And here’s the final schedule from the big 5:

THE CW ANNOUNCES 2012-2013 FALL SCHEDULE

 The CW Picks Up Five New Dramas for 2012-13 Season

The Final OMFG Season of “Gossip Girl” to Air This Fall on Monday Nights, Preceded by “90210”

Tuesdays Will Be Doctor-Doctor, With “Hart of Dixie” Leading into

New Medical Drama “Emily Owens, M.D.”

 Action-Packed “Arrow” Kicks off a Kick-A** Wednesday Night,

 Preceding “Supernatural” on its New Night

“The Vampire Diaries” Keeps its Fangs in Thursday Nights, Followed by Romantic New Drama “Beauty and the Beast”

“America’s Next Top Model” Struts to Friday Nights, Followed by

A New Mission for “Nikita”

 “Cult” and “The Carrie Diaries” On Tap for Midseason

The CW Strategically Sets Fall Launch for Early October

NEW YORK – May 17, 2012 – The CW Network presented its 2012-13 broadcast schedule today to advertisers, affiliates and national media at the New York City Center in New York City.  Hip-hop star Flo Rida opened the show with a medley of his top hits, featuring the world premiere of his newest song, “Let it Roll (Good Times).”

“One of our biggest priorities this year at The CW was adding more original programming, and we’ve added 50 original hours to our schedule in 2012,” said Mark Pedowitz, President, The CW.  “With dynamic new dramas for the fall and midseason, and our first-ever summer schedule leading into our October fall launch, this is poised to be a transformative season for The CW.

“The dramas we have for next season are outstanding, with relatable characters and breakout stars. ‘Arrow,’ starring Stephen Amell in the title role, is a bold, edge-of-your-seat action show, based on the popular DC Comics character; ‘Emily Owens, M.D.’ is funny, emotional, and we have caught lightning in a bottle with an incredible lead actor in Mamie Gummer; ‘Beauty and the Beast’ takes a classic love story and adds a procedural element; ‘The Carrie Diaries,’ with the story of a young Carrie Bradshaw set in the 1980s, is perfect for our audience; and ‘Cult’ is a chilling psychological thriller. We have an unbelievable variety of high quality dramas, all speaking to the 18-to-34-year old audience, set for next season.”

The CW will plan to strategically rollout its new fall season starting in early October 2012.  Specific dates to be announced at a later time.

On Monday nights, the most famous zip code in America, 90210, returns at 8:00-9:00 p.m., and GOSSIP GIRL will wrap up its six-season run of OMFG drama at 9:00-10:00 p.m.  In January, new series THE CARRIE DIARIES, starring AnnaSophia Robb as the incomparable and iconic Carrie Bradshaw growing up in the 1980s, will follow in GOSSIP GIRL’s stylish heels at 9:00-10:00 p.m.

Tuesdays The CW will play doctor, with HART OF DIXIE, starring Rachel Bilson, bringing its dose of Southern hospitality to 8:00-9:00 p.m., followed by new medical drama EMILY OWENS, M.D. from 9:00-10:00 p.m., starring Mamie Gummer as a surgical intern who discovers, much to her dismay, that working in a hospital feels an awful lot like high school.

The CW gives Wednesday a double dose of high-octane action, with new series ARROW, starring Stephen Amell as the popular DC Comics character, at 8:00-9:00 p.m., followed by this year’s People’s Choice Award-winner for Best Network Drama, SUPERNATURAL, 9:00-10:00 p.m.

Thursday nights The CW’s bloody-good drama THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is back for more heart-stopping thrills and romance, followed by new series BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, starring Kristin Kreuk as a homicide detective and Jay Ryan as a doctor with a dark side… a really dark side.

Fridays are filled with fierce females, with AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL moving to a new night and time, 8:00-9:00 p.m., followed by Maggie Q’s return to action as NIKITA, 9:00-10:00 p.m.

New drama CULT, starring Matt Davis as a journalist looking for his brother, who went missing after becoming obsessed with a hit TV show about a menacing cult leader, will premiere at midseason, with a date and time to be announced later.

Following is The CW’s 2012-2013 primetime schedule, a night-by-night breakdown and accompanying details on all the programs.

 THE CW’s 2012-2013 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

MONDAY

8:00-9:00 PM             90210 (New Night)
9:00-10:00 PM           GOSSIP GIRL (New Time)

(THE CARRIE DIARIES premieres January, 2013)

  TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM             HART OF DIXIE (New Night)
9:00-10:00 PM           EMILY OWENS, M.D. (New Series)

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM             ARROW (New Series)
9:00-10:00 PM           SUPERNATURAL (New Night)

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM             THE VAMPIRE DIARIES
9:00-10:00 PM           BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (New Series)

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM             AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL (New Night)
9:00-10:00 PM           NIKITA (New Time)

Follow the jump for more information about new and returning series: 

MONDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M.           “90210”

