Fall TV Preview: The Sarah Connor Chronicles 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, Lifetime, 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.

My 2007-2008 TV Season Pick #11: "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" (FOX)
The final show in the preview, also the absolute #1 new show to look forward to this upcoming season, is the latest sci-fi action-drama series set to debut on ... what else? FOX. Figures. First and foremost though, be sure to note that Arnold Schwarzenegger is not in any way involved with this project.

"The Sarah Connor Chronicles," set to premiere on FOX in early 2008 during the winter/spring mid-season, is a TV continuation of the "Terminator" film franchise and will take place chronologically between the events of the sequels "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" and "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines." Mario Kassar and Andrew G. Vajna, who both served as producers for the "Terminator" films, return to develop the new series that will remain true to the films' characters, storylines, and themes.

Lena Headey ("300") takes over the role of the title character Sarah Connor (who was played by Linda Hamilton in the films), who is currently suffering from nightmares involving the Terminator machines as well as the looming holocaust. John Connor (played by Thomas Dekker of "Heroes") also plays a major role in the series, as both he and his mother somehow end up in the present time, time-traveling from their own time in the late 90s, which is closer to the timeline immediately following the events of T2. And of course, those familiar to the series know it's all about keeping "Johnny" alive.

A new major character is introduced early on in Cameron Phillips (Summer Glau), a Terminator of an unknown model from 20 years into the future posing as a teenage girl. Programmed to protect John from harm, she and the Connors become three fugitives of the law and unlikely allies taken from their own times and forced to fight off new Terminators and enemies from both their current present as well as the near future.

The next feature film sequel, "Terminator 4," has already been announced and a release date has been set for 2009. "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" is set to debut in January of 2008 on Sunday nights at 9/8c, meaning FOX's little animation block on Sundays is starting one hour earlier this spring season. Its major competition will consist of "Cold Case" on CBS, "Medium" on NBC, and "Desperate Housewives" on ABC. But with its action, drama, and sci-fi nature, "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" is starting out as anything but the underdog.

My Predicted Survival Rating for "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" on FOX:
80% chance of being renewed (the most disgustingly awesome trailer shown thus far by any of the networks validates this prediction)