2008 Woodie Awards
Fall TV viewing guide
Allan Lewis
Issue date: 9/18/07 Section: A&E
September is upon us, which means soon channel surfers will rejoice as the fall television season draws near.
The following is a rundown of shows returning to major and cable networks, as well as shows marking their television debuts this upcoming season.
"Back To You" FOX
Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.
Kelsey Grammer returns to television in "Back to You," a comedy staring Grammer and Patricia Heaton as local news anchors in Pittsburgh during the 90's. Chuck Darling (Grammer) and Kelly Carr (Heaton) exhibit undeniable chemistry on screen like all news anchors should, but are completely different people once the cameras turn off.
Darling gets the call up to a bigger market but blows his career when an on air tirade ends up on the Internet, which aids in him eventually landing back in Pittsburgh with Carr.
The only question with this show is will Grammer be thought of as a similar character he played, "Fraiser?"
Aside from that, "Back to You" seems to offer a fresh concept about television for television and has potential to be a big hit this fall.
FOX's Sunday Night Animation
Sunday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
Animation has always held a special place in Sunday night comedies on FOX. This fall will be no exception, so it is only fitting to mention these shows together.
Fresh off their big screen debut, "The Simpsons" are returning for their monumental 18th season to once again lead off Sunday nights. The season premiere as always will have its share of guest stars "Simpsonized," including Lionel Richie and Stephen Colbert.
Who knew "King of the Hill" still had new episodes left in it? Well, Hank, Bobby and the gang do as they return to follow up "The Simpsons" in what will be their 11th season. "King of the Hill" was thought to be done after not airing in fall of 2006. Think again, as it retuned midseason and returns in Texas fashion…again.
"Family Guy" and "American Dad" round out the FOX Sunday lineup in 2007.
"How I Met Your Mother" CBS
Monday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.
Hearing rumors after last years season finale, fans of CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" feared the cancellation of one of last season's breakout comedies. Instead, CBS opted to dismiss "The Class" and bring down the walls of "Jericho."
The flashback comedy entering its third season follows Ted in his quest to find his soulmate following his best friend's engagement and marriage. Ted is helped along the way by wingman Barney, played by Neil Patrick Harris.
Look for some "legendary" antics as this show is set to take off this fall with the help of Mandy Moore and Enrique Iglesias in the season premiere.
Think "Friends," but with most of the action taking place in a bar instead of a coffee shop.
"The Big Bang Theory" CBS
Monday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Taking the place of last season's flop "The Class," CBS tries something new in the form of "The Big Bang Theory."
"The Big Bang Theory" follows a simple plot. Leonard and Sheldon are two nerds who live in an apartment, and know everything there is to know about physics and math but nothing about women. An attractive girl named Penny moves into their neighboring apartment and immediately leaves a lasting impression.
This show proves to have some new viewer intrigue, and should be worth at least a chance for those who will already have the TV dialed into CBS.
"Two and a Half Men" CBS
Monday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m.
Charlie Sheen is still not growing up on producer Chuck Lorre's other comedy centered on a bachelor character living the life in a beach house until his divorced brother and nephew move in.
The number one rated comedy from the past two years, "Men" returns with plenty of new material for a show running into its fifth season as the 14-year-old "half man" Jacob is growing up.
This provides room for a little more corruption from Sheen's character, as Jacob is old enough to understand things he would not have caught onto in previous seasons.
"Rules of Engagement" CBS
Monday, Sept. 24 at 8:30 p.m.
As a midseason addition to the CBS rotation last February, David Spade's show "Rules of Engagement" has earned a spot closing out the Monday night comedy block on CBS.
"Rules" stars Spade as a single friend of both a newly engaged couple and a long married couple and just hasn't grown up. Spade comes off as his fidgety, long-haired self in this show and seems to be a bit annoying, but the other characters seem worth watching, especially Jeff, played by Patrick Warburton.
"House" FOX
Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.
Hugh Laurie plays whacked out controversial doctor Gregory House in what is already the fourth season of "House."
