Fall 2008 TV Lineup

The Fall TV lineups have been announced and I’m here to discuss!!!  Please leave comments on which shows you want to see and those you don’t!

 

ABC

The Goode Family – A new animated series from Mike Judge, creator of “King of the Hill.”  “The Goode Family” is obsessed with doing the “right” thing, whether it’s environmentally, politically or socially.  Unfortunately their efforts often have unintended comic consequences.  Featuring the voices of Abby Elliot, Dave Herman, Mike Judge, and Nancy Carell.

Life on Mars – Based on the BBC series created by Matthew Graham, Tony Jordan and Ashley Pharoah.  The series revolves around Sam Tyler (Jason O’Mara), a modern-day police detective who, after a car crash, mysteriously finds himself transported back to 1973 and still working as a detective.  Also starring Colm Meaney, Lenny Clarke, Patrick Wenk-Wolff, Rachelle Lefevre, Richard Benjamin, and Stephanie Jacobsen.

Opportunity Knocks – New show that breaks the mold of typical game and reality shows.  We will be showing up on America’s doorstep and testing how well they know their family.  Our mobile team will arrive at “Anywhere, America” in a semi-truck that is full of flat screen TVs, new furniture and big cash prizes that the family can win right there.  We will take the action of a game show directly into our contestants’ homes, setting up shop in a family’s front lawn.  The instant our host, J.D. Roth, knocks on the front door, the game will begin.  Hollywood will invade a suburban neighborhood, and each week one lucky family will play the game of a lifetime in front of all their friends and neighbors.  The host poses trivia questions to family members based directly on their lives, each other and articles found in and around their home.  If they’re able to prove they know their family inside and out, they’ll win the prizes of their dreams.

 

Untitled Banks & Kutcher Project – A beauty pageant unlike any you’ve ever seen, from executive producers Ashton Kutcher and Tyra Banks.

 

CBS

Eleventh Hour – From acclaimed producer Jerry Bruckheimer, follows Dr. Jacob Hood (Rufus Sewell), a brilliant biophysicist and special science advisor to the government, as he investigates scientific crises and oddities.  His jurisdiction is absolute and Hood is dogged in his pursuit of those who would abuse and misuse scientific discoveries and breakthroughs for their own gain.  His passion and crusade is to protect the substance of science from those with nefarious motives.  He is called in at the 11th hour and he represents the last line of defense.  Based on the British miniseries by acclaimed science-fiction writer Stephen Gallagher.  Also starring Marley Shelton.

The Ex List – A comedic drama about Bella Bloom (Elizabeth Reaser) – a single, 30-something, successful business owner who is surprised to learn from a psychic that she’s already dated her future husband AND there’s a catch: if she doesn’t find him in the next year, she’ll remain alone forever.  During a bachelorette party for her sister, Daphne (Rachel Boston), Bella learns from the psychic she must revisit her past relationships and sort through the mistakes to find her soul mate.  Skeptical, Bella begins to analyze every past liaison and failed romance with her close circle of friends, Augie (Adam Rothenberg), an endearing guy who has listened to Bella’s love woes since college, Vivian (Alex Breckenridge), Augie’s long-term girlfriend, and Cyrus (Amir Talai), who’s chronically unemployed and full of wry observations.  Once Bella witnesses proof of the psychic’s other predictions, her cynicism disappears and she begins her search.  Along her trip down break-up lane, Bella is determined to remain optimistic and receptive, believing that when destiny reopens doors to the past, every relationship can matter in the future.

Harper’s Island – Murder mystery that unfolds as friends and family attend week-long festivities at a destination wedding on a secluded and picturesque island off the coast of Seattle, infamous for a homicidal maniac’s rampage 7 years ago.  Starring Adam Campbell, Bill Pullman, Cameron Richardson, Elaine Cassidy, Ryan Merriman and Samantha Noble.

The Mentalist – Patrick Jane (Simon Baker), a detective and independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation.  Within the Bureau, Jane is notorious for his blatant lack of protocol and his semi-celebrity past as a psychic medium, whose paranormal abilities he now admits he feigned.  Jane’s role in cracking a series of tough high-profile cases is greatly vlued by his fellow agents.  However, no-nonsense Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney) openly resists having Jane in her unit and alternates between reluctantly acknowledging Jane’s usefulness and blasting him for his theatrics, narcissism and dangerous lacks of boundaries.  Lisbon’s team includes agents Kimball Cho (Tim Kang), Wayne Rigsby (Owain Yeoman), and rookie member Grace Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti), who all think Jane’s a loose cannon but admire his charm and knack for clearing cases.  Also starring Shaun Toub.

