I know it's still summer, but ...
Question: I know it's still summer, but have the networks announced tentative dates for their season premieres?
Answer: As of now, the only network not to announce premiere dates is CBS, which will likely launch most of its new and returning shows the weeks of Sept. 17 and 24.
Here's how the others shape up: The season kicks off early on Fox, with Prison Break and Vanished on Aug. 21; then the limited reality series Duets on Aug. 29; Justice and Bones on Aug. 30; House and Standoff on Sept. 5; the comedies 'Til Death and Happy Hour on Sept 7; Nanny 911 on Sept. 8; Cops and America's Most Wanted on Sept. 9; Fox's animated comedy lineup plus The War at Home on Sept. 10; and MADtv Sept. 16. (The O.C. won't return until after postseason baseball on Nov. 2.)
On ABC, 20/20 officially kicks off Sept. 8; Dancing with the Stars returns Sept. 12 and 13; Wife Swap premieres Sept. 18; Grey's Anatomy and Six Degrees on Sept. 21; Ugly Betty and Men in Trees on Sept. 22; Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters Sept. 24; Help Me Help You and Boston Legal on Sept. 26; The Bachelor: Rome on Oct. 2; Lost and The Nine on Oct. 4; Big Day and Notes from the Underbelly on Oct. 5; What About Brian on Oct. 9; and The Knights of Prosperity Oct. 17. (Day Break is expected to take over for Lost on Nov. 15 for 13 weeks.)
NBC gets rolling during the traditional premiere week, with a two-hour Deal or No Deal leading in to Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip on Sept. 18; Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on Sept. 19; The Biggest Loser and Kidnapped on Sept. 20; My Name Is Earl, The Office and ER on Sept. 21; Law & Order on Sept. 22; Heroes on Sept. 25; Friday Night Lights on Oct. 3; Twenty Good Years on Oct. 4; 30 Rock on Oct. 11; and Crossing Jordan and Las Vegas on Oct. 20.
The new CW officially launches Sept. 20 with a two-hour America's Next Top Model; then Smackdown on Sept. 22; 7th Heaven and Runaway on Sept. 25; Gilmore Girls on Sept. 26; One Tree Hill on Sept. 27; Smallville and Supernatural on Sept. 28; Everybody Hates Chris, All of Us, Girlfriends and The Game on Oct. 1; and Veronica Mars on Oct. 3.
Is this going to be a busy season or what?
