Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

Networks? What networks? We're living in a golden age of original cable programming, with shows on FX, HBO, Showtime and TNT attracting critical praise and strong ratings. This season, big names (<a href="http://television.aol.com/celebrity/timothy-hutton/34188"target="_blank">Timothy Hutton</a>, 'Leverage'), familiar faces (<a href="http://television.aol.com/celebrity/katey-sagal/62587"target="_blank">Katey Sagal</a>, <a href="http://television.aol.com/show/sons-of-anarchy/10280386/main"target="_blank">'Sons of Anarchy'</a>), high-profile projects ('Crash') and network crossovers (<a href="http://television.aol.com/show/friday-night-lights/942750/main"target="_blank">'Friday Night Lights'</a>) join returning faves like <a href="http://television.aol.com/show/entourage/99659/main"target="_blank">'Entourage,'</a> <a href="http://television.aol.com/show/the-shield/77787/main"target="_blank">'The Shield'</a> and <a href="http://television.aol.com/show/dexter/989582/main"target="_blank">'Dexter.'</a> You may never go back to broadcast again.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/californication/1342172/main' target='_blank'>'Californication'</a></font>

Airs Sun., 10PM on Showtime | Premieres Sept. 28

<b>Last Season:</b> Hank, Karen and Becca rode off into the sunset and freeze-framed with (uncharacteristic) smiling faces. <b>What's Next?</b> The smiles inevitably fade as a pregnant ex-fling tracks down Hank (is it his?) and a man who brings out Hank's devious side gets him to write his biography.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

'Crash'

Airs Fri., 10PM on Starz | Premieres Oct. 17

<b>Premise:</b> Starz's first original series is based on the <A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/crash/20745/main' target='_blank'>movie</a>, but features different characters. <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/dennis-hopper/94825' target='_blank'>Dennis Hopper</a> headlines the cast. <b>Our Take:</b> It won an Oscar, but the socially minded film had its detractors too. The show will have to transcend preachiness if it wants to avoid crashing and burning.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1C5BB0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/dexter/989582/main' target='_blank'>'Dexter'</a></font>

Airs Sun., 9PM on Showtime | Premieres Sept. 28

<b>Last Season:</b> Dexter was thisclose to framing Doakes as the "Bay Harbor Butcher" when crazy Lila got a burning desire to take care of the problem her way. Dex took care of her in return. <b>What's Next?</b> Dexter befriends an ADA (<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jimmy-smits/66622' target='_blank'>Jimmy Smits</a>). He strays from "the code" but hopefully not from Rita again.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/entourage/99659/main' target='_blank'>'Entourage'</a></font>

Airs Sun., 10PM on HBO | Premieres Sept. 7

<b>Last Season:</b> Vince and his entourage took Cannes by storm ... unfortunately, the long-awaited 'Medellin' did not. <b>What's Next?</b> E is still bulking up his client list, the boys take a trip to Joshua Tree, bad boy Dom could possibly be making a comeback and producer <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/mark-wahlberg/198251' target='_blank'>Mark Wahlberg</a> will make another guest appearance.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/friday-night-lights/942750/main' target='_blank'>'Friday Night Lights'</a></font>

Airs Wed., TBD on DirecTV | Premieres Oct. 1

<b>Last Season:</b> Tim Riggins pursued Lyla all the way to church, Jason got a girl pregnant, and we all begged NBC not to cancel the show. <b>What's Next?</b> The folks of Dillon (sans Smash and Jason, who will appear only occasionally) face new relationships, new students, new jobs ... even a new channel. All we can say is: Whew.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia/589897/main' target='_blank'>'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'</a></font>

Airs Thurs., 10PM on FX | Premieres Sept. 18

<b>Last Season:</b> The gang impersonated cops, used a Dumpster baby for profit and danced their butts off to save the bar. <b>What's Next?</b> FX has already greenlit 39 more episodes after this season's 13, so we can only imagine the trouble the gang will be getting into for seasons to come.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

'Leverage'

Airs TBD on TNT | Premieres TBD

<b>Premise:</b> <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/timothy-hutton/34188' target='_blank'>Timothy Hutton</a> is an ex-insurance man who joins with a thief, a hitman, a hacker and a grifter to make like modern-day Robin Hoods. <b>Our Take:</b> Well, TNT does know drama. If this is anywhere close to <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-closer/417678/main' target='_blank'>'The Closer'</a> quality, we're there. If, however, it's more on the level of <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/saving-grace/1342133/main' target='_blank'>'Saving Grace'</a> ...

