Fall 2013

Welcome to my annual Fall TV preview.  

To those of you who are returning readers, you know the drill.  For those of you new to my write-up, here's the story.  By day (and some nights) I work on health care policy, but by night (and some days) I enjoy my pop culture, especially my TV.  So each year I share what I'm watching and my impressions of the new shows.

A couple of things to keep in mind - TV is changing - in fact to continue to call it "TV" is a bit of a misnomer.  People watch on their computers, their tablets and even their phones (kids today, I'm telling you, get off my lawn).  Also, while when I was growing up there were 3 networks to choose from, now there are over 300 channel options on most cable systems.  This year we can add original programming coming from Netflix and Amazon - shows that are never "broadcast" at all.  And of course, we can't forget all the premium cable channels.  It's exhausting just writing about it, so as much as I would like to, I can't cover it all (at least not while I still have this health care crisis to deal with).   So here are my parameters - I am not (yet) covering the non-broadcast shows (so no House of Cards and no Orange is the New Black).  I also have a large enough cable bill with my two DVRs, so no premium channels for me (which means no Homeland and no VEEP).

Next, please consider this your generic spoiler alert – my discussion of returning shows may reference info from last season, if you haven’t kept up and don’t want to know, don’t read.  Also, my discussions of new shows reflect information readily available that may have minor plot details. 

OK, we're almost ready to start, my last warning is that I like what I like - I have a bias towards sci-fi shows and against Law & Order and reality TV.  For the new shows, I share what I've read about all of them but for existing shows I stick to what I watch.  As you read on remember, I won't judge your taste, please don't judge mine.

Finally, it's time to actually talk about the shows!  I'll begin by noting two programs you are probably not watching (and probably won't but that's OK, I don't take it personally).  First is Doctor Who - this year is the 50th anniversary!  That's a long time for a show to be on the air...  What is the show about you might ask?  To quote Craig Ferguson "It's all about the triumph of intellect and romance over brute force and cynicism" (to see what I am talking about, check out this link: http://youtu.be/M9P4SxtphJ4).  Now doesn't that sound like a show worth watching?

Second is the best show on TV this summer that you never heard of:  Orphan Black (http://www.bbcamerica.com/orphan-black/).  The show is about a woman who discovers she is one of several clones - and the mysteries around why she was created and the bad guys out to get her.  Before you skip the rest of the paragraph, know that the lead actress (Tatiana Maslany) won this year's Television Critics Award for individual achievement in drama.  Also note that at the end of the day, the sci-fi clone thing is just a MacGuffin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGuffin), the show at its heart is a great drama and mystery.  The first season has concluded but BBC America is replaying the whole thing starting this week (Sept 14 10 PM) .

To guide you on the rest of the your journey, you'll find the following sections:

·         My Fall 2013 Schedule

·         Notes on my returning shows

·         New shows

·         Shows not on this fall but coming back mid-year

·         Resources so you can draw your own conclusions

Happy viewing!

My Fall 2013 Schedule:

If you can't make out the image, here is a PDF (thanks to the magic of Google Docs):  

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3uDlkTuDK4Uem5xMzdMTXQtY3M/edit?usp=sharing

Note that Almost Human (premiering 11/4) and Raising Hope (premiering 11/5) are on my list but not on the schedule because of their late premiers.

Notes on My Returning Shows:

2 1/2 Men - Yes it's silly, but as we say in our house, silly is good.  This year they add the late Charlie Harper's grown daughter - who takes after Charlie in many ways.

2 Broke Girls - The jokes can be infantile but there is a real warmth and friendship between the two lead actresses.  Plus cupcakes!

Arrow - An enjoyable fun show- they are just starting to explore the DC universe.  While it didn't (and won't) get as much buzz as the new Marvel show (see S.H.E.I.L.D. below) it's a fun ride.

Big Bang Theory - Sheldon and Lenard!  Started watching cause while not as smart as them, growing up I was as socially inept as them.  Stuck with it cause they tell good stories about nice people in a funny way.  This is that rare show that although now entering its seventh season, it is more popular than ever and the story telling continues to go new places.

Castle - Castle proposed to Becket - they went there!  No fear of the Moonlighting curse with these writers.  We get to watch their relationship grow (my money says her answer is yes) in a sweet way while still solving murders.  The occasional Browncoat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browncoat)  references don't hurt either :)

Covert Affairs - Piper Perabo is a spy for the CIA - pure fun! 

