New and Returning Favorite TV Shows A-Z and Fall Schedule for 2008

24

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Where we left off: Bill and Karen resigned, Jack's confrontation with Audrey's father lead him to realize it's time to let go, and we conclude the season with Jack at a "crossroads," contemplating things on a literal cliff.

What's next: According to series exec producer Manny Coto, Season 7 will be more personal. Jack has relocated and is living under his own name and working at a job he enjoys. There's a new, dark villain though, who has done something "horrific," and is seeking to regain his stature as a big-time baddie. Shooting for the two-hour season prequel took place in South Africa, confirming the buzz about some international action.

90210

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Who's on it: A whole bunch of shiny, happy newcomers including Shenae Grimes and Tristan Wilds as adoptive siblings and series vets Lori Loughlin and Rob Estes as their thoroughly modern parents

What it's about: It's a reboot of the classic '90s Fox series, in which a Midwestern family relocates to Beverly Hills. Just to shake things up, this time one of the kids is adopted and African-American. Look for appearances by original cast members Jennie Garth, Shannen Doherty and Joe E. Tata.

Why it's an editors' pick: Nostalgia aside, the creators of Freaks and Geeks remaking 90210 intrigues us.

30 Rock

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Where we left off: Liz Lemon decided to adopt a child after she realizing she wasn't pregnant with her idiot ex's baby. Jack left GE for a job in the Bush Administration after his nemesis Devon Banks took over. Tracy invented a porno video game.

What's next: Jack tries to get fired from his government gig so he return to GE. Liz struggles with work while trying to adopt.

According to Jim

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Where we left off: Collecting payment on an old deal, the devil (James Lipton) came for one of Jim's newborn children. Apparently, way back when, the bearlike, doltish Jim made a deal with Old Scratch to win the love of the hot, endlessly patient Cheryl (recent real-life mom - and novelist! - Courtney Thorne-Smith).

What's next: Wait, the devil demanding Jim's child? Reaper-esque, but awesome! And James Lipton! We need to start watching According to Jim. Also this season: A no-longer-pregnant Cheryl stops with the maternally-beautiful-and-glowing routine and goes back to just being hot.

Amazing Race 13

Where we left off: Hippie lovebirds TK and Rachel proved that teamwork and communication are the keys to success. The California couple walked away with a cool million.

What's next: In the 13th installment of the Emmy-winning reality series, competitors race around the world, accomplishing incredible feats of strength - both physical and mental. Phil Keoghan, he of the amazing eyebrows, returns to host.

American Dad

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Where we left off: When Francine left to visit her parents, Roger invited Spring Breakers to party at the Smith house. As usual, Roger got wasted, Stan almost got swindled by a booze-cruiser and Steve tried to lose his virginity. Ew.

What's next: Taking a wild guess here, but Stan and Francine butt heads on how to deal with Steve, Haley and Roger's shenanigans.

American Idol

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Where we left off: After what was widely touted as the most talent-filled season ever, the final decision came down to two Davids: Archuleta, the sweetie-pie from Utah whose "Imagine" was a season highlight; and Cook, the scruffy rocker with a penchant for innovative covers. In the end, Cook whipped up a victory.

What's next: A new batch of hopefuls will warble for the chance to win the hearts of Randy, Paula, Simon (not bloody likely) and America. For the first time, Idol auditions will take place in Puerto Rico.

America's Next Top Model

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Where we left off: Whitney was crowned the first "plus-sized" winner in Top Model history.

What's next: This season's wanna-be divas include the series' first transgender contestant.

Bachelor, The

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Where we left off: Last season featured only the second successful pairing when London Callings' Matt Grant proposed to Hollywood actress Shayne Lamas.

What's next: Will we get another happy ending? Watch as the new bachelor inevitably narrows his choice down from 25 women to hand out his final rose in what will be the most romantic and dramatic rose ceremony yet

Bad Mother's Handbook

Who's on it: Megan Mullally, Alicia Silverstone, Arrested Development's Alia Shawkat

What it's about: Silverstone plays a 32-year-old mom who is charged with caring for her teenage daughter (Shawkat) and her middle-aged mother (Mullally). Based on the British novel and TV movie of the same name.

Battlestar Galactica

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Where we left off: The season ended with a bittersweet moment as the fleet landed on Earth only to find it had been destroyed by an apparent nuclear holocaust.

What's next: The final episodes will reveal the identity of the last Cylon, the fate of the ill president and the story of Earth's destruction - if it's even Earth at all.

Big Bang Theory, The

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Where we left off: Leonard swooped in after Penny broke up with her dopey boyfriend, finally mustering the courage to ask her out. And thanks to Sheldon's nerdy advice, the two shared a steamy kiss.

What's next: We'll find out just what happened on Leonard and Penny's first date, and if the two can overcome their differences to survive as a couple, giving hope to those of the pocket-protector clan nationwide.

Big Brother

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Where we left off: Thirteen strangers moved into a house on a Hollywood soundstage, and began betraying, lying to and sleeping with other houseguests in a quest for the $500,000 grand prize.

