TV Shows Debuting in 2009

Midseason on TV this year is a make or break time for most networks. While a few of the old standbys are still going strong, most of the new hits were canceled leaving room for scheduling shakeups. Some fan favorites are returning midseason so stay tuned for a preview of those shows after the new listings.

If you are looking for something new, check out the following premieres beginning in 2009.

Bad Mother's Handbook- ABC

Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Alia Shawkat and Megan Mullally

Episode airdate: To be announced

Summary: Based on the U.K. novel by Kate Long, the show centers on Karen Cooper (Silverstone), a 30-something woman trying to raise her 16-year-old daughter. Mullally stars as Karen's mother who is also living with them. If the show follows the book, then some of the issues Karen will deal with is history repeating with her daughter's teenage pregnancy, ex-husband issues, and the search for a boyfriend.

Will it Last?: I venture to say no. I can see it being popular for a short time due to the likeability of Megan Mullally and Alia Shawkat (of Arrested Development fame.) However, the girl-power/mother-daughter theme does not seem to have a strong fan base these days. I think it will depend on whether or not this is a 30-minute comedy or a 50-minute drama. If it could fill the void left by Gilmore Girls, it may have a good shot. But I doubt it would last long if it is a 30-minute comedy. NBC's Kath and Kim already fills the quirky, dysfunctional mother-daughter slot.

Sources: IMBD.com, TVguide.com

Dollhouse- FOX

Starring: Eliza Dushku, Tahmoh Penikett, Amy Acker

Episode airdate: February 13, 2009

Summary: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel fans rejoice! Joss Whedon, creator of the series, is back with a new an inventive storyline for Tru Calling's Eliza Dushku. Dollhouse follows the lives of "dolls" or agents whose memories and personalities are wiped clean for each new assignment. They live in a top-secret facility or "dollhouse" and are under the tight control of a handler. Even as her memory is consistently wiped out, Dushku begins to become self-aware. Another interesting aspect of the show is that it will run about 6 minutes longer than most in the same time slot due to shorter commercial breaks, just as other newcomer to FOX, Fringe, has done. (For more information on Fox's new remote-free commercial viewing, click here.)

Will it Last?: Typically Whedon's series have had decent staying power. I would guess that Dollhouse will have a decent following due to the unusual storyline and cult following from Whedon's previous endeavors. I predict at least two seasons for this show.

Sources: IMDB.com, Wikipedia.com, TVguide.com

Kings- NBC

Starring: Ian McShane, Susanna Thompson, Christopher Egan

Episode airdate: March 19, 2009

Summary: NBC is gearing up for a two-hour series premiere in March with their own UNN "news" coverage and website feed. The story is taken from the David and Saul struggle of the Bible. Picture the United States under the rule of kings. You have no choice and your country is actively engaged in a battle that cannot seem to be won. Then a David emerges...David Shepherd to be precise. He wins an important victory and is thrust into the limelight and power. Though initially winning the favor of the king, he eventually is feared as a threat to the king's power.

Will it Last?: Though very different from the typical formula of crime drama or medical drama, I doubt it will last. Ian McShane, of HBO's Deadwood fame, is too unlikeable for much staying power. Though the show has already signed Macaulay Culkin for several episodes to star as the king's nephew, I doubt he could generate sufficient interest. End-of-the-world dramas, power-struggles, and recasting America into a new role, will most likely go the way of Jericho and Traveler- canceled. Overly dark dramatic primetime soaps do not last long.

Sources: TVSquad.com, NBC.com, TVguide.com

Surviving Suburbia- The CW

Starring: Bob Saget, Jere Burns, Cynthia Stevenson

Episode airdate: Spring 2009?

Summary: Saget makes a return to half-hour comedy programming as Keith Stevers, a suburbanite whose existence is turned upside down by new neighbors who file suit against him. His two teenaged children, one of whom is in love with the boy next door, further complicate his life.

Will it Last?: While I look forward to the return of former Full House alum Saget, and Stevenson (Dead Like Me, Men in Trees), we have to wonder if this show will even make it to the little screen. Just a short time ago, The CW pulled their contract with the producers of Surviving Suburbia and it is now being shopped around to other networks. If it makes it to another network, I foresee a long life for the formulaic comedy.

Sources: TheCW.com, Wikipedia.com, IMDB.com

Are you looking forward to returning shows? If you are, then be prepared for some juicy premieres.

Lost- ABC

Starring: Naveen Andrews, Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly

Episode airdate: January 21, 2009

Summary: This is arguably the most anticipated season premiere on TV. Lost fans were treated to teasing glimpses of what was to come in this season. The mystery of the island continues even as survivors arrived back home to their normal lives. The island has moved, John Locke has passed away, and Jack is obsessed with returning to the island. With an unpredictable story history, fans are wondering if the show can regain its former glory.

Will it Last?: Most diehard fans will tell you that this season will make it or break it for them. If the show continues with rabbit trail storylines, you most likely will see viewership drop. But if the characters now have a combined purpose- return to the now-moved island- it could spark a whole new era in devoted-fan following. This is one show that has proven its mettle despite waning seasons.

Sources: ACB.go.com, Wikipedia.com, IMDB.com

Law & Order: Criminal Intent- USA Network

Starring: Vincent D'Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe, Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Nicholson

Episode airdate: 2009

Summary: Crime drama lives and promises bold new changes in the eighth season of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Chris Noth has left the show and Jeff Goldblum joins the cast as Det. Zack Nichols. With the "ripped-from-the-headlines" stories and odd detecting skills of D'Onofrio and Goldblum, viewers at least will be able to expect consistency.

Will it Last?: The season was pushed back to a midseason premiere due to the network's decision. They wanted an uninterrupted 16 episode arc promising changes. This was a wise move for them as Law & Order: Criminal Intent is so formulaic that you can often skip one without losing much of the story arc. One thing Dick Wolf, creator of the Law & Order franchise, is known for is staying power, but not bold change. Even with character changes, Law & Order: Criminal Intent is still story driven and will likely continue for a long time.

Sources: USANetwork.com, Wikipedia.com, IMDB.com

Damages- FX

Starring: Glenn Close, Rose Byrne, Tate Donovan

Episode airdate: January 7, 2009

Summary: In Season 1, we met idealistic lawyer, Ellen (Byrne), who apprenticed to cutthroat litigator, Patty Hewes (Close). In a series of twists and unforeseeable turns, the viewers were in a constant state of wonder. Who was the "bad" guy? Did Ellen really murder her fiancé? In the end, we see a fragile alliance formed and season 2 promises revenge. While her mentor Hewes is occupied with an energy lawsuit, Ellen seeks revenge on the woman whom she holds responsible for her life falling apart.

Will it Last?: The first season was unlike anything viewers were expecting. The mystery, the powerful performances by A-list actors and the flashback sequences propelled the series firmly into its second season. If season 1 was not a fluke and season 2 can pull off the same powerful story, then I believe FX will continue it long into the future.

Sources: FX.com, IMDB.com