Gary Unmarried - Comedy about Gary Barnes (Jay Mohr), a recently single painting contractor, and his controlling ex-wife, Allison (Paula Marshall), who face post-divorce mayhem after 15 years of marriage as they each embark on new relationships.  Together they share custody of their 2 children – Louise (Laura Marano), a politically correct and environmentally conscious 11-year-old, and Tom (Ryan Malgarini), their socially awkward 14-year-old son who is nervous around girls.  Charming and acerbic, Gary hasn’t dated since the split, but finally connects with Vanessa (Jaime King), a single mother whose condo he was hired to paint.  He dreads telling Allison about Vanessa because it doesn’t adhere to her belief in their marriage counselor’s book, “Rules for the Perfect Divorce.”  However, when Allison tells him that she’s engaged to their shrink, all bets are off and Gary decides it’s time to move forward.  Now, in pursuit of post-marriage happiness, Gary must juggle his eclectic world of an ex-wife, their 2 kids, their shrink and his gorgeous new girlfriend.

Worst Week – Comedy about Sam Briggs (Kyle Bornheimer), an entertainment magazine editor who will do anything to please his girlfriend’s parents… but instead becomes a one-man wrecking crew whenever he’s around them.  Sam and his girlfriend, Melanie Clayton (Erinn Hayes), have only one hurdle left to clear as they start their life together: breaking the news to Mel’s conservative parents that they have a wedding in the works and a baby on the way.  Dick (Kurtwood Smith), a stern Judge, and his wife Angela (Nancy Lenehan), are protective of their daughter, and are really trying to let go of the anger they feel toward Sam… after all, disaster follows whenever he visits their house.  But despite his best efforts, every time Sam takes one positive step forward in winning over his future in-laws, he inevitably takes 2 crushing steps back.  But with support and love from Melanie who stands up for him, Sam will hopefully charm his way into her family.  Also starring Jay Malone.

 

CW

90210 – An edgy, contemporary spin-off of the iconic drama “Beverly Hills, 90210,” the new 90210 looks at life through the eyes of Annie Mills (Shenae Grimes) and her brother Dixon (Tristan Wilds), whose first day at West Beverly Hills High School leaves no doubt they’re not in Kansas anymore. The Mills family, including dad Harry (Rob Estes) and mom Debbie (Lori Loughlin), has relocated to Beverly Hills to keep an eye on Harry’s mother Tabitha (Jessica Walter), a feisty-but-faded former television star and a charter member of the Betty Ford Clinic. For Annie and Dixon, the awkwardness of being the new kids is made worse by the fact that their dad has taken a job as the high school principal. The school is one big culture shock for Annie, a sweet and friendly girl with a passion for the theater, and Dixon, a star athlete and scholar who was adopted by the Mills family after they took him in as a foster child. Annie and Dixon have a close sibling relationship, which they’ll need to help them cope with all the new cliques and classmates, including Naomi Bennett (AnnaLynne McCord), a hot, spoiled, rich girl; Ethan Ward (Dustin Milligan), a popular jock whose abilities rival Dixon’s; Navid Shirazi (Michael Steger), an aspiring reporter who heads up the school’s daily newscast; and Daphne Silver (Jessica Stroup), a rebel who produces and stars in a YouTube-type video series. Even the faculty seems hip and sophisticated at WBHHS, such as smart and funny teacher Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold) and beautiful guidance counselor Kelly Taylor (guest star Jennie Garth). The Mills family has just begun to realize how much their lives are about to change.

Easy Money – One-hour drama about a family that runs a high-interest loan business.

In Harm’s Way – A reality show that looks at lives of people doing dangerous jobs.

Stylista – If “The Devil Wears Prada” were a reality show, it would be STYLISTA. Eleven aspiring fashion enthusiasts vie for a much-coveted editorial job with Elle magazine. They work as assistants to Elle’s Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, a demanding but well-respected fashion icon. The competitors will carry out an assistant task and a fashion editorial assignment in each episode. Each week, in consultation with Elle’s Creative Director, Joe Zee, Anne fires one person, until the last assistant standing gets “promoted” to the coveted real-life job opportunity. The grand prize includes a paid editorial position at Elle magazine, a paid lease on a great apartment in Manhattan, and a clothing allowance at H&M, all for one year, valued at $100,000.

Surviving Suburbia – Half-hour comedy about a family and their new neighbors.

