PHOTO: http://www.tv-links.eu/
Guys, this is the most exciting time of the year. Can you feel it in the air? The Emmys are one week away (my Emmy Picks are coming later this week, no worries) and the new Fall TV schedule begins rolling out TOMORROW.
As this is such a highly anticipated time of the year and there are a literal shit-load of shows to preview, I am working together with my good friend Jenna Kim Jones, a local NYC comedian and fellow TV-lover to give the low-down on everything you should be watching. Good shows, bad shows, newbies and returning favorites - we cover it all.
If you like Jenna and think she’s funny, check out more really good stuff at her blog http://www.jennakimjones.com/
The full lineup available after the jump!
(Listed by premiere date; new shows in bold)
Tuesday, September 13
- Ringer - CW
Deebs: Wait, a show on the CW not including vampires, witches, or rich girls? Oh, Sarah Michelle Gellar stars – now I get it. The show doesn’t seem great to me, but considering the current stable of programming at the CW, this could be there highest quality show if it sticks around.
JKJ: SMG (that’s Sarah Michelle Geller—the less popular Sarah with three names) has been out of TV for so long, she gave herself two roles playing twins. Does that mean she gets two paychecks?
- Parenthood - NBC
Deebs: I LOVE this show. Coming back for a third season, I am more excited for this than any other returning network drama. It’s like if Modern Family were a drama, with a showrunner fresh off Friday Night Lights (which is true).
JKJ: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…
Wednesday, September 14
- H8R - CW
Deebs: This show is an affront to the human race. Mario Lopez thinks Internet bullying of celebrities is such a huge issue that it needs to be brought to our attention with this awful show. Hey kid, you find Snooki mildly annoying and want to make fun of her online? Keep it up and we’ll let you meet her on TV – problem solved!
JKJ: H8R as in HATER. I know, so annoying. If this is how you text, this show is obviously for you so go ahead and set your DVR. Call me a hater but for heaven’s sake spell it right!
- Up All Night - NBC
Deebs: Starring Will Arnett, Maya Rudolph, and Christina Applegate, produced by Lorne Michaels, and created by Emily Spivey, former writer for both SNL and Parks and Rec. In a word: YES.
JKJ: Sitcom, Will Arnett, Christina Applegate, Maya Rudolph and baby humor. My. Dream. Show. COUNT ME IN!
- Free Agents - NBC
Deebs: I really like Hank Azaria, so I’ll give it a shot. It could be a good companion to Up All Night – I’m very interested to see how well this new Wednesday comedy block on NBC if going to work.
JKJ: Kathryn Hahn, finally getting the leading role that she deserves. You’ll recognize her as the best friend in every other romantic comedy out there. Tune in to see if she can hold her own.
Thursday, September 15
- It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia - FX
Deebs: I’m a long time fan and always excited for the return of one of the most irreverent comedies on TV. Also, Mac gained 50 lbs purely for comedy. So, there’s that.
JKJ:Mac gained 50 lbs this season so they could make fat jokes. How much do I love fat jokes? MORE THAN CAKE!
Monday, September 19
- Two and a Half Men - CBS
Deebs: I didn’t watch with Charlie Sheen, I won’t watch with Ashton Kutcher. Chuck Lorre, I just don’t understand you, or why people like your shows so much.
JKJ: With Ashton Kutcher as the half man!
- 2 Broke Girls - CBS
Deebs: I’m think it’s funny that Whitney Cummings co-created this show, but almost no one knows it. Her other show premiering this fall is going to suck, while this one doesn’t look half bad. You also have Kat Dennings joining the club of movie-people trying out TV.
JKJ: A television show about me and my roommate? Might hit too close to home but I’ll give a shot.
- The Playboy Club - NBC
Deebs: NBC, I like you a lot. I used to work for you and had a great time doing so. But I must say, for your own good, cancel this one preemptively. It’s a Mad Men knock-off (the lead looks like he could be related to Jon Hamm) done badly. Enough said.
JKJ:If you live in Utah, you won’t be seeing this show. Instead you’ll see What’s Up Utah! Or you’ll change the channel.
Tuesday, September 20
- Glee - FOX
Deebs: At the end of last season I was watching this more out of habit than anything else. Then The Glee Project came along and gave me 4 new characters to root for and I’m actually excited for this new season. Well done, Ryan Murphy. Well done indeed.
JKJ: How about I watch something else. #anythingbutglee
- New Girl - FOX
Deebs: The second comedy that I am really looking forward to this Fall. Zooey Deschanel is adorable (at the TCA panel, one critic actually asked her when she first knew she was adorable – true story), and funny, and the supporting cast looks good too. Plus the post-Glee scheduling should help with the ratings and keep this one around for a while.
