This is roughly like kinda a day-ish late but whateve – there was A LOT going on this week.
As cut and pasted exclusively from TVGuide and in no particular order…
RETURNING SHOWS
1. 30 Rock (NBC) / Premieres: Thursday, Oct. 4 at 8/7c
FAVORITE!
Where We Left Off: Liz officiated Jack and Avery’s vow renewal ceremony, which turned into a divorce when they admitted that they only got married because of their daughter Liddy. Meanwhile, Jenna and Paul got engaged. Criss sold his hot dog truck to raise money to pay for his and Liz’s nursery renovation, and they decide to have a child together.
What’s Next: Season 7 — the show’s last — will be about Liz’s road to motherhood, but it won’t necessarily show Liz as a mom. Blerg! Tina Fey wants to bring back old faces, including Isabella Rossellini (Jack’s first ex-wife, especially now that he’s divorced again), Salma Hayek and Michael Sheen.
2. The Big Bang Theory (CBS) / Premieres: Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8/7c
Started watching this in syndication and now I REALLY want to get caught up. LOVE this show!
Where We Left Off: Howard and Bernadette had a rooftop wedding just days before he blasted off into space, which the whole gang watched wistfully on TV. Leonard also awkwardly proposed to Penny in bed.
What’s Next: Howard will still be in space for a few episodes when Season 6 returns, but when he does land back on Earth, he will be emboldened by his other-worldly adventure. Howard and Bernadette’s living situation will also be resolved (to live with Mrs. Wolowitz or to not?), while Leonard and Penny will try to get on the same page about marriage. Sheldon and Amy’s baffling relationship will progress, and Raj will finally get a girlfriend! Hopefully it’s not Siri again.
3. Bones (Fox) / Premieres: Monday, Sept. 17 at 8/7c
FAVORITE!
Where We Left Off: Cyber serial killer Christopher Pelant (guest star Andrew Leeds) framed Brennan for murder. Deciding she could only beat Pelant by staying off the grid, Brennan took Baby Christine and went on the lam, leaving Booth behind.
What’s Next: Brennan & Co. will find a way to clear her name, but don’t look for everything to go back to normal, especially on the home front. “[Booth's furious with Brennan because [he thinks], ‘Wasn’t there some way that she could include him? Why didn’t she trust him with that information?’” executive producer Stephen Nathan tells us. Plus: Both Cam and Sweets will get new love interests, and Pelant will be a recurring threat. “Pelant is by no means gone,” Nathan says. “He is going to surprise the team — and us — at every turn.”
4. Boss (Starz) / Premieres: Friday, Aug. 17 at 9/8c
Don’t watch but would like to start.
Where We Left Off: Election day was a dark day for Chicago Mayor Tom Kane, who learned that he had been betrayed by both his wife and his closest advisor, Ezra, who was murdered. No wonder Tom collapsed in the final moments of the Season 1 finale.
What’s Next: Now that Ezra is out, Tom will look for new faces to trust. New Kane allies include Glee‘s Jonathan Groff as Kane’s naïve-but-determined new right-hand man and Family Guy‘s Sanaa Lathan as Kane’s new chief of staff. Even with a new support system, every day is a tense struggle as Kane’s degenerative neurological disorder worsens and threatens to potentially strike him down at any moment.
5. Fringe (Fox) / Premieres: Friday, Sept. 28 at 9/8c
FAVORITE! This is as much science fiction as I can stand.
Where We Left Off: In order to stop William Bell from creating a new universe he could control, Walter was forced to shoot Olivia through the head. Thanks to the high levels of Cortexiphan in her system, she was able to regenerate the tissue and survive, and she later learned that she’s pregnant with Peter’s baby. Walter was warned that the Observers are coming, a reference to the flash-forward to 2036, when the Observers have taken over the world and enslaved humanity.
What’s Next: The fifth and final season will take place in 2036, picking up the day after Peter, Astrid and Walter were freed from the amber. First order of business: find Olivia and reunite the Fringe team. Though the key to taking down the Observers lies in Walter’s mind, the group may also need William Bell to win the war. However it ends, showrunner J.H. Wyman says the final season will pay off for long-time fans in a bunch of a-ha moments. “There’s going to be a lot of those [moments] and one specifically that’s going to be very impactful, I hope,” he says.