Elementary - When this show premiered last year all anyone could say was "it's no Sherlock".  True, it's not.  But it doesn't try to be, instead it's  a unique take on Sherlock Holmes in modern day NY.  Interesting mysteries and interesting characters - what more could you ask for?

Good Wife - Are you not watching this show yet?  Continues to be one of the best dramas on TV.  Great writing, great guest stars and characters you care about.

Hawaii 5-0 - With its move to Friday night's this year the show may not last much longer.  That said, who doesn't like looking at beautiful things (both the islands and the people)?  What better way to mindlessly unwind after a long week?

How I Met Your Mother - It's time, OK, it's past time.  Even the kids agree (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/20/how-i-met-your-mother-comic-con_n_3629340.html).  But after 8 years I'm sticking around to meet the woman with the yellow umbrella...

Mentalist - This fall WE FIND OUT WHO RED JOHN IS.  Enough said...

Middle, The - One of the most underrated comedies on TV.  They are a real family with (mostly) real problems.  Great acting doesn't hurt either!

Mindy Project - To be honest, this is my bubble show - I really like her but the show is uneven.  So while I'm sticking with it for now, if you're not I understand.

Modern Family - Last season was a bit week.  That said the characters are great and sometimes they still knock it out of the park. 

Nashville - Do you think Deacon and Rayna and Deacon will survive the crash?  What, you have no idea what I'm talking about?  This soap about the country music scene is a guilty pleasure - and if there were any doubts about its soap-opera heritage, the season-ending car-crash cliff-hanger (say that 10 times fast) proved the point.

Once Upon a Time - All the fairy tales ever told are true - they just take place in different words.  With Disney opening up its copy-write vaults there is no telling who will meet who - we know this season in addition to Snow White and Captain Hook we'll meet Arial... 

Person of Interest - Deus ex machina (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deus_ex_machina) in its purest form - the numbers come from a god-like machine, and the numbers give every episode it's plot.  This show continues to stay on the tightrope by balancing the weekly adventure with the ongoing mystery.  Well worth your time.

Raising Hope - The goofiest family on TV.  And similar to my feelings on silly (see above), goofy is good :)

Revolution - The power went out because Juliet (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0008685/?ref_=tt_cl_t1) didn't want to lose her son.  Then the power came back on, then two cities have been destroyed by nuclear missiles.  Now the President (maybe) is coming back to the US on a sailing ship.  Still with me?  No, didn't think you would be. ..

Scandal - WATCH THIS SHOW - More twists and turns than a strand of DNA...  All unexpected, all fun and all keep you coming back for more.

Vampire Diaries - If you look in the dictionary under the term guilty pleasure, you see a promo for this show.  Vampires, Witches, Wearwolves oh my!

Walking Dead - Great drama in this, one of  the most watched non-sports program in the country.  Plus, lots of helpful tips on how to survive the zombie apocalypse (because you know it's coming...).

White Collar - Light airy and fun - The USA network has a brand and knows how to fulfill expectations.

New Shows (the ones I’m sampling are marked with an *):

Trying something different this year - first is the name and info on the show, then in italics are my comments, then below is the summary from TV Guide.  This way I can be snarky but don't have to rewrite the descriptions :) 

*Almost Human (Fox Premieres: Monday, Nov. 4 at 8/7c) - Yes they are remaking robocop as a movie, no this show is not connected to it, yes I will be watching (or at least sampling), no I don't expect many of you to follow my lead.

Not to be confused with Syfy's Being Human, in this futuristic cop drama from Fringe's J.J. Abrams and J.H. Wyman, human LAPD officers (like Karl Urban's John Kennex) are partnered with highly evolved androids (like Michael Ealy's Dorian). Yes, it's like Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E., except with more lifelike robots and without the awkward dude to remote-control them.

Back in the Game (ABC Premieres: Wednesday, Sep. 25 at 8/7c) - There is a class of comedy this season which this falls into, for lack of a better label we'll call them shoulda coulda woulda.  These are shows with good casts, a premise that is no worse than many others but that just doesn't work...  So no, I'm not playing this game.

Batter up! Psych's Maggie Lawson stars as a divorced single mother and former all-star softball player who moves in with her estranged father, Terry "The Cannon" Gannon Sr. (James Caan), a beer-swilling ex-baseball player. Father and daughter reconnect when they start coaching a Little League team together. The comedy comes from Las Vegas' Mark and Robb Cullen, and also stars Ben Koldyke and Lenora Crichlow.

