I've never been a big fan of Autumn. But this gray, drizzly season has one saving grace: the new fall TV schedule. And this year is no different. I'm most looking forward to seeing my favorite shows return - New Girl, Raising Hope, Bob's Burgers, The Middle, Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, 30 Rock, Parks and Rec, Community, Grimm, and Happy Endings to name a few (I have a lot of favorites). And this year, there are a few new shows that might - just might - get added to that list. Now, I'm not predicting these shows will earn big ratings, or that they'll even last more than a few episodes before getting the ax. They just look like the most fun of the fall premiers.#1: The Mindy Project - Tuesdays, 9:30/8:30c, FOX
The Office's Mindy Kaling executive produces, writes and stars in this year's most promising new comedy. As an alumn of The Office, Mindy brings the perfect blend of awkward moments, desperate yearnings and ridiculous situations but she grounds it in a world many of us recognize (fleeting youth and missed opportunities). FOX has wisely scheduled the show to follow New Girl for an hour of girl-powered comedy. Premieres Sept. 25
#2: Arrow - Debuts October 10, 8/9c, CW
The preview for this show looks better than half the superhero movies that come out on the big screen, but since the CW has yet to put it on their regular fall schedule, I'm left questioning their confidence in the series. Of course, if this show is as good as its preview promises, it will earn the distinction of being the first CW series that I watch with any regularity.
#3: The New Normal - Tuesdays, 10/9c, NBC
Glee creator Ryan Murphy has put together a stellar cast in what could be the most touching comedy this fall. Andrew Rannells (The Book of Mormon), Justin Bartha (The Hangover) are a young gay couple looking to start a family, but the conflicts (thankfully) are born from the usual challenges of personality and family dynamics - not their sexuality. It also stars the surprisingly caustic and funny NeNe Leakes (Real Housewives of Atlanta) and the always welcome Ellen Barkin. Premieres Sept. 10
#4: Partners - Mondays, 8:30/7:30c, CBS
There aren't many CBS comedy's that I like, but this one comes from Will and Grace creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick. It stars Michael Urie (Ugly Betty, David Krumholtz (Numbers) as best friends (one gay and one straight) and the challenges they face when they both find romantic partners. I won't lie, seeing "Superman" Brandon Routh in a gay role (as Michael's boyfriend), doesn't hurt either. Premieres Sept. 24.
#5: Animal Practice - Wednesdays, 8/9c, NBC
I'm not completely sold on this comedy...yet. It has a truly silly premise and the leads come off as a little dull. But, it has a high-fiving monkey so, I'm in. Premieres Sept. 26
+1: Elementary - Thursdays, 10/9c, CBS
I always get nervous when anyone tries to modernize Sherlock Holmes. And no one - I mean no one - is going to do it better than BBC's outstanding Sherlock (from Masterpiece Mystery). Anyway, this CBS procedural (again?) has little in common with the Arthur Conan Doyle mysteries beyond the names of the main characters. Still, the early buzz is positive and it has a strong preview, so I'll give it a few episodes at least. Another plus, it stars Jonny Lee Miller, who was outstanding in the short-lived (but wonderful) Eli Stone. Premieres Sept. 27
