New Fall Shows: What to Watch, What to Miss

After the long, dry spell caused by the recent writers' strike, TV is back for fall 2008 with the usual suspects -- shows we can't wait to see, those we're willing to give a chance ... and the ones that'll seem to disappear before their first commercial break. Check out all the new network shows here, and let us help you decide which ones to make appointment viewing ... and which ones you can probably just ignore. <i>-- By Maggie Furlong and Kelly Woo</i>

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/90210/10235899/main' target='_blank'>'90210'</a></font> (8PM, Tuesdays, The CW)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> It's got the built-in fan base of the original cult favorite, plus plenty of buzz surrounding the returning players and the sexy new cast. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> Most of those fans have long since graduated from West Beverly. It'll take a new direction and steamier storylines to get this one to reach <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/gossip-girl/1341968/main' target='_blank'>'Gossip Girl'</a> status. <b>Verdict:</b> Don't Miss

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-mentalist/10235896/main' target='_blank'>'The Mentalist'</a></font> (9PM, Tuesdays, CBS)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> An interesting new take on detective dramas, <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/simon-baker/199704' target='_blank'>Simon Baker's</a> Patrick Jane has a close connection with the target he's tracking. He's pretty easy on the eyes too. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> Baker is also notorious for cursing the shows he's on, so if his team doesn't stay as strong as its leader, we could see the drama fizzling fast. <b>Verdict:</b> Give It a Chance

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-ex-list/10235898/main' target='_blank'>'The Ex List'</a></font> (9PM, Fridays, CBS)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> With a few cocktails and good friends to watch with, this frothy romantic comedy could turn Fridays into girls' night in. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> The first episode felt a bit gimmicky. And re-dating your ex-boyfriends? So not healthy. <b>Verdict</b>: Catch It If You Can

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/stylista/10235901/main' target='_blank'>'Stylista'</a></font> (9PM, Wednesdays, The CW)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> People love to watch reality competitions involving cruel and unusual punishment, and working for magazine editor <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/anne-slowey/594203' target='_blank'>Anne Slowey</a> looks almost unbearable. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> The biggest negative surrounding the show is how forcibly <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-devil-wears-prada/23758/main' target='_blank'>'Devil Wears Prada'</a> it all is. Elle magazine is not Vogue we wish they wouldn't try so hard to be. <b>Verdict:</b> Give It a Chance

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/do-not-disturb/10235902/main' target='_blank'>'Do Not Disturb'</a></font> (9:30 PM, Wednesdays, Fox)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> There's always room for a new sitcom or two and the current ratings winners prove that you never know what people will latch on to. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> The premise is very basic and the characters a tad too familiar, so don't expect it to break any new ground in the creativity department. <b>Verdict:</b> Jury's Out

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/life-on-mars/10235891/main' target='_blank'>'Life on Mars'</a></font> (10 PM, Thursdays, ABC)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> The British original was a hit across the pond, and this new take boasts a sterling cast, with <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jason-omara/408470' target='_blank'>Jason O'Mara</a>, <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/michael-imperioli/34393' target='_blank'>Michael Imperioli</a>, <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/gretchen-mol/223418' target='_blank'>Gretchen Mol</a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/harvey-keitel/37381' target='_blank'>Harvey Keitel</a>. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> It's never promising when a pilot is almost entirely recast and reshot, and the original showrunner (some guy named <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/david-e-kelley/97075' target='_blank'>David E. Kelley</a>) is replaced. <b>Verdict:</b> Give It a Chance

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/fringe/10235903/main' target='_blank'>'Fringe'</a></font> (9PM, Tuesdays, Fox)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jj-abrams/240910' target='_blank'>J.J. Abrams</a> purposely made this <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-x-files/49289/main' target='_blank'>'X-Files'</a>-meets-<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/house/113097/main' target='_blank'>'House'</a> procedural easier to follow for casual viewers. The action-packed setup and amazing cast don't hurt either. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> Super-complicated storylines are what got <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/lost/113094/main' target='_blank'>'Lost'</a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/alias/69699/main' target='_blank'>'Alias'</a> fans hooked; TV geeks may get bored if the big conspiracy isn't juicy enough. <b>Verdict:</b> Don't Miss

