubters aren’t impressed by the season two preview, then I’m going to assume their favorite show is "The Big Bang Theory."
Walking Dead –AMC (Sunday, Oct 16)
With all the budget cuts at AMC there have been some questions about how the second season of The Walking Dead will hold up, especially with the loss of showrunner Frank Darabont. If the writers remain unafraid of killing off main characters and making bold plot decisions, season two may be even better than season one.
Up All Night -- NBC (Wednesday, Sept. 21)
Will Arnett, who’s one of the funniest actors on television, has had trouble finding success post-"Arrested Development." Hopefully, with the help of the hilarious Christina Applegate (see the short-lived "Samantha Who?") and Maya Rudolph, "Up All Night" will be as funny as its preview.
Suburgatory -- ABC (Wednesday, Sept. 28)
ABC has had quite a bit of success with their family friendly sit-coms. They’re not as dull and pandering as CBS’s shows, and not as edgy as NBC’s comedies. Suburgatory could replicate the success of "Modern Family" if the writing is as smart and biting, or it could fall by the wayside like "Mr. Sunshine."
Hell on Wheels -- AMC (Sunday, Nov 6)
The last show that’s a part of AMC’s original programming to debut for the foreseeable future, "Hell on Wheels" may potentially fill the void on television that was left after HBO’s "Deadwood" was cancelled. If any channel other than HBO were to try and successful tackle the Wild West, I’d put my money on AMC.
The Next “Mad Men,” or “Lonestar?”: Four shows with potential
Person of Interest -- CBS (Thursday, Sept. 22)
As a rule of thumb I just assume that I’ll dislike any CBS programming that isn’t a reality show, or "60 Minutes." However, I may give “Person of Interest” the benefit of the doubt because it stars Michael Emerson, formerly cast as Ben Linus on “LOST.”
Pan Am -- ABC (Sunday, Sept. 25)
ABC has had some difficulty finding a drama series that matches the success of “Desperate Housewives,” or “Grey’s Anatomy.” “Pan Am” looks to capitalize on the period drama fad, by setting the show in the sixties.
Terra Nova -- FOX (Monday, Sept 26)
The previews look a bit ridiculous, but I’ll give Spielberg a chance.
Once Upon a Time -- ABC (Sunday, Oct. 23)
Unlike “Pan Am,” which is behind the trend, “Once Upon a Time” intertwines fairy tales into its plot like a dozen upcoming movies scheduled for release in 2012. NBC has a similar new show in its fall lineup, but ABC is throwing its weight behind "Once Upon a Time" by giving it a Sunday night timeslot.
Changing the channel: Shows I’ll avoid this Fall
Glee –FOX
This show’s plot no longer makes any sense. I struggled to get through the second season, but with the admission that the show’s writers intend to keep characters on the show after they graduate high school is too “Saved By the Bell: The College Years” for me.
The Office – NBC
I’m curious to see how James Spader will do filling Steve Carrell’s shoes, but the show stopped being funny as soon as Jim and Pam got engaged.
Charlie’s Angels –ABC
I like Minka Kelly, but the show just looks like a train wreck.
Revenge –ABC
This show looks like it’s better suited for the CW, than on ABC.
All CBS comedies
I don’t think I need to explain myself.
