New and Returning Favorite TV Shows A-Z and Winter Schedule for 2009

24 

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Where we left off: Having surrendered himself to a subpoena from the U.S. government at the end of the 24: Redemption TV movie, Jack Bauer must now answer for his "sins."

What's next: Jack's appearance before the U.S. Senate might have to wait, because a new global crisis is about to hit. With CTU disbanded, Jack is drawn back into the fold when one of the perpetrators is revealed to be a face from his past - the "late" Tony Almeida. Also returning for Day 7 are Chloe, Bill and Kim. Cherry Taylor and Jon Voight play the new POTUS and this season's big baddie, respectively.

30 Rock

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Where we left off: Liz Lemon's first stab at adopting fell flat, Jack got his job back at GE, Tracy and Jenna quarreled, and Oprah, Jennifer Aniston and Steve Martin guested.

What's next: The next heavy-hitting guest star will be Salma Hayek, who will appear in several episodes as Jack's new love interest.

90210

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Where we left off: The Wilsons welcomed Harry's love child, while Ethan and Annie became boyfriend and girlfriend.

What's next: Is the love child really a love child? Or is he running a con? And how many cast members are pregnant?

According to Jim

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Where we left off: Last season, 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's 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.

American Dad

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Where we left off: Steve finally reached puberty, and Francine and Stan aren't happy about it. As in, injecting experimental drugs into his brain to bypass the pain of puberty altogether, not happy about it.

What's next: Francine and Stan keep trying to protect Steve from his horomones, their credit from Roger and Haley from losers. Who are they kidding? Resistence is futile.

American Idol

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Where we left off: After the battle of the Davids (Cook and Archuleta, that is), Cook came away the 2008 American Idol. Both Davids have been performing well: Archuleta sold 183K albums in one week and Cook was the musical guest on SNL before his album dropped on Nov. 18.

What's next: A new batch of hopefuls face not just Simon, Paula and Randy, but a brand new fourth judge, singer and songwriter Kara DioGuardi.

America's Next Top Model

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Where we left off: The quirky McKey became Cycle 11's Top Model after an obstacle-course finale runway.

What's next: Tyra takes a whole new batch of wannabe supermodels under her wing.

Bachelor, The

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Where we left off: After being rejected by Deanna Pappas in the season finale of The Bachelorette, Jason Mesnick is back as our bachelor, hoping to find love with one of 25 lucky ladies.

What's next: After group dates, one-on-one dates, hometown dates and romantic getaways, the adorable single father will narrow down the field and give out the final rose

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: With two male characters outed in a Dec. webisode, the show returns officially on Jan. 16. We can look forward to answers about the identity of the last Cylon, the fate of the ill president and the story of Earth's destruction - if it's Earth.

Big Bang Theory, The

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Where we left off: Leonard's relationship with Stephanie (of whom Sheldon approved, finally) moved too fast, and Leonard turned to Penny for advice.

What's next: We'll meet Leonard's mom and there will be more than enough geeky goodness to go around. Plus, will Sheldon ever find a lady friend?

Biggest Loser: Couples, The

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Where we left off: After the Dec. 16 conclusion of the most scandalous season to date, pitting family versus family, the show trims pounds and people by focusing on couples.

What's next: The Biggest Loser: Couples 2 premieres Jan. 6 and is likely to be full of drama, tears, smiles and sweat.

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 restaurant. 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.

Bones

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Where we left off: Booth and Bones have survived a lot this season: Crappy interns who will never fill Zach's shoes, Sweets' annoying psychoanalysis and Booth's brother trying to put the moves on Bones.

What's next: Brennan and Booth will deal with the return of Brennan's father (Ryan O'Neal) and a case involving conjoined female twins. We'll also learn the identity of The Grave Digger. No word on any repeat Bones/Booth smooches.

Brothers & Sisters

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Where we left off: Kitty and Robert tried to adopt a baby, Kevin quit his law firm after not being made partner, Nora started a charity, Sarah and Saul left Ojai and Sarah started working for an Internet start-up. Justin and Rebecca started making (un-brotherly) love and the family met the "father" of their illegitimate half sibling.

