Returning TV Shows 2011-12 Preview
TV season is nearly upon us in the US, with a variety of shows beginning a new season in September and October.
While there are too many to count and a number of new series hoping to get off to a strong start, let’s take a look at some of our favourites that are returning for the 2011/2012 TV season.
SPOILERS ALERT: Run away now if minor spoilers offend your way of life.
How I Met Your Mother - Season 7
U.S. Premiere: September 19
How I Met Your Mother started getting a little stale at the beginning of season six, but roped us back in by the finale, which concluded at Barney’s (Neil Patrick Harris) wedding. We knew it was to come eventually, but it left us with more questions than answers and has reinvigorated the show for its seventh season.
More importantly, with key stars like Jason Segal signally their intent to leave the show to pursue more film opportunities after its eight season, we have to meet this mysterious woman eventually…
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Season 7
U.S. Premiere: September 15
It’s Seinfeld, on crack! That’s the perfect description of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and perhaps why it’s one of my most anticipated returns of the season. Since the addition of Frank Reynolds (Danny DeVito) in season 2, the show has gone from strength to strength and looks set to continue for at least another three years.
Season seven has seen series creator and the actor who plays Mac, Rob McElhenney, gain 25 kilos, which is sure to create a range of schemes for “The Gang” to enjoy.
Two and a Half Men - Season 9
U.S. Premiere: September 19
After the shambles of Charlie Sheen’s sacking midway through last season, causing an abrupt finish after 16 episodes, Two and a Half Men is the big unknown heading into its ninth season.
The new series will begin at Charlie Harper’s (Sheen) funeral, where it is revealed he had married Rose who found him in the shower with another woman before “slipping” onto a train track to his death. Ashton Kutcher is his replacement playing Internet billionaire Walden Schmidt, Jake and Alan Harper's new roommate with a broken heart.
But will it actually be any good?
Big Bang Theory - Season 5
U.S. Premiere: September 22
Big Bang Theory is no doubt a fan favourite among the MMGN crowd, and with mainstream audiences no less.
Entering its fifth season, there will be ramifications for last season’s cliff-hanger that saw Penny and Raj sprung after unexpected night together. We doubt there will be any high-fives forthcoming from Leonard.
Modern Family - Season 3
U.S. Premiere: September 21
Modern Family has been the revelation of family viewing over the past two years (admittedly not something I often partake in) and one of the highest rating comedies in the US.
While not much has been revealed about season 3, the Pritchett clan will return to epitomise the awkward, frustrating and hilarious moments of modern families.
Psych - Season 6
U.S. Premiere: October 12
Psych is surprisingly addictive, as Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dulé Hill) predictably outshine the professions with their less than conventional detective methods, sneaking into crime scenes to capitalise on Shawn’s heightened observational skills under the guise of being psychic.
Last season saw Shawn and Jules finally get together, but not without Lassie cottoning onto their secret, which is likely to create controversy ahead of the show’s sixth season.
The Office - Season 8
U.S. Premiere: September 22
With the departure of lead character and boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell) four episodes shy of the conclusion of the seventh season, we’ve already had Will Ferrell as a temporary replacement.
The real question is who is going to replace him on a full time basis? And even with its diverse cast, can it survive without Carell?
Glee - Season 3
U.S. Premiere: September 20
Granted it’s not a personal favourite of my mine, but there’s no denying its impact on the industry and I suspect there are a few closet gleeks lurking behind the anonymity of a manly online avatar.
Entering its third season, after a 3D special that is currently in cinemas, the tension is set to step up a notch as Coach Sue (Jane Lynch) continues to despise the glee program as she runs for Congress campaigning for a “no arts” program. It’s also likely to be the last season for a few fan favourites who are set to graduate.
Bored to Death - Season 3
U.S. Premiere: October 10
It’s a travesty that there are only sixteen episodes of Bored to Death, spanning two seasons. The show was created by writer Jonathan Ames, of whom Jason Schwartzman plays a fictional version, as a struggling writer who moonlights as a private detective. It also stars Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis in great supporting roles.
The Simpsons - Season 23
U.S. Premiere: September 25
Let’s face it, The Simpsons began to lose its way somewhere around the eight season and that’s generally where I cut off my reruns. However, it deserves some recognition for running for 22 glorious years and actually starting to get back on track.
While I admittedly haven’t seen the 22nd season, the 21st was my favourite in over 10 years. The ideas are still too farfetched compared to its early success, but if it can recapture more of its wit and realism, The Simpsons still has something to offer.
Also renewed and noteworthy
- Community (September 22)
- Law and Order (SVU on September 21)
- House(October 3)
- Family Guy (September 25)
- NCIS (September 20)
- Cops (possibly the best show ever)
- Dexter (October 2)
What shows are you looking forward to returning?