We know all of you are super-busy collegiettes, but everyone deserves a chance to unwind from the stress of school and extracurricular activities. Sit back and relax this season with fall’s hottest TV shows, from old favorites to new series. And, if anyone asks… you’re studying anthropology!
Here are our favorite shows that we can’t wait to watch again this fall:
Gossip Girl, The CW, Mondays at 9 p.m. EST, season premiere Oct. 8.
While the past few seasons have been less than stellar, we’re still sad to hear this is Blair and Serena’s last season on the small screen. This season will show us once and for all where our favorite Upper East Siders’ lives are really headed, and we’re sure the writers have devised some juicy secrets to reveal. XOXO.
New Girl, Fox, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST, season premiere Sept. 25.
We still can’t get enough of Zooey Deschanel’s “adorkable” role as elementary school teacher Jessica Day, not to mention her amazing costars. Since it’s the show’s second season, Deschanel’s Jess isn’t technically the “new girl” anymore, but we know there will still be plenty of apartment antics to go around. Besides, Max Greenfield was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of Schmidt in the first season, and his character enough is reason to keep watching this Fox hit.
Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23, ABC, Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. EST, season premiere Oct. 23.
We loved Krysten Ritter’s supporting roles as Suze in Confessions of a Shopaholic and Jane Margolis on Breaking Bad, so we’re thrilled about the second season of her comedy with Dreama Walker, whom you’ll recognize as Hazel from early Gossip Girl seasons. Ritter stars as the titular character, and Walker’s June works at a coffee shop while searching for a permanent job. Did we mention that James Van Der Beek costars as himself?
Modern Family, ABC, Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EST, season premiere Sept. 26.
Looking back at the nuclear family in Leave it to Beaver, it’s hard to believe how much the idea of an American family has changed in recent years. These “modern families” deal with issues of race and homosexuality as well as modern issues like technology and in-person relationships. Now entering its fourth season, Modern Family has already won two Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series. This year, three of the five nominees for supporting actor are from the show, so they must be doing something right! Modern Family is done in “mockumentary” style, so if you love The Office’s and Parks and Recreation’s setup, you’ll love the way Modern Family is produced.
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The Soup, E!, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST, seasons ongoing.
If you like your celebrity gossip with a dash—or a few tablespoons—of snark, The Soup is the show for you. This E! classic launched Joel McHale into the celebrity sphere long before Community, and you’re guaranteed to laugh at his commentary as he presents the latest in celebrity news.
30 Rock, NBC, Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST, season premiere Oct. 4.
Tina Fey’s sitcom about writing for Saturday Night Live feels a bit past its prime, but we loved the additions of James Marsden (27 Dresses, Hairspray) and Kristen Schaal (Flight of the Conchords) last season, so we’re willing to give the once-great show’s final season a shot. In addition, Maulik Pancholy reportedly left Whitney to return to the show as Alec Baldwin’s character’s assistant, so fans of Jackonathan, rejoice!
Glee, Fox, Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST, premiered Sept. 13.
Imagine how much better our high school experiences would have been if life were more like it is on Glee. Singing, dancing, wild relationships and no homework – these characters are living the life! But their personal struggles and back stories will endear you to each of them, and you’ll find yourself watching to see how they deal with obstacles, and not just whether they’ll make it to regionals or make it big in New York City.
Grey’s Anatomy, ABC, Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST, season premiere Sept. 27.
It’s hard to believe this medical drama is entering its ninth season, but we hope it won’t be the last. We love following the doctors’ personal lives as much as the suspense surrounding their patients’ situations; Grey’s is still one of the best medical dramas (and dramas, period) currently on TV.
Community, NBC, Fridays at 8:30 p.m. EST, season premiere Oct. 19.
The show’s not the same without John Oliver as Professor Ian Duncan, but we still love watching the antics of this community college study group and their pop culture references. When creator Dan Harmon parted with the show at the end of last season, we were afraid that might be the end of this cult classic. Luckily, NBC ordered a half series of the show for this fall. Six seasons and a movie!
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Saturday Night Live, NBC, Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. EST, premiered Sept. 15.
While we’re super bummed that Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg won’t be regular cast members this season, we’re still excited about this sketch comedy classic. Prepare for political spoofs leading up to the Nov. 6 presidential election and great musical performances—they’ve already booked Muse and Mumford & Sons for upcoming episodes.
Revenge, ABC, Sundays at 9 p.m. EST, season premiere Sept. 30.
If Gossip Girl leaves you wanting more dramas about the 1%, you’re in luck with ABC’s runaway hit. The show centers on two girls’ summers in the Hamptons, but the drama between their two families—one of the girls’ fathers was sent to prison though he was innocent—will make you want to keep watching each week.
And if you love Modern Family and New Girl, here are two new comedies worth a look:
The Mindy Project, Fox, Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. EST, series premiere Sept. 25.
It’s convenient that this show comes on directly after New Girl, because you’ll want to stay tuned for the second half of this leading lady power hour! Mindy Kaling (The Office) stars as a gynecologist who is trying to make better decisions about her life and relationships. Expect cameos from Saturday Night Live’s Bill Hader and The Office co-star Ed Helms in the pilot. The best part? The pilot episode is on Hulu, so you don’t have to wait until its on-air premiere.
The New Normal, NBC, Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. EST, premiered Sept. 11.
If you’re a fan of Justin Bartha—the adorable actor who played Riley in the National Treasure series and Doug in the Hangover films, not to mention his stint on Broadway as Max in Lend Me a Tenor—you’ll love this new NBC sitcom. Bartha’s character, David, is in a relationship with Bryan (The Book of Mormon’s Andrew Rannells), and the pair decide they want a child. Georgia King (2006’s Jane Eyre) makes a hilarious turn as the couple’s surrogate mother, and the show chronicles the group’s struggles and mishaps on the way to building a family. Can’t wait for the show to start? The pilot is currently on Hulu.
Now that you have our fall TV list, collegiettes, we want to know yours! Which shows are you looking forward to most this season?