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New TV series were hyped at an all time high in 2010, only to see disappointing ratings and early cancellations. As a result, this fall will see more new series debuts than last year. But what will stay and what will get cancelled before Christmas? Looking at a show’s premise and competition, I previously predicted the demises of Running Wilde, Detroit 1-8-7, My Generation, and Outlaw, so let’s see about this year.
(The listings shown are for the Central Standard time zone.)
7pm
The night starts out with two similarly themed half-hour comedies on ABC. Tim Allen stars as a “traditional” man dealing with a house full of women (his wife and three daughters) in Last Man Standing. Then in Man Up, three buddies vow to start acting like “real men”. ABC has had success with their Wednesday night sitcoms, so the network is trying a similar approach for Tuesdays. Unfortunately, these shows look more along the lines of the terribly bland According to Jim than the subtle humor of Modern Family or The Middle. (Normally, I’d say something about male stereotypes here, but I’m trying to be subtle.) (Last Man Standing debuts October 11th, Man Up debuts October 18th.)
8pm
Until American Idol rolls around, FOX is also dedicating Tuesdays to sitcoms. In New Girl, She & Him singer and 500 Days of Summer star Zooey Deschanel stars as the dorky but likable roommate of three single guys. Do we really need another comedy about the differences between men and women and navigating the dating scene? Word of mouth suggests otherwise, as viewers have expressed interest on message boards while the Critics Choice Television Awards already declared it one of the “Most Exciting New Series”. (Debuts September 20th)
The CW has high hopes for Ringer, an action/drama in which Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as a set of identical twins. Bridget is on the run from the mob, while Siobhan is wealthy and presumed dead. Naturally, Bridget takes over her twin’s identity and tries to figure out what happened. Critics have already started praising the show with a built-in initial Buffy audience. The only question here is why the network didn’t choose to pair this up with the similar Nikita? (Debuts September 13th)
9pm
CBS brings us Unforgettable, a police procedural in which a woman (Without a Trace’s Poppy Montgomery) uses her ability to remember everything to solve homicides. Despite her condition, she’s haunted by the events leading up to the murder of her sister, the only thing she can’t remember. Airing opposite ABC’s Body of Proof and NBC’s Parenthood, this show is almost guaranteed for renewal. (Debuts September 20th)