What's next: We'll finally meet Ryan, learn more about Saul's mysterious boyfriend, and Kitty will prep for a media tour to support her new book. Plus, in a special two-hour episode in March, one of the Walkers will face a life-threatening medical crisis.

Chuck

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Where we left off: Chuck has had his hands full with ex-girlfriend Jill (Jordana Brewster), who not only slept with (man-whore) Bryce Larken back in college, but also turned out to be a bad guy! Drama!

What's next: The most exciting new development this winter will be a new lady in town: Hottie Tricia Helfer from Battlestar Galactica who will play Chuck's new handler. Our question: Who will be handling whom?

Cold Case

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Where we left off: Lilly investigated the murders of a 1950s pinup girl and an outspoken black politician.

What's next: While Lilly continues to work her magic through decades of cold police cases, another criminal blast from the past will materialize: her estranged father.

Criminal Minds

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Where we left off: In the season opener, it was revealed whose car was bombed and that none of the BAU agents were killed. Agent Todd was introduced to the team as a replacement for J.J. while she's on maternity leave.

What's next: Look out for some major guest stars in Feb.. Michael Biehn will play a local detective who helps the BAU out with their latest vexing case, while Cybil Shepherd has been cast as the estranged mother of a serial killer.

Crusoe

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Where we left off: Friday became severly ill and insane, and Olivia and Crusoe had to find the rare plant that would cure him.

What's next: Crusoe will try to get off the island in the mutineers' boat, which has now been repaired. Friday will also help Crusoe better protect their tree house from intruders.

CSI

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Where we left off: Grissom secretly attended a class taught by criminal pathologist Raymond Langston (Laurence Fishburne) to gain better insight into a murder that may be linked to an infamous serial killer from the past.

What's next: Grab your hankies - after nine seasons we will say good-bye to Gil Grissom as Laurence Fishburne takes over head CSI duties. Will Gil and Sara go off into the sunset?

CSI: Miami

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Where we left off: Horatio & Co. celebrated 150 episodes with a gripping missing baby case. Megalyn Echikunwoke joined the team as Dr. Tara Price, a new coroner Delko finds "cute."

What's next: Get ready for a shade-off! Diddy is slated to guest-star in two episodes early next year as a prosecutor who comes to blows with the team over a case and personal issues.

CSI: NY

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Where we left off: After narrowly escaping being kidnapped, Mac goes to bat for Adam to help him keep his job. Angell and Flack finally kissed and Lindsay learned that she's pregnant ...with Danny's baby.

What's next: Danny and Lindsay figure out what they are and how to handle the pregnancy, and Stella investigates her earlier attack. We also learn more about our CSIs' personal lives.

Damages

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Where we left off: Prompted by Patty's blackmail, Frobisher settled his case, but got 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: Brooke Burke grabbed the mirrorball trophy from co-finalists Lance Bass and Warren Sapp.

What's next: Let's start a rumor! We hear Kevin Bacon, Jennifers Grey and Beals, Adrian Zmed and the Solid Gold dancers will all appear on a special all-'80s-edition Season 8 of Dancing with the Stars. But really: We'll find out which "celebs" will hit the parquet in Feb. 2009.

Deal or No Deal

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Where we left off: Contestants played their best guessing game, choosing briefcases and playing the odds in hopes of winning $1 million

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 nightclub fire put all the Housewives in jeopardy.

What's next: Gaby makes a quick recovery from her frumpy phase when Carlos regains his sight. Mike and Katherine's burgeoning relationship faces new obstacles, and not just Susan's irrationality.

Dollhouse

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Who's on it: Dollhouse hasn't had the easiest go this year: Production was shut down for two weeks to get scripts in order, and Fox moved the show from the hot post-Idol slot, sending it to the Friday night dead zone. But the trailers look intriguing, and Eliza Dushku is a hot tamale.

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 upon whom clients assign identities, which are wiped clean at the end of an engagement. 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 (Tahmoh Penikett) closes in on the Dollhouse's illegal operation.