Betrayal (ABC Premieres: Sunday, Sep. 29 at 10/9c) - I'm told if you like Revenge you will like Betrayal.  I don't like Revenge (even if it is a dish best served cold...)

After Revenge comes Betrayal — literally, it follows Emily Thorne & Co. Sara (Hannah Ware), an unhappily married photographer, starts a torrid affair with Jack (Stuart Townsend), a lawyer for a powerful family. The catch: Jack is defending a murder suspect who is being prosecuted by Sara's husband, Drew (Chris J. Johnson), kick-starting a series of calamitous consequences. Talk about an affair to remember.

*The Blacklist (NBC Premieres: Monday, Sep. 23 at 10/9c) - According to the buzz, one of the two best new dramas of the season (see Hostages below).  So add me to the list.

What do you get when you give The Silence of the Lambs a procedural twist? A bald James Spader. The three-time Emmy winner returns to TV as Raymond "Red" Reddington, one of the most-wanted fugitives who strikes a deal with the FBI: He will help them take down super-criminals on a blacklist who have thus far evaded capture. The catch? He will only work with rookie agent Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone). The drama comes from Jon Bokenkamp and also stars Ryan Eggold, Harry Lennix and Diego Klattenhoff.

*Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox Premieres: Tuesday, Sep. 17 at 8/7c) - I loved Barney Miller, I think Andy Samberg is funny and I think Andre Braugher is just plain cool.  All that plus good buzz means I'll be serving my time in this precinct.  

Parks and Recreation's Dan Goor and Michael Schur bring you TV's newest odd couple: Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher as an immature detective and his tough, by-the-books captain, respectively. Terry Crews, Joe Lo Truglio, Melissa Fumero, Chelsea Peretti and Stephanie Beatriz co-star. No matter how the comedy does, it's already a winner: Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a way better title than The Artist Formerly Known as The 2-2.

Cold Justice (TNT Premieres: Tuesday, Sep. 3 at 10/9c) -  How did this get on the list?  Law & Order plus reality show?  Either is cause for me to run away.

Law & Order + Cold Case = this reality show from Dick Wolf. Former prosecutor Kelly Seigler and former crime-scene investigator Yolanda McClary team up to try to uncover new clues in unsolved small-town murders. No word if there'll be a chung-chung.

*The Crazy Ones (CBS Premieres: Thursday, Sep. 26 at 9/8c) - Mork and Buffy?  I'm in.  Plus according to the buzz one of the two best new comedies of the season (see Alex Keaton below).

Here's to the crazy ones — which now include Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar apparently. In his first TV series since Mork & Mindy, Williams plays Simon Roberts, a kooky genius who runs the Roberts & Roberts advertising agency with his levelheaded daughter Sydney (Gellar). Created by David E. Kelley, the sitcom also stars James Wolk, Hamish Linklater and Amanda Setton, and features a hilarious cameo in the first episode by Kelly Clarkson (Tip: Stick around for the closing-credits blooper reel.)

Dads (Fox Premieres: Tuesday, Sep. 17 at 8/7c) - Although I admire Seth Green, this one doesn't even make it to the  shoulda coulda woulda category.  Stay away.

From Seth MacFarlane, the comedy stars Seth Green and Giovanni Ribisi as two video game developers whose lives are disrupted when their fathers (Peter Riegert and Martin Mull) move in with them. And what's a MacFarlane show without some controversy? Dads has already drawn the ire of critics for its crass, sexist and racially insensitive jokes.

*Dracula (NBC Premieres: Friday, Oct. 25 at 10/9c) - How could I not at least try?  It's also being offered this year as a limited run series, there will only be 10 episodes.  While I shouldn't generalize, I will anyway.  Often when there is a small fixed number of episodes from the beginning,  the plotting is tighter and they know where they are going to end before they start.  I'm in.

Why create new vampires when you can just revisit the most famous one of all? A reimagining of Bram Stoker's Dracula, the horror thriller, from Carnivale's Daniel Knauf, stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the classic vamp who comes to London posing as an American entrepreneur who wants to introduce Victorian society to modern science (how steampunk!). Of course, Drac is just there to seek revenge on those who've wronged him. Along the way, he falls in love with Mina Murray (Jessica De Gouw), who seems to be a reincarnation of his dead wife. The show was ordered straight-to-series for 10 episodes.