Season five of 90210 will find our group struggling with the biggest issues of their lives.  Having put their relatively carefree days at West Bev behind them and launched themselves into adulthood, they will search for answers to the multiple cliffhangers of this year’s season finale with only their friendships to lean on.  Life, death, love, loyalty, betrayal…and that’s just what to expect in the season premiere!  There are some things money can’t buy, even in 90210.  The series stars Shenae Grimes as Annie Wilson, Tristan Wilds as Dixon Wilson, AnnaLynne McCord as Naomi Clark, Jessica Stroup as Silver, Michael Steger as Navid Shirazi, Jessica Lowndes as Adrianna Tate-Duncan, Matt Lanter as Liam Court and Gillian Zinser as Ivy.  90210 is produced by CBS Productions with executive producers Patti Carr (“Life Unexpected,” “Private Practice”) and Lara Olsen (“Life Unexpected,” “Private Practice”).

9:00-10:00 P.M.         “GOSSIP GIRL”

Six years after the first Gossip Girl blast rocked the Upper East Side and viewers at home, GOSSIP GIRL, a one-hour drama about the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite, executive produced by Josh Schwartz (Chuck, The O.C.), Stephanie Savage (The O.C.), Sara Goodman, Bob Levy and Les Morgenstein, returns for an unforgettable final season.  Season six opens with the Upper East Siders working together to find one of their own.  Serena has gone off the grid, beyond even the reach of Gossip Girl.  Her friends fear for the worst and hope for the best, but even they can’t imagine where they will ultimately find her.  Meanwhile, Blair has offered Chuck her heart, but is her love enough to help him win back his empire?  Lonely Boy Dan has written a new book that promises to make even more trouble than the first, and this time he has no desire to remain anonymous.  Nate is determined to finally reveal the true identity of Gossip Girl, thereby making a name for The Spectator, and himself.  Lily and Rufus turn on one another when Rufus makes a surprising new ally who threatens Lily and her family.  Anywhere else it would be too much drama to handle, but this is the Upper East Side.  And when Bart Bass, Jack Bass and Georgina Sparks show up to raise hell, it’s a fight to the spectacular series finale.  Who comes out on top?  That’s one secret I’ll never tell… xoxo, Gossip Girl.  The series stars Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen, Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf, Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey, Chace Crawford as Nate Archibald, Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass, Kaylee Defer as Charlie Rhodes, Kelly Rutherford as Lily van der Woodsen and Matthew Settle as Rufus Humphrey.  Filmed in New York and based on the popular series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, GOSSIP GIRL is from Fake Empire and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Josh Schwartz (“Chuck,” “The O.C.”), Stephanie Savage (“The O.C.”), Leslie Morgenstein (“The Vampire Diaries”), Bob Levy (“The Vampire Diaries”) and Sara Goodman (“Reunion”).

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M.           “HART OF DIXIE”

Rachel Bilson leads a stellar ensemble cast in this fish-out-of-water comedic drama about small-town living, big-city attitudes and complicated love triangles.  Set in the lovely town of BlueBell, Alabama, where the neighbors take care of one another, the mailman knows your name, there’s a parade every Tuesday…and people still aren’t quite used to Dr. Zoe Hart.  HART OF DIXIE — it’s where you want to be.  Rachel Bilson as Zoe Hart, Jaime King as Lemon Breeland, Wilson Bethel as Wade Kinsella, Cress Williams as Lavon Hayes, Tim Matheson as Brick Breeland and Scott Porter as George Tucker.  HART OF DIXIE is from Bonanza Productions Inc., in association with Fake Empire, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Leila Gerstein (“Gossip Girl,” “Eli Stone”), Josh Schwartz (“Gossip Girl,” “Chuck,” “The O.C.”), Stephanie Savage (“Gossip Girl,” “The O.C.”) and Len Goldstein.

9:00-10:00 P.M.         “EMILY OWENS, M.D.”

At long last, Emily Owens feels like she is an actual grown-up.  She can finally put her high school days as the geeky-girl-with-flop-sweats behind her; she’s graduated from medical school and is now a first-year intern at Denver Memorial Hospital, where she’ll have the chance to work with world-famous cardiologist Dr. Gina Beckett – and where, not-so-coincidentally, her med-school crush Will Rider is also an intern.  So why does everyone keep warning her that the hospital is just like high school?  Emily soon finds out the hard way – her high school nemesis, the gorgeous, popular Cassandra Kopelson, is also just starting out at Denver Memorial, and it seems like they’re rivals all over again – not only as surgical interns, but for Will’s attention.  Fellow intern Tyra Granger warns Emily that the cliques at Denver Memorial are all too familiar: the jocks have become orthopedic surgeons; the mean girls are in plastics; the rebels are in the ER, and Tyra has her own awkward place as the principal’s kid – her father is the chief resident.  Emily’s the new kid all over again, and it’s just as awkward as high school.  Only this time around, Emily will have to balance the personal and emotional turmoil of social politics with the high-stakes world of life-and-death medical decisions.   At least she has fellow intern Tyra and nerdy-but-cute resident Micah, to count on as friends.  Emily is growing to realize that although she may be a geek, she may also grow to be a great doctor, flop sweats and all.  The series stars Mamie Gummer as Emily, Justin Hartley as Will, Michael Rady as Micah, Aja Naomi King as Cassandra, Kelly McCreary as Tyra and Necar Zadegan as Gina.  EMILY OWENS, M.D. is from CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television with executive producers Jennie Snyder Urman (“90210,” “Lipstick Jungle”), Dan Jinks (“Pushing Daisies,” “Milk”) and Bharat Nalluri (“Tsunami”).  The pilot was directed by Bharat Nalluri.