Don't Forget the Lyrics!

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Where we left off: Wayne Brady returned as the show's host to bring us the karaoke like-competition.

What's next: Structured similarly to Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?: Contestants choose a music genre, then try to remember the lyrics to a song. With each correct answer, the prize money goes up, way up - from $2,500 to $1 million.

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.

ER

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Where we left off: After months of producers riding him to make a final appearance, Anthony Edwards returned as the late Dr. Mark Greene in a flashback to shed light on Dr. Cate Banfield's (Angela Bassett) past.

What's next: The show wraps for good come Feb., and as far as returns, we know Julianna Margulies is out and Noah Wyle is in. Now the question is, will Clooney show face?

Everybody Hates Chris

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Where we left off: Chris graduated from junior high, but was disappointed to find out 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.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

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Where we left off: Ty Pennington and Co. keep surprising deserving families with a complete overhaul of their homes by the design team.

What's next: The Makeover team celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Family Guy

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Where we left off: Peter killed any love we may have had for the song "Surfbird," while he made friends with Jesus (disguised as a record store clerk). The family pulled a Home Alone when they forgot to bring Stewie on their road trip to the Grand Canyon. Brian kept trying to find inappropriate love with a human.

What's next: Peter continues to do stupid stuff, Meg can't get a date, and Stewie, as always, will try to take over the world.

Friday Night Lights

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Where we left off: Smash is on his way to TMU with a scholarship in hand, while Jason followed his love Erin and son Noah across country to start a new chapter in their life as a family. Tim and Lyla are together and it's public, Julie and Matt got back together in a very important way, and the new QB is a big success for the Panthers so far, with three games to go before playoffs.

What's next: Matt may have a chance to get off the bench as a receiver, so we may not have to see him pout anymore. Tyra's going down a dangerous path with her cowboy boyfriend Mindy and Billy finalize their wedding plans, and we'll see if J.D. McCoy has what it takes to take the Panthers to State.

Flight of the Conchords

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Where we left off: Todd, the bongo-playing third member of the Conchords, split from Bret and Jemaine to found the Crazy Dogs, who become Murray's other client.

What's next: Murray returns to the consulate after encountering some Crazy Dogs-related legal trouble. The band works on a jingle for Femident, an organic toothpaste for women. Plus, Mel is back for more hilarious hero worship!

Fringe

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Where we left off: We've seen some pretty nasty fringe science so far: Olivia's double-agent lover John's transluscent body, people trapped in amber, exploding heads, and parasites wrapped around hearts. But our real questions are about Massive Dynamic, Nina Sharp's involvement in "The Pattern," and The Observer.

What's next: According to series executive producer Jeff Pinker, we will see Walter's condition worsen, questions will arise as to how Peter came into this world (clone? Petrie dish?) and who his real parents are. Plus, we may see Olivia's sinister stepfather before the season is over.

Gary Unmarried

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Where we left off: Gary tried to outdo Allison when he learned she was taking the kids to their first concert. He countered by planning to share significant life events with them, such as Tom's first shave and Louise's first bra.

What's next: Matthew Lillard will stop by as Gary's brother-in-law Taylor, who has a knack for rubbing his well-to-do status in people's faces. Blue-collar Gary just barely tolerates affluent Taylor's taunts... until he uncovers a surprising secret about Allison's kin.

Ghost Whisperer

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Where we left off: Melinda's husband, Jim, was shot dead - yet clung to "life" by inhabiting the body of a flatlining guy named Sam.

What's next: As Melinda and Sam (aka Jim) try "dating," pieces of Sam's past will provide the occasional obstacle.

Gossip Girl

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Where we left off: Bart hired a P.I. to snoop around Lily, Serena and Eric's pasts. Jenny became a home-schooled fashion designer, Chuck refused to sleep with Blair until she says "I love you" (and unless a pig just flew past our window, that's not gonna happen anytime soon), and Serena and Dan remained friends even as they dated other people.