Enlisted (Fox Premieres: Friday, Nov. 8 at 9/8c) - Consider me a conscientious objector...  Watching this show is not a good way to support our troops.  Contribute to the USO instead.

Ten-hut! Geoff Stults, Chris Lowell and Parker Young star in this comedy as three very different brothers who must learn to work together when they're assigned to the Rear Detachment, a base for soldiers not deployed overseas. The show is based on creator Kevin Biegel's relationship with his siblings.

The Goldbergs (ABC Premieres: Tuesday, Sep. 24 at 9/8c) - So I'm getting kind of a Wonder Years in the 80s.  Just not feeling the love, I don't find the concept exciting but as always, if you do I won't judge.

Break out your parachute pants and shoulder pads! The '80s are back! Based on the home movies that creator Adam F. Goldberg's made of his own eccentric family in childhood, the sitcom follows a loud, matching Cosby sweater-wearing family headed by mom Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) and dad Murray (Jeff Garlin). Sean Giambrone plays 11-year-old Adam, who films his family's exploits.

*Hostages (CBS Premieres: Monday, Sep. 23 at 10/9c) - This is the other of the two (see Blacklist above).  How can I not let them take me? 

Based on an Israeli series that was never produced, the suspense thriller stars Toni Collette as Ellen Sanders, a surgeon who is hired to operate on the President of the United States. A rogue FBI agent (Dermot Mulroney Dylan McDermott) kidnaps the Sanders family and threatens their lives lest Ellen kill the president. The first season will consist of 15 episodes.

Ironside (NBC Premieres: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 10/9c) - At first I wanted to like this (having watched the original growing up), but the consensus is that there is just no there there...  so roll on by. 

NBC is digging into its past to look for another hit. A remake of its 1960s series, the police procedural stars Blair Underwood as the titular detective-in-a-wheelchair made famous by Raymond Burr. Brent Sexton, Pablo Schreiber, Spencer Grammer, Neal Bledsoe and Kenneth Choi co-star. Needless to say, it'd be blasphemous if they don't use a version of Quincy Jones' classic (and catchy) siren-heavy theme song.

Lucky 7 (ABC Premieres: Tuesday, Sep. 24 at 10/9c) - Here's one I went back and forth on.  At first I was completely dismissive.  However, the consensus is that they've done this show about seven lottery winners in a new and different way.  But, at the end of the day I just couldn't get myself to care.  So for me it's one more loosing ticket.

An adaptation of the British series The Syndicate, seven employees (Stephen Louis Grush, Matt Long, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Summer Bishil, Anastasia Phillips, Lorraine Bruce and Luis Antonio Ramos) at a Queens gas station find their lives upended when they win the lottery.

*Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC Premieres: Tuesday, Sep. 24 at 8/7c) - The Avengers has taken in 1.5 billion dollars worldwide.  Hard to argue with numbers like that...  Factor in  the built in audience that will follow Joss Whedon anywhere (Buffy, Firefly, The Avengers) and it's hard to imagine this not being the most successful new show of the season.  And did I mention Coulson lives and Robyn Sparkles stops by?

Coulson lives! Clark Gregg reprises his Avengers role in the Joss Whedon drama — despite his death at the hands of Loki in the film — as Agent Phil Coulson, who assembles a team of top-secret agents, including Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker and Elizabeth Henstridge. Cobie Smulders makes a cameo in the pilot as Agent Maria Hill, who knows exactly how Coulson was resurrected. Oh, and Coulson has a sweet new ride named Lola.

Masterchef Junior (Fox Premieres: Friday, Sep. 27 at 8/7c) - Looks cute for some, not for me.

Will Gordon Ramsay watch his tongue around the kiddies? This Masterchef spin-off features aspiring chefs between the ages of 8 and 13 who get the chance to show off their skills for Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot. So yes, temper tantrums and outbursts will finally be justified.

*The Michael J. Fox Show (NBC Premieres: Thursday, Sep. 26 at 9/8c) - The other of the "two best new comedies".  Take one of TVs best actors, add in a story based kinda-sorta on his own life and you're off to a good start.  Add on that the buzz says this plays from the first moments like a show that has been on for a while (that's a good thing, it  means  the kinks are worked out) and it looks like NBC finally (finally!) has a comedy that more than the critics will watch. 

Thirteen years after leaving Spin City, Fox is returning to TV full-time as a character with Parkinson's — because it's based on his life. Fox plays Mike Henry, a news anchor who retired to focus on his health and his family, which includes Betsy Brandt as his wife, but decides to return to work five years later. How much is NBC banking on the beloved three-time Emmy winner? The comedy received a straight-to-series order of 22 episodes.

