And a new season begins.
The emphasis this fall is decidedly on more comedy.
Some sitcoms have familiar faces in new roles (Kelsey Grammer, Courteney Cox, Jenna Elfman). Others bring back favorites in new settings (“The Cleveland Show,” “The Jay Leno Show”).
And a new season begins.
The emphasis this fall is decidedly on more comedy.
Some sitcoms have familiar faces in new roles (Kelsey Grammer, Courteney Cox, Jenna Elfman). Others bring back favorites in new settings ("The Cleveland Show," "The Jay Leno Show").
And there are medical dramas and action-adventure shows. For the fall, the networks aren't launching any new reality shows.
Don't expect anything spectacular from these new recruits. While the newcomers are reasonably smart and lively, none has the buzz of a new "Lost" or "Desperate Housewives."
Still, this season is not a loss. ABC has two inspired comedies with "Cougar Town" and "Modern Family." NBC's "Community" has promise and a great cast led by Joel McHale.
CBS has two freshman dramas that are dependable hits. "NCIS: Los Angeles" and "The Good Wife" play well to the loyal CBS audience.
The CW's "Melrose Place," which has already premiered, is campy fun; Fox's "Cleveland Show" carries on the riotous traditions of "Family Guy."
Other highlights for the week of Sept. 20 to 26 (all times EDT; listings subject to change; check local listings):
SUNDAY
"Prime-time Emmy Awards" (8 p.m., CBS). Neil Patrick Harris is host; "Mad Men" and "30 Rock" are among the top nominees.
MONDAY
"Dancing with the Stars" (8 p.m., ABC). Tom DeLay and Donny Osmond hit the dance floor (but not together) along with more than a dozen other celebrities.
"Accidentally On Purpose" (8:30 p.m., CBS). A writer (Jenna Elfman) gets knocked up by a dude half her age.
TUESDAY
"NCIS: Los Angeles" (9 p.m., CBS). Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J star in this spin-off.
"The Good Wife" (10 p.m., CBS). Attorney/wife (Julianna Margulies) goes back to the grind after politician/hubby goes to prison.
"The Forgotten" (10 p.m., ABC). Previously unidentified murder victims are recognized in this "Cold Case"-like drama with Christian Slater.
WEDNESDAY
"Mercy" (8 p.m., NBC). Who really runs hospitals? Nurses like Michelle Trachtenberg, of course.
"Modern Family" (9 p.m., ABC). It's like "The Office" except the show's about one large family.
"Cougar Town" (9:30 p.m., ABC). Courteney Cox plays a hot-to-trot divorcee.
"Eastwick" (10 p.m., ABC). Three witches are intrigued by a mysterious stranger in town.
THURSDAY
"FlashForward" (8 p.m., ABC). When the future flashes before everyone's eyes, some of us panic.
SATURDAY
"Saturday Night Live" (11:30 p.m., NBC). Megan Fox is the season opener's guest host.
