It’s that time of year again where the Big 5 networks start to roll out their annual Fall Season of new TV shows. Being lucky enough to preview the new shows being offered, here is a quick take on which of new shows caught our eye and that we recommend you add to your “watch” list this Fall:
Coming from the super-duo J.J. Abrams and J.H. Wyman (who also brought FRINGE to the small screen), this new sci-fi series invites viewers to explore life in the near future in the year 2048 where robots and androids are a routine part of everyday life; so much so that they are even paired with human partners in the police force. Starring STAR TREK’s Karl Urban and COMMON LAW’s Michael Ealy, they bring an unexpected level of hilarious interaction to a tense drama series about political terrorism and unrest in the future. When detective John Kennex (Urban) returns to work after an on-the-job injury, he finds himself paired with a droid named Dorian (Ealy), an obsolete-version of droids that was scrapped after they were deemed to be defective due to its uncanny ability to mimic human emotions. Watching John and Dorian eye each other warily as they are assigned to work together is great. The natural chemistry of Urban and Ealy really makes the show incredibly compelling. Add in a government conspiracy or two, an on-going terrorist threat, and the everyday petty criminals that come across their path, and the show takes on more depth and drama. Plus, rounding out the ensemble are the just as interesting characters portrayed by Minka Kelly (FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS) and Lili Taylor (HEMLOCK GROVE). Suddenly there a lot more going on and the show starts to feel like a magician’s act as you try to figure out what is really going on. This new series ranks high on my recommendation list simply because it was so awesome to watch. Give it a try and you will fall in love with it too. ALMOST HUMAN makes it grand debut on November 4th and will airs Monday nights at 8:00 pm on Fox.
There’s only two words that adequately describe this fantastic new series: James Spader. Add in a terrific ensemble with newcomer Megan Boone, DOLLHOUSE’s Harry Lennix, and HOMELAND’s Diego Klattenhoff and the show starts to sizzle. When the world’s most notorious criminal turns himself in to the FBI, he has a unique proposition for them: he offers to assist them in capturing the rest of their most-wanted criminals — but only on the condition that he gets to choose who he works with at the FBI. He then chooses a rookie FBI profiler on her first day at the agency. THE BLACKLIST is like walking through a carnival fun-house with mirrors on all sides and each reflection shows a distorted version of reality. Just who is Red Reddington (Spader) and what does he want with FBI Agent Elizabeth Keen (Boone)? There are mysteries within mysteries and, as the first episode quickly reveals, Red has his own special agenda that makes you suspect that he has some grander game at stake rather then just altruistically assisting in the capture of the world’s top criminals. Regardless of the smoke-and-mirrors game at stake, there is nothing better than watching Spader twist the threads of Red’s plan like a spider spinning its web and delighting in playing with its prey. The show is more action-packed than expected and with several big twists. If the first episode doesn’t leave your jaw on the floor and gaping at the show’s audacity, then you were not paying attention. Make sure to tune in for this cool new series as it makes its big debut on September 23rd, airing Monday nights at 10:00 p.m. on NBC.
Throwing a curveball twist in the classic story, in this version, Ichabod Crane awakens after being entombed for 250 years thinking not a day has gone by and still in hot pursuit of the seemingly invincible Headless Horseman. With all kinds of supernatural elements at play from voodoo to demonic worship to prophecies of the Bible, the Horseman arises again to wreak terror on the unsuspecting populace of Sleepy Hollow. While Ichabod is quickly found to be a bit touched in the head as no one believes he is from the Revolutionary War era (regardless of his insistence on being a man out-of-time), he seems to know a thing or two about the mysterious, headless newcomer and his expertise is quickly sought out. The show succeeds on the strength of its leads Tom Mison (Ichabod) and Nicole Bahrie (Det. Abbie Mills) as partners thrust together by the most outrageous circumstances. Then circling around and not quite sure what to believe is Orlando Jones’ police captain Irving. With a rich texture and visuals, not to mention a juicy story, SLEEPY HOLLOW is a fun adventure. It also offers a touching romance as Ichabod tries to seek out his lost-love, trapped somewhere in the sands of time and he will do anything to be reunited with her. If you are craving romance and adventure, take a peek and get hooked along with the rest of us! This fun show makes its debut on September 23rd, airing Monday nights at 9:00 p.m. on Fox.