JKJ:Pretty, charming, “nerdy” girl breaks up with bad boyfriend and is forced to live with 3 hot men? Whoa. That’s rough.
- Unforgettable - CBS
Deebs: I say forget about it – I will not be watching this contrived procedural about a woman who can’t forget anything…except the one thing that has haunted her forever. Give me a break.
JKJ: Another cop drama except this cop has perfect autobiographical memory which means she can remember EVERYTHING. Forced to work with ex-husband. Also it’s set in Queens. OH MY GOSH, it’s SO depressing.
Wednesday, September 21
- The X Factor - FOX
Deebs: A big, heaping pile of rating, coming up! I was never much for the televised singing competition…and then I got really into The Voice. To be fair, I will give this one a week or two.
JKJ: Paula Abdul’s second chance to convince America that she isn’t completely high all the time. X!
- Modern Family - ABC
Deebs: The 6 adult actors are all nominated for Emmys in the supporting actor/actress categories. I want all 6 of them to win. This show is the second best comedy on TV and I eagerly await its return. Oh, and Lily has been recast as a toddler, so that will be fun.
JKJ: Fairly sure that Phil is based off of my brother-in-law. Amazing show. Can’t wait for the return.
- Revenge - ABC
Deebs: I am so curious about Revenge. It could be a cheesy ABC-soap, or a well-written drama based on The Count of Monte Cristo. And I gotta think ABC loves the writing of this new show – they made the pilot script available on Kindle weeks before the show airs. Weird.
JKJ:Talk about a show for Real America! The lead returns to her wealthy past life in the Hamptons to take revenge on the catty women that ruined her life.
Thursday, September 22
- The Big Bang Theory - CBS
Deebs: Again, Chuck Lorre, why do people like you so much? I much prefer to watch Johnny Galecki playing an asshole-ish version of himself on Entourage, sorry.
JKJ: Apparently this show is hilarious?
- Charlie’s Angels - ABC
Deebs: Like Playboy Club, this is one of those shows that is going to be so bad that I think I need to watch just to see how low it can go. Also, full disclosure, I’m in love with Lyle Garrity – I mean Minka Kelly – so that’s another reason to tune in.
JKJ: Charlie may have given his angels a 2nd chance but here’s hoping the show is canceled after the 2nd episode.
- Community - NBC
Deebs: The show that is not afraid to take risks. I say, keep it up. Refreshingly goofy and straight-up funny – plus guest appearances from John Goodman and Michael K. Williams (aka Omar/Chalky White) make me excited.
JKJ: Who thinks Donald Glover should have own show? Just me? Alright, well, enjoy this season’s paintball episode. I’m sure it will be a delight.
- Parks & Recreation - NBC
Deebs: THE best comedy on TV. I wish Pawnee were real so I could go visit. Oh, and Ron Swanson. That is all.
JKJ: Looking forward to more DJ Rumba.
- The Office - NBC
Deebs: So who’s gonna be the new manager, right? Apparently we’ll know before the cold open ends on the premiere, so that’s something. And Kathy Bates is out and James Spader is in as the new boss at Sabre. Lots of changes, let’s see if the veteran comedy can make it all work sans Steve Carell.
JKJ: This is still happening?
- Person of Interest - CBS
Deebs: As much as I want a show about Ben Linus and Jesus using a mystery-machine to stop crimes that haven’t happened yet to be good, I don’t think this one is going to pan out. With CBS as a home, it will fall victim to its master and become another lame procedural that millions of people watch.
JKJ: J.J. Abrams production means I love it already.
- Whitney - NBC
Deebs: Hurry up and get cancelled so we can have 30 Rock back. Thanks.
JKJ: Giving it a shot but jumping ship after the first comparison of lady problems to a leaky faucet.
- Prime Suspect - NBC
Deebs: I love me a gritty cop drama, and Prime Suspect is about to tryout for that slot in my TV lineup. I also like that this is a British re-make – those seem to have a pretty good track record, especially on NBC – right, Ricky Gervais?
JKJ: Tough as nails lady detective has to fight to get a little respect with the men she works with. I’m bored.
Friday, September 23
- A Gifted Man - CBS
Deebs: Two words: CBS procedural. Pass.
JKJ: Quickest way to sum up this show: I see dead people or just my dead ex wife.
Saturday, September 24
- Saturday Night Live (w/ Alec Baldwin, Radiohead) - NBC
Deebs: With this appearance, Baldwin moves past Steve Martin as the all-time leader in guest hosting. Will it be a funny season? Maybe. Will I watch and hope for the best? Always.
