Fall 2009 TV Preview: Stars, Stars and More Stars!

Julianna Margulies, Patricia Heaton, John Lithgow, Keith Carradine, Christian Slater, Jenna Elfman, Kelsey Grammer, Chris O'Donnell and L L Cool J.  All these stars and more are coming to your Fall 2009 TV screens.  If the concept of a year round TV season is like an all you can eat buffet, plentiful but with few memorable morsels, then fall is still when the network chefs trot out their best cuisine for viewers to sample. 

At NBC, they've worked overtime in their TV test kitchen and come up with a unique concoction:   it's all Jay Leno, all the time. Depending on where in front of your TV you park your Barcalounger, NBC's decision to schedule "The Jay Leno Show" five nights a week at 10PM is either: 

a) a brilliant move

b) a reckless gamble

c) a bone-headed act of desperation

d) a sign of the TV apocalypse

Personally I'm going with a combo of c) and d).  That much Leno is putting a whole lot of programming eggs in one basket.   And I don't know about you but the face of the NBC peacock is looking a lot more like Leno's chunky jawed mug these days.  Scary.

There are however, other things going on this fall besides the Leno hijinks, so here are some highlights:

New Shows I Won't Miss

Eastwick  (ABC, September 23rd, 10/9c):  As in "The Witches Of," this show is based on the 1987 movie starring Susan Sarandon, Cher and Michelle Pfeiffer.  The TV series stars Rebecca Romijin, Lindsay Price and Jaime Ray Newman as three women whose witchy powers are unleashed by a mysterious stranger.  Cybill Shepherd has been signed for a recurring role.

Flash Forward  (ABC, September 24th, 8/7c):  With "Lost" coming to a close in the spring of 2010---already!!?--this is one of ABC's attempt to retain all us devoted Losties.  Mystery?  Check.  Sci-fi elements?  Check.  Thrills and chills?  Double check.  For 2 minutes and 17 seconds people all over the world black out at the same moment.  When they come to, many have seen what appears to be their futures.  What will happen?  How will they deal?  It stars Joseph Fiennes (Ralph's brother) and Sonya Walger, aka Penny Widmore from "Lost."   I have high hopes for this one.  

Glee  (Fox, September 9th, 9/8c):  Don't stop believin' this show could be a big hit for Fox.  This is a classic "misfits in high school bond and make good, while working toward a common goal" show.  The pilot episode which Fox aired in the spring was sweet, funny and loaded with potential.  It stars Matthew Morrison.  

Melrose Place  (CW, September 8th, 9/8c):  Last season the CW resurrected "90210" so who's surprised they've gone back to the Fox TV mausoleum to unearth "Melrose Place?" All the elements are there, beautiful, young things all living in the same apartment complex with plenty of bed-hopping potential. It stars Ashlee Simpson, Katie Cassidy, and Jessica Lucas.

The Forgotten  (ABC, September 22nd, 10/9c):  Christian Slater wants you to forget about his NBC flop from last year, "My Own Worst Enemy" and think instead about this detective show from Jerry Bruckheimer about a group of amateurs who try to solve the murders of forgotten victims. 

The Good Wife  (CBS, September 22nd, 10/9c):  Former "ER" regular, Julianna Margulies returns to series TV in this show about a politician's wife who has to start from professional scratch after her husband (Chris Noth) is jailed for corruption.  I've never heard of anything like that happening in real life, have you!?

The Jay Leno Show  (NBC, September 14th, 10/9c):  What more is there to say?  Leno, comedy, Leno, guests, Leno, sketches, five nights a week.  Starring....Leno.

The Vampire Diaries (CW, September 10th, 8/7c):   Based on the young adult series of books by L. J. Smith, this show is about Elena (Nina Dobrev), a high school girl torn between two vampire brothers.   I seriously doubt this will come anywhere close to the vampy fun going on in HBO's "True Blood," but it co-stars "Lost's" Ian Somerhalder (Booooooooonnnnnne!) as one of the brothers, so I'm there.

The Wanda Sykes Show  (Fox, November 7th, 11 PM):   Comedian Wanda Sykes is just like Jay Leno except funnier, blacker, gayer and less well paid.   It'll be very interesting to see what this weekly, Saturday night talk show will look like once it hits air.

V (ABC, November 3rd, 8/7c):  A remake of the 1980's TV series, this show is about aliens who come to earth to make our lives better.  To cure the sick.  To heal the wounded.  To make sure every child has ice cream.  But are they really here for our benefit?  I think not.  It stars, Elizabeth Mitchell, aka Juliet of "Lost," and Scott Wolf who used to be on "Party of Five," with Matthew Fox, aka Jack of "Lost."  (See how ABC keeps pushing those "Lost" tie-ins?)

