Fall 2011-2012 TV season
Fall 2011-2012 TV season. The five television networks have announced their 2011-12 schedules. From the latest reality show concept to a reboot of a past prime-time favorite, which shows will be hits and which ones misses? Let's look at some highlights of what's ahead.
The cast: Mario Lopez, host, and a parade of celebrity guests
The pitch: Celebrities confront "civilians" who hate them and try to win the "H8Rs" over. Hugs hopefully ensue.
Network: CW
The cast: Acid-tongued judge Simon Cowell delivers the US version of the franchise he started in the U.K. He will be joined by Paula Abdul.
The pitch: Another reality TV singing competition with "Idol" in its sights. It's open to groups, as well as solo artists, and judges actively help contestants win.
Network: FOX
The cast: Christina Ricci, Kelli Garner
The pitch: "Mad Men" in business class. International intrigue and Jet Age thrills with a dash of "Coffee, Tea or Me." Will anyone believe that flying used to be glamorous?
Network: ABC
The cast: Tim Allen, Nancy Travis, Molly Ephraim, Hector Elizondo
The pitch: A man's man, dangerously outnumbered by a working wife and three daughters, puts his testosterone to the test. Now he knows how June Cleaver felt.
Network: ABC
The cast: Charlie who? "That '70s Show" graduate Ashton Kutcher joins the show this fall.
The pitch: Kutcher will play a new character, replacing Charlie Sheen as the ninth season begins.
Network: CBS
The cast: Laura Prepon, Chelsea Handler
The pitch: Based on Handler's best-selling autobiography (shop for it), Prepon plays Chelsea, a sharp-tongued cocktail waitress. Handler plays Chelsea's born-again sister.
Network: NBC
The cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kristoffer Polaha, Ioan Gruffudd, Nestor Carbonell
The pitch: After witnessing a murder, the former "Vampire Slayer" returns to play a woman who takes on her twin sister's identity. Never a good idea.
Network: CW
The cast: Annie Ilonzeh, Minka Kelly, Rachael Taylor, Ramon Rodriguez
The pitch: This reboot of the '70s series introduces three new "Angels" and one new Bosley, who fight crime in Miami. Women with a past solve tough cases for their reclusive detective agency boss.
Network: ABC
The cast: Maria Bello, Aidan Quinn, Kirk Acevedo
The pitch: The British hit TV series is reset in New York City, with Bello in the role created by Helen Mirren. A tough homicide detective has to prove herself in the boys' club atmosphere of the precinct.
Network: NBC
The cast: James Caviezel, Michael Emerson, Taraji P. Henson
The pitch: A former CIA agent and a software billionaire team up for some high-tech vigilantism in the Big Apple, catching bad guys before they can commit a crime. They must have loved "Minority Report."
Network: CBS
The cast: Ashley Judd, Sean Bean, Cliff Curtis
The pitch: A former CIA agent's son disappears while studying abroad. Mom gives chase. International intrigue ensues.
Network: ABC
The cast: Christian Slater
The pitch: A swing and a miss -- "Breaking In," we hardly knew ye. Despite decent ratings, FOX canceled the comedy series about a security firm after only one season.
Network: FOX
The cast: Antwon Tanner, James Lafferty, Sophia Bush, Shantel VanSanten, Paul Johansson, Lee Norris
The pitch: "One Tree Hill," the series you probably thought died five years ago, will be back in the spring for what the CW promises will be a final season. A promise is a promise.
Network: CW