JKJ: I love you, SNL but I’m not IN love with you. Good luck this season.
Sunday, September 25
- Boardwalk Empire - HBO
Deebs: Bring it on, Boardwalk, I’m ready. As far as cable TV goes – this is right up there with the best of the best.
JKJ: A show about prohibition? Sign this Mormon up! But for real: this is a sleazy show about the mob in Atlantic City that some how makes Atlantic City look better than it does today. I applaud you.
- Pan Am - ABC
Deebs: Call me crazy, but I think this is going to be good. Yes, it happens to take place in the 1960’s so it will draw comparisons to Mad Men, but I think it will be able to separate itself from those early comparisons and prove to be a fun drama. At the very least it will blow Playboy Club out of the water.
JKJ: Before we had to call them flight attendants, there were sexy stewardesses.
Monday, September 26
- Gossip Girl - CW
Deebs: I defer to Jenna on all matters relating to Gossip Girl…
JKJ: I have a feeling this season will the demise of GG. Say goodbye and tell us who the heck Gossip Girl is already!
- Terra Nova - FOX
Deebs: This might be the most highly anticipated show of the fall lineup. With Steven Spielberg as an executive producer, think Jurassic Park meets Avatar meets LOST meets Back to the Future.
JKJ: Lost meets Jurassic Park meets Avatar meets Alien meets Lost in Space. Show with identity crisis or…amazing show? Can’t wait to find out.
Wednesday, September 28
- Suburgatory - ABC
Deebs: As lame as the name is, it still caught my attention. Strictly based on the promos it seems like this show might be able to put a nice spin on the tired trope of how much the suburbs are different from city life. I just hope this doesn’t turn into Juno 2.0.
JKJ: The previews make this show look dangerously cliché but I have a feeling they aren’t doing it justice.
- Happy Endings - ABC
Deebs: My vote for best returning sophomore comedy. Consider it a more modern friends, but in Chicago instead of NYC and single cam instead of multi cam. A great cast led by Adam Pally and Casey Wilson (SNL) with some sharp, smart writing makes this a must-see.
JKJ: Do I dare say it? Yes I do. Happy Endings is BETTER than Friends!
- How To Be A Gentleman - CBS
Deebs: Johnny Drama tries to teach Rickety Cricket how to be a real man. Plus there’s Dave Foley, Chloe from 24 that guy who played Murray on Flight of the Conchords. It’s not a great concept but such interesting casting that I’m going to have to check it out.
JKJ: Uptight how-to columnist learns how to be the opposite of a gentlemen with the help of immature man-boy. Trust me, it looks better than it sounds. If you like sitcoms, it might capture your heart.
Sunday, October 2
- Dexter - Showtime
Deebs: Dexter says in the trailer for the new season, “I’m feeling like my old self again.” Let’s hope so – last season was a bit of a lull considering the high water mark that previous seasons have set. Regardless, I always look forward to Dexter, and this season is no different.
JKJ: Never seen it. But we all know a serial killer or two. I wonder what the serial killer who worked at Blockbuster down the block is doing now that he’s unemployed.
- Homeland - Showtime
Deebs: Widely regarded as the best new drama this fall TV season. Especially considering that I’m writing this blurb on the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, a show about an American POW that returns to questions of whether he has been turned by a terrorist cell seems especially poignant.
JKJ: If I could afford Showtime I would SO watch this show. Terror, intrigue, conspiracy, Claire Danes. Yes, please!
- How To Make It In America - HBO
Deebs: This is like Entourage but in NYC and 10 years younger. It’s also better, funnier, and is actually about something. Go catch up on season one before it returns for a second season.
JKJ: I have a hard time trusting scripted shows that look like documentaries. But what do I know.
Monday, October 3
- House - FOX
Deebs: I hate that I still watch this show. I really don’t like it – it sits on my DVR until I literally have nothing else to watch. I wish FOX would just tell us this is the last season already, but they won’t. Maybe putting House in prison for the first few episodes will spice things up like when he was in rehab a few years ago, but that will all be undone when he returns to Princeton Plainsboro and that status quo is resumed.
JKJ: I’m not sure this series could get any worse and yet I watch it like it’s life or death.
Wednesday, October 5
- American Horror Story - FX
Deebs: Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk (co-creators of Glee) cast Dylan McDermott and Connie Britton as leads (aka Tammi Taylor from FNL) and move from the choir room to a haunted house. The promos are creepy as all hell, that’s for sure. I’ll be watching with the lights on.
JKJ: A SCARY TV SHOW? JOIN ME IF YOU DARE.
- South Park - Comedy
Deebs: I stopped watching a few season ago and I feel like a bad person for doing so. This might be the season that I get reacquainted with an old friend.
