AOL TV's Best and Worst Shows Coming In Fall 2009

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Fall TV: Best & Worst New Shows

Fall TV is back in session, and the tube returns from its summer break with a shiny slate of new shows. But which ones will pass the test and become hits, and which ones will flunk out after a few episodes? Here's our guide to the best and worst of 2009's freshman series. -- By Kelly Woo



HEAD OF THE CLASS


V

ABC's been hunting for a worthy successor to Lost for years now and failing dismally. But the net just may have found one with this sleekly modern remake of the campy '80s show, with vibrant characters and amazing special effects. Oh, and it's scary as hell. We still have goosebumps.

Airs Tue., 8PM on ABC | Premieres Nov. 3




Modern Family

This smart, wry ABC mockumentary about three "normal" families was our favorite new comedy. Sample line from Ty Burrell's wannabe hip dad: "I surf the web, I text … 'LOL' -- laugh out loud, 'OMG" -- oh my god, 'WTF' -- why the face. I know all the dances to High School Musical." Genius.

Airs Wed., 9PM on ABC | Premieres Sept. 23





HONORS STUDENTS


Glee

We won't stop believing in Fox's infectious, quirky, soulful high school dramedy. Aside from fun sing-a-long potential, there are relatable characters of all ages, types and cliques. And speaking of the education system's losers …

Airs Wed., 9PM on FOX | Premieres Sept. 9




Community

Joel McHale, Chevy Chase and newcomer Danny Pudi headline this band of community-college slackers on NBC. And while The Soup host McHale shines, the entire ensemble works together to make this comedy hum.

Airs Thurs., 9:30PM on NBC | Premieres Sept. 17




FlashForward

Where V is more of a thriller, this other ABC drama inherits Lost's more puzzling elements. The central mystery -- Why did everyone black out for two minutes? And were their visions really from the future? -- is absorbing enough for fans to theorize obsessively about it for years to come.

Airs Thurs., 8PM on ABC | Premieres Sept. 24




The Good Wife

We can hear the elevator pitch: "What if Bernie Madoff's wife … went back to practicing law?!" But CBS' The Good Wife moves beyond its ripped-from-the-headlines origin thanks to a top-notch cast, including star Julianna Margulies (in her first decent gig since ER).

Airs Tue., 10PM on CBS | Premieres Sept. 22





NEEDS TUTORING


The Vampire Diaries

We like vampires -- especially very pretty vampires -- and soapy teen CW dramas as much as the next person, but is it too much to ask for a little levity amidst all the angst?

Airs Thurs., 8PM on CW | Premieres Sept. 10




Three Rivers

It had us at Alex O'Loughlin, but CBS' new medical drama about transplant surgeons felt a bit formulaic. Tone down the melodrama (but keep the tight scrubs).

Airs Sun., 9PM on CBS | Premieres Oct. 4





FAILING OUT


Brothers

This Fox "comedy" is arguably the worst pilot we've seen in years. An NFL player is one of the leads. We're not sure what's more offensive -- the horrendous dialogue or the torture of good actors like CCH Pounder.

Airs Fri., 8PM on FOX | Premieres Sept. 25




Accidentally on Purpose

This sleazy CBS sitcom will simply be known as fall's other new cougar comedy. The premise doesn't seem like it would hold up once the baby is born, but we'll probably never know, since it would be a miracle if the series lasted that long.

Airs Mon., 8:30PM on CBS | Premieres Sept. 21


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