I waited until after all of the networks presented and promoted their new shows at the 2009 Upfronts in order to list out and analyze the new offerings. And of course I wanted to provide you with my quick assessment of each series.
Click on each title for a full description and to view the preview trailer (if available; unfortunately, not all networks have released trailers and cast photos yet).
ABC
Cougar Town
Cast: Courtney Cox, Ian Gomez (Felicity), Josh Hopkins (Private Practice), Christa Miller (Scrubs), Busy Philipps (Dawson’s Creek), Brian Van Holt (John from Cincinnati).
ABC’s description: a single-camera comedy that dares to tell the truth about dating after divorce. Executive produced by Cox and Scrubs showrunner Bill Lawrence.
In my (j)opinion: looks fairly entertaining, will at least watch first few episodes and see.
The Deep End
Cast: Clancy Brown (Carnivale, Lost), Norbert Butz (Dan in Real Life), Ben Lawson (Neighbours), Matt Long (Jack & Bobby), Tina Majorino (Big Love), Leah Pipes (Life is Wild), Sherri Saum (Rescue Me), Billy Zane (Samantha Who).
ABC’s description: LA Law meets Grey’s Anatomy; the complex personal and professional lives of first-year associates at a law firm.
In my (j)opinion: Doesn’t interest me.
Eastwick
Cast: Ashley Benson (Days of Our Lives), Jon Bernthal (The Class), Veronica Cartwright (Invasion), Paul Gross (Due South), Jaime Ray Newman (Veronica Mars), Lindsay Price (Lipstick Jungle), Rebecca Romijn (Ugly Betty), Sara Rue (Less Than Perfect), Johann Urb (Dirt).
ABC’s description: Charmed meets Desperate Housewives. Based on John Updike’s book and the film The Witches of Eastwick.
In my (j)opinion: I enjoyed the movie and like Lindsay Price, so I’ll tune in.
Flash Forward
Cast: John Cho (Star Trek), Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love), Zachary Knighton (The Hitcher), Peyton List (Mad Men), Bryan F. O’Byrne (Brotherhood), Courtney B. Vance (Law & Order: Criminal Intent), Sonya Walger (Lost), Christine Woods.
ABC’s description: a mysterious global event causes everyone to black out simultaneously for 2 minutes and 11 seconds, and each person sees a glimpse of their lives six months from now.
In my (j)opinion: Hell yes, I am setting a Season Pass. In fact, I have already created a new site dedicated to this show, Flashing Forward.
The Forgotten
Cast: Reiko Aylesworth (24, Lost), Rochelle Aytes (Drive), Michelle Borth (Tell Me You Love Me), Anthony Carrigan, Rupert Penry-Jones (Spooks), Bob Stephenson (Jericho).
ABC’s description: Every city has its share of unidentified murder victims. A group of detectives called The Identity Network attempt to reconstruct the lives of Jane and John Does, and each episode is narrated by “the body” of the person they’re hoping to help. Co-executive produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (CSI franchise, Cold Case, Without a Trace).
In my (j)opinion: Will give it one episode to see if I’m in for the season.
Hank
Cast: Kelsey Grammer, Macey Cuthird (Hope & Grace), David Koechner (Anchorman), Melinda McGraw (Mad Men), Ryan Wynott (Tell Me You Love Me).
ABC’s description: After many years of living the so-called good life, the Pryor family is about to discover that downsizing just might be the key to living it up. Executive produced by Grammer and written by Everyone Loves Raymond scribe Tucker Cawley.
In my (j)opinion: No interest whatsoever.
Happy Town
Cast: Amy Acker (Dollhouse), John Patrick Amedori (Gossip Girl), Abraham Benrubi (ER, Men in Trees), Frances Conroy (Six Feet Under), Sarah Gadon (Being Erica), MC Gainey (Lost), Lauren German, Sam Neill (The Tudors), Jay Paulson (October Road), Geoff Stults (October Road), Dean Winters (30 Rock, Oz, Rescue Me), Robert Wisdom (The Wire).
ABC’s description: In the sleepy little hamlet of Haplin, not all secrets have been put to rest. From the executive producers of Life on Mars and October Road.
In my (j)opinion: Good cast, will give it one episode to hook me in.
The Middle
Cast: Neil Flynn (Scrubs), Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond), Charlie McDermott (Frozen River), Atticus Shaffer (Hancock), Eden Sher (Weeds).
ABC’s description: A loving wife and mother of three, she is middle class in the middle of the country and is rapidly approaching middle age.
In my (j)opinion: Not my genre.
Modern Family
Cast: Julie Bowen (Ed, Lost), Ty Burrell (Back to You), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (The Class), Nolan Gould, Sarah Hyland (Lipstick Jungle), Ed O’Neill (Married with Children), Rico Rodriguez, Eric Stonestreet (CSI), Sofia Vergara (Dirty Sexy Money), Ariel Winter (ER).
