Fall TV Preview: Back to You Coming to FOX

Unless you're living in solitary confinement, you've probably noticed that there are a heap of new shows premiering this summer. TNT, USA, ABC Family, FX, SpikeTV, Showtime, AMC, TBS, Sci-Fi, HBO, and Comedy Central are collectively debuting a slew of new shows over the course of the next couple of months, hoping to create some new hits during the off-season and before the "real" TV season starts in September. While there are a number of potentially good, new cable programs that are worth checking out this summer, this article is dedicated solely to the continuing preview of the new shows coming this fall courtesy of the five major networks, as part of the official 2007-2008 TV Season, and not the short-lived summer viewing schedule.

Because starting this fall season, there's a lot more to be tuning in to than just Heroes. Get your TV schedules 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.

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My 2007-2008 TV Season Pick #4: "Back to You" (FOX)
As sad as this era has been for comedies, it's perhaps FOX that has made the most pathetic attempts at introducing new sitcoms into its primetime line-up, as evident in last year's failed (and unmentionable) debuts. And yet, here we are, previewing a brand new FOX sitcom that seems to have what most in recent years have lacked - a decent and promising premise.

"Back to You," airing FOX Wednesdays in the 8:00 timeslot, is a new sitcom from executive producers Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan, centering around two bickering co-anchors of a Pittsburgh news station, played by Kelsey Grammer and ... wait for it ... yes, Patricia Heaton.

That's right, Patricia Heaton marks the second former "Everybody Loves Raymond" (back when comedy was still funny, 'member?) cast member to be cast into a FOX sitcom, following the less-than-stellar "'Til Death," starring Brad Garrett, which was introduced last season. Yeah, here's hoping that this show turns out to be, at the very least, watchable.

But judging from the trailer, both Grammer and Heaton bring a heaping spoonful to their characters of "Chuck Darling," described as a "self-centered womanizer," and "Kelly Carr," described as an "uptight know-it-all," respectively, and it's their blooming and distinctive personalities that will ultimately make this show what it is, good or bad.

Airing at 8:00 on Wednesdays, "Back to You" will serve as, ironically enough, the lead-in for the returning (God, why) "'Til Death," and will face competition in the form of CBS's new reality show, "Kid Nation," as well as ABC's fresh new dramedy, "Pushing Daisies."

My Predicted Survival Rating for "Back to You" on FOX:
55% chance of being renewed