This is the official season premiere week, which is why everything in the world is new. Set up those TiVo and DVRs to catch everything you want to watch!
Pick of the Week
Heroes
Channel: NBC
Time: 9/8c
Premieres: Monday, September 22 (two-hour premiere)
Starring: Masi Oka, Hayden Panettiere, Christine Rose, Adrian Pasdar, Greg Grunberg, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Ali Larter, Milo Ventimiglia, James Kyson Lee, Dania Ramirez, Zachary Quinto, Jack Coleman
Trailer
Synopsis: The season ended with Nathan Petrelli getting shot at a press conference where he was about to reveal his superpower. This season, his shooter is revealed and everyone has to deal with all the bad guys locked up in Level 5 being released.
My Take: After last season doing a poor job introducing new characters while ignoring fan favorites, this season is trying hard to win those fans back. I’ve stuck with it so far, so I’ll give it a shot.
Recommended
CSI: Miami
Channel: CBS
Time: 10/9c
Premieres: Monday, September 22
Starring: David Caruso, Emily Procter, Adam Rodriguez, Rex Linn, Jonathan Togo, Eva La Rue
Trailer
Synopsis: Horatio’s extremely young, mother of his child showed up and then married some sleazeball named Ron. Horatio thought he was saving Julia and Kyle from the bad guy when he got shot. Ryan was seen getting a message that it was done. Who shot Horatio and how is Ryan involved?
My Take: Why do I watch this show? I have no idea. I love CSI, but I like this one the least, mostly because of David Caruso. I pray that he is really dead, but I know it won’t be true.
NCIS
Channel: CBS
Time: 8/7c
Premieres: Tuesday, September 23
Starring: Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Rocky Carroll, Cote de Pablo, Brian Dietzen, Sean Murray, Pauley Perrette, David McCallum
Trailer
Synopsis: Director Shepard was killed. A new director came in, informed David that her liason with NCIS has ended, McGee is being sent to cybercrimes, DiNozzo was being assigned elsehwere, and Gibbs would be getting a new team.
My Take: Will the team stay split up? Will this be like last season on House? There are hints the old team will be around in some capacity, but there has been people cast for Gibbs’ new team.
Law & Order: SVU
Channel: NBC
Time: 10/9c
Premieres: Tuesday, September 23
Starring: Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, Richard Belzer, Dann Florek, Ice-T, Michaela McManus, Tamara Tunie, B.D. Wong
Trailer
Synopsis: Last season, Det. Lake was arrested after killing a cop killer and ADA Casey had to resign after lying in court. Finn wanted a transfer after a huge fight with Elliot. This season, Olivia is still trying to deal with almost getting raped last season and we get to meet Elliot’s mother. A new ADA joins who is an expert on violence against women.
My Take: The show is messed up and twisted, but the detectives make you want to watch it anyway.
Without a Trace
Channel: CBS
Time: 10/9c
Premieres: Tuesday, September 23
Starring: Anthony LaPaglia, Poppy Montgomery, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Enrique Murciano, Eric Close, Roselyn Sanchez
Trailer
Synopsis: Jack has been demoted. Steve Weber comes in as a problem solver for a few episodes to get the team back together and to get Jack out of his dark place. There will also be an episode seen from the victim’s point of view.
My Take: The show isn’t as interesting as it once was, but I keep watching it. This new twist makes it sound like it is worth checking out for a bit longer. Also, I love different point of view episodes so that one sounds good.
CSI: NY
Channel: CBS
Time: 10/9c
Premieres: Wednesday, September 24
Starring: Gary Sinise, Melina Kanakaredes, Carmine Giovinazzo, Anna Belknap, Eddie Cahill, Hill Harper, A.J. Buckley
Trailer
Synopsis: During a bank robbery/hostage situation, Mac ends up being kidnapped himself. Now everyone has to go find him.
My Take: I used to like this CSI the least, but it grew on me, especially after it started focusing on more NYC-centric stories.