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

'The Life and Times of Tim'

Airs Sun., 11PM on HBO | Premieres Sept. 28

<b>Premise:</b> This animated comedy series is about a regular guy (Tim, natch) who has good intentions but makes bad decisions. <b>Our Take:</b> The Sunday at 11PM slot isn't exactly tailor-made for success, but this quirky show could pick up a few cult fans. At least anyone named Tim who has cable will probably tune in.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/lincoln-heights/1302270/main' target='_blank'>'Lincoln Heights'</a></font>

Airs Tue., 8PM on ABC Family | Premieres Sept. 16

<b>Last Season:</b> A car accident left Charles on crutches and Sage in a coma, while Cassie tried to fight back against the gangs with her art. <b>What's Next?</b> Charles and Cassie's relationship deepens, Tay starts making music and Lizzie considers private school. Marla Gibbs (<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-jeffersons/62870/main' target='_blank'>'The Jeffersons,'</a> <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/227/62389/main' target='_blank'>'227'</a>) will guest-star.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/little-britain-usa/10280388/main' target='_blank'>'Little Britain USA'</a></font>

Airs Sun., 10:30PM on HBO | Premieres Sept. 28

<b>Premise:</b> This spin-off of the British <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/little-britain/69135/main' target='_blank'>sketch comedy show</a> features oddball characters dreamed up by <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/david-walliams/237782' target='_blank'>David Walliams</a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/matt-lucas/349236' target='_blank'>Matt Lucas</a>. <b>Our Take:</b> HBO scored a modest hit with the similarly quirky import <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/flight-of-the-conchords/1257011/main' target='_blank'>'Flight of the Conchords,'</a> so we expect this 'Little' show to achieve at least a little success.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

'Raising the Bar'

Airs Mon., 10PM on TNT | Premieres Sept. 1

<b>Premise:</b> This courtroom drama looks at all sides of a legal battle -- from prosecutors and public defenders to the gavel-wielding judges. <b>Our Take:</b> With creator Steven Bochco (<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/nypd-blue/228784/main' target='_blank'>'NYPD Blue,'</a> <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/la-law/761668/main' target='_blank'>'L.A. Law</a>) at the helm and a cast including <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jane-kaczmarek/36607' target='_blank'>Jane Kaczmarek</a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/mark-paul-gosselaar/27919' target='_blank'>Mark-Paul Gosselaar</a>, we'll give it a trial run.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

'Rita Rocks'

Airs TBD on Lifetime | Premieres TBD

<b>Premise:</b> A harried working mom (<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/nicole-sullivan/274542' target='_blank'>Nicole Sullivan</a>) starts a garage-rock band with her mail lady (<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/tisha-campbell-martin/459933' target='_blank'>Tisha Campbell-Martin</a>) and her unemployed neighbor. <b>Our Take:</b> The concept sounds ... dubious, but all they have to do is play some Loverboy, and we're sold.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

'Samurai Girl'

Airs Fri., 8PM on ABC Family | Premieres Sept. 5

<b>Premise:</b> An adopted teen is compelled to return to her roots and train in the ancient art of butt-kicking. Based on the young adult novel. <b>Our Take:</b> Not only does this show feature a strong female, but young star <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jamie-chung/551027' target='_blank'>Jamie Chung</a> is also now one of the rare Asian-American leads on TV. Move over, <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/lucy-liu/267831' target='_blank'>Lucy Liu</a>.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

'Sanctuary'

Airs Fri., 10PM on SCI-FI | Premieres Oct. 3

<b>Premise:</b> The show is all green screen and centers on Dr. Helen Magnus, a 157-year-old woman who protects supernatural creatures. <b>Our Take:</b> The original webisodes have a cult following, so at least this quirky show is not starting cold. We'll see if the Internet fans are devoted enough to drum up more interest.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/the-sarah-silverman-program/1329183/main' target='_blank'>'The Sarah Silverman Program'</a></font>