The Millers (CBS Premieres: Thursday, Sep. 26 at 8/7c) -  Shoulda coulda woulda...  Look at the cast, Margo Martindale!  But apparently they still couldn't make it work.

In his third show on a third network in four years, Will Arnett plays Nathan Miller, a news reporter who makes the mistake of telling his parents Tom (Beau Bridges) and Carol (Margo Martindale) that he just got divorced. Why? Tom then decides to leave Carol, who moves in Nathan. If you like fart jokes, this is the show for you!

*Mom  (CBS Premieres: Monday, Sep. 23 at 9/8c) - Good buzz and great actresses.  Mommy I'm home.

Chuck Lorre's fourth CBS sitcom stars Anna Faris as Christy, a recovering alcoholic and single mom who moves to Napa Valley, Calif., for a fresh start, but continues to clash with her mom Bonnie (Allison Janney). Sounds kind of like Lorre's old shows Grace Under Fire and Cybill right? Let's hope there aren't any, um, off-screen issues here.

*Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (ABC Premieres: Thursday, Oct. 10 at 8/7c) - Contrary to what ABC would like to believe, if you don't like/watch Once Upon a Time, just keep moving.  Me, I'm warped enough to enjoy it so I'll give the spinoff a try.

The Once Upon a Time spin-off is, duh, based on Alice in Wonderland. But this Alice (Sophie Lowe) finds herself in an asylum, after her father catches wind of her tales about falling down a rabbit hole to Wonderland, where she met all the usual suspects: The White Rabbit (John Lithgow), The Knave of Hearts (Michael Socha), The Queen of Hearts (Barbara Hershey) and Aladdin's Jafar (Naveen Andrews). There's also a genie named Cyrus (Peter Gadiot), who also happens to be the unrequited love of Alice's life.

*The Originals (CW Premieres: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9/8c) - See entry above, replace ABC with CW and Once Upon a Time with Vampire Diaries.  My warped taste remains the same. 

Big Easy living is fun when you're undead. The Vampire Diaries spin-off tells the story of the world's original vamps, Klaus (Joseph Morgan), his brother Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and sister Rebekah (Claire Holt), as they return to New Orleans, the city they built, to reunite with Klaus' former protégé Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), who now rules the city with an army of obedient vampires and witches. Klaus chooses to stay after he learns that Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) is pregnant after their one-night stand, and their child could one day be king of the city. Take that, royal baby!

Reign (CW Premieres: Thursday, Oct. 17 at 9/8c) - Gossip Girl in the Middle Ages?  Even I'm not buying this one.  will someone reign them in?

Who needs to take AP European History when you've got The CW to school you? Adelaide Kane plays Mary, Queen of Scots, who is preparing to marry Prince Francis of France (Toby Regbo) in hopes of creating a strategic alliance for Scotland. Spoiler alert! They married in real life, but the historical drama will take some poetic license, adding complications in the form of his controlling mother Queen Catherine de' Medici (Megan Follows) and the seer Nostradamus (Rossif Sutherland), who contends that the marriage will cost the prince his life. And what's a CW series without a love triangle? Torrance Coombs plays the completely fictional Bash, Francis' bastard half-brother.

Sean Saves the World (NBC Premieres: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 9/8c) -  Shoulda coulda woulda - I really wanted to like this.  Sean Hayes is great, I miss Will and Grace and then they made him appear on Smash so we owe him one.  But alas, consensus seems to be that Sean can't even save himself.

It's not Just Jack anymore. Sean Hayes returns to TV as a career-oriented divorced gay dad who is determined to become the world's best father after his 14-year-old daughter Ellie (Sami Isler) moves in with him. Linda Lavin, Thomas Lennon, Echo Kellum, Vik Sahay and Hayes' Smash co-star Megan Hilty also star.

Sleepy Hollow (Fox Premieres: Monday, Sep. 16 at 9/8c) - The best comment I read about this show was that the first episode plays more like a Saturday Night Live skit than a real show.  Someone should put it to sleep quickly.

Tom Mison stars as Ichabod Crane in this modern-day retelling of Washington Irving's classic short story, from Fringe's Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. Frozen in time for 250 years, Crane awakes to partner up with Sleepy Hollow's sheriff Abbie Mills (Nicole Beharie) to solve the mysteries of a town ravaged by evil forces, including Death, aka the Headless Horseman, who's also found his way to the present. Don't lose your head over this show!

