Fall TV: This season's new offerings

Chicago Tribune

MONDAY

"Worst Week" (CBS)

Premieres 9:30 p.m. Sept. 22

Sam (Kyle Bornheimer) and his girlfriend Melanie (Erinn Hayes) want to break the news that they're engaged and having a baby to Melanie's parents, but a series of mishaps in this comedy lead her disapproving parents to like Sam even less.

Critic's take: Features only predictable misunderstandings and botched attempts at good deeds. Hilarity does not ensue.

 TUESDAY

"90210" (CW)

8 p.m. Tuesdays

A remake of the cheeseball classic "Beverly Hills, 90210," this show has made news for whom it doesn't star (Tori Spelling refused to come aboard for a guest arc, though Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth will return for several episodes).

"Fringe" (Fox)

Premieres 9 p.m. tonight

A mad scientist, his slick, slacker son and an FBI investigator explore "fringe" science and seemingly impossible events. Along the way, they investigate a grand conspiracy known as "The Pattern." Given that this pilot is from J.J. Abrams, creator of "Alias" and a co-creator of "Lost," expectations are high for this fantastical drama.

Critic's take: Parts of this ambitious show's two-hour pilot were enjoyable, but it was too frequently overwrought and the characters didn't really gel. Time will tell.

"Privileged" (CW)

Premieres 9 p.m. tonight

A young Yale University graduate becomes the tutor to two super-wealthy young women in Palm Beach.

Critic's take: Pleasant and amusing, but don't we already have enough dramas about spoiled rich people?

"Opportunity Knocks" (ABC)

Premieres 8 p.m. Sept. 23

A game-show host shows up on a family's doorstep with cash, prizes and an audience made up of the family's friends and neighbors.

WEDNESDAY

"Do Not Disturb" (Fox)

Premieres 9:30 p.m. Wednesday

An allegedly humorous depiction of what goes on behind the scenes at a swanky hotel.

Critic's take: Do not check in.

"Knight Rider" (NBC)

Premieres 8 p.m. Sept. 24

The '80s TV action-adventure show gets an NBC-style remake. The show's KITT car has a jet-fighter's weapons system, and "its body is capable of actually transforming into other vehicles and using sophisticated holographic imagery to elude villains." Woo.

"Gary Unmarried" (CBS)

Premieres 8:30 p.m. Sept. 24

Gary (Jay Mohr) and Allison (Paula Marshall) are trying to have a civil divorce, but it's not easy.

Critic's take: It's a formulaic multicamera comedy, in which the woman is the shrew and the man is just a slightly clueless nice guy. Much of the appeal will hinge on how much you enjoy Jay Mohr. Er...

SUNDAY

"Valentine" (CW)

Premieres 8 p.m. Sept. 21

While keeping their identities secret, Greek gods (Eros, Aphrodite, Hercules, etc.) try to bring lovers together.

"Easy Money" (CW)

Premieres 9 p.m. Sept. 21

Judge Reinhold and Laurie Metcalf star in this drama about an eccentric family's payday loan business. It's "a modern-day Dickensian tale of money and identity," according to a news release.

"Little Britain USA" (HBO)

Premieres 10:30 p.m. Sept. 28

David Walliams and Matt Lucas attempt to translate their English sketch comedy hit for American sensibilities.

"The Life and Times of Tim" (HBO),

Premieres 11 p.m. Sept. 28

A half-hour animated comedy about a "self-conscious young guy living in New York," HBO says, who always manages to do the wrong thing.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

Here is a list of October and November debut dates:

Friday, Oct. 3: "The Ex List" (9 p.m., CBS), a romantic comedy starring Elizabeth Reaser.

Monday, Oct. 6: "Magic's Biggest Secrets Revealed" (9 p.m., MyNetworkTV), learn the tricks of the magic trade.

Wednesday, Oct. 8: "Funniest Moments" (8 p.m., MyNetworkTV), videos submitted for your amusement; "The Tony Rock Project" (9 p.m., MyNetworkTV), sketch comedy from the brother of Chris Rock.

Thursday, Oct. 9: "Eleventh Hour" (10 p.m., CBS), Jerry Bruckheimer procedural focuses on science-related crimes; "Kath & Kim" (8:30 p.m., NBC), a comedy with Molly Shannon and Selma Blair; "Life on Mars" (10 p.m., ABC), Jason O'Mara plays a cop mysteriously sent back to 1973; "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday" (9:30 p.m., NBC).

Monday, Oct. 13: "My Own Worst Enemy" (10 p.m., NBC), Christian Slater with a split personality.

Friday, Oct. 17: "Crash" (Starz), Dennis Hopper stars in a movie-based drama; "Crusoe" (8 p.m., NBC), period drama.

Wednesday, Oct. 22: "Stylista" (9 p.m., CW), contestants vie for a job with fashion magazine "Elle."

Friday, Oct. 24: "America's Toughest Jobs" (9 p.m., NBC), the reality TV show airs now at 9 p.m. Mondays, but has said this would be its regular fall slot.

Sunday, Nov. 2: "Surviving Suburbia" (7:30 p.m., The CW), Bob Saget, below, stars in this family-life sitcom.