Offering one of the most lush and romantic period dramas on television, REIGN is a modern remake of the classic story of Mary, Queen of Scots, as she leaves her Scottish convent to reunite with the French prince she is betrothed in France. Yet once arriving, she finds that there are more deadly intrigues in the French court than she ever imagined. A queen in her own country and soon to be queen in France, there are those who would like to ensure that a Scot never sits on the throne in France. The show fully embraces modern costuming and music to give the show a modern feel while still taking place in a time when there were castles, princes, princesses and mystics. Starring Adelaide Kane fresh off her guest-starring role on TEEN WOLF, along with swoon-worthy newcomers Torrance Coombs and Toby Regbo, the show quickly offers up a delicious romantic triangle between Mary, her betrothed Francis and Francis’ half-brother Sebastian. Adding to the ensemble are Megan Follows (ANNE OF THE GREEN GABLES), Alan van Sprang (IMMORTALS) and Rossif Sutherland — who TV critics have quickly awarded the moniker “Hunky Nostradamus.” Through and through this is a series aimed at a teenage audience and those young at heart. But for those who enjoy a romance tale, REIGN offers it in heaping doses. REGIN debuts October 17th, airing Thursday nights at 9:00 p.m. on the CW.
Bringing yet another dark vampire tale to the small screen, NBC’s take on the classic tale of Dracula is surprisingly gripping and addictive. Starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, his character Alexander Grayson is a seductive and dangerous chameleon blending into the high society of the Industrial Era of American history. In a curious twist, Grayson is being stalked by a secret society that he vows to bring to their knees over the death of his beloved. Yet on the eve of his triumphant debut with his latest discovery, Grayson sees a woman who looks exactly like his deceased love. Jessica De Gouw portrays the captivating Mina Murray, the woman who inspires and haunts his dreams. Adding to their dark, mysterious world are Katie McGrath as Lucy Westerna (a socialite), Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Jonathan Harker (a news reporter) and Thomas Kretchsmann as Van Helsing (vampire hunter). All their fates are intertwined and each fall’s under Grayson’s spell. It is an intoxicating, rich world of dark secrets, sudden death, and a romance that transcends time. But never forget, this is a vampire tale. There will be blood, bodies and a bit of bodice ripping. Yet if you allow yourself to be seduced, you will enjoy the adventure and romance of it all. DRACULA debuts October 25th, airing Friday nights at 10:00 p.m. on NBC.
ABC’s spinoff series WONDERLAND is a fun adventure down-the-rabbit-hole in a modern tale of the classic story of “Alice in Wonderland.” The difference is that in this story Alice (Sophie Lowe) is a young woman locked up in a mental ward because she claimed to have had all these magical adventures — and the one thing that keeps Alice sane is her belief that she met a genie and fell in love in Wonderland. But when she hears that Cyrus’ (Peter Gadiot) life is in jeopardy, Alice soon breaks out and goes in search of her lost love; and aiding in her quest is The White Rabbit (voiced by John Lithgow) and the Knave of Hearts (Michael Socha). But with the Red Queen (Emma Rigby) hot on their heels, it is a race to find Cyrus. Offering a rousing adventure tale with a strong romance and a few familiar faces in WONDERLAND, the series is certain to appeal as a family show and a young teen romance. It is a stunning spectacle visually with fun magical elements. Give it a try to see if you fall down the rabbit hole too! WONDERLAND debuts October 10th, airing Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. on ABC.
