Once upon a time, all television series began their season in September and ended in May or June. Then Cable TV changed the timing of of the TV season for their series. Little by little, network television shows are following suit. This year 5 of the best TV series on the air are having their season premiere in January: Lost, 24, Battlestar Galactica, Scrubs and American Idol. Coincidentally, these are all series that I have, at one time or another, connected with my teenage sons over.
1. Lost - January 21st, ABC, Wednesdays at 9:00. Once the producers came up with a series end date, they reduced the number of episodes per season to 16 (because the strike shortened last season to 14, 2009 and 2010 will now have 17). Because of the shortened season, a decision was made to wait until January and then air all the episodes in a row, rather have many weeks off in between new episodes.
2. 24 - January 11th, Fox, Mondays at 9:00. They have always started in January because it was decided that a show like this could not have reruns in between new episodes, so they had to air all new episodes in a row. The writer's strike hurt 24 by keeping it off the air last season. To revive viewer interest, Fox aired a prequel to the upcoming season 7, 24: Redemption, in November.
3. Battlestar Galactica - January 16, Sci Fi channel, Fridays at 10:00. This is it. The series finale of BSG. The final half of Season 4. 10 more episodes, scheduled to end on March 20. I can't even begin to guess how it will end but I'll be on the edge of my seat.
4. Scrubs - January 6, ABC, Tuesdays at 9:00. Make note of the network. Scrubs has moved from NBC to ABC. This is one show that has been given a chance even though it never had the audience it deserved. It has been held back for a January start more than once, but at least it is still on the air, unlike similar comedies such as Arrested Development. Thank you ABC.
5. American Idol - January 13, Fox, Tuesdays at 8:00. One of the biggest things that AI has always done right is to limit themselves to one competition a year. Unlike other reality shows or contests that have both a fall and spring season, viewers don't get sick of AI because they have to wait so long between seasons.
I don't know when I'm going to have time to watch all of this TV, but I can't wait to get started.
Edited 1/2 to add: See post: 4 TV shows premiering early 2009 worth viewing
Friday, December 5, 2008
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I'm more of a fox fan. Sarah Connor Chronicles, House, Fringe, and Prison Break. Only one I watch on this list is American Idol during the early auditions for the funnies and BSG.
I love House and Fringe also. There have definitely been some great shows on this fall, but things are going to get much better in January.
I am looking forward to American Idol, Lost, and 24. I can hardly wait. Nice blog.
Thanks Wendy. I don't watch 24 anymore because it became too violent for me and American Idol I wait until after they pick the top 24 to start (this season I heard its going to be a top 36 instead). The 3 others, I can't wait for.