Super Fun Night (ABC Premieres: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 9/8c) - Almost a  shoulda coulda woulda just for having Rebel Wilson.  But they make her speak with an American accent and that was not the last bad decision made in creating the show.  Have a super fun night and watch something else.

Created by Rebel Wilson and Conan O'Brien, the show actually refers to Friday night, not Wednesday. (Missed marketing opportunity, ABC.) That's when Kimmie (Wilson), Helen-Alice (Lauren Ash) and Marika (Liza Lapira) have their long-standing "Friday Fun Night" tradition, in which they stay at home in their pajamas. But that might all be coming to an end now that Kimmie has gotten a promotion at her law firm and is invited to a party by her co-worker Richard (Kevin Bishop). And no, your ears are not deceiving you: Wilson is doing an American accent. Crikey!

*The Tomorrow People (CW Premieres: Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 9/8c) - Seems like this is the CWs best shot at a winner for this season.  Another of the I don't expect many of you to give it a shot but don't judge me for doing so.

Wednesday will be Amell Night on The CW. Robbie Amell, cousin of Arrow's Stephen Amell, stars as Stephen (confused yet?), a teen who begins hearing voices and teleporting in his sleep. It turns out that he, along with Peyton List, Luke Mitchell and Aaron Yoo, represent the next stage in human evolution, each possessing unique, special powers. The series is based on the U.K. series of the same name and comes from The Vampire Diaries' Julie Plec and Arrow's Greg Berlanti.

*Trophy Wife (ABC Premieres: Tuesday, Sep. 24 at 9/8c) - So ABC has this problem with sitcom titles - can you say "Cougar Town"?  So get past what the title seems to indicate about the show.  All indications are its well done and a lot of laughs - it may not take home a first place trophy but it could win Miss Congeniality.

Malin Akerman is Kate, a reformed party girl who marries Brad (Bradley Whitford) after meeting him at a karaoke bar. He comes with a lot of baggage though: three manipulative kids and two ex-wives (Marcia Gay Harden and Michaela Watkins) who, suffice it to say, don't approve of Kate. Shocking!

We Are Men (CBS Premieres: Monday, Sep. 30 at 8/7c) - No they aren't, they are idiots.

Get ready for lots of testosterone. After Carter (Chris Smith) is left at the altar, he moves to a short-term apartment complex, where he's befriended by three fellow bachelors: Stuart (Jerry O'Connell), an OB/GYN in the middle of his second divorce who apparently doesn't own shirts, Frank (Tony Shalhoub), a four-time divorcee and ladies' man, and Gil (Kal Penn), who's desperately trying to win his wife back after he got caught in an affair.

Welcome to the Family (NBC Premieres: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 8/7c) - Last show on the list and last  shoulda coulda woulda.  I wanted to like the show, Kurt's dad and Carlos as the two fathers sounds like a winner, but alas they will not be welcome on my TV.

Cultures clash when a white family, including Mike O'Malley and Mary McCormack, and a Latino family, including Ricardo Chavira and Justina Machado, come together when their kids (Ella Rae Peck and Joey Haro) fall in love. It's just like ¡Rob!, but without the upside-down exclamation point.

Shows not on this fall but coming back mid-year

No commentary here, just a list of more what I'll be watching later in the season. 

·         Americans, The

·         Archer

·         Community

·         Cougar Town

·         Downton Abbey (1/5/14)

·         Falling Skies

·         Intelligence (2/24/14)

·         Justified

·         Lost Girl

·         Nikita

·         Suburgatory

·         Warehouse 13

Resources

TV Guide’s Fall Preview (most comprehensive site, great for basic research):  http://www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview/fall-schedule.aspx

TV Line’s Fall Preview (helpful sight, I trust most of their opinions):  http://tvline.com/Fall-preview-schedule-tv-shows-guide/

Zap2It’s Fall Preview (yet another comprehensive site): http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/fall-tv-preview/

Entertainment Weekly’s Fall TV (more geared towards news and casting updates, but worth a look):  http://www.ew.com/ew/package/0,,20302134,00.html

Television without Pity (worth a look for their opinions and snark): http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/fall_preview/

The Daily Beast (worth a look for their opinions and snark):  http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2013/09/04/fall-tv-2013-previews-9-shows-to-watch-9-shows-to-skip-photos.html#introSlide

HAPPY VIEWING!