January brings new beginnings: new resolutions, new classes and of course, new TV shows and seasons. With so many shows appearing each season, it is hard to figure out which ones are worth your while. Have no fear, busy college student. We at The Quad have done the research for you. Critics are already talking about CBS’ new comedy “Love Monkey,” which stars Tom Cavanagh, who appeared on the NBC show “Ed”. Cavanagh plays Tom Farrell, a talent scout for a record label, and the show follows him on his journey of finding love. “Love Monkey” airs Tuesdays at 10 pm. CBS brings another television star to their network with “Courting Alex,” starring Jenna Elfman of “Dharma and Greg” fame. She plays an uptight lawyer looking for love. I sense a pattern here – could love be in the air on CBS? “Courting Alex”airs Monday nights at 9:30 p.m. Speaking of former TV stars, Fred Savage is returning to acting with his new show “Crumbs.” Savage played everyone’s favorite TV adolescent, Kevin Arnold, on “The Wonder Years.” The new ABC sitcom airs Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. “Crumbs” is about a dysfunctional family. Savage plays Mitch, a gay Hollywood writer who is still in the closet in terms of his sexuality. He returns home after his mother’s stint in a psychiatric facility to help her run the family restaurant. The sitcom illustrates the family’s journey through secrets and tribulations. NBC’s new show, “TheBook of Daniel,” has already gained plenty of media attention, mostly because of its controversial storyline. Aidan Quinn stars as Daniel Webster, an Episcopalian minister with an eccentric family; a mother with Alzheimer’s, a strict Bishop father, a gay son, a troublemaker adopted Chinese son and a daughter who also gets herself in her share of trouble. Garret Dillahunt plays Jesus, who helps Daniel through his daily life. Affiliates in Arkansas and Indiana pulled the show before it even aired. “The Book of Daniel” airs Friday nights at 10 p.m. FOX is following the success of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” with their own version, “Skating with Celebrities” which airs Mondays at 8 p.m. Similiar to “Dancing,” celebrities get paired up with professional skaters and compete against other pairs. Dave Coulier a.k.a. Uncle Joey on Full House, 80’s pop star Debbie Gibson and Todd Bridges of “Diff’rent Strokes” are among some of the celebrities. Olympian Nancy Kerrigan and World Champion Kurt Browning also star. The always popular hit “American Idol” kicked back up January 17 and the judges have promised more drama, and competitiveness between contestants.
I guess after five seasons, they feel the need to advertise drama but the thrill of watching the singers compete for stardom brings back viewers every year. And if that doesn’t do it for you, watching the fools who try out but can’t sing is always entertaining.
Some viewer favorites are leaving television sets (in terms of new episodes at least). Join me as we hold a moment of silence for “That 70’s Show,” “7th Heaven” and “Malcolm in the Middle.” Final episodes will be airing in May during sweeps. With the new crop of shows premiering, hopefully one of them will bring the heartfelt family bond of the Camden’s, the dysfunction of Malcolm’s family and as many laughs as the gang from “That 70’s Show” did.