Airs Thu., 10:30PM on Comedy Central | Premieres Oct. 16

<b>Last Season:</b> The eponymous star tackled abortion, blackface (just ask <a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/ted-danson/16938' target='_blank'>Ted Danson</a>!) and God -- all with as little tact as possible. <b>What's Next?</b> Plentiful facial hair and getting high for neighbors Steve and Brian, a face-melting cameo from an <a href='http://television.aol.com/show/eight-is-enough/112680/main' target='_blank'>'Eight Is Enough'</a> alum and, of course, more original songs.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/the-shield/77787/main' target='_blank'>'The Shield'</a></font>

Airs Tue., 10PM on FX | Premieres Sept. 2

<b>Last Season:</b> The team's dirty dealings were catching up with them and the future of the Barn was in serious jeopardy. <b>What's Next?</b> The final season will end with a bang, promises series creator <a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/shawn-ryan/265934' target='_blank'>Shawn Ryan</a>. <a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/michael-chiklis/12826' target='_blank'>Michael Chiklis</a> says, "You will not see this storyline coming, but looking back, it will make sense."

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/sons-of-anarchy/10280386/main' target='_blank'>'Sons of Anarchy'</a></font>

Airs Wed., 10PM on FX | Premieres Sept. 3

<b>Premise:</b> <a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/charlie-hunnam/275473' target='_blank'>Charlie Hunnam</a> (<a href='http://television.aol.com/show/undeclared/761904/main' target='_blank'>'Undeclared'</a>) stars in this gritty drama about an outlaw biker club devoted to fighting the Man. <b>Our Take:</b> A boffo cast (<a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/katey-sagal/62587' target='_blank'>Katey Sagal</a>, <a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/ron-perlman/56093' target='_blank'>Ron Perlman</a>, <a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/drea-de-matteo/279209' target='_blank'>Drea de Matteo</a>), combined with a creator who's a former exec producer of <a href='http://television.aol.com/show/the-shield/77787/main' target='_blank'>'The Shield,'</a> means that we can't wait to embrace 'Anarchy.'

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/the-starter-wife/1342083/main' target='_blank'>'The Starter Wife'</a></font>

Airs Fri., 10PM on USA | Premieres Oct. 10

<b>Premise:</b> Hollywood housewife Molly Kagan (<a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/debra-messing/224925' target='_blank'>Debra Messing</a>) tries to find herself, post-pre-nup. <b>Our Take:</b> Emmy winner Messing is perfectly cast and the miniseries was fun, but now that sloshed gal pal <a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/judy-davis/17373' target='_blank'>Judy Davis</a> is MIA, this may need a few cocktails to go down easy.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

'Summer Heights High'

Airs Sun., 10:30PM on HBO | Premieres Nov. 9

<b>Premise:</b> The Aussie school mockumentary features comic Chris Lilley playing three characters -- Ja'mie King, Mr. G and Jonah Takalua. <b>Our Take:</b> After <a href='http://television.aol.com/show/flight-of-the-conchords/1257011/main' target='_blank'>'Flight of the Conchords'</a> won a cult following, HBO is going Down Under again to try to match that success. Sure, Lilley can play three different people, but he's no Bret and Jemaine.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

'Testees'

Airs Thu., 10:30PM on FX | Premieres Oct. 9

<b>Premise:</b> A comedy about two guys who make a living by allowing themselves to be subjected to medical tests. <b>Our Take:</b> Show creator is former <a href='http://television.aol.com/show/south-park/52811/main' target='_blank'>'South Park'</a> scribe <a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/kenny-hotz/233891' target='_blank'>Kenny Hotz</a>, and this series follows <a href='http://television.aol.com/show/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia/589897/main' target='_blank'>'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'</a> -- so the outre-comedy fans could feel right at home.

Fall TV: New & Returning Cable Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/true-blood/10280387/main' target='_blank'>'True Blood'</a></font>

Airs Sun., 9PM on HBO | Premieres Sept. 7

<b>Premise:</b> In a world where vampires live openly, a mind-reading waitress falls for an undead hunk. <b>Our Take:</b> It's got pedigree galore: Star <a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/anna-paquin/198605' target='_blank'>Anna Paquin</a> and producer <a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/alan-ball/271194' target='_blank'>Alan Ball</a> (<a href='http://television.aol.com/show/six-feet-under/99911/main' target='_blank'>'Six Feet Under'</a>) both have Oscars. Still, vampire series can be tricky (<a href='http://television.aol.com/show/moonlight/1342116/main' target='_blank'>'Moonlight'</a>) so we hope it doesn't, ahem, suck.