Coming This Fall...

In times of high temperatures and sweltering surroundings, the small whisper of fall is always a welcome one. And though the coming season brings colored leaves and cooler temperatures, it also marks the beginning of intriguing story lines, well developed characters, and brilliant scripts. I'm talking about the plethora of new television series that hits the small screen when September rolls around. I scoped out what's on the fall schedule and have picked my must-sees.

Note: You will NOT find a single reality show here. To me, it does not define what true television is. It's just trash that can be made cheaply. OK, now that we have that out of the way...

What's on ABC:
Flash Forward
This suspenseful drama is based on the novel of the same name by Robert J. Sawyer and seems very Lost-esque with involved plots and tortured characters. Not to mention Lost's Dominic Monaghan (AKA Charlie) joins the cast. He does not appear in the season's two-hour pilot, and not much is known about his character, only that his name Simon. The show's co-creator, David S. Goyer, revealed very little about Monaghan's role at last week's Comic-Con. Flash Forward premieres on September 24.




V
I am excited for this new sci-fi series, but a little sad if it means the end of Elizabeth Mitchell (who plays Juliet) on Lost. ABC says that she will appear in both series, but you never know just where Lost will take you. Besides Mitchell, V has a promising cast, including Alan Tudyk (Firefly), Scott Wolf (Party of Five), and Scott Gretsch (The 4400). This trailer definitely pulls you into the mystery. We will see how audiences react to this remake of an 80s (and not-so-popular, yet a huge cult classic) mini-series in November.




Modern Family
In a two-minute promo, this modern comedy about modern people telling modern stories has a lot of promise. Seeing a father sing and dance his way through High School Musical as his children look on in embarrassment is pretty pricelesss. It might get a little old, but with an endearing cast that includes Ed O'Neil (Married With Children) and Julie Bowen (Ed), it could just be a breath of fresh (and comedic) air. Modern Family is introduced to audiences September 23.




What's on NBC
Community
Two Words: Joel McHale. That is all that should sell you on this comedy about the roller coaster ride that is community college. McHale is the brilliant host of The Soup and has such a likability to his comedy dryness. Throw Chevy Chase and directors Joe and Anthony Russo (Arrested Development fans will know what I'm talking about) into this mix and you have one heckuva show. Another bit of great news: it has earned itself a slot on Thursday night among the greats of The Office and 30 Rock, airing October 8.




Trauma
Those who are missing ER, or are thirsting for another great medical drama, here it is. Trauma centers on characters who, as they say, "run towards the disaster instead of away from it." They are first responder paramedics battling their own hang-ups and demons. This show has the promise of being intense and boasts up-and-coming actors such as Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher) and Anastasia Griffith (Damages). Catch its premiere on September 28.




Parenthood
The lovable movie of 1989 is coming to the small screen. This dramedy centers around the charms and challenges of family and critics are already raving. Nelson, Peter Krause (Six Feet Under), Maura Tierney (ER), are just a few of the actors that round up the notable cast. It was supposed to air in September but, due to Tierney's health scare, has been pushed to midseason.



Catch the blog tomorrow, when I will give you a look at what's coming this fall to CBS, FOX, and the CW.