"House" has been widely successful since its introduction in 2004, and for good reason. It provides an awkward breed of comedy along with an edge of your seat element of drama, coupled with its out of the ordinary, medically savvy plotlines.
The season premiere will put House in a position to independently diagnose a victim who survived a building. With her condition getting worse, House will rely on a diagnosis provided to him by a janitor. Sounds like an ordinary day at the office for "House."
"My Name is Earl" NBC
Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
NBC has always made a name for itself in comedy with its "Must See TV" Thursdays. Recently, NBC has been trying to reestablish its place in primetime comedy and introduces a solid lineup for 2007, branded "Comedy Night Done Right," beginning with the premiere of "My Name is Earl."
Earl (Jason Lee) has lived his life in all the wrong ways, but after winning the lottery vows to change his life for the better. Unfortunately, Earl is hit by a car and loses his winning lottery ticket while lying motionless in the street.
Earl has an epiphany in the hospital, and sets out into the world to make amends for his past mistakes. Earl will begin serving a prison sentence in the premiere.
"The Office" NBC
Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.
Instead of premiering all four "must-see" comedies on NBC the same night, NBC is giving their two most popular shows, "Earl" and "The Office," starring Steve Carell, hour-long premieres of the season aside from the rest of the lineup.
America's favorite workplace returns for its fourth season with plenty of cliffhangers in place. When we last left the "Office" crew, Jim finally ended his relationship with Karen to ask Pam out on a date much to the chagrin of Office fans nationwide. Ryan has taken a promotion to corporate, and Michael (Carell) ends up back with Jan.
NBC will air hour long versions of "The Office" for the first four weeks of the new season, so there should be plenty of comedy to go around the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company this season.
"Grey's Anatomy" ABC
Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.
Fans of ABC's medical dramedy "Grey's Anatomy" will get double treatment this fall as ABC will not only air "Grey's," but also a spin off of the show entitled "Private Practice" Wednesdays in the same time slot.
Entering its fourth season, the show nominated for an incredible ten Emmy's last season "Grey's" follows five surgeons from different walks of life gossiping and falling in love while working at a hospital. Who knew there was so much drama and sex in the E.R.?
For those who do not know the show, it has a soap opera feel in the tension between characters, and fans will feel an emotional attachment to the equally emotional characters.
"Cavemen" ABC
Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.
If skipping commercials on a DVR is so easy a Caveman can do it, ABC may be hard-pressed to find viewers for the networks new show "Cavemen."
The comedy is based on the three characters featured in Geico's latest ad campaign trying to live a normal life in Atlanta while faced with the prejudices of a modern society. "Cavemen" cannot help but seem intriguing to the unexpected viewer, but then again, nobody knows what to expect from these 21st-century Neanderthals in their prime time debut.
"Carpoolers" ABC
Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
If ABC needed a second off the wall series to follow up "Cavemen," they have it in "Carpoolers."
Based on stereotypical male banter between four middle-aged men sharing a ride to work, "Carpoolers," directed by Anthony and Joe Russo (Arrested Development), seems to offer little more than its title implies.
Each character in "Carpoolers" has distinct personal problems, some more trying than others. One character is going through a messy divorce as his companion is experiencing a perplexed feeling of anger fueled by his wife buying a new toaster.
Think "Desperate Housewives" in a station wagon full of men with not nearly as much sex. It will make female viewers feel sorry for the wives on the show and not watch it, and make men relate and bond with the characters, or just not watch it altogether.
"30 Rock" NBC
Thursday, Oct 4 at 8:30 p.m.
Week two of NBC's comedy lineup brings back ex-Saturday Night Live regulars Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan for the second season of "30 Rock." The show named for NBC's corporate studios (30 Rockefeller Center) is in a way loosely based on the show Fay and Morgan left last year.
Fay plays Liz Lemon, the head writer for a sketch comedy show similar to SNL called "The Girlie Show." Lemon has to deal with an arrogant new boss as well as a spoiled star while trying to run a successful show.
