Fall TV Preview

By JESSICA GUERRA

Published: September 27, 2007

With the quality of television programming seeming to be getting better every year, this season is offering many new choices you can add to your line-up. Here are some of the most buzzedabout new series that are beginning this fall:

“Pushing Daisies”

Premieres Oct. 3,

Wednesdays 8 p.m., ABC

This new series puts an original spin on the popular procedural show by adding a stroke of magic. Ned (Lee Pace) is able to raise the dead with just a touch, but can lay them to rest permanently with a second tap. His skill is discovered by a private eye (Chi McBride) who employs Ned to help him solve murder cases by asking the victims themselves. Ned’s power becomes a burden after he revives his first love, Chuck (Anna Friel), and an unrequited love story develops since Ned can never touch Chuck again. The innovation continues in the show’s beautiful, whimsical, Tim Burton-esque style and story telling, as well as great characters from familiar actors like Swoosie Kurtz, who plays Chuck’s aunt, and Kristen Chenoweth, who plays Ned’s flirtatious co-worker.

“Chuck”

Premiered Sept. 24,

Mondays 8 p.m., NBC

Also from creator Josh Schwartz is the comedy “Chuck,” the story of an average computer nerd who unintentionally gets mixed up with the CIA and NSA when an old college roommate sends him an e-mail encrypted with government secrets. After his computer is destroyed, the agencies have to rely on Chuck’s memory in order to prevent danger. Schwartz’s influence is obvious in the titular character, played by “Less Than Perfect’s” Zachary Levi, who is very much like “The OC’s” Seth Cohen in that he’s the charming and adorable dork who you can’t help but root for.

“Gossip Girl”

Premiered Sept. 19,

Wednesdays 9 p.m., CW

If the cancellation of “The OC” left you yearning for more spoiled, rich, teen angst, then “Gossip Girl” should help fill that void. Not only is the show based on the popular novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, but it was also created by Josh Schwartz, the brains behind “The OC.” So expect some similar elements such as parties, beautiful people, witty dialogue and drama, except the location has changed to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. However, the show promises to take these elements to a more mature and risqué level.

As thrilling and stimulating as a new show can be, remember your trusty, old favorites which are returning with fresh storylines to remind you why you fell in love with the show in the first place:

“Grey’s Anatomy”

Premieres Sept. 27,

Thursdays 9 p.m., ABC

The young surgeons of Seattle Grace, Meredith, Izzie, Cristina and Alex are no longer interns for the show’s fourth season and now have their own group of interns, which includes Meredith’s half-sister Lexie, that they can boss around. Unfortunately for George, who at the end of last season didn’t pass his boards, he has to repeat his internship with his former co-workers as his superiors. We shall see how the show handles Burke’s exit after the Isaiah Washington controversy, and Callie becomes suspicious that something went on between Izzie and George.

“Heroes”

Premiered Sept. 24,

Mondays 9 p.m., NBC

After that explosive season finale, the new episodes take place four months later, and we find out what truly happened with Peter and Nathan. The story of the ordinary people with extraordinary powers continues with the indestructible Claire back with her family hiding in Southern California, dual personality Niki starting over with her family and telepathic Parkman returning home to his wife. While everyone else is in the present, Hiro’s stuck in feudal Japan where he meets his personal hero Kensei (played by guest star David Anders). Former “Veronica Mars” star Kristen Bell joins the cast as Elle, a criminal who has connections to Peter, Nathan and Claire. And a new villain is introduced who is supposedly scarier than Sylar.

“The Office”

Premieres Sept. 27,

Thursdays 9 p.m., NBC

Just like the kiss of season two, season three closed with a perfect Jim and Pam moment when Jim finally asked Pam out on a date. Season four will pick up two months later during the very early stages of their courtship as they get used to this new phase of their relationship. With Ryan promoted to be part of corporate, it will be interesting to see the interaction between him and Michael Scott since “the temp” is now the boss. Plus NBC increased the usual episode order to thirty episodes, with five of them being an hour long, so there are a lot more Dunder Mifflin antics this year to look forward to.