The following is the list of the returning and new television comedies and dramas I'll be tuning in for this fall, starting now in September. For each of the four categories, I've listed first my most anticipated series and then the rest in the chronological order of their premiere dates. Network information and brief explanations for why I'll be watching are also given. Enjoy! And post your comments about what you'd add/subtract to my list. Please feel free to give recommendations.
The outrageous It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is back for a seventh season, and I'm oh so very happy to welcome it.
The Returning Comedies
Most Anticipated: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
When? Sep. 15
Where? FX
Why? Because Charlie Day is absolutely hilarious. Because the writing is surprising and unexpected, eleveating the humor above other simpler, TV comedy. Because the complete cast has amazing chemistry and are all talented. And, finally, because Rob McElhenney gained fifty pounds to give himself the "fat" funny edge and I'm dying to see what he does with it.
How I Met Your Mother
When? Sep. 19
Where? CBS
Why? This is a funny show, although it has become less and less entertaining and creative over the seasons. Still, Barney Stinson, as played by Neil Patrick Harris, is one of the funniest television characters, and the cast is very talented and have a natural appeal. I'll watch it in hopes that it improves over last season and brings something new to its increasingly stale plot lines.
Modern Family
When? Sep. 21
Where? ABC
Why? It's just a very easy time with this well-rounded, funny cast that deliver their above-average funny lines with full, comedic conviction.
Parks and Recreations
When? Sep. 22
Where? NBC
Why? Because it's the funniest network sitcom on television. Amy Poehler. Ron Swanson's moustache. Great guest appearances.
The Big Bang Theory
When? Sep. 22
Where? CBS
Why? Jim Parsons's Sheldon Cooper. And a great cast, of both dorky men and also dorky (with one former cheer leader) ladies.
Community has seen better days than the second part of last season. Here's to hoping it gets really funny again; all the potential is there.
Community
When? Sep. 22
Where? NBC
Why? It was once really funny and has recently faltered. I'm hoping the talented cast and writing team and bring it round again, back to its great, hilarious origins.
The Office
When? Sep. 22
Where? NBC
Why? The Office without Michael Scott (Steve Carell) but with a great James Spader instead and the still very funny cast will be an experiment worth witnessing and, hopefully, enjoying. I thought the last Michael-free episodes weren't disasters and were still pretty strong, so I have high hopes for the future - although hopefully short - of The Office.
How to Make It in America
When? Oct. 2
Where? HBO
Why? It had a decent first season and shows promise to continue being a fun, although unthrilling and mostly unsurprising, half hour. But it's better than most comedies and it's always nice to see New York City in all its glory, even if it's limited to the lower east side.
Bored to Death
When? Oct. 10
Where? HBO
Why? A strong trio cast (Zach Galifianakis, Jason Schwartzman, and Ted Danson) of hilarious men.
The Returning Dramas
Downton Abbey's large, talented cast - headed by a brilliant Maggie Smith - will be back for some more great drama with that great British comedic touch.
Most Anticipated: Downton Abbey
When? Sep. 18
Where? BBC America
Sons of Anarchy
When? Sep. 6
Where? FX
Why? Read my recommendation HERE. In brief, because it's an exciting, eventful show that features strong acting and good writing.
Boardwalk Empire
When? Sep. 25
Where? HBO
Why? It's HBO, and because it needs to improve on its first season. Second seasons are always exciting; they're where shows really become great, growing in dimension and learning from the mistakes and strengths of their debut seasons. We were left with new intrigues and dynamics, and I'm interested to see what the show does with them.
Luther
When? Sep. 28
Where? BBC America
Why? Already saw it and it was pretty good - not as good as the first season - and still features great acting, especially from star Idris Elba, and smart, sharp writing.
Dexter has always been a reliable fun hour of television. Season 6 should be no different.
Dexter
When? Oct. 2
Where? Showtime
Why? It's just such a fun, witty show. Michael C. Hall is great to watch. And this season has some fun surprise guests, including Edward James Olmos. Read more HERE.
The Walking Dead
When? Oct. 16
Where? AMC
Why? As with Boardwalk Empire, this was a highly-rated, highly-anticipated premiere last year that let me down but still managed to entertain me enough for me to keep watching and enjoy it. Again, second seasons are crucial. I'm very excited to see what this contemplative zombie-drama does a second time around. Also, this season we get a full, 12-episode arc, and not that miserly 6-episode one that made up its debut.
The New Comedies
I'm excited to see what turned the fabulous Laura Dern onto television; and HBO always delivers creative comedy.
Most Anticipated: Enlightened
When? Oct. 10
Where? HBO
Why? Laura Dern in a television comedy! LAURA DERN! And Luke Wilson there to help. And it's HBO.
Up All Night
When? Sep. 14
Where? NBC
Why? Will Arnett, its lead, is really funny. Christina Appelgate, its other lead, is okay, but her boss is played by Maya Rudolph who I found to be one of the last remaining funny people of SNL before she quit to do Hollywood. But mostly, I'm watching for Will Arnett and the reviews so far seem to be pretty positive.
The New Dramas
Hell on Wheels is AMC's next attempt at greatness, and I'm happy to have it while I wait for the Mad Men 2012 premiere.
Most Anticipated: Hell on Wheels
When? Nov. 6
Where? AMC
Why? AMC. Pretty much that's my only reason for really being excited about this. I would say more "curious" than actually excited, considering that The Killing ended up being just an above-average show that left me wanting much more, though still believing in its potential to be great and its strong qualities. But the trailer reminds me of Deadwood, a previous HBO show that was cancelled much too early and that I thoroughly enjoyed. I just have no idea what to expect from this new AMC venture, which makes it especially enticing to me.
Prime Suspect
When? Sep. 22
Where? NBC
Why? This is one I'll probably watch just the premiere of and see how that goes before deciding to continue. I'm not committing myself quite yet. But I really like Maria Bello, and I'm always interested in why good actors with flourishing careers decide to do television. Plus, U.S. versions of great European shows seem to be doing pretty good, so I'll tune in.
Person of Interest
When? Sep. 22
Where? CBS
Why? It's created by J.J. Abrams. Need I say more?
Terra Nova
When? Sep. 26
Where? Fox
Why? I need my dose of science fiction drama, and why not go to the source: Spielberg. I'm not committed but we'll see how the debut goes.
Homeland
When? Oct. 2
Where? Showtime
Why? I'm intrigued that Showtime made a new drama, to accompany Dexter, and it stars movie veteran Claire Danes.
American Horror Story
When? Oct. 5
Where? FX
Why? Just to see what this bizarre thing really is. It's really for the premiere and we'll see if its ridiculousness is good - and worth pursuing - or just plain bad. And, it's on FX, which had produced some great television.
Notes: Late Returns
There are a few shows that would normally be premiering around now but have been put on hold. I'll definitely be watching AMC's Mad Men, when it finally comes back in February 2012, as well as Tina Fey comedy 30 Rock, to return in 2012 for its last season.
Recent and Upcoming Season Finales: Summer TV
The summer months have given us some great shows, warming up the seat for the fall stars. I've really enjoyed comedies Louie, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Wilfred. Of course there's Breaking Bad, that already at its midway point. But I'd also like to draw attention to a new show on USA (a network never before mentioned here!): Suits. It had its season finale last week and has been a very enjoyable show all season.
kelly
September 17, 2011
Thank you for no Glee!! I like your list. Wish I had more time and consciousness for TV.