Coming this fall: fertility clinics and epic whodunits

Fall is the most crucial season for the major networks to show their true character – and reel… Fall is the most crucial season for the major networks to show their true character – and reel in new audience members in the process. This year, there are no more “new” “CSI” dramas, and “Law and Order” spin-offs have thankfully been put on hold. The networks have become more creative this fall and have improved old formulas with this season’s new shows. Viewer satisfaction will determine the shelf life of each show, but for now the teasers will keep viewers waiting in eager anticipation.

ABC has rallied support around its drama “Commander-In-Chief,” featuring Geena Davis as a woman thrust into the difficult job of President. The show’s premise and Davis’ involvement are sure to lure in viewers. Even though it smells like “The West Wing” in sheep’s clothing, “Commander-In-Chief” could very well hold its own. Davis hasn’t jumped in without her own support, getting backup from other big players such as Donald Sutherland. With its potentially controversial spotlight on American politics, ABC is probably heading for either a big hit or a major dud.

For the last several seasons, new sitcoms have been plagued with fake laughs and poorly attempted amusement. CBS, however, has found a successful sitcom recipe with thriving comedies such as “Two and a Half Men” and the recently retired “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Two new fall comedies, “How I Met Your Mother” and “Out of Practice,” may actually help recent sitcoms earn a good name.

Josh Radnor is the narrator of “How I Met Your Mother.” A knockout ensemble including Jason Segel (“Freaks and Geeks”), Alyson Hannigan (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Neil Patrick Harris (“Doogie Howser, M.D.”) joins Radnor in this flashback comedy about how his character, Ted, meets his future wife. The strong, fairly well-known cast is by far the best thing going for the show. It worked for Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer – hopefully it’ll work for these players.

“Out of Practice” is another CBS sitcom that will air Mondays at 9:30 p.m. The main character, Ben, played by Christopher Gorham (Harrison from the 1999 series “Popular”), is joined by entertainment greats Stockard Channing and Henry Winkler for a series about a family of doctors and their relationship with one another. The previews seem to hint at predictable comedy, but with Channing and Winkler involved, it’s hard to deny the show’s potential.

“Reunion” looks to be Fox’s proudest feat for the season. The new show is a whodunit that takes place over a 20-year period, each episode spanning one year. The drama, airing Thursdays at 9 p.m., will follow the cult hit “The O.C.” With a cast of young, good-looking actors, Fox was smart to place “Reunion” after “The O.C.,” hopefully drawing in younger viewers with its mysterious plot. It’s hard to say whether a show with so many time-related complexities will see success.

NBC has the most interesting new show, “Inconceivable,” which can be seen Fridays at 10 p.m. The drama stars Ming-Na of “ER” fame as one of the many doctors at a fertility clinic. The previews for the show reveal a combination of comedy and drama, as well as a few heartfelt moments. “Inconceivable” focuses on an aspect of medicine that has not been deeply explored on television. The drama’s unique plot, with its focus on couples’ frustrations with conceiving is likely to make it a strong ratings contender.

As always, watching new shows may be a disappointment. After all, nobody wants to waste time on a poorly written show that’s just begging to be cancelled. However, with every mind-numbing show likely to debut this fall, hopefully an exciting and original one will counter it. If not, there are always the consistently satisfying new seasons of shows such as “Alias” and “Entourage” to appease your TV appetite.