[dl] Television
We’ve waited all summer, and this month, we’re finally being rewarded with a bountiful fall harvest of new TV offerings. Here’s what to watch -- and what you can miss.
WILD CARDS
Could be hits or misses. So far, so good.
Cougar Town
(ABC, Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m.)
Rather than play up the vampy stereotype of 40-something “cougars,” this series -- about a single mom (played by Courteney Cox) clumsily on the prowl -- portrays growing older as a balancing act of grace and awkwardness. It’s a brave role for Cox, and she nails it. But the conventional comedy shtick and “cougar” fatigue might undermine the show.
Flash Forward
(ABC, Thursdays at eight p.m.)
In this series, people are able to experience two minutes of their futures, and many of the glimpses foretell tragedy. It’s a gripping premise: If you knew your future, what would you do? The debut looks promising, but will audiences want to commit to another show that requires weekly viewing, or will they tune out fast?
The Good Wife
(CBS, Tuesdays at 10 p.m.)
While a politician (played by Chris Noth) in jail on corruption charges awaits trial, his devoted wife (Julianna Margulies) returns to work in order to provide for her children. Viewers may find the subject matter too dour, but this is a compelling drama with solid lead performances and comic relief from a strong supporting cast.
DÉJÀ VIEW
Reboots and spin-offs. Potential hits (even if they shouldn’t be).
The Cleveland Show
(Fox, Sundays at 8:30 p.m.)
This
Family Guy spin-off will attempt to fill the void left by
King of the Hill in Fox’s Sunday-night
Animation Domination block. Though the show’s humor is lukewarm, Fox has already ordered a second season.
Eastwick
(ABC, Wednesdays at 10 p.m.)
The cauldron ingredients here are simple: three witches, one devilish man bringing them together, and a rural
New England town. We’ve seen it before, but the
Eastwick cast -- which includes the seductive Rebecca Romijn and the crafty Paul Gross -- makes it click.
Melrose Place
(CW, Tuesdays at nine p.m.)
Fans of
Gossip Girl and the revived
90210 will probably enjoy the newest incarnation of this guilty- pleasure series, which follows a new generation of hip Angelinos nesting at the titular apartment complex and stabbing each other in the back.
HIT LIST
Top-notch fare.
Community
(NBC, Thursdays at 9:30 p.m.)
This irreverent take on community-college life centers on a
lawyer (
The Soup’s Joel McHale) needing to fulfill educational requirements to get his suspended law license back. Along the way, he teams with a ragtag study group of students. Comic turns from
Chevy Chase and
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart correspondent John Oliver elevate this funny fare.
Glee
(Fox, Wednesdays at nine p.m.)
Combine the liveliness of
High School Musical and the sass of
Bring It On with modern pop tunes, and you get Glee. Matthew Morrison plays a
teacher trying to revive his school’s glee club. The series both embraces and rejects the stereotypes and social hierarchies of high school life.
Modern Family
(ABC, Wednesdays at nine p.m.)
Three married couples -- two straight, one gay -- cope with the pressures and absurdities of parenthood. A fictional show shot from a documentary perspective, this off-kilter comedy revels in its characters’ foibles.
Married with Children fans will love Ed O’Neill’s turn as yet another beleaguered dad.
*All showtimes are eastern time.