Let the Fall Season Begin

ncis

As summer comes to a close, we bid farewell to our favorite summer shows. They kept us company over the past few months. There are even a few that I wish would get the full 22 week season treatment (who doesn’t need more True Blood?). Soon our regular season shows will be back in rotation. Along with our friends that made the cut last spring, we will see a handful of new shows hoping to make it through a full season.

top-chef

Actually, the fall season technically began back on August 19. Bravo beat every one to the punch with Top Chef: Las Vegas. There will be a few more shows trickling in over the next few weeks. These are mainly on the CW. Along with the new season of 90210, it will be joined by its sister show Melrose Place on September 8. A few more shows will filter in that week, but the season really gets underway starting September 17. Most of the major networks are launching their new season that week. The season premieres keep coming at a pretty good clip through September 28. After that, shows will continue to stagger in.

jayconan

There is just something about this season that feels different. A large number of shows were cancelled in the spring, but we have very few new shows replacing them. Some of that is due to NBC having 5 hours a week of primetime sucked up by Jay Leno.

three-rivers02

Then there are the shows banished to start dates in October. I know it happens, and it actually makes sense for a new show like Three Rivers to have a late arrival. However, poor Ugly Betty has not only been condemned to the Friday night time slot of death, it has also been pushed back to an October 9th release date.

The Mentalist

As I go to set up my DVR, I try to remember the The Mentalist has been moved to Thursday. I am saddened that I have to sit through a whole season of Heroes before I can see new episodes of Chuck (but I am still grateful it was brought back). I debate whether to admit I might record Castle. I look forward to NCIS and I hope NCIS Los Angeles is not a total let down.

chuck

It should be interesting to see what old shows keep their audience and thrive, and which new shows make it past episode 5. Of course, the mid season replacements and our shows that will not be back until spring add yet another new dimension.