<font color='#1C5BB0'>'Surviving Suburbia'</font> (7:30PM, Sundays, The CW)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/bob-saget/62604' target='_blank'>Bob Saget</a> has left behind his gee-golly <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/full-house/221104/main' target='_blank'>'Full House'</a> days and reclaimed his raunchy comedic style. This family sitcom could be his <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/married-with-children/62847/main' target='_blank'>'Married ... With Children.'</a> <b>Why It Might Not:</b> Or it could be his <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/til-death/875166/main' target='_blank'>'Til Death.'</a> <b>Verdict:</b> Jury's Out

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/americas-toughest-jobs/10202905/main' target='_blank'>'America's Toughest Jobs'</a></font> (8PM, Fridays, NBC)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> From the guy who brought us <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/deadliest-catch/1251848/main' target='_blank'>'Deadliest Catch'</a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/ice-road-truckers/261474/main' target='_blank'>'Ice Road Truckers,'</a> this insiders' look at the toughest jobs gets an audience-friendly reality twist. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> Would you rather watch actual crab fishermen and oil drillers do their perilous jobs, or a legal secretary? Yeah, it's a toss-up for us too. <b>Verdict:</b> Give It a Chance

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/privileged/10235900/main' target='_blank'>'Privileged'</a></font> (9PM, Tuesdays, The CW)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> Like <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/gossip-girl/1341968/main' target='_blank'>'Gossip Girl,'</a> the CW's new drama is about spoiled rich kids. But with showrunner <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/rina-mimoun/535192' target='_blank'>Rina Mimoun</a> (<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/everwood/79977/main' target='_blank'>'Everwood'</a>) at the helm, expect more heart and soul. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> How long can the conflict between tutor and pupils go on? And what happens when they achieve their goal of getting into Duke? Teen dramas almost never survive college. <b>Verdict:</b> Give It a Chance

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/opportunity-knocks/10235892/main' target='_blank'>'Opportunity Knocks'</a></font> (8PM, Tuesdays, ABC)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> The premise is interesting and still family-friendly, without being too <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/are-you-smarter-than-a-5th-grader/1237807/main' target='_blank'>'5th Grader.'</a> Plus, the promise of something new and exciting gives promos an eye-catching glow. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> The strike left TV watchers with far too much reality TV last spring -- if people have had their fill, they might never give 'Knocks' the opportunity. <b>Verdict:</b> Jury's Out

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/worst-week/10235894/main' target='_blank'>'Worst Week'</a></font> (9:30PM, Mondays, CBS)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> You'd think chronicling the mindless mishaps and near-catastrophes of one truly unlucky man would be unnerving, but the show's anxiousness is almost comforting. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> Some scenes seem pretty unbelievable in their domino effect progression; viewers might stop cringing with Sam and start cringing at him. <b>Verdict:</b> Catch It If You Can

<font color='#1C5BB0'>'In Harm's Way'</font> (6:30 PM, Sundays, The CW)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> The reality show, which follows ordinary people doing dangerous jobs, could turn out like <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/dirty-jobs/1115785/main' target='_blank'>'Dirty Jobs'</a> or <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/american-chopper/319355/main' target='_blank'>'American Chopper,'</a> also created by <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/craig-piligian/149460' target='_blank'>Craig Piligian</a>. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/deadliest-catch/1251848/main' target='_blank'>'Deadliest Catch'</a> ... <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/ice-road-truckers/261474/main' target='_blank'>'Ice Road Truckers'</a> ... <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/ax-men/10172816/main' target='_blank'>'Ax Men'</a> ... <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/americas-toughest-jobs/10202905/main' target='_blank'>'America's Toughest Jobs'</a> ... The dangerous-job reality genre is already full. Any new entries could just feel tired. <b>Verdict:</b> Jury's Out

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/knight-rider-2008/10202899/main' target='_blank'>'Knight Rider'</a></font> (8PM, Wednesdays, NBC)