ABC’s description: Today’s American families come in all shapes and sizes. Just ask these three families. Created by Steven Levitan (Just Shoot Me) and Christopher Lloyd (Frasier).
In my (j)opinion: Looks quite entertaining. I’m in.
Shark Tank
No cast; reality show.
ABC’s description: Budding entrepreneurs are given the chance to make their dreams come true and to become successful (and possibly wealthy) business people; they have to convince 5 multi-millionaire tycoons to fund their ideas. From Mark Burnett (The Apprentice, Survivor).
In my (j)opinion: No interest.
V
Cast: Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost), Morena Baccarin (Firefly), Lourdes Benedicto (Cashmere Mafia, The Nine), Morris Chestnut (Boyz n the Hood), Joel Gretsch (The 4400), Logan Huffman, Laura Vandervoort (Smallville), Scott Wolf (Party of Five, The Nine). Alan Tudyk is also listed, but it is unclear whether or not he will be a series regular (I hope to see more of him on Dollhouse next season).
ABC’s description: The world woke up to find spaceships above every major city. The Visitors claim to have come in peace, bringing gifts of medical miracles and technological breakthroughs. They promise to do no harm. They’re lying. This is a re-imagining of the 1983 sci-fi miniseries.
In my (j)opinion: This and Flash Forward are the two new shows that I await the most with great anticipation and expectations. Season Pass-worthy for sure. Fellow Lost fans/readers know of my love for Liz Mitchell. Bonus!
CBS
Accidentally on Purpose
Cast: Jenna Elfman (Dharma & Greg), Jon Foster (Windfall), Ashley Jensen (Ugly Betty), Lennon Parham, Grant Show (Private Practice, Melrose Place), Nicolas Wright.
CBS’ description: A comedy about a female newspaper critic finds herself accidentally pregnant after a one-night stand with a younger man.
In my (j)opinion: I’ve seen Knocked Up. This version doesn’t interest me.
Arranged Marriage
No cast; reality show.
CBS’ description: Three adults who are anxious to get married choose a life-altering path. This show documents these arranged marriages.
In my (j)opinion: Ugh. Never.
The Bridge
Cast: Inga Cadranel, Frank Cassini, Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica), Ona Grauer, Theresa Joy, Michael Murphy, Paul Popowich.
CBS’ description: A tough and dedicated police officer becomes the union leader, batting criminals on the street as well as corruption in the ranks and among his own bosses.
In my (j)opinion: Yawn.
The Good Wife
Cast: Julianna Marguiles (ER, Canterbury’s Law), Chris Noth (Sex & the City), Christine Baranski (Mamma Mia), Josh Charles (In Treatment, Sports Night), Matt Czuchry (Gilmore Girls), Archie Panjabi, Graham Phillips (Evan Almighty), Makenzie Vega (The Geena Davis Show).
CBS’ description: A wife and mother must assume full responsiblity for her family and re-enter the work force after her husband’s public sex and political corruption scandal lands him in jail.
In my (j)opinion: This might be THE only show on CBS that I watch in the fall. I have always loved Marguiles and Noth, and the premise sounds intriguing.
Miami Trauma
Cast: Omar Gooding (Playmakers), Elisabeth Harnois (One Tree Hill), Jeremy Northam (The Tudors), Lana Parrilla (Swingtown).
CBS’ description: A team of expert surgeons work at one of the premiere trauma facilities in the country; only patients with life threatening injuries are treated.
In my (j)opinion: Sounds familiar. Yawn.
NCIS: Los Angeles
Cast: LL Cool J, Chris O’Donnell, Peter Cambor (Notes from the Underbelly), Louise Lombard (CSI), Daniela Ruah (Guiding Light).
CBS’ description: The world of undercover surveillance at the Office of Special Projects, a division of NCIS that apprehends dangerous and elusive criminals that pose a threat to the nation’s security.
In my (j)opinion: I don’t watch the original NCIS, so it’s doubtful that I’d tune into this one.
Three Rivers
Cast: Julia Ormond, Alex O’Loughlin (Moonlight), Joaquim de Almeida (24), Justina Machado (Six Feet Under), Katherine Moennig (The L Word), Daniel Henney (Wolverine).
CBS’ description: A medical drama that goes inside the emotionally complex lives of organ donors, the recipients and their surgeons.
In my (j)opinion: Unique, but I remain undecided.
Undercover Boss
No cast; reality show.
CBS’ description: High level corporate execs slip anonymously into lower level jobs within their companies.
In my (j)opinion: Seriously? That would be a giant NO.