What's next: The scenery may change but the backstabbing never will.

Big Love

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Where we left off: Bill and Roman confronted each other, revealing past secrets. Barb solidified her status as first wife as Margene made the family more vulnerable. Ben and Sarah considered their divergent futures.

What's next: Bill may take a fourth wife, Ana (Branka Katic), the waitress he met at a local joint. Margene encourages him to bring her into the family, a move that's tough for first wife Barb to swallow. Soon, someone from Ana's past arrives who has a ripple effect on everyone involved.

Biggest Loser: Families, The

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Where we left off: Ali Vincent, the show's first female winner, lost 112 pounds to beat out Kelly Fields and Roger Schultz and take home $250,000.

What's next: The newest edition will pit entire families against each other.

Bones

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Where we left off: Fans were shocked to learn that wunderkind lab rat Zack (Eric Millegan) was actually the apprentice to the serial killer Gormogon.

What's next: Brennan & Co. travel to London for the fourth-season opener. Zack will be replaced by a rotating group of grad students, including one played by Michael Badalucco (The Practice's Jimmy Berluti).

Boston Legal

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Where we left off: Judge Harvey Cooper approached Alan on behalf of the town of Concord, Mass., which wants to secede from the United States. Alan took the case, offending Denny, who then decided to represent the United States.

What's next: Alan, Denny, Jerry and Bethany face off against the tobacco industry, which is, naturally, represented by a former paramour of Alan's. Denny sees a doctor about some "performance" issues, only to learn that he may not actually have Alzheimer's.

Brothers & Sisters

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Where we left off: Rebecca revealed her non-Walker parentage just moments after her mom Holly seized control of the family businesses in a merger to clean up Saul and Sarah's mess. Newly not-related Rebecca and Justin celebrated by making out. Another potential Walker bastard child surfaced, and he's named Ryan.

What's next: We'll meet Ryan, but not until mid-season. Until then, Will McCormack and Eric Christian Olsen join the cast, one of them as a possible new love interest for Sarah. Executive producer Greg Berlanti hints that a special episode will feature the death of a major character.

Californication

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Where we left off: Karen ditched her wedding reception to run away with Hank and Becca. Mia and Dani teamed up to publish Mia's stolen-from-Hank novel.

What's next: Hank and Karen will deal with their complicated triangle with Bill, and the compatibility of Hank's dark urges with family life.

Chuck

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Where we left off: With Chuck's life in danger, the NSA relocated him to a permanent holding cell. Captain Awesome wanted to propose to Ellie, but Chuck lost the ring.

What's next: That mysterious guy in the Fed Ex uniform apparently has two new targets: Chuck and Sarah

Cold Case

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Where we left off: In a fiery finale, Lilly helped solve a 3-year-old case of a child abduction covered up by an apartment fire.

What's next: Detective Rush and her Philadelphia police squad will be back solving cold cases.

Criminal Minds

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Where we left off: Five seemingly unrelated shooting victims point to a conspiracy. A cliff-hanger shows one of six identical SUVs containing the BAU team suddenly exploding.

What's next: We'll learn who was blown up and what the motive was.

Crusoe

Who's on it: Philip Winchester, Sean Bean and Sam Neill, making a rare television appearance

What it's about: NBC has released few details about this adventure series currently filming in the U.K. and South Africa. But it's based on the classic novel about a castaway (Winchester) who spends eight years on a desert island. The series will also depict flashback scenes of his life before his shipwreck, including clashes with his father (Bean) and the counsel of a family friend (Neill).

CSI

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Where we left off: Gedda and Harper's deaths were discovered to be inside jobs. But just as Warrick was exonerated for Gedda's murder, McKeen shot him.

What's next: The entire CSI cast - including Jorja Fox - will come together to mourn Warrick. A new CSI member will join the team in anticipation of William Petersen's departure, about 10 episodes in.

CSI Miami

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Where we left off: We saw Horatio Caine lying in a pool of blood, leaving us to wonder if David Caruso was pulling another NYPD Blue.

What's next: Nope, Caruso will be back, of course. H staged his death so he could continue to pursue his nemesis undetected.

CSI NY

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Where we left off: A botched bank heist left a manager dead, and the CSI arrived on the scene to prove the robber didn't shoot him. Once Mac was inside, the robber's identity and motives blurred the line between guilt and innocence.

What's next: Mac is injured and flags down a car on the side of the road to use a phone. The plot thickens when the driver later turns up dead. And what of the robber in Season 4's finale? You'll have to watch.

Damages

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Where we left off: Prompted by Patty's blackmail, Frobisher settled his case, but was then shot by a former employee. Ellen evaded murder charges, but was then recruited by the FBI to assist in their investigation of Patty.

What's next: Producer Daniel Zelman says Frobisher "isn't terribly healthy at the moment, but he is alive." William Hurt and Timothy Olyphant join the cast as regulars, and Marcia Gay Harden will face off with Patty as an attorney for a shadowy, high-powered corporation.

Dancing with the Stars

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Where we left off: After a season of highs (the 100th episode) and lows (Cristian and Derek's injuries), Kristi Yamaguchi became the first woman since Kelly Monaco to win the competition.

