Strike-affected shows return with new episodes

by Maureen Ryan

Chicago Tribune (MCT)

26 March 2008

The last fresh episode of the NBC comedy “The Office” aired Nov. 15, which technically qualifies as forever ago. Not that I’ve been keeping track. But at least now we know what will happen when the show returns April 10: Michael (Steve Carell) and Jan (Melora Hardin) will host a dinner party for their co-workers Jim and Pam. How awkward will that get?

If you go to the Watcher Web site, there’s lots more information about what will happen on the shows listed below when they return. Fans of “House,” “30 Rock” and “Ugly Betty” can see tidbits about those shows posted there. But for viewers who simply want to know when their favorite programs are returning, here’s a handy list of dates. (And if you don’t spot a favorite show here, be aware that some series aren’t returning until fall, and the fate of several others has not been announced yet.)

Sunday: “Cold Case,” CBS.

April 2: “CSI: New York,” “Criminal Minds,” CBS.

April 3: “My Name Is Earl,” NBC, “CSI,” “Without a Trace,” CBS.

April 4: “Ghost Whisperer,” “Numbers,” CBS.

April 7: “Samantha Who?,” ABC.

April 8: “Boston Legal,” ABC, “NCIS,” CBS.

April 10: “The Office,” “30 Rock,” “Scrubs,” “ER,” NBC.

April 11: “Moonlight,” CBS.

April 13: “Desperate Housewives,” ABC.

April 14: “Rules of Engagement,” CBS, “One Tree Hill,” CW, “Bones,” Fox.

April 15: “Law & Order: SVU,” NBC.

April 16: “Til Death” and “Back to You,” Fox.

April 17: “Smallville,” CW.

April 20: “Brothers and Sisters,” ABC.

April 21: “Gossip Girl,” CW.

April 22: “Reaper,” CW.

April 23: “Law & Order,” NBC, “The Game,” CW

April 24: “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Ugly Betty,” ABC, “Supernatural,” CW.

April 28: “House,” Fox.