6. Glee (Fox) / Premieres: Thursday, Sept. 13 at 9/8c
Yes I watch this and I don’t care what you think.
Where We Left Off: Eight members of New Directions graduated, including Rachel, who went on her own to New York after Finn decided to join the Army and end their engagement. And Coach Sue is preggers!
What’s Next: Everyone will be back, but it’s still pretty unclear exactly how the musical dramedy will work in Season 4 while splitting time between Lima and New York. (The latter location will feature guest stars Kate Hudson and Sarah Jessica Parker). Rachel will find a possible new love interest (Dean Geyer) at NYADA, but she’ll also struggle with the pressures to succeed. Also, Sue will be a mom, but fans will have to wait a while for the reveal of her famous baby daddy.
7. The Good Wife (CBS) / Premieres: Sunday, Sept. 30 at 9/8c
I’m like a season – or two – behind but I don’t care, I will get caught up and I will be a better person for it.
Where We Left Off: Alicia and Kalinda both ended the season haunted by unions past, as Alicia contemplated going back to Peter and our favorite private investigator anxiously awaited the arrival of her scary, never-before-seen husband.
What’s Next: After that mysterious and menacing knock on the door in the finale, Mr. Kalinda (Marc Warren) will loom large this season. His presence will bring out a new side of Kalinda as we learn exactly what he’s after. As Peter’s campaign for governor heats up and Lockhart & Gardner continues to evolve, the legal drama will welcome lots of fresh faces, including a nosy reporter (Kristin Chenoweth), a man intent on fixing Lockhart & Gardner’s long-troubled finances (Nathan Lane) and a self-made billionaire (Maura Tierney) who Eli is eager to recruit for the Florrick campaign.
8. Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) / Premieres: Thursday, Sept. 27 at 9/8c
Yes, it is a well written nighttime soap opera – so what??
Where We Left Off: After a plane carrying Meredith, Derek, Cristina, Mark, Arizona and Lexie crashed in the mountains, Lexie succumbed to her injuries. Meanwhile, back at Seattle Grace, Teddy left the hospital for a new job and April was let go after failing her boards. Plus: Bailey and Ben got engaged.
What’s Next: The premiere will jump ahead two to three months after the finale, but don’t worry: The second episode will flash back to the Stranded Six Five’s rescue in the mountains. Considering many of the doctors have taken jobs elsewhere, this season will take place at Seattle Grace and at least one other hospital. Eric Dane won’t return for the ninth season and the fate of Jessica Capshaw’s Arizona is still up in the air, but Meredith, Cristina and Derek will definitely survive, with the latter dealing with temporarily not being able to operate because of the damage to his hand. Plus: There’s a new crop of doctors, including Gaius Charles and Camilla Luddington.
9. Modern Family (ABC) / Premieres: Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 9/8c
FAVORITE! FAVORITE! FAVORITE!
Where We Left Off: Cam and Mitchell missed out on a chance to adopt a new baby, but — surprise! — Gloria discovered she was pregnant! Meanwhile, Haley got into college!
What’s Next: Season 4 opens with the rest of the family learning about Gloria’s big news. Naturally Jay will be a little stressed out about being a father again, and poor Cam and Mitchell will be sad/jealous that their wait for a second child continues. The big question: How will big brother Manny react? And the bigger question: Can Haley survive college?
10. New Girl (Fox) / Premieres: Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 8/7c
I allowed myself to get pulled in last season and I’m kinda committed now. It has its moments.
Where We Left Off: Although Nick considered moving back in with his ex-girlfriend, he freaked out about cohabitating and, after a drive to the desert in a U-Haul, decided to stay put. Meanwhile, Schmidt broke up with Cece, believing she would be better off without him.