Surviving the Filthy Rich – Twenty-three-year-old Megan Smith (JoAnna Garcia) has a Yale education, a relentlessly positive attitude and a plan to conquer the world of journalism, despite the fact that she is currently slaving away at a tabloid rag.  Megan’s plan is thrown off course when, in one whirlwind day, she gets fired, meets cosmetics mogul Laurel Limoges (Marsha Mason) and becomes the live-in tutor for Laurel’s twin teen granddaughters in the heady Palm Beach world of wealth and power.  The girls, Rose (Lucy Kate Hale) and Sage (Ashley Newbrough), are beautiful, rebellious and less-than-thrilled with their new tutor, but Megan is determined to win them over as she enjoys the perks of her new job – breathtaking private suite, gorgeous convertible and live-in chef Marco (Allan Louis). Even the neighbors are fabulous in Palm Beach, and Megan quickly catches the eye of Will (casting TBD), the wealthy and extremely hot dilettante who lives on the estate next door and just happens to be dating Megan’s estranged sister Lily (casting TBD). Completing this romantic quadrangle is Megan’s best friend Charlie (Michael Cassidy), who is secretly in love with her. Despite her own complicated romantic and family relationships, Megan is committed to making a difference in the lives of her two headstrong charges as she navigates the treacherous waters of high society in Palm Beach.

Valentine, Inc. – One-hour drama/comedy about an agency that finds lost loves, true loves and mends broken hearts.

 

FOX

The Cleveland Show – Many years ago, Cleveland Brown (voiced by Mike Henry) was a high school student madly in love with a beautiful girl named Donna.  Much to his dismay, his love went unrequited, and Donna wound up marrying another man.  Cleveland once told Donna he would always love her, and if this man ever done her wrong, he’d be there when she called.  Well, this man done her wrong.  Donna’s husband skipped town with another woman, leaving Donna with a daughter and a baby.  Now she’s come to Cleveland and offered him another chance at love.  Unattached after the Loretta-Quagmire debacle and true to his word, Cleveland joyously accepts and he and Cleveland, Jr. move to Stoolbend, VA, to join their new family.  Once in Stoolbend, Cleveland has a few surprises in store for him, including a flirtatious new stepdaughter, a 5-year-old stepson who loves the ladies, as well as a collection of neighbors that includes a loudmouth redneck couple, a British family seemingly stuck in the Victorian era and a family of bears living at the end of the block.

Do Not Disturb - A hilarious workplace comedy set at one of New York City’s hottest and hippest hotels: The Inn.  Named one of the Big Apple’s “10 Best Places to Stay,” The Inn is just that the “in” place to be, with its chic dcor, stylish staff and celebrity clientele.  Behind the scenes, however, the upstairs/downstairs dynamic tells quite a different story.  The hotel’s top-notch reputation and sophisticated look is due in large part to Neal (Jerry O’Connell) at least in his opinion.  Although The Inn’s charismatic owner R.J. (guest star Robert Wagner) takes all the credit, Neal is the egotistical, hyper-stylish, detail-oriented general manager who will do whatever it takes to keep the hotel and its employees up to his standards. Rhonda (Niecy Nash) is the head of Human Resources who also keeps Neal’s demands in check.  She’s brash, fabulous and brutally honest and runs the HR department from her bullpen downstairs with a set of rules that are all her own.  Rhonda does her best to keep the back of the house in line and the front of the house out of trouble.  At the front desk handling check-in while wearing 6-inch Manolos is Nicole (Molly Stanton), an aging model who is svelte, cynical and slightly starving. Fresh from Nebraska is Jason (Brando Eaton), the nave bellman who would prefer to work behind-the-scenes, but was hired to show off his chiseled face and perfect pecs at the front of the hotel. The downstairs staff includes Molly (Jolene Purdy), a reservations clerk who dreams of pop-singer stardom as much as she craves to be part of the action upstairs; and Larry (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), the head of housekeeping who spends more time on the phone cleaning up his messes at home than he does cleaning up after the guests upstairs.

Dollhouse – Echo (Dushku) is an “Active,” a member of a highly illegal and underground group who have had their personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas. Confined to a secret facility known as the “Dollhouse,” Echo and the other Actives including Sierra (Dichen Lachman) and Victor (Enver Gjokaj) carry out engagements assigned by Adelle (Olivia Williams), one of the Dollhouse leaders.  The engagements cater to the wealthy, powerful and connected, and require the Actives to immerse themselves in all manner of scenarios romantic, criminal, uplifting, dangerous, comical and the occasional “pro bono” good deed.  After each scenario, Echo, always under the watchful eye of her handler Boyd (Harry Lennix), returns to the mysterious Dollhouse where her thoughts, feelings and experiences are erased by Topher (Fran Kranz), the Dollhouse’s genius programmer.  Echo enters the next scenario with no memory of before.  Or does she? As the series progresses, FBI Agent Paul Smith (Tahmoh Penikett) pieces together clues that lead him closer to the Dollhouse, while Echo stops forgetting, her memories begin to return and she slowly pieces together her mysterious past.  Dollhouse revolves around Echo’s blossoming self-awareness and her desire to discover her true identity.  But with each new engagement, comes a new memory and increased danger inside and outside the Dollhouse.

