Catch These Fall TV Gems During Premier Week and Beyond

It's Fall TV Premier time, let's take a look at a cross section of what the networks have to offer. The following are a few of the new fall TV programs premiering in the coming weeks that may stand the test of time. For at least one season, anyway.

Kid Nation. Reality. Premieres Tuesday October 2 on CBS. Forty kids become modern day pioneers redeveloping a defunct ghost town in forty days. These eight and a half through eighteen year olds will try to prove that they can create a better working society. Each week the prize of a solid gold star is awarded to one child. Although it proves to be one of those shows that you can't tear your eyes away from, the previews seem a little like a live version of Oliver or Little Orphan Annie meets Survivor.

Cavemen. Comedy. Premieres Tuesday, October 2 on ABC
Three apparently civilized cavemen (originally from GEICO ads) are alive and living in Atlanta. More of the same humor of the commercials will be seen as the three Neanderthals are at odds with the daily modern day grind and stereotyping of their kind. Some of the sneak peaks look hilarious and geared toward the guy audience.

The Big Bang Theory. Comedy. Premieres Monday September 24th. on CBS.
Two genius grade physicist geeks meet the girl next door who show them the common sense side of life. Johnny Galecki, perhaps most remembered from 'Roseanne', plays 'Leonard' and is paired up with Jim Parsons perhaps last remembered on television for his role as Rob Holbrook in 'Judging Amy'. Kaley Cuoco plays 'Penny' the girl who shows them the way.

Journeyman. Drama. Premiers Monday, September 24 on NBC
Reminiscent of 'Quantum Leap' mixed with Early Edition', anyone remember that one? Journeyman takes the time travel aspect and adds the concept of changing what did happen into what will happen. Of course he will use this new found power for good not evil. Right? Starring Kevin McKidd of HBO's 'Rome' (Lucius Vorenus).

Pushing Daisies. Comedy/drama. Premieres Wednesday, October 3 on ABC
Lee Pace plays Ned, a young man with the ability to return dead people briefly back to life by just a touch. He helps a private investigator solve murder mysteries by asking (the dead, temporarily alive) victims to point out their killers. Also starring Kristen Chenowith, Swoosie Kurtz. Anne Friel of UK television fame, plays 'Chuck' Ned's 'back from the dead' first love. Could prove fun for a night of escape TV.

Private Practice. Drama. Wednesday, September 26 on ABC.
A 'Grey's Anatomy' spin-off, Private Practice stars Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery. She's left behind Seattle for the sunny life in Los Angeles. She joins med school friends in practice at Oceanside Wellness Center in Santa Monica, CA. Will probably be followed by 'Grey's Anatomy' loyals.

Life. Drama. Wednesday, September 26 on NBC.
Damian Lewis stars as Charlie Crews a detective fresh out of prison. After serving years for a crime he did not commit he returns to the police force with a huge bank account to boot. (From suing the city of L.A.) One of his main goals on coming home is to solve his own case. Cast includes Sarah Shahi as Dani Reese, the daughter of a retired cop and partner to Detective Crews. Robin Weiger plays Lt. Karen Davis who wants Charlie off the force. Adam Arkin also stars as Ted Earley, Crew's buddy from prison. This one looks like 'House' meets James Bond meets 'Shawshank Redemption'. But does show promise with tough, educated plots and dialogue.

Well, there you have it, some of the best and maybe some of the worst. It is all up to you, the viewer. While you flip through the channels this fall don't forget, FOX is still out there with K-ville, a Katrina aftermath series about cops trying to return order to New Orleans. Looks promising! Fox also offers Back to you! Kelsey Grammer returns with 'Everybody Loves Raymond' co-star Patricia Heaton. Looks fun. Stay tuned.

Resources: Go to ABC.com, NBC.com, CBS.com and FOX.com's front pages for more of network television's Fall Premiere line-ups.