We’ve been getting a lot of studying done these past few weeks of school, but all of that comes to an end this week as the television networks roll out this fall’s fresh crop of TV shows. Here’s what we’ll be watching and why, as well as a few tips on programs to steer clear of.
For tonight, be sure to catch the second episode of “America’s Next Top Model” on the CW. This season’s Top Model hopefuls are thinner and dumber than ever – and we’ve never been more entertained. Last week, host Tyra Banks pantomimed getting a bikini wax from one of the contestants, while “Miss” J. Alexander welcomed the women onto a cruise ship. We can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next.
If you want even more television competitions, “Dancing With the Stars” is on yet again tonight on ABC. We’re not sure the world needs three nights in a row of B-list celebrities like Mark Cuban prancing around to a 1980s cover song, but who are we to judge?
“Grey’s Anatomy” fans are busy tonight with ABC’s spin-off, “Private Practice.” Despite Kate Walsh looking pretty trashed at the Emmy’s, we’re sure “Practice” will be another hit for ABC. Anything “Grey’s” touches seems to turn to gold – Emmy’s gold.
Lurking in the midst of these exciting premieres is the debut of ABC’s “Dirty Sexy Money.” This sitcom, with a plot stolen from former Fox comedy “Arrested Development,” aims to exploit each adjective that makes up its name. Frankly, we can’t wait until the week when the show is simultaneously dirty, sexy and full of money.
On Thursday, it’s hard to beat NBC’s comedy lineup. Tune in all night for an hour of “My Name is Earl,” followed by an hour of “The Office.” “My Name is Earl” is not as dumb as it looks (Jaime Pressley proved it by winning an Emmy last week), and left us with a cliffhanger last season. But it pales in comparison to the hype that comes with the eagerly anticipated season premiere of “The Office.” Fans everywhere rejoiced last May when Jim finally asked Pam out on a date. So what’s going to happen now? We’re just as anxious as you are to find out.
“Grey’s Anatomy,” a show that has undergone numerous cast changes over the summer, returns on Thursday on ABC. Will Meredith Grey cry? Probably. Will McDreamy still be dreamy? Probably. Will more impossible and torrid love affairs unravel before our eyes? Tune in to find out.
Friday and Saturday television is always awful, and unless you’re anxiously awaiting the premiere of “Ghost Whisperer” and “Moonlight” on CBS, but we’ll save our breath.
Sunday is an entirely different story. Showtime’s “Dexter” premieres after a surprisingly successful first season. Michael C. Hall stars as the dark-humored blood-spatter analyst and part-time serial killer. If that’s too dark for you, the good suburban folks of Wisteria Lane might be a little more your speed. ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” has its season premiere on Sunday. This season looks to match its predecessors in klutzy antics and melodramatics.
So put away those pesky textbooks and join us for a week in quality television.