"30 Rock" is definitely worth a watch, as it was nominated for five Emmy awards and won a golden globe in its debut season. It is a must for fans of SNL.
The following is a rundown of shows returning to major and cable networks, as well as shows marking their television debuts this upcoming season.
"Back To You" FOX
Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.
Kelsey Grammer returns to television in "Back to You," a comedy staring Grammer and Patricia Heaton as local news anchors in Pittsburgh during the 90's. Chuck Darling (Grammer) and Kelly Carr (Heaton) exhibit undeniable chemistry on screen like all news anchors should, but are completely different people once the cameras turn off.
Darling gets the call up to a bigger market but blows his career when an on air tirade ends up on the Internet, which aids in him eventually landing back in Pittsburgh with Carr.
The only question with this show is will Grammer be thought of as a similar character he played, "Fraiser?"
Aside from that, "Back to You" seems to offer a fresh concept about television for television and has potential to be a big hit this fall.
FOX's Sunday Night Animation
Sunday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
Animation has always held a special place in Sunday night comedies on FOX. This fall will be no exception, so it is only fitting to mention these shows together.
Fresh off their big screen debut, "The Simpsons" are returning for their monumental 18th season to once again lead off Sunday nights. The season premiere as always will have its share of guest stars "Simpsonized," including Lionel Richie and Stephen Colbert.
Who knew "King of the Hill" still had new episodes left in it? Well, Hank, Bobby and the gang do as they return to follow up "The Simpsons" in what will be their 11th season. "King of the Hill" was thought to be done after not airing in fall of 2006. Think again, as it retuned midseason and returns in Texas fashion…again.
"Family Guy" and "American Dad" round out the FOX Sunday lineup in 2007.
"How I Met Your Mother" CBS
Monday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.
Hearing rumors after last years season finale, fans of CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" feared the cancellation of one of last season's breakout comedies. Instead, CBS opted to dismiss "The Class" and bring down the walls of "Jericho."
The flashback comedy entering its third season follows Ted in his quest to find his soulmate following his best friend's engagement and marriage. Ted is helped along the way by wingman Barney, played by Neil Patrick Harris.
Look for some "legendary" antics as this show is set to take off this fall with the help of Mandy Moore and Enrique Iglesias in the season premiere.
Think "Friends," but with most of the action taking place in a bar instead of a coffee shop.
"The Big Bang Theory" CBS
Monday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Taking the place of last season's flop "The Class," CBS tries something new in the form of "The Big Bang Theory."
"The Big Bang Theory" follows a simple plot. Leonard and Sheldon are two nerds who live in an apartment, and know everything there is to know about physics and math but nothing about women. An attractive girl named Penny moves into their neighboring apartment and immediately leaves a lasting impression.
This show proves to have some new viewer intrigue, and should be worth at least a chance for those who will already have the TV dialed into CBS.
"Two and a Half Men" CBS
Monday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m.
Charlie Sheen is still not growing up on producer Chuck Lorre's other comedy centered on a bachelor character living the life in a beach house until his divorced brother and nephew move in.
The number one rated comedy from the past two years, "Men" returns with plenty of new material for a show running into its fifth season as the 14-year-old "half man" Jacob is growing up.
This provides room for a little more corruption from Sheen's character, as Jacob is old enough to understand things he would not have caught onto in previous seasons.
"Rules of Engagement" CBS
Monday, Sept. 24 at 8:30 p.m.
As a midseason addition to the CBS rotation last February, David Spade's show "Rules of Engagement" has earned a spot closing out the Monday night comedy block on CBS.
"Rules" stars Spade as a single friend of both a newly engaged couple and a long married couple and just hasn't grown up. Spade comes off as his fidgety, long-haired self in this show and seems to be a bit annoying, but the other characters seem worth watching, especially Jeff, played by Patrick Warburton.
"House" FOX
Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.
Hugh Laurie plays whacked out controversial doctor Gregory House in what is already the fourth season of "House."
"House" has been widely successful since its introduction in 2004, and for good reason. It provides an awkward breed of comedy along with an edge of your seat element of drama, coupled with its out of the ordinary, medically savvy plotlines.