What's next: Kathy Griffin and Dan Quayle have said no, but at least one candidate is still in the mix: the openly gay Lance Bass, who could dance with a male partner. Stay tuned for the official roster.

Deal or No Deal

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Where we left off: A Chicago real estate agent had to make some serious decisions knowing $8 million cases were added to the game.

What's next: More million dollar madness, more excruciating commercial breaks and more of "The Banker" taunting the contestants.

Desperate Housewives

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Where we left off: A clever five-year fast-forward showed us that the outsider Katherine is now one of the girls, Orson and Bree have reunited, Lynette's mischievous twins are now delinquents, the self-centered Gaby has two kids and Susan has a new man in her life.

What's next: Edie returns with Neal McDonough at her side, and the newest Wisteria hottie has revenge on his mind.

Dexter

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Where we left off: Dexter narrowly escaped discovery. The deaths of Lila and Doakes made Dex revise his serial-killer playbook.

What's next: Jimmy Smits joins the cast as Miguel Prado, an assistant D.A. who teams up with Dex to catch a killer who has changed both their lives.

Dirty Sexy Money

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Where we left off: Nick discovered Karen's affair with Simon. Brian's ministry suspension left him in the middle of a career crisis and Lisa helped Jeremy woo his love interest. Seychelles paid a visit to Juliet, and Carmelita couldn't help but feel she was being watched.

What's next: Expect an even dirtier and sexier Season 2 with a new executive producer and show runner leading the series. How's this for scandal - Simon Elder may have some explaining, considering we're soon to meet his teenager.

Do Not Disturb

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Who's on it: Jerry O'Connell, Niecy Nash

What it's about: O'Connell plays a cocksure womanizer who manages a boutique hotel in New York City. Nash is a brash HR boss who tries to keep everyone in line, both up front and behind the scenes.

Dollhouse

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Who's on it: Eliza Dushku, Olivia Williams, Tahmoh Penikett

What it's about: "Who do you want me to be?" is the creepy tagline for this Joss Whedon creation. Echo (Dushku) is an "active," a blank canvas upon which clients assign identities, which are then wiped clean when the engagement is over. Echo lives with other actives in a lab run by the mysterious, madam-like Adelle (Williams). Things go awry when Echo starts to remember her life before it was erased as FBI Agent Paul Ballard (Penikett) closes in on the Dollhouse's illegal operation.

Don't Forget the Lyrics!

Where we left off: Wayne Brady returns as the show's host to bring us the twice-weekly competition that will irk music fans across America, all over again.

What's next: With a structure similar to that of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, the show gives contestants a choice of music genre, and then presents a song whose lyrics they try to remember. With each correct answer, the prize money goes up, way up - from $2,500 to $1 million.

Easy Money

Who's on it: Laurie Metcalf, Judge Reinhold, Jeff Hephner

What it's about: Metcalf plays the matriarch of a family of loan sharks. Hephner (The O.C.) is the ethical son who aches to take the biz legit. Reinhold doesn't stray far from his Beverly Hills Cop roots, playing a detective.

Eleventh Hour

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Who's on it: Rufus Sewell, Marley Shelton

What it's about: Jacob Hood (Sewell) is a special scientific advisor to the FBI who lends his particular skills to criminal investigations. "This is a science fact show, not a science fiction show," says executive producer Ethan Reiff (who also wrote Showtime's Sleeper Cell). Jerry Bruckheimer is also involved, which is a good sign.

Eli Stone

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Where we left off: Eli, the likable lawyer/prophet who hallucinates George Michael, decided to have his life-threatening brain aneurysm removed. In the last moments of the cliff-hanger, he awoke from a coma of unspecified length after a surgical complication.

What's next: Last season was about Eli embracing his gift, says executive producer Greg Berlanti. "Now it's about the people around him - do they believe him?" Look for guest spots by Richard Schiff (The West Wing) and Katie Holmes, who will reportedly sing and dance.

Entourage

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Where we left off: At Cannes, after a lengthy competitive bidding war, Harvey Weingard bought the execrable Medellin - for $1 - after the film bombed at its premiere.

What's next: Jamie-Lynn Sigler plays "herself" in a three-ep arc. Other guest stars will include Giovanni Ribisi, Kevin Pollak and Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester.

ER

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Where we left off: A drunk patient (Steve Buscemi) endangered everyone at County General. Gates had concerns about his future with Sam. Luka had an accidental encounter with Dr. Moretti (Stanley Tucci).

What's next: Four new interns, including Shiri Appleby, join County General for the show's 15th and final season.

Everybody Hates Chris

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Where we left off: Chris graduated from junior high, but was disappointed to find out that his best friend, Greg, is going to a different high school.

What's next: The story of Chris Rock's Brooklyn childhood moves to Fridays, alongside The Game and Top Model reruns.

