Fall Television Preview - Pushing Daisies Coming to ABC

Starting this fall season, there's a lot more to be tuning in for than just "Heroes." Get your TV schedule ready for a major makeover.

Last season, the majority of the new shows that were introduced by the networks ended up failing. Why? Probably because they lacked a good premise and had little if any potential for success. This year, there's nothing but potential in the slew of new shows coming your way starting this fall season.

If you think the "safe bet" shows such as CSI, Grey's Anatomy, House, The Office, Prison Break, and Lost, among others, are still going to be the "what to watch" programs this upcoming season, think again. You're all about to witness a serious changing of the guard.

I present my fall preview of the Top 11 new shows from all five major networks that I will most definitely be tuning in for. The TV season may have just ended, but it's never too early to start planning for the next one. Especially with the upcoming 2007-2008 year.

My 2007-2008 TV Season Pick #1 - "Pushing Daisies" (ABC)
ABC's Wednesdays have been completely revamped this season, and for those of us who despise "Lost" and are glad that it won't be back for a while, we're happy that the once-barren Wednesday nights will be empty no longer.

"Pushing Daisies," set to air Wednesdays on ABC in the 8:00 timeslot, is an upcoming fantasy dramedy (yeah, ABC is pretty much the queen of dramedies) created by Bryan Fuller, who also acts as executive producer, for Warner Bros. Television.

The show stars Lee Pace in the central role of Ned, a man who grew up in a town that can only be described as something that was taken straight out of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" (seriously, you half-expect Jim Carrey to pop up when watching the trailer). Ned, gifted with the extraordinary ability to bring the dead back to life with a single touch, now uses his abilities to help a private investigator friend (played by Chi McBride) solve murders. Of course, there's a twist involved with his powers, as well as a girl who's also in the picture.

Sounds like it'll be a fantasy-driven, episodic-with-story-archs dramedy with just a touch of storybook magic. Anyway, if you're looking for something colorful (and I mean that literally) that looks like it came right out of a storybook, this one's for you. Critics who have already screened the pilot have all praised the show for its imaginative and innovative take on the genre. Should be a worthwhile show. Hey, it wouldn't be on this list otherwise.

This new ABC dramedy will serve as the lead-in for the brand new Grey's spin-off, "Private Practice" (yippee ...), and notable opposition at 8/7c on Wednesday nights will include "Deal or No Deal" (NBC) and "America's Next Top Model" (The CW).

My Predicted Survival Rating for "Pushing Daisies" on ABC:
65% chance of being renewed

ABC's Official Preview