Lipstick Jungle
Channel: NBC
Time: 10/9c
Premieres: Wednesday, September 24
Starring: Brooke Shields, Kim Raver, Lindsay Price, Andrew McCarthy, Paul Blackthorne, Robert Buckley, David Norona, David Alan Basche
Trailer
Synopsis: Last season, Wendy tried to make more time for her daughter, Victory tried to start on her own business but broke up with Joe after he secretly bought her business, and Nico started an affair with a younger guy, and also suspected her husband was having one with his grad student, until her husband had a heart attack. This season, Mary Tyler Moore will show up as Wendy’s mother, Nico will try to stop her affair, but can’t, and Victory will try to open up a flagship store of her designs with her new publicist Rosie Perez.
My Take: I liked this one better than Cashmere Mafia, which I guess it is why it is still around, but I was surprised it was renewed. The only storyline I really liked was Nico’s story. The guy she is having an affair with is pretty hot.
My Name Is Earl
Channel: NBC
Time: 8/7c
Premieres: Thursday, September 25
Starring: Jason Lee, Jaime Pressly, Ethan Suplee, Eddie Steeples, Nadine Velazquez
Trailer
Synopsis: After spending time in jail and getting married, the show is going back to focusing on the list with Earl being single and hanging out with Randy. Guest stars this season include Seth Green being a Make-A-Wish Foundation kid that had his wish stolen by Earl and Jenna Elfman is in an episode where Randy goes to cheerleading camp.
My Take: Even when the shows goes off its rocker, it is still entertaining enough to keep watching. I also love Seth Green.
The Office
Channel: NBC
Time: 9/8c
Premieres: Thursday, September 25 (hour-long premiere)
Starring: Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Creed Bratton, Kate Flannery, Melora Hardin, Ed Helms, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Paul Lieberstein, B.J. Novak, Oscar Nunez, Craig Robinson, Phyllis Smith
Trailer
Synopsis: Jim was about to propose to Pam when Andy stole the show by proposing to Angela. She accepted, but was caught later making out with Dwight. Michael really hit it off with the new HR lady, but then ran into Jan who is pregnant from a sperm donor after telling him she never wanted to have kids. Ryan was arrested for illegal business practices. This season, everyone has to go through business-ethics training due to Ryan’s antics. Michael is conflicted about his feelings for HR lady and Jan. Also, Toby actually did go to Costa Rica, but is still connected to Dunder Mifflin.
My Take: Even though I have heard some people complain about Jim and Pam getting together too soon, I love that they are together. I think they are the best part of the show, even though all the side characters are hilarious.
ER
Channel: NBC
Time: 10/9c
Premieres: Thursday, September 25
Starring: Linda Cardellini, Scott Grimes, Parminder Nagra, Mekhi Phifer, John Stamos, Maura Tierney, Goran Visnjic
Trailer
Synopsis: This is finally the final season of the show, even though they said that a few years ago. While drunk, Ray was hit and his legs amputated. Ray is back this season though. The season ended with an ambulance exploding. Did Abby, Pratt, and Sam get hurt by it? Someone supposedly dies in the first episode. Angela Bassett joins as a new chief of the ER. There will be flashbacks with Dr. Greene when her character knew him years ago.
My Take: I was ready for the show to end a few season ago, but I have stuck it out. I hope it ends on a high note.
Willing To Check Out
How I Met Your Mother
Channel: CBS
Time: 8:30/7:30c
Premieres: Monday, September 22
Starring: Josh Radnor, Alyson Hannigan, Jason Segel, Neil Patrick Harris, Cobie Smulders
Trailer
Synopsis: Last saeason, Barney slept with Robin and might actually be falling for her, Ted decided to get serious with Stella and ask her to marry him, while Marshall and Lily decided they need to move to a nicer apartment.
My Take: I always thought it looked funny and liked most of the cast, but I was prejudiced since it was a sitcom on CBS. I think I’ll finally give it a shot.
The Mentalist
Channel: CBS
Time: 9/8c
Premieres: Tue, Sep 23
Starring: Simon Baker, Robin Tunney
Trailer
Synopsis: A former fake tv psychic decides to become a private investigator because he has awesome observation skills.