Fringe – When an international flight lands at Boston’s Logan Airport and the passengers and crew have all died grisly deaths, FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) is called in to investigate.  After her partner, Special Agent John Scott (Mark Valley), is nearly killed during the investigation, a desperate Olivia searches frantically for someone to help, leading her to Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), our generation’s Einstein.  There’s only one catch: he’s been institutionalized for the last 20 years, and the only way to question him requires pulling his estranged son Peter (Joshua Jackson) in to help.  When Olivia’s investigation leads her to manipulative corporate executive Nina Sharp (Blair Brown), our unlikely trio along with fellow FBI Agents Phillip Broyles (Lance Reddick), Charlie Francis (Kirk Acevedo) and Astrid Farnsworth (Jasika Nicole) will discover that what happened on Flight 627 is only a small piece of a larger, more shocking truth.

Secret Millionaire - A dramatic unscripted series that takes America’s wealthiest individuals away from their lavish lifestyles, sprawling mansions and private planes and places them undercover into some of the most impoverished neighborhoods in America.  Shot under the guise of a documentary, the series reveals the dramatic personal return that millionaires will get when they leave their fortunes to invest in those less fortunate.  Challenged with living on minimum wage, the millionaires will immerse themselves in situations beyond their comprehension.  They will work side-by-side with community members and befriend those in need to decide who should ultimately receive their gifts of a lifetime.  The millionaires will be touched by the people they meet.  Some will inspire with their dedication to helping others, while others will relay stories of overcoming tremendous odds.  On the final day, the Secret Millionaires meet with the chosen recipients and reveal their true identity and intention: to give them at least $100,000 oftentimes more of their own money and to change their lives forever.

Sit Down, Shut Up – An animated comedy that focuses on the lives of eight staff members at a high school in a small northeastern fishing town (Go Baiters!) who never lose sight of the fact that the children must ALWAYS come second.  We watch them grapple with their own egos, needs and personal agendas, their petty insecurities and prejudices, unrequited loves, and ruthless battles for power and that’s just at the staff meeting.  Sue Sezno (Kenan Thompson), a woman who frequently says “no,” is the acting principal of the school (the actual principal is recovering from a series of unfortunate accidents that might be seen as escape attempts).  Then there’s Vice Principal Stuart Prozackian (Will Forte) who has a terrifically positive and upbeat attitude… possibly from the performance-enhancing medication he’s been secretly put on by the other teachers.  There is one educator who feels the focus should be on academics, but despite the old adage, at this school, those who can teach, teach gym and that’s where Larry Slimp (Jason Bateman) has been exiled to.  Immensely frustrated, Larry nurses a crush on science teacher Miracle Grohe (Maria Bamford), a woman whose superficial grasp on science is balanced by her superficial grasp on spirituality.  Rounding out the staff is the aging German teacher Willard Deutschebog (Henry Winkler), a deeply defeated man whose yearbook quotation reads “If I believed in reincarnation, I’d kill myself tonight.”  Uptight Helen Klench (Cheri Oteri) is a librarian whose life’s work in research and archiving can now be surpassed by the average Google search from the average cell phone.  Proud Andrew Sapien (Nick Kroll) is the flamboyant drama teacher. Ennis Hofftard (Will Arnett) is a fellow teacher and a self-obsessed body builder who yearns to be thought of as a “cool dude” by his students.  And finally there’s Happy (Tom Kenny), the plotting secretive custodian who’s assumed to be Hispanic despite the fact that his real name is Muhannad Sabeeh Fa’ach Nuaba.

 

NBC

America’s Toughest Jobs – A new extreme competition series that will test 12 people who venture out of their safe, comfortable carrers and are injected into some of the most challenging, dangerous and demanding jobs on earth. From logging high in the Oregon Forest to oil drilling on the Texas range, or from driving icy roads to extreme fishing — each job requires guts and stamina, and they’ll have to live up to the same standards as the pros.  In the end, their new boss and co-workers will determine success or failure, and those who don’t make the grade get sent home.  Upping the ante, the annual salary of each job will be thrown into the pot until the finale, where one rookie will take home the well-earned cash.

