ABC this fall

Every fall brings networks’ newest attempts at finding a show that will catch on and go big. There is such an influx that it’s important to really watch the previews and read the buzz. At least it is if you, like me, don’t want to be stuck playing catch-up on the next big thing for the rest of the fall.

To help you, I’m going to go network by network (ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox) over the next week so that you know what new shows are out there and which ones I think have the most potential. Up first is ABC. They currently have a fair number of successful shows, standards like LOST, Grey’s Anatomy, Modern Family, Desperate Housewives, and Castle. Unlike some of the networks, they’re not desperate for viewers. Still, you can’t blame them for wanting to start a few more.

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First, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way: They’re remaking Charlie’s Angel’s, people! Drew Barrymore is executive producing, which has to make things interesting, since she has already been in an Angel’s project. The current Angels are Rachael Taylor, who many of us saw in Transformers; Minka Kelly, fresh off of The Roommate and appearances in Parenthood; and Annie Ilonzeh, who has been in pretty much nothing you’ve ever heard of. I expect this show to be a total flop, but the sheer number of people who want to love anything that reminds them of the original Farrah Fawcett version should make sure it gets through a full season.

Then, of course, we have the traditional go at another lawyer/politics show. This time, they’re not even hiding what it’s really about. The show is called “Scandal.” And let’s be honest, Olivia Pope is kind of an awesome name for your female lead. And, since it’s set in DC I’ll almost certainly try it. She even has a line that says, “We’re lawyers, but this is not a law firm.” Intrigue.

The show I’m most genuinely excited for is Pan Am. Some people worry that it will be too much like Mad Men. But since I’ve never taken the time to watch a lot of Mad Men I don’t think it will bother me. The highly stylized 1960s setting and the constant feeling of glamour even just on an airplane makes the show seem unresistible. Christina Ricci is the only star of the show I’m familiar with, but the show is directed by the same guy who was in charge of The West Wing. In my book, it’s hard to top that.

People have told me they think I’ll like Suburgatory. Now that’s not saying much, since I can get emotionally involved in almost any TV show. But frankly I’m not sold. It has potential, that’s for sure. But only time will tell if a mostly untested cast can really work the “suburban life” variety of comedy. I’ll probably watch this at least a few times just to find out.

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Apartment 23 seems to me like it has at least a little potential. I remember liking Krysten Ritter in Gilmore Girls, way back when, and even in 27 Dresses. So maybe it is time she got her own show. She looks vindictive and snarky in the previews, which I have a natural appreciation for. And everyone else seems to have an annoyingly funny stereotypical personality. So it should be fun.

And, for some reason, “guys being guys” shows seem to be back. And one of them has Tim Allen. If you’re into that kind of thing, it’ll probably be great. He seems to be doing the usual, “I don’t understand women” routine, but it could be okay. His is called “Last Man Standing,” and the other two don’t have much better names. “Man Up” and “Work It.” No, I’m not kidding. They really racked their brains to think of a name that would make people want to watch their shows and came up with those. Needless to say, I’m not holding my breath.

By next fall, we’ll probably only still be talking about one of these. I’m not even totally sure which it will be. ABC has even more new shows than these, and they look even worse. Trust me. One looks like Gossip Girl but worse (seems impossible, I know) and one seems to be searching for the same type of thriller feel as LOST. Somehow I doubt lightning of that type strikes twice on one network.