Ex List, The

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Who's on it: Elizabeth Reaser (Ava/Rebecca from Grey's Anatomy)

What it's about: A psychic tells Bella Bloom (Reaser) she has one year to get married, or else she never will. The catch: Her true love is someone she has already dated. Despite the insane, high-concept, age-of-Google premise, it's cute. Reaser does a great job handling the show's breezy dialogue, and she plays Bella with such approachable exuberance that you will forget her sad turn on Grey's.

Why it's an editors' pick: Despite its apparent limitations (what happens in Season 2?), its thoroughly modern rom-com premise will have you asking which of your exes might be the one who got away.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

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Where we left off: Ty Pennington and Co. wrapped up their 50-state tour with a salute to the men and women who helped rebuild New Orleans, including a fireman and his nearby church.

What's next: Season 5 will start in Hawaii and will incorporate more eco-friendly building materials and technologies.

Family Guy

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Where we left off: Chris fell in love with a vet intern and turned to Peter for advice on dating, but not before Peter took a parrot from the vet and terrorized the town under the belief he was a pirate. When this drove the girl away, Peter decided to hook Chris up with another chickadee.

What's next: Brian and Cleveland fight over the affections of the same lady, so Brian tries to get Cleveland's ex, Loretta, back in the picture.

Friday Night Lights

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Where we left off: Smash got a scholarship that changed his life, Coach was jealous of Tami's ex showing off around town and Street got a girl pregnant, a miracle given his condition!

What's next: Smash and Street will have four very emotional episodes to wrap up their characters' waning storylines. Riggins and Lyla will go public with their relationship, despite Tim's best efforts to woo her via his new radio show.

Fringe

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Who's on it: Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble

What it's about: An FBI agent (Torv) enlists an institutionalized scientist (Noble) and his con-artist son (Jackson) to help solve the mystery of a plane full of people killed by a mysterious necrotizing skin condition. The deadly flight appears to be part of "the pattern," a larger, disturbing nightmare scenario.

Why it's an editors' pick: Joshua Jackson is the wild card in this very serious drama; he'll keep it light and entertaining.

Game, The

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Where we left off: In the shocking finale, Malik and Robin got married, Kelly and Jason were headed for divorce and Janay revealed she was pregnant

What's next: Viewers should learn the fate of all the complicated relationships and questions that were left last season hanging in the balance

Gary Unmarried

Who's on it: Jay Mohr, Paula Marshall

What it's about: The recently divorced Gary (Mohr) tolerates his shrewish ex (Marshall) as they struggle to raise their two kids together and he attempts to find love again. Oh, it's a sitcom.

Ghost Whisperer

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Where we left off: Melinda learned why her father left and what prompted him to return.

What's next: Season 4 kicks off with the story of a psychiatrist who consults her patients even after they die. Talk about seeing dead people!

Gossip Girl

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Where we left off: Rufus almost stopped Lily's wedding. Blair put Georgina in her place. Serena and Dan called it quits after her secret past was revealed.

What's next: The second season begins in the Hamptons. Look for the crestfallen Rufus to finally get some action this season.

Greek

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Where we left off: The ZBZ girls and KT boys headed to South Carolina for Spring Break. Cappie and Casey rekindled their romance and Evan and Frannie started a new one. Rebecca's politician dad was implicated in a prostitution scandal. Warring buddies Rusty and Calvin finally made up.

What's next: The gang heads back to school for Greek Week! New romance is a theme of these early episodes. Keep an eye out for guest stars Charisma Carpenter, and 90210 alum Carol Potter and Hills star Lauren Conrad, who will both help Casey make an important decision.

Grey's Anatomy

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Where we left off: Callie kissed Erica. Lexie kissed George. Alex kissed Izzie. The Chief kissed Adele. Derek kissed Meredith. Got it?

What's next: Brooke Smith (Erica) told us things will be "awkward" between her and Callie following their girl-on-girl action. Denny (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) will return, but in what capacity? Producers have already shot down the rumor that his reappearance is in any way linked to Izzie dying. As for Mer-Der? Well, it's always safe to assume there will be complications.

Hell's Kitchen

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Where we left off: Underdog Christina Machmer, proved herself to be the top dog, beating out 14 other average Joes to win $250,000 - and a job in renowned chef Gordon Ramsay's new Hollywood restaurant. The losers were treated to several weeks of being cursed at and talked to like children.

What's next: Ramsay will wrangle a bunch of new recruits and the culinary clobbering will begin again.

Heroes

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Where we left off: Nathan was shot during a press conference and Niki was trapped in a burning building.

What's next: Season - or Volume - 3 is titled "Villains." As such, Sylar has regained his powers, so we're guessing he's ready to make trouble. David Anders' Adam Munroe is also expected to return.

Hole in the Wall

Who's on it: Masochists. Brooke Burns and Mark Thompson co-host.

What it's about: Often referred to as "human Tetris," contestants have mere seconds to bend their bodies to fit through oddly shaped holes in a wall that is rushing at them, ready to drag them into a pool of water. (See YouTube for international versions of the show.)

Why it's an editors' pick: Because apparently our appetite for watching others be humiliated is larger than we thought.