CW
The Beautiful Life
Cast: Mischa Barton (The OC), Corbin Bleu (High School Musical), Emma Campbell, Ben Hollingsworth, supermodel Elle Macpherson, Ashley Madekwe (Secret Life of a Call Girl), Sara Paxton (Summerland), Conrad Pla, Jordan Woolley (As the World Turns).
The CW’s description: The life of a high-fashion model appears glamorous and sexy, but behind the beautiful facade is a world of insecurity and cut-throat competition. Co-executive produced by Ashton Kutcher.
In my (j)opinion: No thanks.
Melrose Place
Cast: Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (7th Heaven), Rosa Blasi (Strong Medicine), Katie Cassidy (Harper’s Island), Stephanie Jacobsen (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Dimitri Lekkos, Jessica Lucas (90210), Michael Rady (Greek), Shaun Sipos (Shark) and original series castmates Thomas Calabro (Michael Mancini) and Laura Leighton (Sydney Andrews).
The CW’s description: An updated version of the popular 1990′s series; a diverse group of 20-somethings have formed a surrogate family in an apartment building in Los Angeles.
In my (j)opinion: For nostaglia’s sake, could be guilty pleasure show of the new season.
Parental Discretion Advised
Cast: Shiri Appleby (Roswell), Kristoffer Polaha (Miss Guided), Brittany Robertson (Swingtown), Kerr Smith (Dawson’s Creek).
The CW’s description: After spending her life bouncing from one foster home to another, a 15 year old girl decides to become an emancipated minor. This journey leads her to her biological parents, who attempt to give her the family she deserves. From writer/producer Liz Tigelaar (Brothers & Sisters).
In my (j)opinion: I am strangely drawn to this premise and cast, so I will tune in for at least a few episodes to see if my gut feeling is valid.
The Vampire Diaries
Cast: Nina Dobrev (DeGrassi: The Next Generation), Ian Somerhalder (Lost), Paul Wesley (Army Wives), Benjamin Ayres (Smallville), Steve Belford (DeGrassi: The Next Generation), Kayla Ewell (The Bold & The Beautiful), Chris William Martin (Heartland), Steven McQueen (Everwood), Zach Roerig (As the World Turns), Michael Trevino (The Riches),
The CW’s description: A popular star student becomes fascinated with a mysterious new boy in school, who turns out to be a vampire. Co-executive produced by Kevin Williamson (Dawson’s Creek, Scream).
In my (j)opinion: I love True Blood and it sounds identical to Twilight, so I suppose I will remain on the afterlife bandwagon and give this one a shot.
FOX
Brothers
Cast: Michael Strahan (former NY Giant), Daryl Mitchell (Ed), CCH Pounder (The Shield), Carl Weathers (Rocky II).
FOX’s description: A former NFL hotshot learns that even though you can always go home again, the trip back might be tougher than you think.
In my (j)opinion: I will give it one episode, out of pure curiosity.
The Cleveland Show
Voice cast: Mike Henry (Family Guy, American Dad), Sanaa Lathan (Nip/Tuck), Reagan Gomez-Preson (The Parent ‘Hood), Kevin Michael Richardson (American Dad).
FOX’s description: Everyone’s favorite soft-spoken neighbor settles down with his high school sweetheart, her unruly kids and his teenage son. A spin-off of Family Guy.
In my (j)opinion: I don’t actually watch any animated shows, and I probably won’t start now.
Glee
Cast: Dianna Agron (Heroes), Chris Colfer, Patrick Gallagher (True Blood), Jessalyn Gilsig (Heroes), Jane Lynch (Party Down, The L Word), Jayma Mays (Heroes, Ugly Betty), Kevin McHale (Zoey 101), Lea Michele, Cory Monteith (Kyle XY), Matthew Morrison (As the World Turns), Amber Riley, Naya Rivera (The Bernie Mac Show), Mark Salling, Iqbal Theba, Jenna Ushkowitz.
FOX’s description: Uplifting comedy musical series about a high school teacher trying to reinvent the glee club, featuring a soundtrack of hit music from past to present. From Nip/Tuck writer/producer Ryan Murphy.
In my (j)opinion: Based on the recently aired pilot episode alone, my Season Pass is already set. I tend to watch darker shows with heavy drama and sci-fi, so this is a refreshing and necessary change of pace.
Human Target
Cast: Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen), Chi McBride (Pushing Daisies), Mark Valley (Fringe).
FOX’s description: Based on the DC Comics graphic novel, an action drama centered on a private contractor/security guard who makes himself a human target in order to save those in danger.
In my (j)opinion: I’m a sucker for a comic book adaptations and like this cast, so I’m in for sure.
More to Love
No cast; reality show.
