| 1. | "Big Love" (HBO): Bill (Bill Paxton) is a closeted polygamist, returning for a second season of this sleeper hit. Bill is an aw-shucks home-improvement store owner and family man. A father of seven, he lives in three discreetly connected houses in suburban Utah with his wives — conflicted peacemaker Barb (Jeanne Tripplehorn), insecure spendaholic Nicki (Chloë Sevigny), and naive optimist Margene (Ginnifer Goodwin) — and a stash of Viagra. Make sure you don't miss this one! |
| 2. | "Damages" (FX): Glenn Close stars as New York City's most feared — and morally questionable — lawyer. Patty Hewes is a charismatic attorney specializing in righteous lawsuits against the powerful (good!), and often resorts to dubious hardball tactics to win (bad!). The snappy dialogue and acting chops of the cast is sure to keep the audience captivated. |
| 3. | "Top Chef" (Bravo): This hit relocates to Miami, and it certainly spices things up. This year, head chef/judge Tom persuaded several executive chefs from several upscale NYC eateries to compete- so expect the competition set at higher standards, with more professional behavior from the competitors. |
| 4. | "John From Cincinnati" (HBO): This much buzzed about show offers a fascinating, pleasantly unsettling look at a dysfunctional family of California surfers. It also features Married With Children's Ed O'Neil, whose pet bird that may or may not perform miracles. The title character is actually not the main character, but rather a naif who warns that the end is near. |
| 5. | "Rescue Me" (FX): Denis Leary returns to his awesome role as firefighter Tommy Gavin to tie up last season's cliffhangers: He's suspected of setting fire to his former gal pal's home on the beach, and his estranged wife (Andrea Roth) thinks his dead brother, Johnny, might actually be the father of their son. |
| 6. | "Weeds" (Showtime): Is Peter really dead? Can Nancy dodge the Mob? Will Celia get Silas carted away for good? Resolving those cliff-hangers, Mary-Louise Parker is joined by Carrie Fisher, Matthew Modine and (huh?) Mary Kate Olsen in this edgy and captivating comedy/drama. |
| 7. | "The Closer" (TNT): Kyra Sedgewick returns to her Golden Globe winning role. Season 3 finds the sassy Southerner grappling with mama and papa issues, battling budget cuts that threaten her squad ''family,'' and searching for a new love shack with her boyfriend. |
| 8. | "Mad Men" (AMC): ''We will be in a fantasy world where people have unprotected sex, drink, smoke, and eat steak as much as they want,'' says creator Matthew Weiner. It follows a smooth creative director at a boys'-club New York ad agency in 1960. |
| 9. | "Big Brother 8" (CBS): This season's contestants will have a hard time topping last season's Janelle and Dr. Will- but it's sure to be entertaining with the return of the golden veto and more of that disgusting gruel. |
| 10. | "Creature Comforts" (CBS): The animators of Wallace & Gromit are behind this claymation comedy, featuring "slice of life audio interviews" with people and putting them into the mouths of animals. We like it already. |
| 11. | "Saving Grace" (TNT): Holly Hunter stars as an Oklahoma City detective with a drinking problem and a guardian angel (yes, and actual guardian angel- played by Deadwood's Leon Rippy). With a gifted actress at its helm, the show is already something special. |
| 12. | "Kyle XY" (ABC Family): This bona fide hit returns for its second season, answering some of last seasons questions (even why Kyle has no bellybutton) and forcing Kyle to transition from boy to man. |
| 13. | "Californication" (Showtime): David Duchovny makes his much anticipated return to television in this character-driven show that already has a ton of buzz. He stars as an abrasive blocked novelist who takes a job blogging for a website to get back on track. When he's not doing that, he's trying to save his daughter from wild teendom, and trying to win back the girl's mother. Even more suprising: the show is a half hour comedy. Think dark comedy. |
| 14. | "The Hills" (MTV): Come here to watch self-involved, shallow (but incredibly good looking) girls and boys stab one another in the back and party, all while doing absolutely nothing. It's gonna be so hot! |
| 15. | "Fast Cars & Superstars" (ABC): Just call it "Racing With The Stars". Twelve personalities (including Jewel, William Shatner and Serena Williams) learn the race car ropes. Get ready for a lot of speed, and even more advertisements. |
| 16. | "Flash Gordon" (Sci Fi): This fun, modern take on the "so bad it's classic" film features Smallville's Eric Johnson as the title character. Should be a fun ride! |
| 17. | "My Boys" (CBS): Returning for a second season, main character PJ gets has a ton more hookups, mishaps, and could-have-beens. The supporting cast -including comedian Jim Gaffigan- really makes the show shine as PJ's neurotic and horny best friends. |
| 18. | "Burn Notice" (USA): A spy-for-hire is mysteriously axed from his job- and we mean axed. No contacts with his former boss, no more work. The stylish and clever Michael returns to his hometown of Miami, staying busy dodging his pushy mother and taking PI jobs that are well beneath him. |
| 19. | "America's Got Talent" (NBC): This variety show showcases the many strange and unbelievable talents of its contestants. For example, one contestant dries himself in a tumble dryer. With Sharon Osbourne on the new panel of judges, there's sure to be some sparks! |
| 20. | "Hey Paula" (Bravo): This loopy American Idol judge gets her own camera crew to document her everyday life, including her shaky relationship with the media. Be prepared for a lot of spaced out Paula moments and thoughtless one liners. |