House

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Where we left off: After being in a bus accident and suffering a head injury, House had a strong sense that someone else on the bus needed his diagnostic help. It turned out to be Wilson's girlfriend, Amber, who was escorting House on the bus after he got too drunk to drive home.

What's next: Amber's death in the season finale drove a major wedge between House and his BFF, Wilson. How that friendship - the heart of the show — will be mended remains to be seen. Also, Number Thirteen (who remains nameless) will deal with learning that she does have the incurable genetic disorder Huntington's disease.

How I Met Your Mother

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Where we left off: After a brief hospitalization, Ted came to his senses and proposed to Stella! Meaningful looks between Barney and Robin hinted at a future for these two crazy kids.

What's next: In a season that is sure to be legen - wait for it - dary, Stella could possibly be revealed as the mother and Robin and Barney may actually rekindle their one-night-stand flame. We also find out if Lilly and Marshall get out of debt.

In Harm's Way

Who's on it: Host is still TBD. Produced by Craig Piligian (Dirty Jobs)

What it's about: This hour-long reality series chronicles the lives of people performing such dangerous jobs as war photographers, oil-well cappers, Phyllis Diller's bikini waxer and minesweepers. (OK, one of those was a joke.)

Kath & Kim

Who's on it: Molly Shannon, Selma Blair

What it's about: It's a remake of a broadly comic Australian series (check YouTube) about a strange mother-daughter relationship that develops when Kim (Blair) leaves her husband after six weeks of marriage to move back in with her mom, Kath (Shannon). "Part of the comedy comes from our age difference," says Blair of the fact that Shannon is only 8 years her senior.

King of the Hill

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Where we left off: Luanne's estranged father Hoyt (voiced by Johnny Knoxville) - Peggy's brother - showed up seeking money and robbed a restaurant when Luanne refused him. Peggy and Hank realized that Hoyt was planning to frame the family, and got him locked up.

What's next: Not much has been leaked yet about how Season 13 of the animated Fox series will kick off, but the fall premiere episode is rumored to be titled, "Lost in MySpace." So should we expect Internet fiascos, debacles with faux, online friends or some harmless social networking? Probably all of the above.

Kings

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Who's on it: Ian McShane (Deadwood), Australian actor Christopher Egan

What it's about: It's a retelling of the David-and-Goliath story that takes place in a modern-day, although fictional monarchy. David (Egan) is a soldier who, by rescuing the crown prince during wartime, finds his fate intertwined with that of the complicated king (McShane) and his daughter, the princess.

Kitchen Nightmares

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Where we left off: Our favorite foul-mouthed chef Gordon Ramsay used his special talents - yelling and swearing mostly - to help struggling restaurants, including an Indian joint in Times Square, get back on their feet.

What's next: Expect more sloppy restaurants and their owners to be torn apart by Ramsay's perfectionist eye. And more yelling and swearing, of course.

Knight Rider

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Who's on it: Justin Breuning, Deanna Russo, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Bruce Davison

What it's about: After the success of a new TV movie that aired in February, NBC is remaking the classic '80s action series about a former military man (Breuning) and his team of experts who work with an artificial-intelligence-enabled car (voiced by Val Kilmer). The producers have hinted that David Hasselhoff, the star of the original series, may cameo.

L Word, The

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Where we left off: Helena Peabody came into some scratch, leading her to make a tempting proposition to She Bar's owner.

What's next: The final eight episodes will pave the way for a spin-off show to be based on one of The L Word's regulars.

Law & Order

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Where we left off: After 10 years, Detective Ed Green (Jesse L. Martin) left the Law & Order fold in an explosive storyline last season.

What's next: The new team of Bernard (Anthony Anderson) and Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) hit the streets to solve more ripped-from-the-headlines crimes.

Law & Order: SVU

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Where we left off: An explosive finale revealed that ADA Novak would be suspended, Fin has filed for a transfer and Chester Lake is leaving the team.

What's next: With Novak and Lake gone, the team will be introduced to the new ADA Kim Grayleck (Michaela McManus). In the season premiere, guest star James Brolin plays an ex-military man with a connection to Stabler.

Life

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Where we left off: Crews found the killer! He also learned more about his partner's sketchy father.

What's next: Not so fast, say producers. Charlie may have found the gunman, but definitely not the killer.

Life on Mars

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Who's on it: Jason O'Mara, Harvey Keitel

What it's about: Based on a BBC series, Mars finds New York city police detective Sam Tyler (O'Mara) mysteriously transported back to 1973 in the wake of a car accident. There, Sam's sense of political correctness clashes with the gruff ways of his precinct boss (Keitel) and fellow detectives (including Imperioli).

Lipstick Jungle

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Where we left off: Nico's husband had a heart attack, leading her to rethink her affair with Kirby.

What's next: Mary Tyler Moore joins the cast as Wendy's mom. Carlos Ponce plays Victory's new love interest and Rosie Perez is Wendy's new nemesis.

Lost

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Where we left off: The ship blew up! It was Locke in the coffin! Desmond and Penny were reunited! Ben somehow moved the island! And Jack was determined that the Oceanic 6 - all of them - had to somehow make their way back to the island.

