Fall TV Schedule: Who Gets To Stay? (Part 1)

Okay, we’re done dwelling on the shows we’ve laid to rest – on to the ones that actually got pardons from the governor, the renewals! As I previously mentioned, the writers’ strike forced the networks to throw down a safety net when deciding the fall schedule, so some freshman shows that hadn’t had enough time to prove themselves got a chance for a new start next year. Even a few of the mid-season replacements got to stay around and play in the big leagues next year – so as long as the actors don’t go on strike next (watch for news on the SAG/AFTRA contract negotiations), we may have a pretty decent TV season…

Same As It Ever Was (Renewals, Part 1) – The Comedies

1. Reaper (CW) – Hooray – it’s a win for the good guys! I talked up this (former) bubble show a while ago, and it made it! Some say that the CW is anticipating the hole in their schedule which will be left after Smallville wraps next year, needing a suitable genre show to pair up with Supernatural. Whatever the reason, it’s giving this incredible show a second chance to find an audience. (And yes, I realize that this show could just as easily have been classified as a drama – but the fact that it more-often-than-not makes me laugh my ass off lands it in this category…)

2. How I Met Your Mother (CBS) – This show is always at the top of its game, and consistently underrated. It’s a simple story, and the title says it all – it centers on Ted, the “father” of the story, who narrates the (insane/implausible/perfectly sitcomish) story to his children. Yet, every year there is a question about whether or not Mother will return, and there is no need – Neil Patrick Harris’ turn as Barney (the loveable a-hole of the bunch) alone leaves the show high above its competitors. Add the talent of fellow cast members like Jason Segal (Judd Apatow approved!) and Alyson Hannigan (Buffy, American Pie), and you have one of the finest comedy ensembles around - it is absolutely awe… wait for it… some!

3. Samantha Who? (ABC) – It’s funny when you see actors/actresses who started out in sitcoms as teens in the eighties trying new roles as adults. Justine Bateman, for example, proved how “stiff” and “monosyllabic” are not good acting styles to try out upon your return (see her recent guest stints on Men In Trees and Desperate Housewives for proof). That’s why it’s nice to see someone like Christina Applegate do so well – equal parts charm and cuteness make her turn as Samantha come alive. Ms. Who apparently was a ruthless rhymes-with-witch who is suffering from amnesia and now strives towards a better life – a plot device that could wear thin in the hands of lesser players. But with co-stars like Jennifer Esposito (Spin City, Rescue Me) and Melissa McCarthy (Sookie from Gilmore Girls), the show doesn’t suffer any symptoms of lame sitcomitis.

4. Big Bang Theory (CBS) – What happens when two ridiculously intelligent yet socially challenged roommates get a super hot neighbor? That underlying premise of this frosh comedy leads to a variety of standard sitcom misunderstandings and shenanigans – but it has evolved into something much bigger than that. The phenomenal casting of the four best friends allows a perfect window into geek culture (and trust me, I’m an expert witness on that) – from Leonard (the ringleader, played by Johnny Galecki from Roseanne, My Boys) to Sheldon (the hyper-logical straight man of this comedy troupe, played by the Emmy-deserving Jim Parsons) to Howard (the creepy sex-starved guy-who-still-lives-with-mom) to Raj (the token Indian character who’s so shy that he completely loses the ability to speak in front of women), they work wonderfully together. Add Penny, the love interest and only socially competent member of the group – that’s good Squishee, my friends. And the beauty of the show is that it doesn’t dumb down the dialogue for the masses – if there’s a physics joke, chances are that it’s scientifically accurate. That’s what made Isaac Asimov’s daughter (Robyn) give Bang her seal of approval, which must be what it would be like if Ryan Seacrest gave The L Word his thumbs up… What?… He’s not gay?… Huh – the joke stands.

5. Scrubs (ABC) – Yes, this appeared on the canceled list, too. But the fact that this always-funny show gets to finish its run in style with a full final season means that it finally gets the recognition it deserves. Too bad NBC were such morons that they couldn’t recognize what they had…

Next up: Renewed Dramas – see you soon!

(And again, the full fall lineup is here.)