Megan McDonnell
Staff Writer
While you might be lamenting the end to your summer, one aspect of fall’s arrival is not depressing: the return of favorite television shows. If you are wondering what you will find when you turn on the television, look no further.
All of the networks have a good mix of veteran favorites and newcomers, but one of the most-anticipated shows is The X Factor on Fox. The buzz surrounding Simon Cowell’s new show has been heard for quite some time, and it has finally arrived in the U.S. The show is a singing competition and will feature judges Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, and Nicole Scherzinger. The difference between it and American Idol is that individuals and groups of individuals twelve years of age and older can compete in the show. There will also be a huge emphasis on musicians mentoring the contestants.
Returning favorites on the FOX lineup include House, the powerhouse Glee, and Bones.
ABC’s Dancing with the Stars is back for its thirteenth season with a cast that is not necessarily turning heads. Among the favorites to win are David Arquette, Hope Solo, Chaz Bono, and Ricki Lake. New to ABC this fall is the TV adaptation of Charlie’s Angels, starring Annie Ilonzeh, Minka Kelly, and Rachael Taylor. Back again this season are Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and Modern Family.
Many have been anticipating the return of the CW’s The Vampire Diaries, but the CW is rolling out some new shows that may have fans equally as captivated. Hart of Dixie, H8R, and The Secret Circle are all joining the ranks of older, guilty-pleasure shows like Gossip Girl and 90210.
CBS is bringing back its plethora of crime dramas, and Criminal Minds fans will be thrilled to know that Jennifer “JJ” Jereau (AJ Cook) and Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster) are returning to the show this season. Joining Criminal Minds in the CBS lineup are fellow alums NCIS and NCIS: LA, and the entire CSI series. The popular comedy How I Met Your Mother will return, as will Two and a Half Men, although Charlie Sheen will not return. Instead, Ashton Kutcher will be taking his place but will not be playing Charlie Harper.
New shows on CBS include Unforgettable, Person of Interest, and A Gifted Man.
Among the new shows to NBC this season is Up All Night, a comedy starring Maya Rudolph, Will Arnett, Christina Applegate, and Nick Cannon. The show is produced by Lorne Michaels, executive producer of Saturday Night Live, and highlights the sometimes hilarious struggles with balancing life at home and at work. Returning to NBC for the fall are hit shows Biggest Loser, Law & Order: SVU, and The Office. More rookies to the network are Prime Suspect and Grimm.
If you are wondering what to watch, check out www.tvguide.com for complete listings, and as always, relax and enjoy!