The CW

• From the writer of HBO’s Sex and the City comes the prequel everybody’s been waiting for. The Carrie Diaries has been picked up by the CW and will feature Carrie Bradshaw’s life before she moved to New York.
• The CW has also ordered a remake of the 1987 television show, Beauty and the Beast. It’ll be set in modern times with a procedural angle.

CBS

• CBS has picked up a comedy pilot from Nick Stoller. The untitled pilot features a guy working in an advertising agency with the woman who broke his heart.
• They also picked up a new drama show, Trooper, about a single mom who becomes a New York State Trooper.

Discovery Channel

• Unchained Reaction is a new series premiering on the Discovery Channel. This six-episode show follows two competing teams who need to build a complicated chain reaction contraption. Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman of Myth Busters are on board as judges.

ABC

• A new one-hour drama series is about to premiere on ABC. Based on the bestselling book by Gabriella Pierce, 666 Park Avenue follows the lives of a Midwestern couple who move to New York and to 666 Park Avenue, as resident managers. Little do they know, all residents of the building have made deals with the devil for their own desires.

NBC

• Comedy pilot, Isabel, has been picked up by NBC. The show will star Marcia Gay Harden and Sophie Schloss.
• NBC has also picked up two drama shows, Country and Chicago Fire. Country is set inside an LA County Hospital and Chicago Fire is set in a Chicago fire department.

Just as the title suggests, this sitcom is about a extended family that defies traditional expectations. The patriarch, Jay, is remarried to a young, sassy Colombian woman, Gloria, and is acting father to her son, Manny. Jay’s son, Mitchell, lives with his boyfriend, Cam, and their adopted  Vietnamese daughter, Lily. Jay’s daughter, Claire, has the most “traditional” home life with her husband, Phil, and three children, Haley, Alex, and Luke, but their dynamics are anything but ordinary. With this diverse group of characters, nearly everyone can find someone to identify with, making it popular among a large crowd. It’s one of the few shows I can watch with my parents and siblings that we all enjoy equally, although we might laugh at different parts for different reasons!

The show is filmed in a mockumentary style, similar to The Office, but doesn’t come off as quite as awkward to me. There are “confessional” scenes where the actors speak directly to a camera, but they don’t distract from the action. While some of the humor is at the expense of the characters (when is it not?), it’s done in a way that’s actually comical, and not embarrassing to watch. The creators say they have based a lot of the writing on antics of their own families, and the realism really shows.

Even with such a large cast (ten actors if you don’t count Lily, who I’m thoroughly convinced was played by a doll for the first two seasons. She’s been recast and has certainly has had her moments this season!), the individual personalities of each character shine through. Even more extraordinary are the dynamics between the seasoned adult actors and the young newcomers. It’s definitely a talented bunch of kids, and they continue to impress.

If you’ve never seen Modern Family, don’t think it’s too late — any episode is a great time to jump in, although I would highly recommend watching the past seasons for some classic moments! New episodes air Wednesdays at 9.

Two shows, premiering the same week, with the same basic premise of mixing fairy tale characters with modern day life. And yet three weeks in, they have each established themselves and are very, very different shows. In fact, they take exactly opposite approaches to the fairy tale/ real life mixture.

In Once Upon a Time, the fairy tale characters were transported to our world by a dastardly spell cast by the evil witch from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. They exist in our world, but they don’t know it. They – Snow White, Prince Charming, Jiminy Cricket, Rumpelstiltskin, and the like – exist as regular people in our regular world with no memory of their magical prior lives. Only a small boy, the grandson of Snow White and Prince Charming, knows the truth. And he’s dragging his birth mother, who long ago gave him up for adoption, into the intrigue.

Grimm, by contrast, features a world in which the fairy tale creatures – werewolves and the three (not so) little bears and such – exist side by side with humanity. The creatures know full well who they are; it is the rest of humanity that remains ignorant. A Grimm is a hunter of these malevolent creatures, akin to a Slayer from the Buffy series. The newest Grimm comes into the job woefully unprepared with only a few parting words from his dying aunt and the unwilling assistance of a recalcitrant werewolf to guide him. Grimm is the darker of the two shows, a crime drama with a fantastic twist.