JKJ: Yeah, yeah, yeah. South Park is funny. We get it.
Thursday, October 6
- The League - FX
Deebs: During the lockout, I was worried about the fate of the NFL this season, for sure. But I was more worried about the fate of The League. Paired very well with Always Sunny, it’s a good show deserving of its spot on a packed comedy-Thursday.
JKJ: It’s hard to get into a comedy about a fantasy sport that makes absolutely no sense in my brain. Made for men but I’m sure there are women out there who pretend to love it too.
Monday, October 10
- Bored to Death - HBO
Deebs: Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis make this a wonderful little show. Like How to Make It, it’s a very well done half hour on HBO that should be brought to your attention.
JKJ: Unbeatably charming cast. Almost makes me wish I paid extra for HBO.
- Enlightened - HBO
Deebs: It’s a half-hour show on HBO. As such, I will watch. Oh, and Luke Wilson has a beard.
JKJ: A story about mid life crisis or mid life enlightenment. Either way, you end up alone living in your mom’s basement.
Tuesday, October 11
- Last Man Standing - ABC
Deebs: Remember when Tim Allen was on Home Improvement and he made that macho-family man character popular? Well, it’s not 1992 any more, buddy. Get the hell off my TV screen with lame jokes about how hard it is to be a man in a woman’s world. How about be a man and do something outside our dated comfort-zone.
JKJ: Oh Tim Allen, I so don’t want this to suck but…I have a feeling… #tragic
Wednesday, October 12
- Psych - USA
Deebs: I don’t watch this show. But every time I see a promo I think “Hey look, its Charlie Young! But where’s President Bartlett?”
JKJ: As long as Shawn finally drops that stupid puka shell necklace he’s been wearing the last few seasons, I’m looking forward to Psych’s return.
Sunday, October 16
- The Walking Dead - AMC
Deebs: The Walking Dead has a lot of controversy and expectations surrounding it – it was the highest rated show on AMC during its 6-episode first season, but then its showrunner quit and it is premiering the second season as its network is floundering all over the place. And we just learned the second season will be split up in two sections – I mean c’mon AMC, you do want to keep some of those viewers, right?
JKJ: Never seen it but have a feeling I’ll be Netflixing it in the near future.
Tuesday, October 18
- Man Up! - ABC
Deebs: Another in the stable of new shows about guys learning what it is to be a guy while they do guy things and their families/girlfriends/kids look on. Ugh, no thanks.
JKJ: 3 man-boys have to learn to Man Up. I have a few guy friends who could use a lesson or two.
Friday, October 21
- Chuck - NBC
Deebs: The little show that could returning for its final season. While I don’t watch myself, I have much respect for Chuck. I wish you well on your final voyage.
JKJ: I didn’t know they put canceled shows on TV anymore.
- Grimm - NBC
Deebs: The chances I’ll be watching this show? They’re looking pretty, well, you know… I’m already trying one new fantasy show, I don’t need another. Plus they’re making it a procedural? Ugh, no wonder it’s scheduled for Friday night.
JKJ:Modern day Grimm’s fairy tales. Just as messed up as they were back then and brought to us by the same Executive Producers as Buffy. Oh I’m watching it.
- Boss - Starz
Deebs: I might be overly excited for this show. It’s a departure from what Starz has been known for recently – period-pieces with lots of sex and violence – and stars Kelsey Grammar as a corrupt and terminally-ill mayor of Chicago. One review said it is like an Aaron Sorkin show but if David Mamet took the reigns. I like that.
JKJ: Good luck watching Kelsey Grammar in this without singing that stupid Frasier theme song.
Sunday, October 23
- Once Upon A Time - ABC
Deebs: From two former writers of LOST, this show is all premise at the outset. Two different worlds – one where fairytale characters live and the other where they have been banished without any memory of their true selves. I’m hoping these scribes can emulate their old show – give us some strong characters that can carry an out-there premise.
JKJ: Doesn’t look like anybody lives happily ever after in this version.
Thursday, October 27
- Beavis & Butthead - MTV
Deebs: It’ll be like they never left – except this time they’re making fun of Snooki and 16 and Pregnant. Bring it on, Mighty Cornholio!
JKJ: Didn’t care when I was 5, still don’t care when I’m 25.
Sunday, October 30
- Allen Gregory - FOX
Deebs: Skinny-Jonah Hill lends his voice to a precocious, animated 7-year old. Sure, why not?
JKJ: A cartoon about a comedian who went from fat to skinny and freaked everybody out. Oh no, sorry. That’s Jonah Hill’s story who happens to be one of the voices in this new animated show. My bad.