What’s Next: Jess will lose her job, which will bring about major life changes. “What’s been great is that it kind of unhinges her,” creator Liz Meriwether says. “She’s really questioning every part of herself. … That leads her to try something she’s never tried before, which is to sleep with someone she hates and to continue to sleep with him.” Her new “sex interest” is played by Bent‘s David Walton, while Josh Gad will also attempt to woo Jess later this season. Still, that doesn’t mean Nick and Jess don’t have a chance. Plus: Schmidt will have some competition when Cece gets a new boyfriend.
11. The Office (NBC) / Premieres: Thursday, Sept. 20 at 9/8c
I’ve been rolling with them for a long time now so why quit now?
Where We Left Off: Andy returned to Dunder Mifflin in grand (read: disheveled) fashion as the reinstated branch manager under new owner David Wallace. (Robert California was subsequently booted.) Dwight and Angela shared a passionate kiss while Dwight was having the dirty diaper of Angela’s baby tested for his DNA. How romantic!
What’s Next: Scranton’s premier paper company is going to look very different with no Robert California and a lot less Kelly and Ryan. However, there will be some new faces filling the empty cubicles, including Catherine Tate, who is coming back full-time and Better with You alum Jake Lacy, who plays a new Jim-esque love interest for Erin.
12. Parenthood (NBC) / Premieres: Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 10/9c
I can’t help myself, again I’m committed to it.
Where We Left Off: Season 3 ended on a relatively happy note for the Bravermans: Crosby and Jasmine got hitched, Julia and Joel adopted a son, Crosby and Adam decided not to sell The Luncheonette and, in a big shocker, Mark proposed to Sarah.
What’s Next: While we don’t know if Sarah will say yes, Mark will be back, but he’ll have to fight guest star Ray Romano for her affection. Romance is also in the air for Amber, who will fall deeply in love this season, while her brother Drew suffers his first heartbreak. Julia and Joel will struggle to integrate new son Victor into the family, and Crosby and Jasmine will hit some bumps in the road as they try to define themselves as a married couple.
13. Parks and Recreation (NBC) / Premieres: Thursday, Sept. 20 at 9:30/8:30c
I came in late to this show but now I’m totally down.
Where We Left Off: After campaigning all season, Leslie Knope won the City Council election. Meanwhile, Ben was offered a job in Washington, D.C., which he accepted with Leslie’s blessing. Also, Ann agreed to move in with Tom.
What’s Next: Parks heads to Washington D.C. in the premiere, with Leslie and Andy visiting Ben. (There will also be appearances by real-life senators Barbara Boxer, John McCain and Olympia Snowe.) Upon her return to Pawnee, Leslie will struggle to balance her role as City Councilor with her duties as a member of the Parks Department. Plus: Andy may decide to apply to the police academy — with Ron’s help. As for Ann’s big move, executive producer Mike Schur says Ann was drunk and may not even remember her agreement.
14. Private Practice (ABC) / Premieres: Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 10/9c
Yeah yeah, another nighttime soap opera, I know I know.
Where We Left Off: After carrying her brainless baby to term, Amelia gave birth and donated the baby’s organs. Sam realized he wanted another family of his own and proposed to Addison. Although initially remorseless about the mercy killing of a patient Pete eventually changed his tune so he could be reunited with Violet.
What’s Next: We won’t have to wait long to find out whether Addison said yes to Sam’s proposal, as the series will jump ahead two to three months. Because it’s likely the final season, creator Shonda Rhimes promises more ambitious episodes, including a Rashomon-inspired hour featuring a story told from different points of view. Unfortunately, we won’t see Pete’s point of view as Tim Daly won’t return. Could his exit be related to the death coming this season?
15. Scandal (ABC) / Premieres: Thursday, Sept. 27 at 10/9c
ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS TO START AGAIN!!
Where We Left Off: Billy Chambers tried to go live with the information about President Fitz’s alleged affair. In order keep the story from spiraling out of control, Fitz’s wife Mellie decided to lie to the public to save his skin. Meanwhile, it turns out Quinn Perkins isn’t really named Quinn Perkins.