On first glance it appeared that network TV could not possibly sustain two shows with such similar premises. But already it is clear that these two shows are moving in different directions and appealing to a different fan base. Each program’s prospects for long-term success are based on the show’s individual merit and are not tied to one another. May the better show (or both shows) win.

Person of Interest. This new CBS program takes elements of many past successful dramas including Grey’s Anatomy and Bones, and also takes the premise for a new spin. From producer J.J. Abrams, this revolves around the story of a billionaire software developer who has created a program that can identify people who are about to be involved in violent crimes. This character is partnered with a former CIA agent who recently faked his own death. The dynamic between the two, along with the engaging story lines, deserves a place at the top of the list.

Once Upon a Time. Although the theme of fairy tale characters entering 21st-century society may seem tired, ABC has managed to weave a fairy tale like no other network before. In one world, Snow White is seen battling her evil stepmother, while in our world, the characters are living in society without any memory of their previous fanciful life. This show is definitely worth watching, and as one reviewer writes, “the timing of the show conveniently leads into the final season of Desperate Housewives.”

American Horror Story. Although not shown on any of the standard television networks, FX’s American Horror Story is causing quite the stir among viewers young and old. The story is a very basic concept. A family relocates into a new house in Los Angeles as an attempt at reconciling. Little do they know, their new home is haunted by some of the most ingenious and downright terrifying entities ever shown on television. Coming from the mind of Ryan Murphy, the creator of Glee, this show is edgy, contemporary, and well thought out. When these ingredients are all present, there is the perfect recipe for a great show.

Revenge. This ABC drama is sure to attract viewers from the imminently defunct Desperate Housewives series, as well as from Law & Order: SVU. This sultry and scandalous drama focuses on the main character’s mission to get agonizingly painful revenge on all of the people responsible for setting up her innocent father with a crime that led him to be sentenced to prison for the rest of his life. Full of adultery, betrayal, murder, and sweet revenge, the show has the potential to entrance you after one episode.

Ringer. Sarah Michelle Gellar is back to television in the CW drama Ringer. She chose a great show to come back to television with. The main character, Bridget, meets up with her twin sister during the first episode, as she is on the run from the mob and protective custody. After her twin commits suicide, Bridget takes on her identity. This show is sure to grab your attention.

ABC

ABC has given the go-signal for full-season orders for new shows, Once Upon A Time and Last Man Standing, as well as for sophomore show, Happy Endings. New show, Pan Am, has received an order for five more scripts.

A new game show will premiere on November 21 on ABC. You Deserve It gives the contestants an opportunity to share their money by playing the money on behalf of a person who deserves it.

Lifetime

Get ready for the 25th season of America’s Most Wanted premiering on December 2. John Walsh hosts this long-running reality program helping law enforcement catch America’s Most Wanted.

Tracey Gold’s new reality series follows right after. Starving Secrets with Tracey Gold discusses and educates women about anorexia, a disease Gold fought with in the past. The show premieres on December 2 at 10 pm.

BBC America

Top Gears fans, prepare for Top Gear Top 40, an eight-episode series premiering on November 28 and ending with the series finale, a 90-minute show on December 26. The show will feature top vehicle challenges and thrills, as voted by fans.

Graham Norton’s new show, Would You Rather…?,has received a new premiere date. Its original date has been moved from November 5 to Saturday, December 3, at 11 pm.

TLC

Long Island Medium’s only had a couple of first season episodes shown, but so far TLC and the audience have been loving it. TLC has ordered a second season with 12 half-hour episodes set to premiere in March 2012.

HISTORY

A new series on the collectibles market will premiere on November 25 on the HISTORY Channel. Real Deal follows dealers and sellers while they negotiate endlessly for the best price on pieces of collectible history. Will they take the dealer’s offer? Or will they offer it to the highest bidder?

A new paranormal series will also premiere on History — Shaun Ryder on UFOs. Ryder explores UFO sightings all over the world, from the UK to the US, Peru, Chile and Australia. No premiere date has been set.

