As the new Fall Network Television season really gets going the next several weeks, it's time to reveal the returning shows I am endorsing. Mind you, I have not seen THIS season's episodes, but I base my recommendations on past seasons and a confidence that things won't dive south this year.
How I Met Your Mother (Mondays, CBS):
Consistently funny and quotable, and even though the lead character often annoys (even when he's not being voiced in the future by Bob Saget), the rest are stellar, and Neil Patrick Harris' Barney is one of the best characters on network TV right now. The scripts often go up to the edge of cloying but stop short, and there is always a danger of this show becoming too self-aware for its own good. But why worry about that? The networks spent years and tons of bucks trying to clone Friends. This isn't a clone, but it is the logical successor. For the first two seasons, it was cool that this was sort of under the radar but still delivering the funny; now it's time for everyone to get on board, appreciate this sucker, and get those ratings up so we get more.
Heroes (NBC):
This one took some heat for its "disappointing" season one finale, yet throughout its entire freshman season, Heroes reminded certain other serialized dramas with fantasy elements that it IS possible to resolve storylines and keep the saga moving forward while stoking anticipation for future events. Sure, Heroes has its ridiculous moments, and some plots and characters work better than others, but it's something that not enough shows remember to be: fun. While this is the kind of program seemingly ripe for a fall, again, I won't worry about what COULD happen; I'll endorse this one based on the quality of last season.
Everybody Hates Chris (Mondays, The CW):
I believe this solid family sitcom is hurt by two things: Though it's exec-produced by Chris Rock, it's not Chris Rock's standup, and it's not on a real network. This show manages to have a certain charm without resorting to Very Special status every week (though it's not above loading up on Guest Stars). Chris' family is TV-wacky, of course, but it feels like a real enough unit, and Young Chris is one of the most appealing underdogs around. Anyone bemoaning the death of the traditional sitcom should check this one out, as apart from Rock's narration, it feels old-school, even including the surrealism the writers throw in at times.
Friday Night Lights (Fridays, NBC):
The media is trying one of its semi-regular Campaigns of Shame to get you to watch this. The fact that it's on Fridays may mean it's too late, but hopefully the DVD release of the astounding season one (and the accompanying laudatory reviews) did some good in getting the public to sample this one. It was the most addictive show on network TV last year, delivering week in and week out with its blend of soap opera, sports, and teen drama. I may have alienated half of you with those labels in that sentence. I'll shut up now. Just try the show.
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