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Back in action
Returning shows get another chance to earn their keep this fall
Published: September 8, 2006
Last Modified: September 8, 2006 at 04:48 PM
There were a few heartbreaking cancellations last television season - think “Everwood” and “Arrested Development” - but a surprising number of shows returned to live another day. Even shows on the brink of cancellation throughout the season - including “Veronica Mars” and “7th Heaven,” which was officially canceled until the finale numbers led the CW to change its mind - were given another chance to show what they’re made of this fall. But just because a show has been renewed doesn’t mean it’s worth watching. Here’s a guide to which returning shows are worth tuning in to.
Can’t miss:
“The Amazing Race,” 7 p.m. Sundays, CBS; premieres Sept. 17: Another traditional pairs edition should keep TV’s best reality show on the right track - even with a team that host Phil Keoghan described to Entertainment Weekly as a “pain in the …” This is reality television for viewers who hate reality television. “Gilmore Girls,” 7 p.m. Tuesdays, CW; premieres Sept. 26: This gem left with a messy cliffhanger: Lorelai woke up in the bed of the wrong man, her long-ago ex and Rory’s father, Christopher; and the Luke and Lorelai question was still very much up in the air. A new executive producer might be just what this show needs. “Veronica Mars,” 8 p.m. Tuesdays, CW; premieres Oct. 3: Fans of this critical darling hope the “Gilmore” lead-in can do for our teenage sleuth what last season’s “Top Model” lead-in never could: draw viewers. If “Veronica” can’t keep the “Gilmore” viewers, the show will be done after its current 13-episode order. The good news? Back story is not much of an issue here, since the mysteries take place over the course of a season. New viewers shouldn’t have a problem catching and keeping up. “The Unit,” 8 p.m. Tuesdays, CBS; premieres Sept. 19: Last season’s midseason hit about members of a covert-ops unit and their families returns with all cast members intact - even Jonas, who was shot in the stomach at the end of last season. This is not your typical military drama, since it’s created and produced by playwright David Mamet and Shawn Ryan of “The Shield.” It adds a soft edge to the world of fighting terrorism and top-secret government agencies. And it’s much better than it sounds. “Bones,” 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Fox; currently airing: David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel not only have the chemistry to continue their developing-before-they-even-know-it romance for years, they also bring humor and emotions to their FBI agent and anthropologist, respectively. The mystery of the week doesn’t take away from the ongoing drama between the leads - every week, the viewers will end up satisfied but wanting just a little bit more. “My Name is Earl” and “The Office,” 7 and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; premiere Sept. 21: Last season’s hit comedies brought laughter back to NBC Thursdays. With two fantastic casts, the laughs should continue this season.Record:
“Everybody Hates Chris,” 6 p.m. Sundays, CW; premieres Oct. 1: Critics and fans complained that this wholesome family program is more kids’ fare than serious comedy. But wholesome can be funny, as this superb ensemble proves week after week. “What About Brian,” 9 p.m. Mondays, ABC; premieres Oct. 9: This is one of those programs that is lucky to be alive. It premiered late last season to paltry numbers, but ABC brought it back because it has the potential to develop a devoted audience that could stick with it for years. “How I Met Your Mother” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Mondays, CBS; premieres Sept. 18: Although both comedies could have used better titles, not much else about them has faltered. If for no other reason, tune in for top-notch supporting characters Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) on “Mother” and Richard (Clark Gregg) on “Christine.” “Prison Break,” 7 p.m. Mondays, Fox; currently airing: The gang is finally busted out and on the lam. With the addition of William Fichtner as the smarty-pants tracking them, the stakes are every bit as high as when Lincoln was on death row. “Dancing With the Stars,” 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, ABC; premieres Tuesday: If Lisa Rinna is as emotional watching hubby Harry Hamlin perform as she was dancing, then fans already should know who to root for. Him, or JER-RY! JER-RY! JER-RY! “Supernatural,” 8 p.m. Thursdays, CW; premieres Sept. 28: The best relationship on TV is between brothers Sam and Dean, and that - not the scary stories or the ongoing mysteries - is the reason to watch this show.If you have time:
If you still have time, you can tune in to another season of “The Simpsons” (7 p.m. Sundays, Fox; premieres Sunday), the sometimes ridiculous but always funny “Boston Legal” (9 p.m. Tuesdays, ABC; premieres Sept. 19), the over-the-top yet fascinating “One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. Wednesdays, CW; premieres Sept. 27), the resurgent “Smallville” (7 p.m. Thursdays, CW; premieres Sept. 28), the racy new edition of “Survivor” (7 p.m. Thursdays, CBS; premieres Sept. 14) or mega-hits “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. Thursdays, CW; premieres Sept. 21) and “Lost” (8 p.m. Wednesdays, ABC; premieres Oct. 4).TV reviewer and Portland, Ore.-based freelance journalist DeAnn Welker can be reached at deann@tvgoddess.com. To read more of her TV ramblings, visit www.tvgoddess.com.
