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Cable Premieres Worth Watching

Reporting By Geoff Bennett

It's TV so good, you have to pay to see it. Get our recommendations on the best new and returning shows premiering further up the dial.

Nip/Tuck (Returns Tue., Sept. 5, 10PM ET on FX)

The 411: On the season premiere, Christian and Sean celebrate a milestone surgery but the future of their practice may be in jeopardy. Actress Sanaa Lathan joins the cast as the wife of a wealthy older man (Larry Hagman), who may buy McNamara/Troy. Meanwhile, Julia reveals devastating news about the baby to Sean. And Christian redecorates his apartment after a troubling appointment with his psychiatrist, played by guest star Brooke Shields. Kathleen Turner also joins the show this season, as a phone-sex operator in need of vocal cord surgery. Watch an exclusive preview of the upcoming season.

The 411: Watch what happens when ten top agents in California's tough real estate market stop at nothing to close the deal. The six-episode series looks at the high-stakes, cutthroat world of two real estate companies -- one in Hollywood and another in Malibu. On the season opener, a rookie agent tries to sell his first big-money listing. But in Hollywood, a more experienced agent tries to market her ex-fiance’s home without destroying their relationship.

The 411: The first season of this gritty drama looked at the national drug war through the microcosm of a West Baltimore housing project, and later explored the place of the political leadership in addressing a city's problems. The upcoming season will expand its focus to include a look at the role of the educational system in solving inner-city problems.

The 411: This season, football fans will find their Monday night games switching over to cable. The American institution has left ABC and found a new home on ESPN. The new 'MNF' kicks off with coverage of the Minnesota Vikings battling the Washington Redskins.

The 411: Remember when Mr. Hankie revealed the lesser known secrets of Christmas? Or when Cartman joined NAMBLA? It has been ten years since those foul-mouthed, irreverent fourth-graders first entered our lives. Comedy Central is ramping up the celebration of the show's tenth season with more irreverent, guilty fun.

The 411: It's the gripping saga of humanity's last remnants and their struggle to find a new home while fleeing from their deadly Cylon enemies. Acclaimed scifi writer Michael Taylor -- known for his work on 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' and 'The Dead Zone' -- has joined the production staff for season three. The season opens with a two-hour premiere, and subsequent episodes explore the story of the Cylon occupation and the preceding year on New Caprica.

I Pity The Fool!

The 411: Pop culture icon Mr. T stars in this reality show, as a souped-up version of Dr. Phil, traveling across the country to dispense advice in his own classic, blunt style. Whether it's viewers struggling with problems at home or fans seeking tips on gaining professional success, Mr. T's insight becomes their catalyst for change.

The 411: It's an all-star elimination edition that will feature previous 'Surreal Life' cast members competing for a $100,000 prize. Contestants include Emmanuel Lewis, Ron Jeremy, Traci Bingham, Vanilla Ice, Brigitte Nielsen, Chyna Doll and Sandra "Pepa" Denton. Robin Leach hosts.

The 411: The Hulk and his family must be gluttons for reality TV punishment. With season two ending only months before the return of season three, expect the Hogans to use the new episodes to push Brooke's fledgling music career. Meanwhile, Nick, 15, will force the Hulkster and wife Linda to flex their parenting muscles.

The 411: The second season will feature a new crop of 15 rising chefs who will compete for the coveted title of "Top Chef" and participate in demanding culinary challenges against a glitzy new backdrop -- the city of Los Angeles. Known as the first Indian supermodel, actress and award-winning writer Padma Lakshmi joins the second season as the new host.

Sources: thefutoncritic.com and realitytvworld.com