Let the ratings battle begin!

by bryan blanks
Courier Staff

After a summer full of reruns and outlandish new reality shows, network television is back with a load of new hopeful sitcoms and dramas. Some of these shows may become the next hot item, but many of them will fall into obscurity and become cancelled within a number of episodes. With the advent of reality T.V., it is more difficult now than ever for sitcoms and dramas to find a permanent home on any particular network. Cable networks have also joined the ring of competition in recent years, with shows such as “Monk,” “The Shield,” “Nip/Tuck,” and “Gilmore Girls.”

The world of television has definitely moved in a different direction and networks such as Fox, CBS, NBC and ABC, must plan their fall schedules accordingly. Fox opens this season with the highly anticipated drama, “ Reunion .” “ Reunion ” is a murder mystery-type drama that surrounds six high school friends reaching their 20th year “reunion.” The first episode aired Thursday night to semi-impressive ratings. I think this might be one of the best shows of the year. I'm very anxious to watch this show unfold, despite my skepticism of its longevity.

Another hopeful hit of the fall season is the ABC drama “Commander-in-Chief,” staring veteran actress Geena Davis. In this show, Davis takes on the role of President of the United States . At a time when some are speculating the reality of a woman running for president, I feel this is an impressive, yet bold move by ABC. We need more shows that are willing to take chances such as these. I feel this is a promising show for ABC. Hopefully, viewers will support this great step in the world of television.

CBS is hoping to strike gold this fall with the new sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” starring former “Doogie Howser” star Neil Patrick Harris. It is one of the very few, new sitcoms that networks are putting out this season. We'll see if viewers can look beyond Harris's “Doogie Howser” days.

Finally, on NBC “There's A New Boss In Town,” and this boss is none other than Martha Stewart. “The Apprentice” is back this season with double the reality. Donald Trump's hit “The Apprentice” airs on Thursdays and Stewart's new show begins on Wednesday, September 21. I choose the “The Apprentice-Martha Stewart” as my most promising show of the fall season. I think viewers will love to see Stewart grind away at young hopeful business men and women. With a season full of new shows there is no doubt society will be glued to their television sets this fall. Many old favorites are coming back such as “Will and Grace,” “ER,” “House” and “CSI.” Will these new shows be able to compete as well in the ratings battle this fall season? You will have to tune in to see the results.