Capitalizing on the success of the film THE AVENGERS, this new TV series follows the adventures of Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) and his team of agents working to keep the world safe in a time where super powered beings have become a part of their lives around the world. Equal parts humor and equal parts wonder, SHIELD is a warm adventure tale of government agents risking their lives to seek out those with abilities — to protect them and us. Adding to the team are Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton, and Chloe Bennett, each portraying characters with unique skill sets. Yet the show is quick to point out that SHIELD is comprised of heroes without superhero abilities in search of those who do. With tons of gadgets, fast cars, and other fun spy technology, SHIELD is a rip-roaring series. Joss Whedon fans will appreciate his distinct sense of humor sprinkled throughout, as well. SHIELD makes its debut on September 24th, airing Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. on ABC.
The time for the next generation of evolution is now and in the CW’s new series THE TOMORROW PEOPLE introduces us to humans with abilities that hide amongst us. But in this tale, the government hunting them is not looking to help them, but rather to exterminate them. This bodes badly for young teen Stephen Jameson (Robbie Amell) who has began hearing voices in his head and wakes up in different locations every morning. Those abilities include the 3 T’s: telekinesis, telepathy, and teleportation. So one day Stephen decides to listen to the voice in his head and discovers a whole world of people just like him — not crazy, but special. Yet with awareness comes a bullseye as Stephen soon finds himself hunted along with all the others like him. As the net gets closer and closer, Stephen then makes a few more key discoveries that will change the game for them all. Like his father always told him, “Don’t believe everything you see.” Adding to the fun teenage ensemble are fresh faces Luke Mitchell, Aaron Yoo and Peyton List, along with seasoned veterans Mark Pellegrino and Jeffrey Pierce. The show is a nice mix of drama, levity and layers and layers of mystery. Relying on the smooth charm and charisma of its leads, THE TOMORROW PEOPLE makes for a fun and entertaining night of television — especially since it will follow ARROW on Wednesday nights, which stars Robbie’s cousin, Stephen Amell. It will be the action Amell night of TV! So make note of it, THE TOMORROW PEOPLE debuts October 9th, airing Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. on the CW.
For fans of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, this show needs no introduction. Spinning off, THE ORIGINALS follows the story of The Originals: Klaus (Joseph Morgan), Rebekah (Claire Holt) and Elijah (Daniel Gillies) as they set out to reclaim their vampire legacy in New Orleans. Leaving the drama of Mystic Falls far behind, there is supernatural games afoot in the Big Easy — vampires, werewolves and witches, oh my! The immortal vampire/werewolf hybrid Klaus has found out that due to some kind of spell, he is about to become a father. Given how impossible that should have been, there is much to be discovered behind all those wicked doors that hide the secrets of the night. Blending its natural seductiveness with a taste of the darkness, THE ORIGINALS seeks to capture an audience seeking thrills, chills and perhaps something deliciously more. THE ORIGINALS debuts on Thursday, October 10th at 9:00 p.m., then moves to Tuesdays starting October 15th at 8:00 p.m. on the CW.
While not on the Big 5 networks, this new decadent supernatural series caught our attention. Debuting on Lifetime, WITCHES OF EAST END stars Julia Ormond, Machen Amick, Rachel Boston, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, and Eric Winter. A modern tale of witches discovering their abilities and a terrible curse placed on their family, this show delves into the lighter and fun side of life as a witch — particularly if you did not know you were one. But as the Beauchamp family finds out, all good things come at a price. But until they find out about the curse, it is all fun and games. Life is to be rediscovered and reveled in. There is lust, passion, drama and a dash of comedy mixed all together. It makes for a fun concoction of entertainment and deserves a sampling. WITCHES OF EAST END premieres on October 6th, airing Sunday nights at 10:00 p.m. on Lifetime.
These are the new shows this Fall that I found worthy of spending time with and which captured my heart in a very short amount of time. I hope you will check out these shows and see for yourself if they should be appointment-viewing on your TV calendar. Have fun and enjoy! 
Tiffany Vogt is the Senior West Coast Editor, contributing as a columnist and entertainment reporter to TheTVaddict.com. She has a great love for television and firmly believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored – she invites you to join her. Please feel free to contact Tiffany at Tiffany_Vogt_2000@yahoo.com or follow her at on Twitter (@TVWatchtower).