HC Guide to Fall TV Shows

The end of summer is always rough. Goodbye to warm weather, sleeping in and the majority of our free time! As we dive into a new semester of classes, exams and papers, the return of our favorite television shows and the promise of exciting new ones helps ease our transition back into our crazy school lives. Here are some suggestions for what to watch this fall.

Not Too Late
Although they may still be relatively new, these shows have already managed to secure significant followings and critical acclaim. There’s still time to catch-up and enjoy these trending hits.

• Homeland, Sundays at 10 on Showtime. After winning six Emmy awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, Showtime’s dramatic thriller is back for its sophomore season. “Homeland” centers on mentally disturbed CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), her suspicion of recently rescued U.S. Marine Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), and her relentless mission to protect America from the next terrorist attack.
• Revenge, Sundays at 9 on ABC. We are thrilled to head back to the Hamptons with this addictive ABC show! Also in its second season, “Revenge” follows Emily Thorne on her quest to avenge her father’s wrongful death, inevitably leaving destruction in her wake.

Farewell Season
While the networks have decided that these fan favorites have run their course, we hope the writers tie up storylines and leave us with some satisfying closure.

• Gossip Girl, Mondays at 9 on The CW. After five years of immersing ourselves in the drama of these elite New Yorkers, it is time to bid farewell to this fan favorite. Be sure to catch the final season on the CW. We’re sure executive producers Josh Schwartz (“The OC,” “Chuck,” “Hart of Dixie”) and Stephanie Savage (“The OC,” “Hart of Dixie”) will pull out all the stops for our final moments with Blair, Serena and crew.
• Private Practice, Tuesday at 10 on ABC. The doctors of Oceanside Wellness will be closing their practice upon the conclusion of the sixth season of this successful “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off. As our time with Addison comes to an end, we can count on creator Shonda Rhimes (“Greys’ Anatomy,” “Scandal”) to fill this season with the perfect combination of hectic medical drama and picturesque beach scenes.

New on the Scene
Following watching a variety of pilots, a couple of shows stood out as ones to watch.

• The Mindy Project, Tuesdays at 9:30 on Fox. Fans of “The Office” know that Mindy Kaling is downright hilarious. Kaling’s newest venture, “The Mindy Project,” tells the story of a 31 year old woman who is on track with her professional career, but could use some help with her personal relationships. This half-hour comedy (created by and starring Kaling) will have you laughing and wincing as Mindy discovers that reality is far different than the romantic comedies she loves so much.
• The New Normal, Tuesdays at 9:30 on NBC. Ryan Murphy, creator of “Glee” and “American Horror Story” is the driving force behind NBC’s newest sitcom. “The New Normal” hits socially charged topics by centering around a single mother who decides to become a surrogate for a gay couple. Featuring familiar faces of comedy (such as Justin Bartha–“The Hangover”), we love that this show depicts modern social situations and dilemmas through a comedic lens.
• Nashville, Wednesdays at 10 on ABC. Reyna James (Connie Briton–“American Horror Story” and “Friday Night Lights”), a fading country star, is forced to go on tour with cocky teen sensation, Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere–“Heroes”) in order to salvage her career and preserve her family’s lifestyle. Whether or not the two will be able to co-exist has yet to be determined, but we expect lots of drama as they come to a compromise on the road to fame and fortune. With a well-seasoned cast, “Nashville” looks like it is going to top the charts!
• 666 Park Avenue, Sundays at 10 on ABC. Be sure to keep the lights on while you watch “666 Park Avenue,” ABC’s new dramatic mystery. In a lavish apartment building on New York’s Upper East Side, residents are pushed to their limits and haunted by the temptations of fulfilling their most hidden dreams and desires. Will new building managers Jane (Rachel Taylor–“Grey’s Anatomy”) and Henry (Dave Annable–“Brothers & Sisters”) fall prey to the supernatural forces in this twisted environment?

Mid-Season Treats
There may be several more months until their return, but doesn’t absence make the heart grow fonder?

• Smash, NBC. NBC’s returns for a second season in January 2013. The show has already begun production and we are excited to see what guest starts Sean Hayes (“Will & Grace”) and Jennifer Hudson (“Dreamgirls”) will contribute to “Marilyn: The Musical.”
• Girls, HBO. Lena Dunham’s genius creation is slated to air its second season this January on HBO. We’re anxious to reunite with Hannah, Marnie, Jessa, and Shoshonna as they navigate through the water of adulthood in New York City.

Special Bonus!

• Pretty Little Liars, ABC Family. One of our favorite guilty pleasures is back for a special Halloween episode. Get ready to hop aboard the ‘A’ train by catching this gem on Hulu!