My Take: Hmm. Sounds like Psych, but without the fabulous Shawn/Gus combo. Simon Baker has a certain charm to him that makes me want to check it out though, even if it is ripping off a show I love. In the trailer, he said, “He irks me. He’s irksome.” I found that funny.
Not My Thing
Big Bang Theory
Channel: CBS
Time: 8/7c
Premieres: Monday, September 22
Starring: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar
Trailer
Synopsis: Last season, Leonard asked Penny to go on a date with him and she said yes. His relationship with Penny won’t last long. Sara Gilbert shows up as a love interest for Leonard. Penny shares a secret with Sheldon, which causes him to have a nervous breakdown.
My Take: I can’t stand laugh tracks anymore. Whenever I see anything from this show though, I do giggle at what Sheldon says, but when everyone else talks, it seems forced.
Dancing With the Stars
Channel: ABC
Time: 8/7c
Premieres: Monday, September 22
Starring: Tom Bergeron, Samantha Harris, Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli
Trailer
Synopsis: The stars this season: Lance Bass, Toni Braxton, Brooke Burke, Rocco DiSpirito, Maurice Greene, Kim Kardashian, Cloris Leachman, Cody Linley, Susan Lucci, Misty May-Treanor, Ted McGinley, Jeff Ross, Warren Sapp
My Take: I’ve never gotten into it, even though I can tell it is a train wreck at times.
Two and a Half Men
Channel: CBS
Time: 9/8c
Premieres: Monday, September 22
Starring: Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones, Holland Taylor, Marin Hinkle, Conchata Ferrell
Trailer
Synopsis: Charlie may be a father when he runs into an old girlfriend with a kid that looks and acts just like him. Jake is acting more like a teenager when he gets drunk for the first time.
My Take: I never found this show appealing and I have no idea why it gets nominated for Emmys.
Worst Week
Channel: CBS
Time: 9:30/8:30c
Premieres: Monday, September 22
Starring: Kyle Bornheimer, Erinn Hayes, Nancy Lenehan, Kurtwood Smith
Trailer
Synopsis: Another show based on a UK series where a guy tries to impress his fiancee’s parents, but makes a mess out of everything whenever he’s around them.
My Take: Too much slapstick that just isn’t funny. Skip!
Opportunity Knocks
Channel: ABC
Time: 8/7c
Premieres: Tuesday, September 23
Starring: J.D. Roth
Trailer
Synopsis: The producers appear on pre-screened families front doors to set up a game show on their front lawn where they have to answer questions to prove how well they really know one another for fabulous prizes.
My Take: I still think game shows should only be watched when you are staying home sick. People seem to love Ashton Kutcher-produced shows, so it might be a big success.
New Adventures of Old Christine
Channel: CBS
Time: 8/7c
Premieres: Wednesday, September 24
Starring: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Clark Gregg, Hamish Linklater, Trevor Gagnon, Emily Rutherfurd, Wanda Sykes, Tricia O’Kelley, Alex Kapp Horner
Trailer
Synopsis: Christine and Barb get married so Barb won’t be deported. All the meanie moms get pregnant so they will be miserable all season. Christine’s ex gets engaged to the new Christine.
My Take: I tried to watch it since I have heard it is funny, but I just can’t get into it.
Gary Unmarried
Channel: CBS
Time: 8:30/7:30c
Premieres: Wednesday, September 24
Starring: Jay Mohr, Paula Marshall, Jaime King, Ryan Malgarini
Trailer
Synopsis: A newly divorced dad starts dating again while he raises his two kids with his shrill ex-wife.
My Take: The premise sounds stereotypical and boring, but I actually chuckled at the preview I watched. It isn’t enough to make me watch it though.
Criminal Minds
Channel: CBS
Time: 9/8c
Premieres: Wednesday, September 24
Starring: Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness
Trailer
Synopsis: Jareau gives birth and whoever blew up in the SUV in the season finale really does die.
My Take: Even though I love crime procedurals, this one always seemed on the boring side to me, or it could be that one guy with the plastered blonde hair just disturbed me with his lack of a decent haircut.