What's next: A death continues to shake the Upper East Siders, and Serena gets jealous of a new lady in Dan's life (as if we didn't see that one coming).

Greek

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Where we left off: Rusty finally becomes a brother. Casey is offered an internship in Washington D.C. and advice from guest star Lauren Conrad after Max is accepted to Caltech. Frannie starts her own sorority and poaches ZBZ sisters, and Rebecca is torn as to whether she should stay or go.

What's next: Casey's other ex, Evan, has a big story ahead of him - and he's getting an older brother, to be played by Step Up 2 stud Robert Hoffman.

Grey's Anatomy

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Where we left off: Callica is no more after Brooke Smith's sudden and mysterious exit from the show. Meredith has a new friend return from the past and fittingly calls her "Death." Dozens of Ellis' journals about her surgeries are scaterred around the house, the interns have gone wild (not in a good way), and Seattle Grace is trying to revamp its image to be known as a top teaching hospital. (Good luck with that one.)

What's next: Look for love or something more complicated to continue to bloom for Hunt and Cristina. Callie can't figure out if Sadie is being flirty or friendly, while Izzie struggles with her visions of Denny for several more episodes. And hold on to your hats, Mer/Der fans, because McDreamy's mama is coming to town!

Hell's Kitchen

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Where we left off: Underdog Christina Machamer 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 curses and condescension.

What's next: Ramsay wrangles some new recruits and the culinary clobbering begins again.

Heroes

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Where we left off: After Sylar killed Arthur, Peter battled to stop Nathan from picking up where his father left off. Hiro and Daphne stole the formula to avoid a new round of abilities being synthetically created, and Sylar learns that Angela knows who his real parents are just before Claire "kills" him. With both Primatech and Pinehearst in flames, Nathan gets support from the President to round up people with abilities.

What's next: Vol. 4, which begins in January, is called "Fugitives," and is rumored to satirize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Zeljko Ivanek joins the cast as a mysterious character called "The Hunter." Which heroes will be on the run from Nathan and his new plan?

How I Met Your Mother

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Where we left off: Ted and Stella did not end up tying the knot as the good doc ditched Ted with a "Dear John" letter. Meanwhile, Barney still hasn't confessed his feelings for a jobless and homeless Robin and Marshall and Lily contemplated having kids.

What's next: In January, guest stars Kim Kardashian, Kendra Wilkinson, and newlyweds Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt will taunt a potty-seeking Marshall.

Hole in the Wall

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Where we left off: Brooke Burns and Mark Thompson co-host this game of "human Tetris," which premiered last summer.

What's next: Once again it's time ... to face ... the hole, as sometimes-themed teams contort to fit the carved cavity. Expect more short skirts on Brooke, too.

House

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Where we left off: Wilson returned after resigning from the hospital, Thirteen's Huntington's disease led her down a self-destructive path, Chase and Cameron attempted to work on their relationship, and House and Cuddy shared an intense kiss.

What's next: More patients are brought into the hospital with rare, mysterious diseases. House continues to verbally abuse his team, and random clues lead to lightbulb moments.

Kath & Kim

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Where we left off: Kath doubted the stability of her relationship with Phil.

What's next: "There will definitely be a wedding this season," promises star Molly Shannon. Ah, so Kim is finally reconciling with Craig and moving out then? Don't count on it. Instead, Kim — and possibly Craig — will join the Day-Knight household.

King of the Hill

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Where we left off: Fox has canceled the show, but episodes will continue to air.

What's next: There's hope for the Hills, who may be moving to ABC.

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: Chef Ramsay used his abilities to yell and swear to help struggling restaurants.

What's next: Expect more sloppy restaurants and their owners to be torn apart. And more yelling and swearing.

Knight Rider

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Where we left off: Despite low fall ratings for the show, NBC ordered up a full season of episodes.

What's next: The talking-car show is getting another tune-up. Gone are series regulars Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Yancey Arias and Bruce Davison, and the stories will hew closer to the 1980s original, which was about helping everyday people. "We're moving away from the terrorist-of-the-week formula," says showrunner Gary Scott Thompson.

