A to Z
This adorable, single-cam comedy pays homage to “500 Days of Summer.” The series follows two 20-somethings, Andrew and Zelda, from the first time they meet to the end of their relationship. As the pilot puts it, “this television program is the comprehensive account of their relationship, from A to Z.” From the minute the pilot starts – it opens with Andrew singing to Celine Dion alone in his car – it’s evident that this is going to be a fun show to watch. To add to the fun, Zelda is played by the loveable How I Met Your Mother actress Cristin Miloti.
Premieres Thursday Oct. 2 9/8c
Network: NBC
Pilot available online
Black-ish
“Black-ish” tells the story of a successful family living in the suburbs of Los Angeles as they struggle with their roots. Andre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross) are successful professionals with four kids. Andre decides he wants to instill more of his culture in his children (one of whom is dying to have a bar mitzvah). Fans of “Modern Family” and “The Middle” should look out for this one.
Premiers Wednesday, Sept. 24 9:30/8:30c
Network: ABC
Clips available online
Gotham
Starring the swoon-worthy Ben McKenzie from “The OC,” “Gotham” tells the backstory of the famed characters from DC Comics. The series specifically follows young Gotham City detective James Gordon as he deals with crime and corruption in Gotham. The series also includes other characters from the comic series, including a young Catwoman and the Penguin.
Series Premiered Monday, Sept. 22 8/7c
Network: FOX
Episodes available online and Mondays
Happyland
I’m not going to lie, MTV’s late-night dramas are my guilty pleasure. I’m not promising much with this one. MTV even describes it on the series homepage as “a soapy team dramedy.” However, it does look like a decent premise, and MTV’s shows never fail to amuse. The series follows Lucy, the daughter of a theme-park worker, and Ian, the new park owner’s son. MTV’s summary promises “a scandalous secret.” I won’t give it away, but watch the trailer if you’re curious!
Premiers Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 11/10c
Network: MTV
Trailer available online
How to Get Away with Murder
Brilliant writer and producer Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal”) is back as the executive producer of this new legal drama. Viola Davis (“The Help”) stars as criminal law professor and defense attorney Annalise Keating. When Annalise is not in the classroom or the courtroom, she’s having an affair with a local detective. The series also follows a group of students vying for positions at Annalise’s law firm. Fans of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Law & Order” alike are potential fans of this show.
Premiers Thursday, Sept. 25 10/9c
Network: ABC
Clips available online
Mulaney
This new comedy’s cast boasts two of the funniest comedians on network TV: John Mulaney, stand up comedian and “Saturday Night Live” writer, and Nasim Pedrad, “Saturday Night Live” star. Mulaney stars as a fictionalized character John, an up-and-coming comedian living with his two roommates in New York City. The show features clips of Mulaney doing stand-up, with his signature dry humor. Not sure it’s for you? Try watching some of Mulaney’s stand-up (available on YouTube and Netflix) and see what you think.
Premiers Sunday, Oct. 5, time TBD
Network: FOX
Clips available online
Red Band Society
For lover of “The Fault in Our Stars,” “Red Band Society” is a comedy-drama that follows a group of teens living in an Los Angeles hospital’s pediatric ward. Octavia Spencer (“The Help”) stars as a nurse and Dave Annable (“Parenthood”) stars as a doctor. The show features a fun cast of up-and-coming stars who mesh well. Warning: tissues might be necessary for this one.
Premiered Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 9/8c
Network: FOX
Episodes available online and every Wednesday
Selfie
In this modern take on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion (which inspired My Fair Lady), “Selfie” follows Eliza Dooley (Karen Gillan), a narcissist with more friends than she can count online but not a single one in real life. Eliza decides to rebrand herself and learn to make friends in real life. She enlists the help of marketing expert Henry, played by John Cho (yes, that is Harold from “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle!”). Karen Gillan plays an adorably clueless Eliza, and the pilot definitely had me hooked.
Premieres Tuesday Sept. 30 8/7c
Network: ABC
Pilot available online
Utopia
“Big Brother” and “Survivor” fans, this one’s for you! “Utopia” follows 14 Americans who are relocated to a remote setting with few supplies. The participants are filmed at all times and are not competing for a prize. A social experiment of sorts, the series is aired twice weekly and online at all hours. Every month, three people will be voted off and new participants will come on the show.
Premiered Friday, Aug. 29 at 8/7c
Network: FOX
Episodes available online and every Tuesday and Thursday