My Top 5 Picks for Returning TV Series' in the Fall of 2009

Today is August 1st. For many, it signals a countdown until school is back in session. For others, it signals the beginning of the baseball playoff chase and countdown to another NFL season. For me, it also means that the new television season is only a few short weeks away. While I do skim the Internet for information on what new shows will be debuting, I also look forward to seeing my favorite series' make their triumphant returns for another season. Here are the 5 shows that top my list of must-see returning series'.

5. Dexter
Admittedly, I was skeptical about last season's inclusion of Jimmy Smitts as Miguel Prado. I was wrong.....dead wrong. For two seasons, Dexter Morgan spent the duration leading a double life and doing his best tightrope walk to keep each one separate from the other. Enter Miguel Prado, a top prosecutor who finds a spiritual soul mate in Dexter Morgan after the murder of his brother. For once, Dexter develops a relationship that he can be himself in, As he exposes Miguel to "the code", their relationship takes the viewer on a number of twists that keeps this Showtime series riding high. Naturally, my interest is as high as ever.

4. The Big Bang Theory
I am disappointed that I missed about half of these episodes during their original run. Therefore, I'm not altogether certain where the second season picked up after season one's finale. Season two ended with Leonard leaving with his scientist pals on a three-month expedition, unknowingly leaving Penny behind to pine for him. Due to missing most of the season, I'm unaware of how their fledgling relationship fell apart after season one, but it will be interesting to see it redevelop this fall.

3. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Arguably the most offensive and random series on television today, Sunny is not so much a series with a running theme. However, it still exists as a series that is not be to watched sporadically as the antics each week are akin to Spinal Tap amplification (IE; they go to 11). No real overall story lines to follow. Just ultra hilarious physical and unapologetically politically incorrect comedy.

2. Curb Your Enthusiasm
Just the mere fact that Curb Your Enthusiasm is returning at all is enough to satisfy me. The end of season six seemed to spell the end as Larry and Cheryl has seemingly found themselves apart from one another. My view at the time was that a strong comedic force had gone out on top. Though the possibility of a seventh season could prove to be mediocre, the legacy Curb Your Enthusiasm has already carved out for itself makes it worth the risk.

1. Sons Of Anarchy
When The Shield came to an end, it felt like a hole had been left in the FX lineup. Leave it to Kurt Sutter to not only fill it, but create easily the best new drama series of 2008. Using the SAMCRO motorcycle club as the vehicle, Sons Of Anarchy takes the organized crime paradigm and gives it a dark new angle. Whereas organized crime in series' such as The Sopranos clearly had a distinction between the crime family and the natural family, Sons Of Anarchy delves into a world where one can cancel out the other. Loyalty is given the ultimate test and the viewer is given a new look at the heart of darkness. Easily my favorite series on television today.