What's next: "The Island does seem to be drawing [the Oceanic 6] back," says executive producer Carlton Cuse. "We're excited to learn how those six return to the island."

Mad TV

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Where we left off: The ensemble comedy show completed its 13th season of irreverence.

What's next: The remaining players will be joined by a number of newbies, including Matt Braunger, Lauren Pritchard, Reno 911!'s Eric Price and The Big Gay Sketch Show's Erica Ash. Fresh characters and new chemistry should spice things up on the 13-year-old show.

Medium

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Where we left off: Allison (star Patricia Arquette) and Cynthia (Anjelica Huston) solved the mystery of Cynthia's daughter's murder. Joe decided to pursue his invention after all.

What's next: Allison's gift will be questioned by those closest to her.

Mentalist, The

Who's on it: Simon Baker

What it's about: Patrick Jane (Baker) is a former fake TV psychic who now uses his heightened observation skills to work as a private investigator. If you threw Baker's performances in The Devil Wears Prada and on The Guardian and Smith and USA Networks' Psych into a blender, you'd end up with this smoothie. As cop shows go, it seems sharper than most. Baker is charming, and the show has a tart sense of humor.

My Name Is Earl

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Where we left off: Earl chose his karmic duty over Billie, who granted Earl a divorce and gave him $72,000, what was left of her insurance settlement.

What's next: Executive producer Greg Garcia says the show will get back to basics, focusing mostly on Earl and his infamous list. Be on the lookout for guest Seth Green as a former Make-A-Wish child whose dream of starring in an action movie was dashed by Earl.

My Own Worst Enemy

Who's on it: Christian Slater, Saffron Burrows, Alfre Woodard

What it's about: Slater plays Henry, a mild-mannered suburban dad, and Edward, a mysterious international spy. The catch: They share a body, and Henry is starting to become aware of the presence of his very different alter ego. Woodard plays Edward's complicated boss at the spy factory, and Burrows plays Henry's intuitive therapist, who is starting to piece together Edward/Henry's complicated identity.

Why it's an editors' pick: We're excited to watch Christian Slater's dual performances. Plus, Alfre Woodard may finally have landed a juicy part!

NCIS

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Where we left off: The team lost Director Jenny Shepard in a shootout. Tony, Ziva and Tim are ostensibly reassigned to a new team.

What's next: Rocky Carroll replaces Lauren Holly as the new NCIS director.

New Adventures of Old Christine

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Where we left off: Christine tried to take charge of her hormones when her gynecologist (Jason Alexander, Julia Louis Dreyfus' former Seinfeld cohort) suggested that she may be experiencing perimenopause.

What's next: On the heels of California's same-sex marriage law, Christine and Barb (Wanda Sykes) get married!

Nip/Tuck

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Where we left off: Julia figured out her mysterious illness, but was shot by Eden, causing retrograde amnesia. Annie and Christian were in a terrible car crash and Sean's psycho "agent" stabs him several times in the back.

What's next: Who lives? Who dies? Who does Battlestar babe Katee Sackhoff play in her guest-starring role?

Numbers

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Where we left off: Don and Charlie butted heads on how to solve their last case, while Megan left the FBI and Larry to work with troubled teens and women.

What's next: Agent Liz Warner is going to be a regular, so look for things with Don to become more complicated.

Office, The

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Where we left off: Andy stole Jim's thunder by proposing to Angela at the carnival. Angela accepted just to hurt Dwight. Later, Phyllis walked in on Angela and Dwight canoodling naked. Michael took it slow with new HR rep Holly (Oscar nominee Amy Ryan).

What's next: Phyllis has a secret! Michael and Holly's friendship will continue to blossom in new and different ways.

One Tree Hill

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Where we left off: Ending in typical One Tree Hill cliff hanger fashion, viewers were left wondering which girl Lucas wants to marry and if Dan will finally be gone from Tree Hill forever.

What's next: Who did Lucas call and will they accept his marriage proposal? It's either Brooke, Peyton or Lindsay.

Opportunity Knocks

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Who's on it: J.D. Roth, who cut his teeth as a game-show host at age 19 (with Fun House), oversees the proceedings. Beauty and the Geek's Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg are among the other executive producers.

What it's about: Roth knocks on the doors of pre-screened families, then proceeds to erect a game-show set on their front lawn. Family members are then tested on trivia questions about themselves, and given the chance to win hundreds of thousands of dollars and amazing prizes.

Prison Break

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Where we left off: In the makeshift season finale (thanks again, writers' strike!) Michael and Linc handed Whistler back to Gretchen in exchange for L.J. and Sofia. After being double-crossed (again), Michael went chasing after Gretchen and Whistler with the mysterious file of Joe Lief in hand, and Mahone took a position with the Company.

What's next: Dr. Sara returns, and she's not just a head in a box! Michael Rapaport (a government agent) and Cress Williams (a Company-hired assassin) join the cast for Season 4, which will jump forward about a month and find Michael in Los Angeles (and wearing a suit!) asking questions. We see flashbacks in your future.