Chopping Block – It’s time to sharpen your knives!  It’s not just about the meal, it’s about the business of food.  From the producers of “Hell’s Kitchen,” original rock-star chef Marco Pierre White comes to America to host the ultimate food fight on NBC — a new reality competition set in the high-drama, high-stakes world of New York City restaurants.  The cooks are given a grilling over the course of the series.  The teams, which are made up of couples, will be tested in challenges that vary from having less than a week to design and revamp a restaurant space to planning a menu and creating a signature dish.  The winning couple will get a chance to have their dreams come true — opening their very own restaurant in Manhattan.

Crusoe – Based on the legendary novel by Daniel Defoe, this is the tale of Robinson Crusoe.  A young man leaves his true love to embark on an adventure — only to end up shipwrecked on a remote tropical island for 28 years, completely detached from the life he once knew.  His desire to return to his wife and his strong and unlikely friendship with Friday are the only things that keep him sane. While stranded, Crusoe encounters enemies and braves the elements.  Equal parts “MacGyver,” “Castaway” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” this series is an inspirational tale of survival rife with action and comedy.  Stars Anna Walton, Philip Winchester, Sam Neill, and Sean Bean.

Kath & Kim – They’re the most dysfunctional duo in suburbia.  Kath Day (Molly Shannon) is the mom, a foxy, 40-something divorcée who finally has time for herself and her valiant search for love.  Kim Day (Selma Blair) is the daughter, a self-absorbed princess recently separated from her husband who finds consolation in stuffing her face.  When Kim decides to move back home, Kath reluctantly agrees — but to Kim’s chagrin, Kath is not about to cater to her every whim as she has in the past.  Based on the most successful comedy in Australia of the same name, Kath and Kim are two brassy women who prefer the finer things in life like acrylic nails, big hair and faux diamond chips.

Kings – The show is set in a modern metropolis under siege where the fighting has gone on for too long and cost far too many lives.  When David Shepherd (Christopher Egan), a brave young soldier, rescues the king’s (Ian McShane) son from enemy territory, he sets events in motion that will finally bring peace.  Suddenly, David is thrust into the limelight, earning the affections of women — including the king’s daughter.  When he’s promoted to captain, he becomes the reluctant poster boy for hope.  But for David, the line between his allies and enemies will blur as the power players in the kingdom go to great lengths to see him fall.  Also stars Allison Miller, Sebastian Stan and Susanna Thompson.

The Listener – In this one-hour drama, Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik) is a 24-year-old paramedic living with a secret: he can read people’s minds.  This telepathic procedural takes viewers into the heart of a tortured hero who struggles to solve crimes with his unique gift.  Also stars Ennis Esmer.

Merlin – An exciting, hour-long fantasy series set in the mythic city of Camelot — but inspired by 21st Century storytelling.  Before Merlin (Colin Morgan) and Arthur (Bradley James) became legends, they were ambitious young men looking for adventure, hoping to live up to their family’s expectations, discovering love and finding their own true destiny, making mistakes along the way.  The innovative, action-packed drama has cross-generational appeal and paints a picture of Merlin and Arthur’s early life that audiences have never witnessed before.  Also stars Angel Coulby, Anthony Head, Katie McGrath and Richard Wilson.

My Own Worst Enemy – Henry Spivey (Christian Slater) is a middle-class efficiency expert living a humdrum life in the suburbs with a wife, two kids, a dog, and a minivan.  Edward Albright is an operative who speaks 13 languages, runs a four-minute mile, and is trained to kill with his teeth.  Henry and Edward are polar opposites who share only one thing in common — the same body.  When the carefully constructed wall between them breaks down, Henry and Edward are thrust into unfamiliar territory where each man is dangerously out of his element.  Also stars Mike O’Malley, Saffron Burrows and Yara Martinez.

The Philanthropist – This one-hour drama is about a rebel with a cause.  Teddy Rist loves women, money and power.  After the tragic death of his only child, Teddy has an awakening and becomes the world’s first vigilante philanthropist — a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth, connections and power to help people in need.  He’ll do anything to achieve his goals — bargain with the self-righteous, trade with the nefarious and even tell the truth.  Instead of spending $25,000 a plate at a fundraiser, he’s dodging bullets in third-world countries to hand-deliver vaccine.  It’s a global adventure that will take viewers to the ends of the Earth and will inspire them as well.

Shark Taggers – One-hour reality series that follows daring marine biologists as they track down the ocean’s top predators and hand-tag them with cutting-edge satellite transmitters or investigate bull sharks’ sudden attacks on surfers.

Untitled Office Spin-Off Project – Audiences will follow another comic journey, complete with new faces and new locations, but with the same unique sense of humor and brand of quality from Daniels and his creative team.  It’s the next chapter of what viewers have come to know and love about “The Office.”