Wait Problems: Shows Airing Midseason

The Waiting Game Begins

The good news is that the new TV season has arrived. The bad news is you'll have to wait until 2008 to watch many of your favorite shows and some of the most anticipated new arrivals. Dying to know which shows will be missing in action until midseason? You’ve come to the right place.

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'24'

After a disappointing "day" last season, the wait is on to find out if Jack Bauer and company can redeem themselves. While rumors are swirling about location troubles and storyline issues, we're left counting the hours (and months) until Jack squares off against a female president.

'Lost'

The survivors of Flight 815 finally got to send a radio signal at the end of last season, but now it's the fans who are sending out a distress call as they await word about Jack's tormented future. There is some good news, though: no split-season this time -- the episodes will run straight through.

'One Tree Hill'

The hot stars of this sexy CW series have finally graduated from high school. But when the show returns next winter, they won't be taking on college, they'll be taking on life. 'One Tree Hill' makes an unusual four-year leap in the series storyline, skipping college altogether and rejoining the characters as they enter the real world.

'Jericho'

It's nothing short of a miracle that this show is coming back at all, so there shouldn't be any griping about waiting until midseason for it to resume. But the season finale left our small-town heroes in a full-blown war and a beloved character dead. And there just aren't enough bags of nuts to tide us over until January.

'Cashmere Mafia'

This corporate-women drama has backstabbing, betrayal and an all-star cast featuring Lucy Liu, Miranda Otto, Bonnie Somerville and Frances O'Connor. These four fearless females get what they want -- unless you count a fall debut. Instead, these 'Mafia' gals get a midseason launch -- just in time to face off against with the similarly themed 'Lipstick Jungle.'

'Lipstick Jungle'

This high-powered drama focuses on three friends who stick together to balance careers and family. The star-studded cast features Brooke Shields, Kim Raver and Linsday Price, and carries the added pedigree of 'Sex and the City' scribe Candace Bushnell, who created the show.

'Miss/Guided'

With all the behind-the-scenes changes taking place at this quirky new series, it's probably better 'Miss/Guided' gets to watch from sidelines this fall. Maybe by midseason, this tale of a self-confidence guidance counselor taking a job at her old high school will be ready for primetime.

'According to Jim'

ABC's long-running comedy has been put on hold until midseason to give the writers and cast time to come up with new material. The delay comes after a surprising late renewal for a show that pretty much everybody figured would be canceled.

'Eli Stone'

Johnny Lee Miller (Angelina Jolie's ex) returns to TV as a cutthroat attorney who gives up glamorous cases to help people in need. With the behind-the-scenes talent of Greg Berlanti ('Brothers & Sisters') and big-name TV stars like Victor Garber, Loretta Devine and Natasha Henstridge, it's a little surprising that this case has been put on hold.

'The New Adventures of Old Christine'

Maybe that 'Seinfeld' curse hasn't really been broken. The frazzled single-mom series, starring Golden Globe winner Julia-Louis Dreyfus, has been shelved until 2008 while 'Rules of Engagement' basks in glow of that prized post-'Two and a Half Men' timeslot on CBS.

'The Amazing Race'

The Emmy-winning series seemed to be getting its groove back last year, after wacky family and all-star editions. But instead of airing two races this season, CBS cut back to one. Could those exhausting round-the-world treks be taking a toll on the crew? Or will ratings finally make CBS cut 'Race' short?

'The Shield'

When this jaw-dropping drama finally returns in the spring of 2008, it will be for the last time. Expect Vic Mackey and company to save the best for last, pulling out all of the stops as they try to cover for their many dirty deeds.

'Medium'

Patricia Arquette's psychic shifts to a Sunday night timeslot once football season wraps on NBC. What kind of fallout can be expected from last season's exposure of Allison's secret skills? Only a mind-reader could say for sure.

'American Idol'

It's probably a good thing that this show only airs every spring. Once it kicks off, 'Idol' tends to monopolize the television world with its addictive multi-night schedule. Will there be a new Sanjaya? Will the at a recent audition become the next Fantasia? We can't wait to find out.

'Return of Jezebel James'

The pilot of this new sitcom starring Parker Posey wasn't exactly earth-shattering, so a delayed start could work in its favor. Hopefully creator Amy Sherman-Palladino ('Gilmore Girls') can help this show achieve its potential.

'Sarah Connor Chronicles'

This hotly anticipated series is set after 'Terminator 2,' when Sarah Connor is on the run, trying to keep son John safe in order to save the future of humanity. Even though the Governator is unlikely to appear, this series figures to be a perfect pick-me up during the winter months.

'Unhitched'

Formerly titled 'The Rules of Starting Over,' this new sitcom focuses on a recently divorced guy who tries to come to terms with single life with a little help from his friends. While the pilot was um … interesting, any chance to see more of 'Office' hottie Rashida Jones should not be postponed.

'The Apprentice'

Word is The Donald will try to revamp his floundering reality series by doing a celebrity version. We'd love to see the boardroom billionaire firing a bunch of B and C-listers. We hear Flavor Flav is available…

'New Amsterdam'

Recently bumped to midseason to open a fall slot for summer surprise 'The Singing Bee,' this new Fox drama revolves around an immortal crime-fighter on a quest to find his true love. Guess the search will have to wait a few more months.

'Canterbury's Law'

'ER' alum Julianna Margulies headlines as a principled attorney on this new Fox courtroom drama. Fans of the curly tressed star will just have to wait to see how her new series unfolds when it debuts in 2008.

'Heroes: Origins'

'Lost' producers take note: The 'Heroes' folks have found a way to keep the buzz around their show during repeat season. This spin-off (of sorts) will introduce some new Heroes, while indie film director Kevin Smith is on board to helm an episode and fans will get to vote on which new hero should join the cast. Sounds like this one will be worth the wait.

'Law & Order'

The landmark legal series has been benched to make way for some flashier new shows. But after 17 seasons, an extended break might give viewers a chance to actually miss this primetime stalwart. At least it didn't get shipped off to a secondary cable network, like 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent.'

'October Road'

You can go home again. Sometimes it just takes longer than you expect. This relationship drama with a hot young cast won over fans when it debuted as a midseason replacement last year. Clearly, ABC is hoping to repeat that success with another midseason slot this time out.

'The Wire'

The upcoming season will be the last for television's most underrated drama, which means HBO is just prolonging the inevitable. Still, we're dying to find out what happens as this emotional drama tackles the world of media and homelessness.

'Swingtown'

CBS is planning a key party and everyone's invited. This '70s drama focuses on the sexual revolution and the open marriages and wife swapping that went along with it. Sounds juicy, right? Too bad you'll have to keep those keys in your pocket until after the holidays.