The season premiere will put House in a position to independently diagnose a victim who survived a building. With her condition getting worse, House will rely on a diagnosis provided to him by a janitor. Sounds like an ordinary day at the office for "House."
"My Name is Earl" NBC
Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
NBC has always made a name for itself in comedy with its "Must See TV" Thursdays. Recently, NBC has been trying to reestablish its place in primetime comedy and introduces a solid lineup for 2007, branded "Comedy Night Done Right," beginning with the premiere of "My Name is Earl."
Earl (Jason Lee) has lived his life in all the wrong ways, but after winning the lottery vows to change his life for the better. Unfortunately, Earl is hit by a car and loses his winning lottery ticket while lying motionless in the street.
Earl has an epiphany in the hospital, and sets out into the world to make amends for his past mistakes. Earl will begin serving a prison sentence in the premiere.
"The Office" NBC
Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.
Instead of premiering all four "must-see" comedies on NBC the same night, NBC is giving their two most popular shows, "Earl" and "The Office," starring Steve Carell, hour-long premieres of the season aside from the rest of the lineup.
America's favorite workplace returns for its fourth season with plenty of cliffhangers in place. When we last left the "Office" crew, Jim finally ended his relationship with Karen to ask Pam out on a date much to the chagrin of Office fans nationwide. Ryan has taken a promotion to corporate, and Michael (Carell) ends up back with Jan.
NBC will air hour long versions of "The Office" for the first four weeks of the new season, so there should be plenty of comedy to go around the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company this season.
"Grey's Anatomy" ABC
Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.
Fans of ABC's medical dramedy "Grey's Anatomy" will get double treatment this fall as ABC will not only air "Grey's," but also a spin off of the show entitled "Private Practice" Wednesdays in the same time slot.
Entering its fourth season, the show nominated for an incredible ten Emmy's last season "Grey's" follows five surgeons from different walks of life gossiping and falling in love while working at a hospital. Who knew there was so much drama and sex in the E.R.?
For those who do not know the show, it has a soap opera feel in the tension between characters, and fans will feel an emotional attachment to the equally emotional characters.
"Cavemen" ABC
Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.
If skipping commercials on a DVR is so easy a Caveman can do it, ABC may be hard-pressed to find viewers for the networks new show "Cavemen."
The comedy is based on the three characters featured in Geico's latest ad campaign trying to live a normal life in Atlanta while faced with the prejudices of a modern society. "Cavemen" cannot help but seem intriguing to the unexpected viewer, but then again, nobody knows what to expect from these 21st-century Neanderthals in their prime time debut.
"Carpoolers" ABC
Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
If ABC needed a second off the wall series to follow up "Cavemen," they have it in "Carpoolers."
Based on stereotypical male banter between four middle-aged men sharing a ride to work, "Carpoolers," directed by Anthony and Joe Russo (Arrested Development), seems to offer little more than its title implies.
Each character in "Carpoolers" has distinct personal problems, some more trying than others. One character is going through a messy divorce as his companion is experiencing a perplexed feeling of anger fueled by his wife buying a new toaster.
Think "Desperate Housewives" in a station wagon full of men with not nearly as much sex. It will make female viewers feel sorry for the wives on the show and not watch it, and make men relate and bond with the characters, or just not watch it altogether.
"30 Rock" NBC
Thursday, Oct 4 at 8:30 p.m.
Week two of NBC's comedy lineup brings back ex-Saturday Night Live regulars Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan for the second season of "30 Rock." The show named for NBC's corporate studios (30 Rockefeller Center) is in a way loosely based on the show Fay and Morgan left last year.
Fay plays Liz Lemon, the head writer for a sketch comedy show similar to SNL called "The Girlie Show." Lemon has to deal with an arrogant new boss as well as a spoiled star while trying to run a successful show.
"30 Rock" is definitely worth a watch, as it was nominated for five Emmy awards and won a golden globe in its debut season. It is a must for fans of SNL.
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