What’s Next: The question of who Quinn Perkins really is will be answered immediately in the premiere, but the new mystery becomes figuring out what happened to Quinn to make her this way and who was responsible. As for Olivia, Shonda Rhimes previously told us that she may get a new love interest and begin to move on from Fitz. Plus: Cyrus will have to tread carefully lest someone find out it was he who put out the hit on Amanda Tanner.
NEW SHOWS I MIGHT WATCH
666 Park Avenue (ABC) / Premieres: Sunday, Sept. 30 at 10/9c
Love Vanessa Williams so its possible I may catch the first two episodes but this does seem like one of those weird and dark pieces. Hmmmm.
Elementary (CBS) / Premieres: Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 10/9c
I’m curious but as you can tell my tv watching is already excessive so…
Guys With Kids (NBC) / Premieres: Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 8:30/7:30c
I might give them ONE episode.
The Mindy Project (Fox) / Premieres: Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 9:30/8:30
Just because I really really really like her and how many minority women are starring in their own sitcoms right now…? Go ahead and count I’ll wait. Oh wait are you done already? Exactly.
The New Normal (NBC) / Premieres: Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 9:30/8:30c
Watched the Pilot and the first episode, I might stay with it but I’m not fully committed. Totally not gonna front, rolling with Nene Leakes on this one might be a real issue for me. And who REALLY thought it was a good idea to send that little girl to a new school in her Grey Gardens/”Little Edie” get up??
NEW SHOWS I HAVE ZERO INTENTION OF WATCHING
Animal Practice (NBC) / Premieres: Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 8/7c
Nope.
Arrow (CW) / Premieres: Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 8/7c
Hell no.
Beauty and the Beast (CW) / Premieres: Thursday, Oct. 11 at 9/8c
No and No.
Ben and Kate (Fox) / Premieres: Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 8:30/7:30c
Yaaaaaawwwn.
Chicago Fire (NBC) / Premieres: Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 10/9c
Why does this sound like at least 5 other shows from the past?
Emily Owens, M.D. (CW) / Premieres: Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 9/8c
Again, ????
Go On (NBC) / Premieres: Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 9/8c
Starring Matthew Perry, best of luck to him.
Last Resort (ABC) / Premieres: Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8/7c
Starring Andre Braugher – well that’s a plus.
Made in Jersey (CBS) / Premieres: Friday, Sept. 28 at 9/8c
Unless Tony Soprano is in it, I kinda don’t care.
Major Crimes (TNT) / Premieres: Monday, Aug. 13 at 10/9c
Honestly I would like to watch this but I need to catch up on The Closer first so uumm yeah.
Malibu Country (ABC) / Premieres: Friday, Nov. 2 at 8:30/7:30c
Starring Reba McEntire (again) and Lily Tomlin who I absolutely adore but still not gonna watch.
The Mob Doctor (Fox) / Premieres: Monday, Sept. 17 at 9/8c
Mildly curious but I really ain’t got the time and although the premise sounds kinda interesting me thinks the execution might not deliver.
Nashville (ABC) / Premieres: Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 10/9c
Not gonna happen.
The Neighbors (ABC) / Premieres: Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 8:30/7:30c
????
Partners (CBS) / Premieres: Monday, Sept. 24 at 8:30/7:30c
Nah.
Revolution (NBC) / Premieres: Monday, Sept. 17 at 10/9c
Has Giancarlo Esposito in it whom I really really like but not enough to make me watch this show, oh well.
Stars Earn Stripes (NBC) / Premieres: Monday, Aug. 13 at 8/7c
Reality Show, ‘nuf said.
Vegas (CBS) / Premieres: Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 10/9c
Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis, I wish them well.
My recommendations: 1) CATCH UP ON BOSS. An absolutely AMAZING show. 2) Love New Girl…work with it. 3) Happy Endings and the The B in Apt. 23 are HILARIOUS…try em out. 4) How you failed to mention Boardwalk Empire makes me question who you are! 5) Breakup with Parenthood, Fringe and Glee…it’s time. It’s not you…it’s them. 6) Dexter. Dexter. Dexter. I’m dead serious (pun intended). Last but not least…Thursday, Sunday and Monday Night Football is always a sure bet. You’re welcome!
P.S. So glad I’m not the only one sucked into the Mad Men vortex!!!