What about those other stars I mentioned?  Well, Patricia Heaton's got a new ABC comedy, "The Middle," L L Cool J and Chris O'Donnell are starring in CBS's NCIS Los Angeles, Jenna Elfman is also on CBS, but in a comedy, "Accidentally on Purpose," and Kelsey Grammer returns to TV in ABC's comedy, "Hank." 

Despite all that new show star power, I'm even more jazzed about returning shows like "Dollhouse," "Grey's Anatomy," "House," "Desperate Housewives," "Dexter," and "Ugly Betty."  After all, there are many, many burning questions to be answered:

1.  On "House," will Dr. House ever get out of that asylum or will he drive everyone else there insane?  Especially the doctor assigned to diagnose and treat him, played by guest star Andre Braugher.  Talk about excellent casting!   I can't wait to see Hugh Laurie and Emmy winner Braugher go head to head in the two hour season premiere. (Fox, September 21st, 8/7c)

2.  Will "Dollhouse" fullfill it's Joss Whedon pedigree? And what will guest star Keith Carradine bring to the dollhouse TV table? (Fox, September 25th, 9/8c)

3.  On "Grey's Anatomy," will the funeral of one major cast member be the saddest moment ever?  Will Katherine Heigl ever keep her mouth shut? (ABC, September 24th, 9/8c)

4.  Will "Ugly Betty" overcome her deadly new Friday timeslot? (ABC, October 9th, 8/7c)

5.  Who the heck is Mike Delfino marrying on "Desperate Housewives?"  (ABC, September 27th, 9/8c)

6.  Will "Dexter" kill off yet another psycho rival, this time played by John Lithgow? (Showtime, September 27th, 9/10c)

7.  Who will resist tuning in to "Dancing with the Stars" for a glimpse of Donny Osmond, Macy Gray and Mya  tripping the light fantastic?  Not to mention Tom Delay just tripping.  (ABC, September 20th, 8/7c)

There are clips and previews of a lot of the new shows all over the internet.   YouTube lets you view them at their Fall Preview Channel and then you can vote for the shows you think will succeed.  Over at Hulu you can catch up on returning shows like "30 Rock," "Chuck" and "Castle" so when their new seasons start, you'll be ready.

Looking further ahead, Spring 2010 will bring us the final season of "Lost"---sniff, sniff--- the return of what may be the last season of "24"---sniff, sniff---and what looks like a Paula Abdul-less "American Idol"---Paulaaaaaaaaaaaa! 

But for now, let's stay calm and remain in the present.  There's "Mad Men" on AMC,  the triumphant return of "Project Runway" on Lifetime, and a whole lotta blood to be spilled on "True Blood" in the next two weeks.

What tender morsels won't you miss this fall?

Related Links:

Check out Laurel's TV Picks for detailed schedules and info on all the Fall 2009 shows.

At the blog, Kari AnnAlysis, Kari writes about what shows she's looking forward to this fall.

Your Complete Guide To Fall Science Fiction TV

By Wendy at TV Crunch, an oldie but a goodie, The 25 Worst TV Dramas of All Time.

CBS unveils the first ever video in a print publication to promote their fall season.

Cross Posted From BlogHer

New Shows I Won't Miss

Eastwick  (ABC, September 23rd, 10/9c):  As in "The Witches Of," this show is based on the 1987 movie starring Susan Sarandon, Cher and Michelle Pfeiffer.  The TV series stars Rebecca Romijin, Lindsay Price and Jaime Ray Newman as three women whose witchy powers are unleashed by a mysterious stranger.  Cybill Shepherd has been signed for a recurring role.

Flash Forward  (ABC, September 24th, 8/7c):  With "Lost" coming to a close in the spring of 2010---already!!?--this is one of ABC's attempt to retain all us devoted Losties.  Mystery?  Check.  Sci-fi elements?  Check.  Thrills and chills?  Double check.  For 2 minutes and 17 seconds people all over the world black out at the same moment.  When they come to, many have seen what appears to be their futures.  What will happen?  How will they deal?  It stars Joseph Fiennes (Ralph's brother) and Sonya Walger, aka Penny Widmore from "Lost."   I have high hopes for this one.  

Glee  (Fox, September 9th, 9/8c):  Don't stop believin' this show could be a big hit for Fox.  This is a classic "misfits in high school bond and make good, while working toward a common goal" show.  The pilot episode which Fox aired in the spring was sweet, funny and loaded with potential.  It stars Matthew Morrison.  

Melrose Place  (CW, September 8th, 9/8c):  Last season the CW resurrected "90210" so who's surprised they've gone back to the Fox TV mausoleum to unearth "Melrose Place?" All the elements are there, beautiful, young things all living in the same apartment complex with plenty of bed-hopping potential. It stars Ashlee Simpson, Katie Cassidy, and Jessica Lucas.

The Forgotten  (ABC, September 22nd, 10/9c):  Christian Slater wants you to forget about his NBC flop from last year, "My Own Worst Enemy" and think instead about this detective show from Jerry Bruckheimer about a group of amateurs who try to solve the murders of forgotten victims. 