Private Practice

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Where we left off: Dell's profession of love for Naomi led Sam to realize that he wanted her back. Cooper's affair with Charlotte left Violet feeling more lost and Addison finally made a move on her policeman admirer.

What's next: "The Sam-Naomi-Dell triangle fallout gets fairly interesting, complex, charming and funny," says creator Shonda Rhimes. And on the Addison front: "You actually start to see [her] have a personal life. Now there's some fun and romance for her," says Kate Walsh.

Privileged

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Who's on it: Joanna Garcia, Anne Archer

What it's about: Megan (Garcia), a young writer with dreams of reporting on the rich and famous, moves to Palm Beach and ends up tutoring Hilton-like twins. Archer costars as the girls' imperious grandma, who recognizes that the morally centered Megan could impart more than higher SAT scores to her rambunctious granddaughters.

Pushing Daisies

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Where we left off: Ned and Chuck weren't speaking. Scent expert Oscar Vibenius' (Paul Reubens) returned with some aroma-related issues.

What's next: After a man dies in a bee-related accident, his not-so-faithful wife hires Emerson to investigate the case because she suspects some foul play.

Real World, The

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Where we left off: Joey returned to L.A. to see his former housemates' last show at the iO. And Janelle picked up Will, who remained in Hollywood.

What's next: Real World is in the house, Brooklyn!

Reaper

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Where we left off: We were left with the question: Who's Sam's daddy? His dad or The Devil? Also: Sam's mom dug up her "dead" husband, who was still alive and kicking. Are Sam's parents demons?

What's next: Sam's ticked off a lot of demons, and they'll be coming to find him in Season 2. Expect more questions about Sam's parentage. Sock and Ben will both get new love interests: Sock will fall in love with his stepsister (Eriko Tamura) and Ben's lovah will be of the demon extraction.

Rescue Me

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Where we left off: The chief filled out "Section 8" papers for Tommy - to declare him insane - while Sheila figured out that Tommy was the phantom fireman. Richie married Barbara, Colleen and Shawn began dating and Tommy's dad died while the two were watching a minor-league baseball game.

What's next: Michael J. Fox will show up in four episodes as Janet's new wheelchair-assisted boyfriend. And despite a recent almost drug bust, executive producer Peter Tolan tells us Tatum O'Neal will return as Tommy's sis, Grace, to explore material "that hooks into the death and where that sends her: Tommy and Uncle Teddy."

Rules of Engagement

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Where we left off: Russell finally opened up his "sex dungeon," a.k.a. apartment, to his buddies, letting Audrey hold a photo shoot there. Jeff and Jennifer (no, her last name's not "Lopez") did some much-needed bonding during Jeff's gift search for Audrey. Adam and Jen, at long last, set a wedding date.

What's next: Rules won't return until midseason, but when it does, look for a new male assistant for Russell, who is banned from hiring female aides.

Samantha Who?

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Where we left off: Samantha put things on hold with Todd until he breaks up with Chloe. Meanwhile, Regina and Andrea struggled to agree on plans for Sam's birthday.

What's next: A slew of high-profile guest stars will include Mary-Kate Olsen as a bad girl who reminds Sam of her younger self; Law & Order's Anthony Anderson as a male nurse; and Men in Trees' James Tupper as a possible love interest for Samantha.

Saturday Night Live

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Where we left off: This season's highlights included Tina Fey's superb hosting gig ("Bitch is the new black!")

What's next: Look forward to new hosts and hot musical guests in a mostly new fall season.

Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday

Who's on it: Seth Meyers.

What it's about: Live, primetime half-hour versions of SNL will air on the three Thursdays preceding the presidential election. The all-political humor will center on the show's "Weekend Update" newcast skit.

Scrubs

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Where we left off: Dr. Cox told his son a fairytale in which the Sacred Heart staff united to defeat a monster.

What's next: Zach Braff will be leaving the show after this season, but not before J.D. and the gang head to the Bahamas to sabotage the Janitor's wedding.

Shield, The

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Where we left off: Vic stole a car with some incriminating evidence in the trunk; Aceveda assured Vic that he'd lead the Strike Team.

What's next: The final season will "feel like The Shield," says creator Shawn Ryan. "You will not see this [storyline] coming, but looking back, it will make sense," says star Michael Chiklis. "The Vic Mackey at the beginning of this season is a guy who has come to understand that there are consequences."

Simpsons, The

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Where we left off: Lisa was named Springfield's Entertainer of the Year Award after getting her own show and stealing the spotlight from Krusty. But she soon realized that she may not be cut out for showbiz!

What's next: After protracted contract negotiations with the show's voice talent, the whole gang is back for 20 more episodes.

Smallville

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Where we left off: Kent went back to Krypton to battle Brainiac, defeating him and sending baby Kal-El to Earth. However, Lana remains in her Brainiac-induced coma, and Kara appears to be similarly afflicted.

What's next: Among those returning are Allison Mack's Chloe and Justin Hartley as Green Arrow (as well as the rest of the Justice League). Also: Doomsday makes his first appearance, and Clark takes a job at the Daily Planet.