In the pilot episode, we open with a scene we all know and love — a princess (Ginnifer Goodwin), presumed dead and surrounded by seven tiny men, magically brought back to life by a handsome prince’s  (Josh Dallas) kiss. Snow White, for those of you without a childhood. Then, the story after “happily ever after” is revealed: the Evil Queen isn’t quite done causing trouble, and unleashes a horrible spell to rid everyone of their happy endings, transporting them to an awful place where they will no longer remember their true identities.

In our modern world, we are then introduced to Emma (Jennifer Morrison), who is blowing out a candle on a cupcake she bought herself on her 28th birthday, wishing she didn’t have to spend the day alone. Cue a knock on the door. Henry, a young boy, appears, shocking Emma when he identifies himself as the son she gave up for adoption ten years prior. To make things even more bizarre, he tells Emma how every person that lives in his town (Storybrooke, Maine) is actually a fairy tale character that is frozen in time because of the Evil Queen’s spell. Evidently, Emma is the only one that can save them.

From the creators of LOST (whom I declare geniuses), Once Upon A Time is not the standard fairy tale story. It’s already had some darker themes, and definitely reevaluates the way we look at the classic stories. It’s more fantasy and not as much science fiction as LOST, but it also explores the ideas of time and space, and there are plenty of references to LOST for the observant viewer (a clock frozen at 8:15, for example, and it also looks as if the Evil Queen’s spell was made with CGI effects borrowed from Smokey). The characters aren’t just from Snow White, either! So far, Rumpelstiltskin, Geppetto and Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, and Little Red Riding Hood have also made appearances. I’m excited to see who comes next!

Once Upon A Time is definitely one of those shows that’s hard to describe to others. People were looking at my coworker and me like we were crazy when we were telling them the premise. Give it a chance, though — there’s more than meets the eye! It’s on Sunday nights at 8:00, and there have only been two episodes so far, so catch up On Demand or online!

Mario Batali is most famous for his New York City restaurant, Babbo, and as host of the former Food Network shows, Molto Mario and Mario Eats Italy. In The Chew, he dishes out food and cooking tips the Italian way, plus recipes that are easy to use and perfect for entertaining.

Michael Symon is known for his role in Food Network’s Iron Chef America. He also owns Lola and Lolita in Cleveland, OH, which was voted as one of “America’s Best Restaurants” by Gourmet Magazine. He dishes out tips on using food to bring family together.

Carla Hall is most famously known as a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef. She’s a believer in using love and positive attitudes in preparing food. “If you’re not in a good mood, the only thing you should be making is a reservation.” Carla introduces easy-to-make recipes anyone can make in The Chew.

Clinton Kelly is  a famous face to all What Not To Wear fans and the author of several style books, including Freakin’ Fabulous and Oh No She Didn’t. He provides all things style and lifestyle for The Chew viewers.

Daphne Oz is the author of The Dorm Room Diet, a healthy lifestyle plan she developed while in school which helped her shed 30 pounds. She shares tips on healthy and practical living on The Chew.

Catch The Chew on ABC everyday at 1p ET/12p PT/C.

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. The crime solver is insulting and only creates paranoia for the viewers. It was called the “worst show of the year” by the New York Post.

No Ordinary Family. This was a show that runs on ABC that was a combination science fiction comedy-drama about a family who gains super powers. The story lines are immature and could not be saved. It was cancelled halfway through the year.

Outlaw. This show appears at the top of nearly every single “worst show” list. The premise of the show is a judge played by Jeremy Smits, who steps down to open his own law firm. There was no saving this show, and it was cancelled near the beginning of the year.

Off the Map. Called a cross between Lost and Grey’s Anatomy, this show was about a group of new doctors trying to give medical care in the tropics. In typical form, they are self-absorbed and constantly insult the area they are trying to help.

Blue Bloods. This show has been renewed for a second season, which leaves many viewers and critics stumped. It is the typical story of an “off-the books, break the rules” cop. Although the story line could have been made more interesting, although not much more, by good acting, Tom Selleck adds a dose of sleeping pill to the show with his often boring performance.

Law & Order: Los Angeles. Basically has to be redone to mimic the original Law & Order. Many critics, including myself, think this leads to one conclusion: cancel it. Why make two of the same shows?

