Fall TV: Best & Worst New Shows
Fall TV is back in session, and the tube returns from its summer break with a shiny slate of new shows. But which ones will pass the test and become hits, and which ones will flunk out after a few episodes? Here's our guide to the best and worst of 2009's freshman series. -- By Kelly Woo
HEAD OF THE CLASS
ABC's been hunting for a worthy successor to 'Lost' for years now and failing dismally. But the net just may have found one with this sleekly modern remake of the campy '80s show, with vibrant characters and amazing special effects. Oh, and it's scary as hell. We still have goosebumps.
Airs Tue., 8PM on ABC | Premieres Nov. 3
This smart, wry ABC mockumentary about three "normal" families was our favorite new comedy. Sample line from Ty Burrell's wannabe hip dad: "I surf the web, I text … 'LOL' -- laugh out loud, 'OMG" -- oh my god, 'WTF' -- why the face. I know all the dances to 'High School Musical.'" Genius.
Airs Wed., 9PM on ABC | Premieres Sept. 23
HONORS STUDENTS
We won't stop believing in Fox's infectious, quirky, soulful high school dramedy. Aside from fun sing-a-long potential, there are relatable characters of all ages, types and cliques. And speaking of the education system's losers …
Airs Wed., 9PM on FOX | Premieres Sept. 9
Joel McHale, Chevy Chase and newcomer Danny Pudi headline this band of community-college slackers on NBC. And while 'The Soup' host McHale shines, the entire ensemble works together to make this comedy hum.
Airs Thurs., 9:30PM on NBC | Premieres Sept. 17
Where 'V' is more of a thriller, this other ABC drama inherits 'Lost''s more puzzling elements. The central mystery -- Why did everyone black out for two minutes? And were their visions really from the future? -- is absorbing enough for fans to theorize obsessively about it for years to come.
Airs Thurs., 8PM on ABC | Premieres Sept. 24
We can hear the elevator pitch: "What if Bernie Madoff's wife … went back to practicing law?!" But CBS' 'The Good Wife' moves beyond its ripped-from-the-headlines origin thanks to a top-notch cast, including star Julianna Margulies (in her first decent gig since 'ER').
Airs Tue., 10PM on CBS | Premieres Sept. 22
NEEDS TUTORING
We like vampires -- especially very pretty vampires -- and soapy teen CW dramas as much as the next person, but is it too much to ask for a little levity amidst all the angst?
Airs Thurs., 8PM on CW | Premieres Sept. 10
It had us at Alex O'Loughlin, but CBS' new medical drama about transplant surgeons felt a bit formulaic. Tone down the melodrama (but keep the tight scrubs).
Airs Sun., 9PM on CBS | Premieres Oct. 4
FAILING OUT
This Fox "comedy" is arguably the worst pilot we've seen in years. An NFL player is one of the leads. We're not sure what's more offensive -- the horrendous dialogue or the torture of good actors like CCH Pounder.
Airs Fri., 8PM on FOX | Premieres Sept. 25
This sleazy CBS sitcom will simply be known as fall's other new cougar comedy. The premise doesn't seem like it would hold up once the baby is born, but we'll probably never know, since it would be a miracle if the series lasted that long.
Airs Mon., 8:30PM on CBS | Premieres Sept. 21
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