Law & Order

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Where we left off: The investigation of a memoir author's murder lea Lupo and Bernard to a nightclub, a stalker and a possible cover-up.

What's next: More cases to crack and more bad guys to put behind bars. Creator Dick Wolf has teased that he's open to bringing back past stars in guest roles if it fits. Keep your fingers crossed.

Law & Order: SVU

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Where we left off: A case involving a military rape forced Detective Benson to deal with the post-tramautic stress from her sexual assault. We were also introduced to newcomer A.D.A. Kim Greylek.

What's next: NBC's perennial hit crime show returns January 6th with an episode titled "Stranger."

Life on Mars

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Where we left off: Sam had run-ins with both his mother and father in 1973, but has yet to put together the pieces of the puzzle that explain his time travel and how to get back home.

What's next: Sam will continue his own brand of enlightened (and politically correct) police work while trying to figure out his own mystery and get back to Maya in 2008.

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 Ben told Jack he can't return to the island without all of the Oceanic 6.

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."

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 pave the way for a spin-off to be built around Leisha Hailey's Alice.

Medium

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

What's next: Allison returns to work with Manuel at the D.A.'s office. Bridget struggles with her gift.

Mentalist, The

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Where we left off: When three National Guard vets were murdered, Patrick Jane went undercover to prove that the only surviving member of the unit was the killer.

What's next: Patrick will no doubt continue solving crime-of-the-week plots, but how will it all lead him back to Red John, the serial killer who murdered his wife and child?

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 the $72,000 that 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 Seth Green as a former Make-A-Wish child whose dream of starring in an action movie was dashed by Earl.

NCIS

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Where we left off: Agents Michelle Lee, Daniel Keating and Brent Langer joined Gibbs' team, for two episodes anyway, before McGee, Ziva and Tony returned.

What's next: Nothing says holiday cheer better than a homicide investigation, during which the gang unearth "startling" revelations about each other.

The Goode Family

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Who's on it: Nancy Walls, David Herman

What it's about: New animated series from King of the Hill creator Mike Judge about a family that tries hard to do things the "right" way ethically.

New Adventures of Old Christine

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Where we left off: Viewers met Christine's mother (guest star Brenda Blethyn), Christine came to a realization about her boyfriend, Patrick (Tim DeKay), and Christine and Barb nearly lost the gym.

What's next: We have a feeling Old Christine's dating troubles aren't over.

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" stabbed him several times in the back.

What's next: Who lives? Who dies? Who does Rose McGowan play in her guest-starring role? The boys from McNamara Troy return with an eight-episode run, the completion of the strike-interrupted fifth season. The final 19 episodes will air in two parts to wrap up the series over 2010 and 2011.

Numbers

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Where we left off: Sophina Brown joined the cast as newbie agent Nikki Betancourt, while Don questioned his leadership skills after one of his agents was killed.

What's next: Are some do-gooders actually evildoers? After a charity organization is bombed, Don and Charlie discover all is not what it seems with the company.

Office, The

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Where we left off: Michael fell in love with the adorable geek Holly, who was then transferred to New Hampshire. Pam flunked out of art school and returned to Scranton to learn that Jim had bought his parents' house for them (aw/ew?). Andy and Angela continued to plan their wedding, despite Phyllis having revealed Dwangela's secret affair at the Moroccan-themed Christmas party.

What's next: We hope that Holly comes back! The Dwight-Angela-Andy triangle will become more complicated.

One Tree Hill

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Where we left off: In a cliff-hanger it was revealed who killed Quentin, Peyton may be sick, Sam was at fault for Brooke's attack, and Julian may not be the jerk we think he is.

What's next: Lucas continues to make his screenwriting dreams come true while Brooke struggles to deal with raising a teen and her involvement in the attack.

13 Fear is Real

Who's on it: Thirteen contestants compete in a series of fear-based challenges.

What it's about: Contestants "stay alive" or face elimination based on how well they confront their deepest fears

Prison Break

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Where we left off: Michael got his hands on Scylla, only to have Self double-cross the gang and renege on the promise of freedom.