The Good Wife  (CBS, September 22nd, 10/9c):  Former "ER" regular, Julianna Margulies returns to series TV in this show about a politician's wife who has to start from professional scratch after her husband (Chris Noth) is jailed for corruption.  I've never heard of anything like that happening in real life, have you!?

The Jay Leno Show  (NBC, September 14th, 10/9c):  What more is there to say?  Leno, comedy, Leno, guests, Leno, sketches, five nights a week.  Starring....Leno.

The Vampire Diaries (CW, September 10th, 8/7c):   Based on the young adult series of books by L. J. Smith, this show is about Elena (Nina Dobrev), a high school girl torn between two vampire brothers.   I seriously doubt this will come anywhere close to the vampy fun going on in HBO's "True Blood," but it co-stars "Lost's" Ian Somerhalder (Booooooooonnnnnne!) as one of the brothers, so I'm there.

The Wanda Sykes Show  (Fox, November 7th, 11 PM):   Comedian Wanda Sykes is just like Jay Leno except funnier, blacker, gayer and less well paid.   It'll be very interesting to see what this weekly, Saturday night talk show will look like once it hits air.

V (ABC, November 3rd, 8/7c):  A remake of the 1980's TV series, this show is about aliens who come to earth to make our lives better.  To cure the sick.  To heal the wounded.  To make sure every child has ice cream.  But are they really here for our benefit?  I think not.  It stars, Elizabeth Mitchell, aka Juliet of "Lost," and Scott Wolf who used to be on "Party of Five," with Matthew Fox, aka Jack of "Lost."  (See how ABC keeps pushing those "Lost" tie-ins?)

What about those other stars I mentioned?  Well, Patricia Heaton's got a new ABC comedy, "The Middle," L L Cool J and Chris O'Donnell are starring in CBS's NCIS Los Angeles, Jenna Elfman is also on CBS, but in a comedy, "Accidentally on Purpose," and Kelsey Grammer returns to TV in ABC's comedy, "Hank." 

Despite all that new show star power, I'm even more jazzed about returning shows like "Dollhouse," "Grey's Anatomy," "House," "Desperate Housewives," "Dexter," and "Ugly Betty."  After all, there are many, many burning questions to be answered:

1.  On "House," will Dr. House ever get out of that asylum or will he drive everyone else there insane?  Especially the doctor assigned to diagnose and treat him, played by guest star Andre Braugher.  Talk about excellent casting!   I can't wait to see Hugh Laurie and Emmy winner Braugher go head to head in the two hour season premiere. (Fox, September 21st, 8/7c)

2.  Will "Dollhouse" fullfill it's Joss Whedon pedigree? And what will guest star Keith Carradine bring to the dollhouse TV table? (Fox, September 25th, 9/8c)

3.  On "Grey's Anatomy," will the funeral of one major cast member be the saddest moment ever?  Will Katherine Heigl ever keep her mouth shut? (ABC, September 24th, 9/8c)

4.  Will "Ugly Betty" overcome her deadly new Friday timeslot? (ABC, October 9th, 8/7c)

5.  Who the heck is Mike Delfino marrying on "Desperate Housewives?"  (ABC, September 27th, 9/8c)

6.  Will "Dexter" kill off yet another psycho rival, this time played by John Lithgow? (Showtime, September 27th, 9/10c)

7.  Who will resist tuning in to "Dancing with the Stars" for a glimpse of Donny Osmond, Macy Gray and Mya  tripping the light fantastic?  Not to mention Tom Delay just tripping.  (ABC, September 20th, 8/7c)

There are clips and previews of a lot of the new shows all over the internet.   YouTube lets you view them at their Fall Preview Channel and then you can vote for the shows you think will succeed.  Over at Hulu you can catch up on returning shows like "30 Rock," "Chuck" and "Castle" so when their new seasons start, you'll be ready.

Looking further ahead, Spring 2010 will bring us the final season of "Lost"---sniff, sniff--- the return of what may be the last season of "24"---sniff, sniff---and what looks like a Paula Abdul-less "American Idol"---Paulaaaaaaaaaaaa! 

But for now, let's stay calm and remain in the present.  There's "Mad Men" on AMC,  the triumphant return of "Project Runway" on Lifetime, and a whole lotta blood to be spilled on "True Blood" in the next two weeks.

What tender morsels won't you miss this fall?

Related Links:

Check out Laurel's TV Picks for detailed schedules and info on all the Fall 2009 shows.

At the blog, Kari AnnAlysis, Kari writes about what shows she's looking forward to this fall.

Your Complete Guide To Fall Science Fiction TV

By Wendy at TV Crunch, an oldie but a goodie, The 25 Worst TV Dramas of All Time.

CBS unveils the first ever video in a print publication to promote their fall season.

Cross Posted From BlogHer