Some other titles that make the “worst reviewed list” include $#*! My Dad Says, The Paul Reiser Show, The Hasselhoffs, Sarah Palin’s Alaska, Bridalplasty, Gigolos, and The Real Housewives of Miami, which has been one of Bravo’s biggest flops of the decade. I recommend you either avoid these dramas, or thank the networks for cancelling them.

• Kiefer Sutherland is making a TV comeback with Touch, set to have a midseason premiere on FOX. Touch explores the connection between science and spirituality and will premiere in spring 2012.
• Chef Gordon Ramsay has visited and made kitchens better, he’s given opportunities to both experienced and amateur chefs and he’s pitted cook vs cook, restaurant vs restaurant to see who’s the best. This time, he’s got a new one, and he’s looking for struggling hotels, motels and bed & breakfast inns to help improve and recover in Hotel Hell. Watch out for the new series to premiere on FOX.

Discovery Communications has a new network called Velocity and is all set to launch on October 4 at 7pm with a lot of amazing reality shows.

• Extreme Fishing, where host Robson Green searches for the most exotic sea creatures from the Amazon River to the Indian Ocean.
• Motorweek is hosted by auto expert John Davis, who will road test cars and share auto trends and the latest auto news.
• American Icon with Chip Foose looks at muscle cars and how they became one of the most prized collector’s items today.
• Chasing Classic Cars, on its fourth season, features restoration expert Wayne Carini and his ambition to find and restore rare and exotic cars.
• Greatest NFL Rivalries and NFL Single Coverage, back-to-back on Wednesdays, starting at 8pm.
• Tech Toys, which travels the world for the latest trends and exclusive gear for men.
• What’s My Car Worth (Season 3), Cafe Racer (Season 2), Mecum Auto Auctions and Inside West Coast Customs (Season 2), for the car lovers.

Good news for Make It Or Break It fans! ABC Family has okayed a new season for the gymnasts and have also brought in four more pilots to the network.

• Bunheads is about a former Las Vegas showgirl, Michelle. She’s newly-married, has moved to her husband’s small town and taken an uneasy position at her mother-in-law’s dance school.
• Intercept is a technology-themed drama about college students who have invented a high-tech device to intercept conversations on the West Coast and use this device to solve crimes.
• In Baby Daddy, Ben, a single twenty-something,  becomes a daddy overnight when his ex-girlfriend leaves her child on his doorstep. Ben decides to raise the baby girl with his mother, brother and a couple of close friends.
• In Village People, a single high-powered career woman adopts a baby from its teen mom, who ends up being adopted into her life as well.

ABC

Revenge 

Revenge is a new ABC drama premiering this fall that follows the exploits of anti-heroine Emily Thorne as she sets out to right every wrong –real or perceived – that her illustrious family suffered seventeen years earlier at the hands of the pampered elite of Southampton. According to Mike Kelley, the creator of the series:
“REVENGE is universal. As primal as the need for love, sex, or the feeding of a searing hunger. Revenge crosses time and culture. It starts unwinnable wars and visits generations of blood feuds on families with unsettled scores. Revenge is as old as humanity. Dark and dramatic and endless.”

While Kelley was talking about revenge, the concept, he could just as well have been referring to his hopes for Revenge, the series. The series is sure to be dark and dramatic. We’ll see about endless.

Charlie’s Angels

For reasons I cannot fathom Charlie’s Angels is getting a second go-around on the small screen, wrapped around the concept’s big screen treatment. The pilot episode centers around the Angels’ quest to replace a fallen comrade. As in all previous incarnations of the show, the Angels are beautiful women who kick their way through various cases assigned to them by their mysterious unseen boss, Charlie. Unlike any previous portrayals, Bosley is described as – and this is a direct quote from ABC – “a hot, young computer hacker who helps them solve cases and enjoys being surrounded by powerful, beautiful women”.

Pan AM

Sex in the City on an airplane. After decades of campaigning to desexualize stewardesses and turn them into androgynous flight attendants, the industry is taking a huge step backwards with Pan Am.