In “Harry’s Law,” an
Entering a new year, the networks are poised to hit
the reset button. Nowhere is that more evident than on “American Idol.”
The Fox talent show will launch its 10th season with two new judges in
Meanwhile, former “Idol” panelist
Even widely ridiculed “Bachelor” bad boy
reality series. And then there’s “The Game,” a sitcom that was axed by
The CW more than a year and a half ago, only to find new life on
Over at beleaguered
this fresh start thing really seriously. With several new shows —
including the highly-hyped “The Cape” — and multiple schedule changes,
the network’s lineup represents a radical departure from fall. The
shakeup includes a novel approach to Thursdays with an all-comedy night.
But the midseason isn’t just about rebirth. It also
brings some closure. On HBO, “Big Love” launches its fifth and final
season. And on
Here’s a look at what TV’s midseason will offer:
—New dramas
“The Cape”: An honest cop (
“Shameless”:
“Lights Out”: An aging former heavyweight boxing champ (Holt McCallany) struggles to adjust to life in retirement. (
“Off the Map”: A medical series from Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy”) set in a South American jungle village. (
“Being Human”: A supernatural saga pegged to three 20-something roommates — a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost. (
“Harry’s Law”: The latest legal drama from
“Skins”: The hit British series about the lives and loves of a group of teens gets a U.S. makeover. (
“Fairly Legal”: A feisty lawyer (
“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena”: There’s more gladiators, more blood and more skin in this six-part prequel starring
“The Chicago Code”: Producer Shawn Ryan (“The Shield”) is behind this cop series starring
“Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior”: A spin-off of the hit crime show with
“Body of Proof”: Crime procedural features
“The Killing”: A mystery-crime series about the murder of a young girl in
“Camelot”: An epic “re-imagining” of the medieval tale of King Arthur with
“Chaos”: Rogue CIA spies combat threats to national security. (
“Game of Thrones”: A fantasy series based on a
bestselling series of books about an epic struggle for power in a vast
and violent kingdom. (TBA April, HBO).
—New comedies
“Bob’s Burgers”: An animated series about a guy who runs a seaside burger joint — next to a crematorium. (
“Episodes”:
“Love That Girl!”: A young divorcee (
“Let’s Stay Together”: A young couple tries to blend their independent lives into a traditional family. (
“Retired at 35”: A New Yorker leaves the rat race to live with his parents (
“Perfect Couples”: Three young duos struggle to find out what makes the ideal relationship — and how to maintain it. (
“Onion News Network”: A satirical sendup of the 24-hour cable news culture from the makers of “The Onion.” (
“Portlandia”:
“Working Class”: A single mom (
“Traffic Light”: A group of friends trying to balance their relationships with their need for freedom. (
“Mr. Sunshine”:
“Mad Love”: A tale about a quartet of New Yorkers, two of whom are falling in love while the other two despise each other. (
“Breaking In”:
“Happy Endings”: A couple (
—New reality
“Live to Dance”:
“Sons of Guns” — A look at the proprietors of a
“Heavy”: Obese people go through an intense, six-month treatment program. (
“Restaurants Impossible”: Chef
“Joan and Melissa:
“Face Off”: Wannabe special-effects and makeup artists compete for supremacy. (
“Shedding for the Wedding”: Overweight couples drop pounds in an attempt to win a dream wedding. (
“America’s Next Great Restaurant”: Contestants compete for the opportunity to open a restaurant chain. (
———
RETURNING SHOWS
“The Bachelor” (
“Pretty Little Liars” (
“Greek” (
“The Biggest Loser: Couples” (
“V” (
“Southland” (
“Are We There Yet?” (
“Wipeout” (
“Ace of Cakes” (
“Jersey Shore” (
“Merlin” (
“It’s Me or the Dog” (
“Californication” (
“Bad Girls Club” (
“You’re
“The Game” (
“Teen Mom 2” (
“Tosh.0” (
“The Ricky Gervais Show” (
“Real Time with
“Big Love” (
“White Collar” (
“American Idol” (
“Hot in
“Parks & Recreation” (
“Royal Pains” (
“Kitchen Nightmares” (
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” (
“Archer” (
“Being Erica” (
“Million Dollar Listing” (
“Who Do You Think You Are?” (
“Justified” (
“Survivor:
“The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business” (
“America’s Next Top Model” (
“The Marriage Ref” (
“Ruby” (
“Secret Millionaire” (
“Celebrity Apprentice” (
“Dancing With the Stars” (
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(c) 2011, Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.).
Visit the Contra Costa Times on the Web at http://www.contracostatimes.com.
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