Stylista

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Who's on it: Elle magazine's Anne Slowey, Joe Zee

What it's about: Think The Devil Wears Prada as a reality-TV show. Eleven fashion-assistant wannabes suck up to Slowey and Zee through a series of challenges set in the world of magazine publishing. The winner gets a job at Elle, an apartment in New York City, and a clothing allowance from H&M. Tyra Banks is among the show's executive producers.

Supernanny

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Where we left off: "Jo Jo" helped the in-crisis Eddy family.

What's next: Jo will help a whole new season of troubled children and desperate adults.

Supernatural

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Where we left off: Demon-fighting big brother Dean Winchester was sent to hell in the season finale.

What's next: Dean has no memory of what he's endured, which should lead to some interesting "internal struggles" for the brothers, according to show creator Eric Kripke. Look for flashbacks to the Winchester parents' younger years.

Surviving Suburbia

Who's on it: Bob Saget

What it's about: Saget plays a family man whose household is shaken up by the arrival of new neighbors, including a bombshell daughter who makes Saget think bad things.

Survivor: Gabon

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Where we left off: Cook Islands' favorite Parvati Shallow took home the $1 million prize.

What's next: A new batch of castaways will be left to fend for themselves in Gabon, Africa, on the show's 17th season, the first to be shot in HD.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

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Where we left off: After Derek killed the fake Sarkissian, he introduced John to his own father as a young boy. Ellison's life was oddly spared by Cromartie, and the cybercafe cashier, who actually is Sarkissian, rigged a car bomb that blew up Cameron.

What's next: Sarah and John will scramble to repair Cameron. Also, Garbage's Shirley Manson joins the cast as Catherine Weaver, a CEO of a company that may be involved in the creation of Skynet. And naturally, Cromartie still will be hunting for John.

'Til Death

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Where we left off: When Joy gave Eddie a special anniversary gift, he decided to one-up her with a trip to Hawaii.

What's next: Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher continue to show their young neighbors the ropes.

Top Chef

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Where we left off: Stephanie became the first-ever female Top Chef.

What's next: The cooking competition returns to New York.

True Blood

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Who's on it: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer (The Starter Wife)

What it's about: In an unspecified future, the invention of synthetic blood makes it possible for vampires (including Moyer's Bill Compton) to walk among us. Paquin plays Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic, small-town waitress in rural Louisiana. Creator Alan Ball (Six Feet Under), who adapted the novels of Charlaine Harris, promises that Blood will avoid vampire cliche. "One of the things I love about Charlaine's books is the way she treats the supernatural world so matter-of-factly," he says. "We want to keep the supernatural rooted in nature, so that it's just more nature than we're used to in everyday life."

Why it's an editors' pick: Its impressive pedigree: Ball + Paquin + HBO + vampire stories = destination TV

Two and Half Men

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Where we left off: Alan told a therapist about his feelings for Angie. Trisha discovered she still had feelings for Charlie and called off the wedding.

What's next: Is Charlie a daddy? Guest star Rena Sofer shows up with a kid who looks awfully familiar!

Ugly Betty

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Where we left off: Gio invited Betty to Italy just as Henry returned to propose to her. Wilhemina brought the heat in a Mode-vs.-Elle softball game, and an orphaned French boy showed up at Mode claiming to be Daniel's son.

What's next: Betty makes a choice about her two suitors. Also, Val Emmich (who played Tina Fey's 30 Rock boy toy Jamie) has signed on to play a possible love interest for Betty.

Unit, The

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Where we left off: Jonas was in London trying to connect the dots on the uranium deals, Kim faced a suicidal caller on her show and Bob got a promotion. Charles, meanwhile, struggled with an ethical dating dilemma.

What's next: Mack will rendezvous with a female interrogator in Iraq.

Valentine

Who's on it: Jaime Murray, Kristopher Polaha, Robert Baker and Autumn Reeser

What it's about: The Valentines play matchmaker for oblivious soulmates, all the while trying to hide their secret - they're a family of Greek gods.

Wife Swap

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Where we left off: Families with very different backgrounds and value systems swapped wives and faced the interpersonal consequences.

What's next: ABC promises "tears, tantrums and raised voices as the wives clash with their new families." This season's pairings will include a feminist and a beauty queen, a drill sergeant-type and a more laid-back mom, and an artist and a lumberjack.

Without a Trace

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Where we left off: Agent Sam announced a surprise pregnancy - mirroring actress Poppy Montgomery's own good news. After much speculation about the father's identity, it turned out to be Brian, a bartender played by Adam Kaufman (Montgomery's real-life partner).

What's next: Despite the paternity revelation, Montgomery says of Sam's relationship with Jack: "I think we're going to see some resolution soon. She's always been in love with him and always will be."

Worst Week

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Who's on it: Kyle Bornheimer

What it's about: Sam (Bornheimer) tries to impress his future in-laws - with disastrous results. It's like Meet the Parents - almost exactly like that, in fact - although it's actually based on a British series called Worst Week of My Life. The pilot is very funny, mostly owing to Bornheimer's excellent comic timing. But how enjoyable will it be to watch Sam demoralize himself on a weekly basis?