The Show Girl's Guide to Fall TV: 21 Things To Know
I've watched all the new pilots and kept up on the latest returning-show scoop, and I can safely report that there's plenty to be pumped about. Here are the 21 things you absolutely need to know going into the 2009 season. -- By Maggie Furlong
You no longer have to leave your couch to spend time with big-name stars. This fall brings us even more, including Joseph Fiennes and John Cho (ABC's 'FlashForward'); Chevy Chase and Ken Jeong (NBC's 'Community'); Sanaa Lathan ('The Cleveland Show' on Fox); LL Cool J ('NCIS: Los Angeles' on CBS); and funnymen Jason Schwartzman and Zach Galifianakis (in HBO's 'Bored to Death').
Who's the latest housewife to move to Wisteria Lane? None other than 'Sopranos' alum Drea de Matteo. Expect the heavy Jersey accent you've come to know and love from her, plus a hot husband (Jeffrey Nordling), a kid and, of course, some shady secrets.
Fall TV is jam-packed with females. From chick-centric shows like 'Mercy' and 'Eastwick' to series with strong leading ladies like 'The Good Wife,' 'Accidentally on Purpose,' 'Cougar Town' and 'The Middle,' the hottest comedies and dramas this fall are relying on girl power.
OK, so 'Seinfeld' isn't really having an onscreen reunion special, but the cast will regroup with creator Larry David on his show, 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' for a faux reunion this season. Says David: "You'll get an idea of what happened 11 years later. The cast members will be playing themselves on 'Curb' ... and you will see parts of a show." Sounds like a 'Bizarro Seinfeld' -- not that there's anything wrong with that.
Following in the footsteps of 'Twilight' and 'True Blood,' the CW's 'Vampire Diaries' is the latest book-to-screen adaptation of a blood-sucking fan favorite. Expect less rated-R sex and nudity than 'True Blood,' but more killings than 'Twilight.' Plus, the show gets bonus points for letting the vamps have a tan.
What will 'The Jay Leno Show' actually look like? Every night at 10PM, expect to see a fast-paced hour of Leno's best from 'The Tonight Show' -- including a quick monologue, Jaywalking and Headlines -- plus a celebrity guest or two, and even a musical act a few times a week. Just don't expect the same old talk show format: there will only be a desk when needed, so celebrities will have to get up off the couch to play with Jay.
In case the new '90210' hasn't met your expectations, the CW is at it again, remaking that other classic '90s Aaron Spelling show, 'Melrose Place.' Is the upstart net cementing itself as the throwback station, or just a genius target-audience grabber? We'll have to wait and see …
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