FOX’s description: Dating competition series follows a single average guy with a big waist and an even bigger heart as he romances confident and secure plus-size women.
In my (j)opinion: Oh HELL no. Don’t get me started…
Past Life
Cast: Richard Schiff (The West Wing), Nicholas Bishop (Home & Away), Kelli Giddish (All My Children), Ravi Patel.
FOX’s description: Inspired by the book The Inspirationalist, this series follows an unlikely pair of past-life detectives who investigate whether what is happening to you today is the result of who you were before. From writer David Hudgins (Friday Night Lights).
In my (j)opinion: Perhaps it is because I am five seasons deep into Lost, but I’m now interested in karma and fate…so I’m in.
Sons of Tucson
Cast: Tyler Labine (Reaper), Natalie Martinez, Jake Busey (Shasta McNasty).
FOX’s description: In the tradition of Malcolm in the Middle and The Bernie Mac Show, a family comedy about three brothers who hire a charming schemer to stand in for their father when their real one goes to prison.
In my (j)opinion: Meh, I’ll pass.
NBC
100 Questions
Cast: Elizabeth Ho, Christopher Moynihan (Coupling), Joy Suprano, Amir Talai (The Ex List), David Walton (Quarterlife), Sophie Winkleman (The Chronicles of Narnia).
NBC’s description: She has been proposed to 10 times, but has yet to meet Mr. Right, so she joins an online dating service and has to take a 100-question compatibility test. Each answer requires her to recount a time in her life with her friends.
In my (j)opinion: Every comedy series about dating that I started to enjoy (The Ex List, Miss Match) has been canceled shortly after debuting, so color me hesitant. Fine, one episode it is!
Community
Cast: Chevy Chase, Joel McHale (The Soup), Alison Brie (Mad Men), Yvette Nicole Brown (Drake & Josh), Donald Glover, Gillian Jacobs (The Book of Daniel), John Oliver (The Daily Show), Danni Pudi (Greek).
NBC’s description: A smart comedy about higher eduction…and lower expectations. Focuses on a band of misfits, led by a lawyer whose degree has been revoked. They form a Breakfast Club style study group.
In my (j)opinion: The trailer made me laugh so I will tune in.
Day One
Cast: Xander Berkeley (24), Adam Campbell (Harper’s Island), Catherine Dent (The Shield), Julie Gonzalo (Eli Stone), April Grace (Lost, The Nine), David Lyons (ER), Carly Pope (24), Derek Mio (Greek), Thekla Reuten (In Bruges), Addison Timlin (Cashmere Mafia).
NBC’s description: In the aftermath of a global event that devastates the world’s infrastructures, a small band of survivors strives to rebuild society and unravel the mysteries about why the event took place and what the future holds. From executive producer/writer Jesse Alexander (Lost, Alias, Heroes).
In my (j)opinion: This is the one NBC series that I am looking forward to the most. Season Pass worthy.
Mercy
Cast: Michelle Trachtenberg (Gossip Girl), Guillermo Diaz (Weeds), James LeGros (Sleeper Cell), Delroy Lindo (Kidnapped), Jaime Lee Kirchner (Dollhouse), Diego Klattenhoff (Men in Trees), Taylor Schilling, James Tupper (Men in Trees).
NBC’s description: You haven’t seen the inside of a hospital until you’ve seen it through the eyes of these nurses, one of whom just returned from Iraq.
In my (j)opinion: I will watch the first episode to see if it truly differentiates itself from other hospital shows.
Parenthood
Cast: Bonnie Bedelia (The Division), Peter Krause (Dirty Sexy Money, Six Feet Under), Craig T. Nelson (Coach), Erika Christensen (Six Degrees), Sam Jaeger (Eli Stone), Monica Potter (Trust Me), Sarah Ramos (American Dreams), Maura Tierney (ER), Dax Shepard (Baby Mama), Mae Whitman (In Treatment).
NBC’s description: Four grown siblings share the headaches, heartaches and joys of being parents. Co-executive produced by Ron Howard, who brought us the hysterical film version in 1989, and a screenplay by Friday Night Lights showrunner Jason Katims.
In my (j)opinion: I loved the movie and this cast is pretty stellar. I’m in!
Trauma
Cast: Cliff Curtis (Live Free or Die Hard), Aimee Garcia (George Lopez), Anastasia Griffith (Damages), Derek Luke (Glory Road), Billy Lush (The Black Donnellys), Kevin Rankin (Friday Night Lights), Jamey Sheridan (Law & Order: Criminal Intent).
NBC’s description: An action-packed look at first responder paramedics in San Francisco.
In my (j)opinion: Given that the show is set very close to where I live and that one of my best friends is a paramedic, I will definitely be giving this series a try.
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So…which new shows are you most looking forward to? Chime in with a comment below!
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