Airs Wed., 8PM on NBC | Premieres Sept. 24

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> Expect more action (and turbo boost!) when new showrunner Gary Thompson takes over. He did co-write <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-fast-and-the-furious/9283/main' target='_blank'>'The Fast and the Furious'</a> after all. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> Last spring's <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/knight-rider/10151219/main' target='_blank'>TV movie</a>, while a ratings hit, was flat and uninspired. And the new characters? Yawn. Bring back <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/david-hasselhoff/30938' target='_blank'>the Hoff</a>! <b>Verdict:</b> Catch It If You Can

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/kath-and-kim/10202898/main' target='_blank'>'Kath & Kim'</a></font> (8:30PM, Thursdays, NBC)

Airs Thu., 8:30PM on NBC | Premieres Oct. 9

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> The commercials we saw during the Olympics were hilarious. The pairing of <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/molly-shannon/64824' target='_blank'>Molly Shannon</a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/selma-blair/232175' target='_blank'>Selma Blair</a> looks like comedic gold. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> What happens in between the punch lines? And the bratty-daughter-moves-back-home premise could get old quick. <b>Verdict:</b> Don't Miss

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/gary-unmarried/10235895/main' target='_blank'>'Gary Unmarried'</a></font> (8:30PM, Wednesdays, CBS)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> Another basic sitcom that's trying to sell itself as new, this one might have room for more clever dialogue and situations with the sassy kids, vicious ex and the dating world. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> A divorced dad trying to raise his kids and still have a life -- this show could've just as easily been made in 1986 starring <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/paul-reiser/59529' target='_blank'>Paul Reiser</a>. <i>Yawn.</i> <b>Verdict:</b> Jury's Out

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/crusoe/10202900/main' target='_blank'>'Crusoe'</a></font> (8PM, Fridays, NBC)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> The lush, epic quality of the show makes it look like it belongs on HBO or Showtime. And an action/adventure drama is sorely needed on television these days. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> The series will have to keep up high production standards, or risk being <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/xena-warrior-princess/50952/main' target='_blank'>'Xena.'</a> And will viewers care about a story when everybody knows how it ends? <b>Verdict:</b> Give It a Chance

<font color='#1C5BB0'>'Easy Money'</font> (9PM, Sundays, The CW)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> The names <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/laurie-metcalf/48695' target='_blank'>Laurie Metcalf</a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/judge-reinhold/107897' target='_blank'>Judge Reinhold</a>, as well as the intriguing setup of a family of loan sharks, are enough to tune in for the first episode. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> The CW rented out Sunday nights to production company Media Rights Capital, so 'Easy Money' could easily be a bad tenant they have to live with. <b>Verdict:</b> Catch It If You Can

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/my-own-worst-enemy/10202897/main' target='_blank'>'My Own Worst Enemy'</a></font> (10PM, Mondays, NBC)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> Big names on the small screen always garner good buzz, so having <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/christian-slater/66187' target='_blank'>Christian Slater</a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/alfre-woodard/77363' target='_blank'>Alfre Woodard</a> on board bodes well for early viewer intrigue. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> There have been some late-in-the-game changes, including recasting the wife for Slater's Henry, so there's a chance audiences could quickly go Jekyll and Hyde on the show. <b>Verdict:</b> Give It a Chance

<font color='#1C5BB0'>'Valentine'</font> (8PM, Sundays, The CW)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> Eye candy abounds in this soapy dramedy. After all, the characters are Greek gods. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> Aphrodite, Eros and Hercules playing modern-day matchmakers -- seriously? <b>Verdict:</b> Jury's Out

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/eleventh-hour/10235897/main' target='_blank'>'Eleventh Hour'</a></font> (10PM, Thursdays, CBS)

<b>Why It Might Work:</b> <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jerry-bruckheimer/83309' target='_blank'>Jerry Bruckheimer</a> knows how to crank out the crime-solving dramas, so if 'Hour' can find its footing, we're sure multiple seasons and spinoffs are already in the works. <b>Why It Might Not:</b> Everything about this show seems dark. With life-and-death cases, it'd be nice if the characters played something beyond brooding. No <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/csi-crime-scene-investigation/132763/main' target='_blank'>'CSI'</a> one-liners -- just a little levity. <b>Verdict:</b> Catch It If You Can