Survivor: Gabon
Channel: CBS
Time: 8/7c
Premieres: Thursday, September 25
Starring: Jeff Probst
Trailer
Synopsis: Critics loved last season’s Survivor, but it was one of the lowest-rated seasons. This season they are in West Africa where the animals they come across are not used to people or cars so they are wary and just wander into camps at unexpected times. There is also going to be a good versus evil theme.
My Take: I tried to watch during the very first season, but was bored. It is just not my kind of reality competition show.
Ugly Betty
Channel: ABC
Time: 8/7c
Premieres: Thursday, September 25
Starring: America Ferrera, Ana Ortiz, Ashley Jensen, Becki Newton, Christopher Gorham, Eric Mabius, Judith Light, Mark Indelicato, Michael Urie, Rebecca Romijn, Tony Plana, Vanessa Williams
Trailer
Synopsis: Last season, Betty was deciding if she should go to Tucson with Henry or Rome with Gio. Also, Daniel lost his job at Mode. This season, Betty gets a new love interest so maybe things didn’t go well with whoever she ended up with over the summer and Daniel gets a job at another magazine.
My Take: I know critics love it, but I just find it too goofy, and not in a good way.
Grey’s Anatomy
Channel: ABC
Time: 9/8c
Premieres: Thursday, September 25 (two-hour premiere)
Starring: Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Katherine Heigl, Sandra Oh, Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson, Brooke Smith, Chyler Leigh, Eric Dane, James Pickens, Jr., Sara Ramirez, T.R. Knight
Trailer
Synopsis: Callie and Erica deal with their kiss from last season. Kevin McKidd will join as a recurring love interest for Christina. Derek decides to finally move out of his trailer and in with Meredith.
My Take: I never gave the show a chance and it looks too wishy washy emo for me.
Why
Boston Legal
Channel: ABC
Time: 10/9c
Premieres: Monday, September 22
Starring: James Spader, William Shatner, Candice Bergen, John Larroquette, Gary Anthony Williams, Christian Clemenson, Tara Summers, Saffron Burrows, Taraji Henson
Trailer
Synopsis: It is the last season of the show that I am surprised it still on the air.
My Take: Like any other David E. Kelley show, it started out fun and turned ridiculous and eye-rolling.
Knight Rider
Channel: NBC
Time: 8/7c
Premieres: Wednesday, September 24
Starring: Justin Bruening, Deanna Russo, Sydney Tamila Poitier, Bruce Davison, Yancey Arias, Paul Campbell, David Bartis, Doug Liman, Gary Scott Thompson
Trailer
Synopsis: Remake of the 80’s series with a newer car and a new guy driving it having adventures.
My Take: I thought I’d be watching it, but since I fell asleep during the “movie” last season and while thinking about it coming back makes me sleepy, I think I’ll be skipping it.
September 27th, 2008 5:55 pm
Heroes – they better fix this show up cuz I liked it but last season was dorky. I have a season pass
CSI – Miami – I like this CSI, but rarely actually watch it – no season pass
NCIS – love it, season pass it, this new team will go away quickly and the old team will come back!
Law & Order – never watched it, will keep skipping
Without a Trace – watched it the first season and it was okay, but I never really connected with the characters so I don’t season pass it and probably won’t watch.
CSI – New York – never liked it, won’t watch it
Lipstick Jungle – thought it would be cancelled so never took a chance – I may peek and see what I think.
My Name Is Earl – watched less and less, if they are going back to the list I will probably watch more – hasn’t earned a season pass yet.
The Office – so funny and I like the new HR lady – season pass!
ER – I have watched this from Day One – I hope this season is really good so it goes out on a high note – I have a season pass and will probably cry when Dr Greene flashbacks happen.
How I Met Your Mother – very funny – I have a season pass and usually watch each one twice.
The Mentalist – meant to check it out but I forgot, so I may see if I can watch it online and go from there.
The only other one on the list that I watch is Grey’s Anatomy – and I have a season pass so I can get my emo on.