What's next: On the heels of original cast member Muse Watson reprising his role as Charles "D.B. Cooper" Westmoreland, Kathleen Quinlan joins the series during the Dec. 22 midseason finale, playing a mystery woman.

Private Practice

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Where we left off: Just as the financial problems of Oceanside Wellness seem to be under control, Charlotte opens up a rival practice in the same building. Grant Show comes to town as Addison's brother Archer.

What's next: Starting Jan. 8, Private Practice moves to Thursdays at 10 pm/ET. In Feb., look for a multi-episode crossover with its new lead-in: Grey's Anatomy.

Privileged

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Where we left off: After Yale graduate Megan Smith moved to Palm Beach to tutor rich sisters Rose and Sage, she realized she was up to a bigger challenge than she expected.

What's next: Expect no shortage of Megan/Rose/Sage hijinks. A visit from Megan's mother forces her to re-examine her relationships and Charlie continues to secretly admire her from the sidelines.

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: <em>Real World</em> is in the house, Brooklyn!

Reaper

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Where we left off: Slacker Sam Oliver realized that, under his parents' deal with the Devil, he must now help Big Red retrieve escaped souls.

What's next: Season 2 guest-stars include Heroes' Eriko Tamura (as Sock's stepsister), ER alum Erik Palaldino (as a dead boxer with a "killer" punch) and Save the Last Dance's Sean Patrick Thomas (as an escaped soul who sends Sam on a surprising new journey).

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 watched a minor-league baseball game.

What's next: Michael J. Fox will show up in four episodes as Janet's new wheelchair-assisted boyfriend. Executive producer Peter Tolan tells us Tatum O'Neal will return as Tommy's sis, Maggie, 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 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: 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: Sam met Owen's ex; Owen met Sam's folks - and none of it went smoothly.

What's next: James Tupper (Men in Trees) continues his run as Samantha's environmentalist love interest; Andrea also gets a new love interest, and he's a real big baller.

Saturday Night Live

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Where we left off: Tina Fey's uncanny impersonation of Sarah Palin and the election itself has brought the show its highest ratings the highest in years.

What's next: With the election over, Fey at >em<30 Rock>/em<, and new mom Amy Poehler off on to her new gig, >em/em< will look to keep the momentum going with Neil Patrick Harris as its first 2009 host (Taylor Swift is the musical guest) on Jan. 10. The series has two other January broadcasts planned for the 17th and 31st.

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: J.D. and the gang head to the Bahamas to sabotage the Janitor's wedding.

Smallville

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Where we left off: Two wedding guests — Lana Lang and (the uninivited) Doomsday — made Chloe and Jimmy's day extra special.

What's next: While Chloe recoups from her abduction and Lois tends to critically injured Jimmy in Star City, Clark gets introduced to three members of the Legion of Super-Heroes.

Supernanny

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Where we left off: Jo Frost took a breather to let developmental therapist Mike "Super-Mann" Ruggles show off his child-rearing skills for an episode as a potential "back-door" pilot for a spin-off.

What's next: More crying, screams and disobedient kids, with the same kid-friendly Friday 9 pm slot.

Supernatural

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Where we left off: It was revealed that Sam slept with Ruby, Dean clued in Sam on what happened in hell and the angels/demons smackdown ended with Anna getting her grace back (then disappearing in a flash of white light).

What's next: Big questions loom: Why is Dean so important to the angels? Will Sam start using his powers again? What is Ruby's agenda? And what seals will Lilith target next?

Survivor: Tocantins

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Where we left off: A new batch of castaways are left to fend for themselves.

What's next: Alliances continue to be made and broken as emaciated castaways compete for immunity and ultimately the winning prize.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

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Where we left off: Sarah and Cameron tried to protect a family linked to Derek while Jesse's life was put in danger. Fortunately for the gang, Cromartie met his end.

What's next: John and Riley will continue to get closer, perhaps even to a fault. "I think John's an idiot to be involved with Riley,"creator Josh Friedman told us, "but he's got his reasons." Plus, don't look for Jesse to go anywhere anytime soon.

