FALL '08 PREVIEW: THURSDAY NIGHTS

Welcome to the mania of Thursday nights! There are just so many things to watch and so little time. What to do ...

"The Office" (9 p.m., NBC)
Season 5 premieres Sept. 25

Starring: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer
Synopsis: For the first time in its four-season run, we will see what events transpired during the summer. The season premiere, titled "Weight Loss," is basically an office-wide competition with, you guessed it, a prize for the person who loses the most weight. Changes are also coming for our beloved will they-won't they couple, Jim and Pam. Also, Amy Ryan (the lovely Holly Flax, new Human Resources Director) will be appearing in the new season.
My Prediction: With time comes changes, and "The Office" is no different. In Dunder-Mifflin's fifth year, an integral member of the cast (one of the five major actors) will no longer be in the office. Who, you ask, my it's pretty easy to tell - just rewatch the finale. This is a series that relies on the awkward silences and everyday ridiculousness that ensues in an artificial working environment.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"Kath & Kim" (8:30 p.m., NBC) NEW
Series premieres Oct. 9

Starring: Molly Shannon, Selma Blair, Mikey Day
Synopsis: (From TV.com) Based on the hit Australian series, this comedy follows a divorced mom (Shannon) living in a suburban house with her depressed daughter (Blair).
My Prediction: The Australian show wasn't funny, so why is this version any different?
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"Ugly Betty" (8 p.m., ABC)
Season 3 premieres Sept. 25

Starring: America Ferrera, Eric Mabius, Vanessa Williams, Ana Ortiz, Becki Newton
Synopsis: (From TV.com) In the season premiere, many questions will plague Betty (Ferrera) and company: Will Betty choose Henry or Gio? Will Tony Diaz choose Hilda or his wife? And will Alexis choose Daniel or Wilhelmina to run Mode?
My Prediction: Hopefully with its move to New York City, the city's architecture and atmosphere will add a much-needed touch to the dramedy.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later

"Grey's Anatomy" (9 p.m., ABC)
Season 5 premieres Sept. 25

Starring: Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Katherine Heigl, Chandra Wilson, Sandra Oh
Synopsis: In a nutshell, stuff happens to the doctors on Seattle Grace and "Grey's Anatomy" shows it.
My Prediction: It's slowly leaning toward has-been territory.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"Life on Mars" (10 p.m., ABC) NEW
Series premieres Oct. 9

Starring: Jason O'Mara, Harvey Keitel, Michael Imperioli, Gretchen Mol
Synopsis: (From TV.com) Sam Tyler (O'Mara) is a detective from the 21st century who travels back in time to the 1970s after a car accident. Tyler clashes with new boss Gene Hunt (Keitel) who doesn't take his coming from the future seriously. Tyler ends up working on a case involving a serial killer that may have something to do with his girlfriend's kidnapping in the present time.
My Prediction: I haven't heard much about the show but based on the premise, it sounds remotely interesting.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later

"Eleventh Hour" (10 p.m., CBS) NEW
Series premieres Oct. 9

Starring: Rufus Sewell, Marley Shelton, Andrew Hedge, Michael Jonsson, Colin Lawrence
Synopsis: (From TV.com) The show follows Dr. Jacob Wood (Sewell), a special science adviser to the U.S. government who saves people from the worst abuses of science. He is accompanied by his feisty female bodyguard, Rachel Young (Shelton).
My Prediction: Like "Life on Mars," haven't heard much, so I can't really determine if it's worthy of viewing. It's another procedural and it's produced by Jerry Bruckheimer so chances are, it'll stay on TV for at least a couple of episodes.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later

"30 Rock" (9:30 p.m., NBC)
Season 3 premieres Oct. 30

Starring: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski, Tracy Morgan, Jack McBrayer
Synopsis: (From TV.com) Liz Lemon, played by "Saturday Night Live's" Tina Fey, is the head writer of "The Girlie Show." When her old boss dies and a new boss comes in (Baldwin as Jack Donaghy), demanding the addition of a volatile former movie star (and re-branding the show "TGS with Tracy Jordan" in the process), Liz must figure out how to keep things running smoothly without losing her mind.
My Prediction: Last season was the best Fey and company have ever been.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"Supernatural" (9 p.m., CW)
Season 4 premieres Sept. 18

Starring: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padelecki
Synopsis: We all know that it's about two brothers who fight evil beings.
My Prediction: Season one was perhaps its best.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (10 p.m., FX)
Season 4 premieres Sept. 18

Starring: Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito
Synopsis: (From TV.com) "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" revolves around four friends who run a bar in the City of Brotherly Love and have to overcome their relentless self-involvement to make their friendship and business work.
My Prediction: The most politically-incorrect comedy (but freakin' hilarious) on television, hands down.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

New (and old) castings, guest stars ramp up several TV shows

Let's do a rundown of some of the noteworthy casting news that have been making the rounds lately:

- "Chuck" has cast Captain Awesome's parents. Morgan Fairchild will play Devin's mother and Bruce Boxleitner will play his father. Let me just say, the Awesomes are a good-looking brood.

- While we're on the topic of "Chuck," here is a list of notable guest stars who will be appearing all season long: Melinda Clarke, Tony Hale, Nicole Richie, Jordana Brewster, Michael Clarke Duncan and John Larroquette.

- According to E!'s Kristin Dos Santos, Serena van der Woodsen will have a new love interest this season on "Gossip Girl" and an integral character in the books, Aaron Rose, played by John Patrick Amedori ("Stick It"). Yay or nay?

- Also in "Gossip" news, word has it that Willa Holland ("The O.C.") will play a young model who meets Jenny Humphrey during her internship at Eleanor Waldorf Designs. Apparently she's not that innocent.

- Jennifer Aniston is set to guest star on "30 Rock." Super stoked on this one. Oh, and Oprah is in talks to make an appearance as well.

- Sarah Drew, a favorite on "Everwood," will be joining the cast of "Private Practice" for a multi-episode run. She will be spending lots and lots of time with Dell, the young midwife at the private hospital.