The big networks in the US are announcing their 08/09 TV schedules just now. While most of it doesn't make the blind bit of difference to me in the UK, I thought I'd fill people in on the status of existing US shows that I like, and new ones that sound interesting:
The 11th Hour
CBS, Thursdays 10pm
US remake of the short-lived UK drama series, with Rufus Sewell replacing Patrick Stewart as a government aide who helps prevent science-related catastrophes. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. 24
FOX, Mondays 9pm (2009)
The delayed seventh season will finally air in January. The two-hour TVM (set between season 6 and 7, involving Jack Bauer battling international terrorism in Africa), will be shown on 23 Nov 07 @ 8pm.
DollhouseFOX, Mondays 8pm (2009)
The new TV series from Buffy/Angel creator Joss Whedon, about a secretive group of women ("Dolls") that have no identities of their own, but are instead given memories and specialist skills that allow them to carry out a wide variety of missions. Star Elisha Dushku, Tahmoh Penikett and Amy Acker. Watch some clips here and here.The Ex-List
CBS, Fridays 9pm
Romantic drama about a woman who's told by a psychic that she's met the man of her dreams, so she has to retrace her ex's looking for her soulmate.Fringe
FOX, Tuesdays 9pm
A new sci-fi show from J.J Abrams (Alias/Lost) about a research scientist, his son, and an FBI Agent who brings them together to stop paranormal/terrorist events that seem to be following a pattern. A $10 million Pilot is being filmed, with Lost alumnus Jeff Pinkner as showrunner.Harper's Island
CBS
A group of friends meet on an island off the coast of Seattle for a week's worth of festivities before a wedding -- but are killed one by one. A horror film premise spread out over the course of a whole TV season? The slasher equivalent to 24?Life On Mars
ABC, Thursdays 10pm
US remake of the hit UK sci-fi series, once again following the adventures of a modern cop who's sent back in time to the 1970s after a car accident. Stars Jason O'Mara as Sam Tyler and Colm Meaney as Gene Hunt. The trailer above looks like good fun, but it's tonally very different to the original, and Meaney's Hunt doesn't seem to be much of a scene-stealer. British fans will no doubt be sniggering at the sheer American-ness of it all.ABC, Thursdays 10pm
Lost
ABC, 2009
The penultimate season (comprised of 17 episodes) will air mid-season, most likely Feb '09.The Mentalist
CBS, Tuesdays 9pm
New crime drama about a former celebrity psychic (Simon Baker) who helps the police solve crimes.CBS, Tuesdays 9pm
Moonlight
CBS, CANCELLED
Despite an inventive campaign by fans (where they donated blood to show their support), CBS wasn't willing to give the show a chance to grow. The ratings weren't very good and it didn't help that Jericho set a bad precedent for these fan campaigns – by being successfully resurrected thanks to one, only to get worse ratings than ever before!CBS, CANCELLED
Prison Break
FOX, Mondays 9pm (2008)
The show returns for its fourth season after a truncated third. Michael Rappaport joins the cast as a government agent with a proposal for escaped Michael and his brother Linc. Sarah Wayne Callies returns as presumed-dead Dr Sara Tancredi.Pushing Daisies
ABC, Wednesdays 8pm
The short first season was one of the few success stories this year, so Bryan Fuller's modern fairy tale gets a chance to blossom. Will mass US audiences tire of its tweeness now the freshness has worn off and there isn't a scripted drama drought? Will ITV bother to pick up season 2 for UK audiences? The first season hasn't been the runaway success they'd hoped for.Terminator: The Sarah
Connor Chronicles
Connor Chronicles
FOX, Mondays 8pm
After a successful 9-episode run earlier this year, Chronicles is back for another season. Will Cameron survive that car-bomb? Well, yeah -- nobody would watch without Summer Glau's involvement.