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 hanging last season.

Top Chef

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Where we left off: The new chefs take on New York City in heated challenges to please the judges' palettes.

What's next: New York City is a big place, but some egos are even bigger.

Two and Half Men

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Where we left off: "New territory" was broached as Charlie faced having to sleep over at a lover's place, and Alan found himself evading a needy Judith.

What's next: A moment of silence, please, as James Earl Jones presides over Charlie's funeral (which features a return by Rose)....

Ugly Betty

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Where we left off: Lindsay Lohan's guest stint was cut short, Daniel and Wilhelmina each have their eye on off-limits love interests, and Betty is getting used to having Amanda as a roomie.

What's next: Nikki Blonsky's character will befriend Betty - but she might have ulterior motives.

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.

Wife Swap

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

What's next: Families with polar-opposite upbringings continue to subject themselves to having their worlds turned upside-down.

Without a Trace

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Where we left off: Jack and Sam kissed! But what did it mean?

What's next: Jack and Sam's will-they-or-won't-they tension will continue, only this time the operative question is: Will they or won't they date?

Worst Week

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Where we left off: Official son-in-law Sam helped Dick choose the perfect Christmas gift for Angela after discovering he gets her the same thing every year. But Sam's attempt to deliver the present didn't bring Dick any tidings of comfort or joy.

What's next: Now that he's officially married into the family, will Sam ever get along with Dick? And just how many more things can Sam screw up?

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader

Where we left off: Adults match wits with kids in elementary school subjects.

What's next: More audience members feel embarrassed in front of their kids.

Flashpoint

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Where we left off:

What's next: A highly specialized police unit handles emergency situations by negotiating with kidnappers, rescuing hostages, defusing bombs and counseling suicidal individuals.

Secret Life of the American Teenager

Where we left off: Ben and a still-pregnant Amy plan to marry, while Grace is the latest girl to fall under Ricky's spell.

What's next: Jason Priestley, who's directing several episodes, says Ben and Amy's wedding doesn't mean everything's resolved between Amy and Ricky.

Cupid

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Who's on it: Bobby Canavale, Sarah Paulson

What it's about: ABC's taking another shot at love a decade after axing the Jeremy Piven-Paula Marshall original. This time around, Sarah Paulson will play Dr. Claire Allen to Bobby Canavale's Trevor Hale, who believes he's been sent to earth by Zeus to hook up the romantically challenged.

Game Show in My Head

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Who's on it: Joe Rogan hosts this Ashton Kutcher production

What it's about: Contestants perform absurd tasks to win up to $50,000

Howie Do It

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Who's on it: Howie Mandel, in disguise, pranks unsuspecting victims.

What it's about: Will Mandel's presence help Howie Do It stand out from other hidden-camera prank shows?

Lie to Me

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Who's on it: Tim Roth, Gillian Foster, Will Loker

What it's about: Roth plays Dr. Cal Lightman, an expert in detecting lies.

Momma's Boys

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Who's on it: Bachelorettes try to win over eligible guys — and their moms.

What it's about: Early promos show one contestant explaining her lingerie fetish to a furrowed-browed mom.

Primetime: What Would You Do?

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Who's on it: Series reboots a news show format in which hidden cameras capture real peoples' responses to moral and ethical quandaries.

What it's about: Candid Camera, now with philosophy.

Superstars of Dance

Who's on it: Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley welcomes dancers from around the world.

What it's about: Contestants face off in a veritable dance Olympics.

Paranormal State

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Where we left off: Members of Penn State's Paranormal Research Society witnessed an exorcism.

What's next: The team helps a couple stay together by ridding them of their demons — literal and figurative.

The City

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Who's on it: Whitney Port becomes the latest Lauren Conrad galpal to move on, but this time it's just for a job: moving to New York to work for fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg

What it's about: If we're following the familiar Hills formula, expect lots of embarrassments, perceived slights and conversations at trendy restaurants that end with both parties staring into space

Unusuals, The

Who's on it: Amber Tamblyn, Adam Goldberg, and Harold Perrineau star in New York City-based detective drama.