(1) TV Guide didn’t include “Broadwalk Empire” in their lineup (perhaps a vendetta with HBO/Premium Channels? But they included “Boss” which IS on a premium channel, hmmm) ANYWAY – I don’t have “HBO” or “Starz” hence I’m behind on both shows. We’ll see… Just so you are satisfied, the new season of Boardwalk Empire premieres September 16th.
(2) I enjoyed the one “Happy Endings” episode I saw but I’m not particularly interested in committing. There always seems to be a lot going on with warp speed dialogue – kinda makes me dizzy. It is Friends on crack and thus I find it a bit exhausting.
(3) My friend will be on The B in Apt 23 soo umm I’m planning to watch THAT episode.
(4) NEVER breaking up with Parenthood, Fringe OR Glee so save your breath!
(5) I’m committed to New Girl, they had some great episodes in the 2nd half of the season so I’m in for the long haul (for the time being.)
(6) re Dexter – no
(7) re NFL – ehhhh, i’m cool
(8) I didn’t mention Mad Men – whatcha talkin’ about yo?
Seriously…go grab BOSS and catch up.
So let’s say I get caught up, then what? I DON’T HAVE STARZ!!! :-p
Then you find a friend with Direct Tv who has online access to the on demand shows and you get their info and you log on and VOILA…Boss is in yo life! And stop yelling at me. That’s rude. Gladys didn’t raise you to be rude!
I’ll think about it. You’re lucky she’s never yelled at YOU!
(1) I count on you to be FULLY informed about all things…therefore YOU should’ve included Boardwalk Empire. Geez.
(2) Correction…It’s Friends on crack “…with a gay and a black” (their words…not mine). It’s FUNNY. Come on…try it!
(3) James VanDer…whatever…steals that show. Tia and Tamera (the black Olsen twins – James’ assistant’s words – not mine) will be doing a cameo. If that doesn’t entice you, you have no soul.
(4) It’s time Crescent. It’s time. They’re just not that into…being good. End it. End it for you.
(5) Funny. Same thing happened to me. Fox ran back-to-back episodes and I caught it in the middle of the season (when she was dating Dermot Mulsomethingorother). Now I’m hooked.
(6) You scared. Dexter is THE MAN.
(7) The more NFL you like…the more boys will like you! jussayin…
(8) I’m saying that it appears that you and I are the only two on earth not sucked in by the Mad Men phenomenon.
(1) Fair enough, hence I may need to staff up soon – interested?
(2) Alright “with a gay and a black” is funny – still can’t commit. I’ve got my hands full.
(3) I’ve heard this about Mr. James. Why on earth would the presence of Tia and Tamera entice me????? I mean they are cool and all but “enticing”??
(4) No
(5) Yeah, I liked the pilot (with the other black guy) and then in the first episode (with the replacement black guy) there was a black girl with an afro playing a waitress (she had a few lines and everything!) so I said okay, I’ll roll with you peeps for a minute and here I am – gearing up for season 2.
(6) Yep
(7) HAVE YOU BEEN TO LA???
(8) Ooohhh right, true true although I will admit I am curious…
I am SO excited for Fringe to come back, but I’m so sad it’s the last season! I’m like you – science fiction isn’t really my thing, but Fringe is just different somehow. I think they lured me in with Joshua Jackson, LOL. I work Friday nights at Dish, so I’m sadly not going to be home to watch this final season live like I used to. Thankfully, I know I’ll be able to count on my Hopper to record it all for me to watch the minute I get home. I would hate to be out of the loop at all with this show! Spoilers are so hard to avoid, especially when my entire family loves to watch it and talk about it.
Hi Emma!!! Regarding Fringe, I caught an episode a few seasons ago at a friend’s house and was totally fascinated with the Walter character – LOVE HIM!! That’s how I got pulled into it.
I don’t have a hopper but I do have my reliable DVR so I’m good – with all the shows I watch I wouldn’t be able to keep up without it.
And yep it is super sad that this is the last season, they better make it GOOD!!! Wait you can’t watch tv at work?? Where is the fun in working at Dish then??