Every fall, television networks spew out dozens of new programs, hoping that one will catch viewers' attention and become the breakout show of the year. Plenty of quality and original programs look to find a following as stations start premiering some of their most anticipated pilots.
Any show that boasts Steven Spielberg as a producer is bound to get a lot of buzz, which is why people are talking about "Terra Nova." The dinosaur epic will start on Fox on Monday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. It will be interesting to see if the show can keep up the CGI effects necessary for the show's plot despite the restricted budget most television shows have.
As the old saying goes, "sex sells," and NBC seems to be banking on it as they roll out their new drama, "The Playboy Club." The show, which premiered on Sept. 19, tries to match the authentic '60s look that "Mad Men" has already mastered. Though "The Playboy Club" is portraying itself as a tale of sex, drugs and scandal, viewers will see if the show faces any restrictions due to its airing on a network rather than cable station.
ABC's "Pan Am," which premieres on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 10 p.m., is also set in the 1960s as it looks back on the lives of stewardesses during that time. The show features Christina Ricci, known primarily for her movie roles, and it will test if her solid film career can translate to a big audience on the small screen.
Another show trying to cash in on nostalgia is the ABC reboot of "Charlie's Angels" (1976-1981). After "Hawaii Five-O's" huge success last year, it is no surprise that networks would try to bring back other old action shows. "Angels" was a popular television show in the 1970s before being adapted into two movies. On Thursday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m., viewers will see if Hollywood can get anything else out of this familiar plotline.
Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul return to Fox on Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. with yet another talent show. After the duo left "American Idol," the show kept going strong with replacement judges. This fall, the public will see if Cowell and Abdul can make lightning strike twice and create another mega-hit talent program with "The X Factor." The show, which is based on a British show of the same name, features individuals and groups of singers competing for a $5 million recording contract. With stakes that high, it is likely to attract some great musicians and performers.
Also returning to television this fall is Tim Allen with his new sitcom, "Last Man Standing." Allen has created a popular comedy for ABC once before with his show "Home Improvement" (1991-1999). A lot has changed in the decades since "Improvement" first came on the air, and "Last Man Standing" will see how enduring Americans' love of Tim Allen is. If it fails, he can always just make another "Toy Story" (1995); those are guaranteed to make money. "Last Man Standing" hits the airwaves on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m.
Another comedian who is creating a television show this fall is Whitney Cummings, whose show "Whitney" will test if her appeal as a standup act can transfer into a sitcom. The show looks to put a twist on the slacker-sitcom show by starring a woman instead of a man. This twist will likely open the show up to more unique storylines and situations than other comedies debuting this fall. "Whitney" graces TV screens on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 9:30 p.m. on NBC.
Another NBC sitcom looking to find an audience this fall is "Up All Night," which stars veteran funnyman Will Arnett and actress Christina Applegate. The show's pilot has already received rave reviews, and with a supporting cast that includes "Saturday Night Live" alum Maya Rudolph, it seems like it could easily be a hit. "Up All Night" will premiere on Wednesday, Sept 21 at 8 p.m. and continues every Wednesday night.
On Thursday, Sept. 22 at 9 p.m., NBC is remaking the stellar British cop drama, "Prime Suspect." The original British show (which ran from 1991 through 2006) launched Helen Mirren's career and broke stereotypes with its strong yet flawed heroine. Critics and fans of the original are waiting to see if Maria Bello can fill Mirren's huge shoes as she steps into the iconic role this television season.
As the fall continues and the Nielsen ratings come in, viewers will get to see which new shows will survive and which will be cut from the lineup.
