What To Watch In Primetime 08

This prime time season the choices of new shows are slim. We have some much anticipated shows and shows that probably won’t last longer than a few episodes before being put on a permanent hiatus. Here is a guide to some of the more promising shows for this fall season.

What To Watch In Primetime 08
BY: Trish Mahon
TVS TV REPORTER

Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 9:38 PM

What To Watch In Primetime 08 This prime time season the choices of new shows are slim. We have some much anticipated shows and shows that probably won’t last longer than a few episodes before being put on a permanent hiatus. Here is a guide to some of the more promising shows for this fall season.

The CW is touting 90210 as the most anticipated event of the year. Premiering on September 2 from 8:oo-10:00, it almost mirrors its predecessor Beverly Hills 90210. Just like the original, we have a Midwestern family, the Mill’s who have relocated to Beverly Hills because Harry’s (played by Rob Estes) mother needs help as she continually goes in and out of the Betty Ford clinic. The show follows Annie (Shenae Grimes) and her brother Dixon (Tristan Wilds) and their trials and tribulations of life in the new zip code. Along the way they meet a spoiled rich girl Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord), popular jock Ethan, (Dustin Milligan), journalist Navid (Michael Steger) and Silver (Jessica Stroup) who produces her own You Tube show. Also along for the ride are original cast members Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth. The CW is hoping this show will anchor Tuesday nights for them much like Gossip Girl has anchored Mondays for them.

One of the shows CBS is offering is the Ex List. At a bachelorette party for her sister, Bella Bloom (Elizabeth Reaser) learns from a psychic that she has already met and dated her future husband. However, if she doesn’t find him within a year she will be alone forever. Bella goes through all of her past relationships in search of her future husband.

Another show that CBS is touting is The Mentalist starring Simon Baker. Baker plays Patrick Jane, a detective with an unusual gift of observation. He has this ability to solve cases that no one else has by being very observant to the point where he is almost psychic. His fellow agents, played by Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman, and Amanda Righetti admire his crime solving skills but believe he is a loose cannon.

NBC is resurrecting its Knight Rider franchise following the success of the TV movie/pilot that aired in the spring. All My Children alum Justin Bruening stars as the son of Michael Knight. Justin’s great and all, but the real reason we’re watching this show (besides the hunky eye candy) is KITT, The Knight Industries Three Thousand. It’s quite frankly the coolest car ever made. Being able to change color and shape is a plus too. Everyone wants KITT and it’s the job of Bruening’s character to ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. This show also stars Deanna Russo (formerly of The Young and the Restless), Sydney Tamiia Poiter and Bruce Davison as the voice of KITT.

Kath and Kim is about a mother (Kath, played by Molly Shannon) and daughter (Kim, played by Selma Blair). After Kim’s marriage falls apart she moves back home with Kath, who is none too pleased. Neither is Kim when she discovers that Kath will not be her personal maid. Kath and Kim is a successful comedy in Australia and NBC is hoping that it will be successful in the U.S. as well.

ABC is only bringing two new shows to the fall season, Opportunity Knocks and Life on Mars. Opportunity Knocks is a game show that will travel around the country and could possibly show up on your doorstep. You could win cash, TV’s, or furniture. Life on Mars is about a detective named Sam Tyler (played by Jason O’Mara) who, after getting hit in the head, is transported back to the 1970’s. Didn’t NBC do a similar show last year? There’s a good chance Life on Mars will have a longer shelf than Opportunity Knocks…..

These are just some of the new shows that we will see this upcoming fall. Check out our Primetv section at the Soap Opera Source Community for updates on all your favorite shows, including spoilers, casting news and premiere dates. Happy watching!

tsmith@tvsourcemagazine.com