What it's about: This midseason replacement focuses on the unusual inner lives of the detectives, whose problems range from intense paranoia to a secret tumor.

Castle

Who's on it: Nathan Fillion, Seamus Dever

What it's about: In this midseason replacement, a wildly successful, but bored, mystery novelist consults with New York police on cases that seem unsolvable.

Why it's an editors' pick: It was fine to see Captain Tightpants - if only for a bit - on last season's Desperate Housewives, but we Firefly fans needed him back at the front and center of a show. And seriously, James Patterson meets Jessica Fletcher, in the Big Apple? We're sold.

Harper's Island

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Who's on it: Harry Hamlin and lots of fetching newcomers gather on an island for a wedding, and people start dying

What it's about: The 13-episode series aims to bring horror to primetime

Why it's an editors' pick: Why it's an editors' pick: With its Ten Little Indians-like premise, think of Harper's as an Agatha Christie novel acted out by pretty people, with plenty of viscera for the Saw generation.

Leverage

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Who's on it: Hutton leads a team of high-tech Robin Hoods who steal from corporations and crooked agencies that have ripped off average citizens.

What it's about: In early episodes, team faces off against a military contractor and business rivals.

Why it's an editors' pick: Read the headlines, average citizen: The time is right for the poor to get richer for a change. American audiences already know that Hutton is a great actor, but the real discovery here is Gina Bellman, who was wonderful on the British version of Coupling.

True Beauty

Who's on it: Vanessa Minnillo, Cheryl Tiegs, and Nole Marin host this Ashton Kutcher-Tyra Banks production

What it's about: Men and women who think they're taking part in a beauty-contest reality show learn they're also being judged on their inner beauty

Why it's an editors' pick: Major guilty pleasure potential. The concept is fun and the judges should be entertaining.

United States of Tara, The

Who's on it: Executive producers, including Juno writer Diablo Cody and Steven Spielberg, bring the story of a housewife (Toni Collette) with a multiple personality disorder.

What it's about: Tara's family knows of her disorder, and has disorders of its own.

Why it's an editors' pick: Pedigree. Collette is usually excellent, and Steven Spielberg and Juno hotshot Diablo Cody executive produce.

10 Items or Less

Where we left off: Leslie Pool (John Lehr) continued to struggle managing the Greens & Grains while warding off attempts to close his family-run store from the big-box competitor SuperValueMart.

What's next: Greens & Grains will endure a disastrous sesquicentennial sale, threats from the dreaded Dairy Consortium, a raging mob of sci-fi fans and a serial shoplifter who happens to be the mother of one of the employees. Kim Coles (In Living Color) arrives as the new SuperValueMart boss.

The Closer

Where we left off: As Brenda and Fritz's oft-delayed wedding day neared, Deputy Chief Johnson's world was rocked when Sanchez got shot during a face-off with a sniper.

What's next: Get your rice ready, because it's time for Brenda to get hitched! Accordingly, watch for the arrival of Fritz's "clairvoyant" sister, played by Amy Sedaris (Strangers with Candy).

Trust Me

Who's on it: Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) and Tom Cavanagh (Ed) play Mason and Conner, best friends and creative partners at a Chicago ad agency

What it's about: Mason and Conner's bond is put to the test when one of them is unexpectedly promoted, making him the other's supervisor. Also in the mix: Monica Potter (Boston Legal) as an award-winning copywriter new to the agency, and Griffin Dunne as everyone's boss.

Burn Notice

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Where we left off: Michael and Sam broke into Carla's room and found a mysterious photo of a man - one that Carla later met with — in her files. But Michael's meddling turned dangerous as he narrowly escaped his loft before a bomb blew it to smithereens.

What's next: We'll see a different side to the almost-killed Michael as he tries to work through his complications with Carla to find his would-be assassin. Plus, look for fireworks from Fiona when Michael's ex-fiancée shows up in town.