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M.           “ARROW”

After a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific.  When he returns home to Starling City, his devoted mother Moira, much-beloved sister Thea, and best friend Tommy welcome him home, but they sense Oliver has been changed by his ordeal on the island.  While Oliver hides the truth about the man he’s become, he desperately wants to make amends for the actions he took as the boy he was.  Most particularly, he seeks reconciliation with his former girlfriend, Laurel Lance.  As Oliver reconnects with those closest to him, he secretly creates the persona of Arrow – a vigilante – to right the wrongs of his family, fight the ills of society, and restore Starling City to its former glory.  By day, Oliver plays the role of a wealthy, carefree and careless philanderer he used to be – flanked by his devoted chauffeur/bodyguard, John Diggle – while carefully concealing the secret identity he turns to under cover of darkness.  However, Laurel’s father, Detective Quentin Lance, is determined to arrest the vigilante operating in his city.  Meanwhile, Oliver’s own mother, Moira, knows much more about the deadly shipwreck than she has let on – and is more ruthless than he could ever imagine.  The series stars Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen, Colin Donnell as Tommy, Katie Cassidy as Laurel Lance, David Ramsey as John Diggle, Willa Holland as Thea Queen, with Susanna Thompson as Moira Queen and Paul Blackthorne as Detective Quentin Lance.  Based on characters appearing in comic books and graphic novels published by DC Comics, ARROW is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (“Green Lantern,” “Brothers & Sisters”), Marc Guggenheim (“FlashForward,” “Eli Stone”), Andrew Kreisberg (“Warehouse 13,” “The Vampire Diaries”) and David Nutter (“Smallville,” “Supernatural,” “Game of Thrones”).  Melissa Kellner Berman (“Eli Stone,” “Dirty Sexy Money”) is co-executive producer. The pilot was directed by David Nutter from a teleplay by Andrew Kreisberg & Marc Guggenheim, story by Greg Berlanti & Marc Guggenheim.

9:00-10:00 P.M.         “SUPERNATURAL”

The thrilling and terrifying journey of the Winchester brothers continues as SUPERNATURAL enters its eighth season. Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) have spent their lives on the road, battling every kind of supernatural threat.  Over the years, after dozens of bloody adventures, they have faced everything from the yellow-eyed demon that killed their mother to vampires, ghosts, shapeshifters, angels and fallen gods.  They even came face to face with Lucifer and the Four Horsemen in averting the Apocalypse.  With the help of allies – both human and supernatural – they’ve discovered that every threat they vanquish opens a new door for evil to enter in.  In the show’s seventh season, their hunt for the dreaded Leviathans – monstrous creatures escaped from Purgatory – has cost them dearly.  Claiming the life of their best friend and father-figure, Bobby Singer, and shattering their protector, the fallen angel Castiel, Sam and Dean’s battle to somehow defeat the age-old Leviathan threat will take everything they’ve got.  As dawn arrives after their endless struggle and sacrifice to defeat the world’s evils, they know that, come nightfall, something otherworldly – something supernatural – will claw its way out of the shadows, demanding their attention.  The series stars Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester.  SUPERNATURAL is from Warner Bros. Television in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision, with executive producers McG (“Charlie’s Angels,” “The O.C.”), Robert Singer (“Midnight Caller”), Jeremy Carver (“Being Human”) and Phil Sgriccia.

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M.           “THE VAMPIRE DIARIES”

Based on the best-selling book series, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is the story of two vampire brothers, obsessed with the same gorgeous girl, who are battling to control the fate of an entire town.  In season one, Stefan and Damon Salvatore returned to their hometown of Mystic Falls, Virginia, for very different reasons.  Stefan was determined to get to know Elena Gilbert, who bears a striking resemblance to Katherine Pierce, the beautiful but ruthless vampire the brothers knew and loved — in 1864.  Damon, on the other hand, was intent on releasing Katherine from the tomb where he believed she was trapped by a witch’s spell all those years ago.  In the explosive season finale, Elena’s uncle set a plan in motion that saw the return of the vengeful Katherine Pierce.  In season two, Katherine’s appearance and her precise manipulation threw a wrench into the love triangle between Stefan, Elena and Damon.  Stefan and Damon later faced their greatest challenge yet — the arrivals of Elijah and Klaus, two of the powerful “original” vampires.  Season three revealed the history of Klaus and The Original Family, as well as the surprising friendship Klaus and his sister Rebekah shared with Stefan decades earlier — until Klaus compelled Stefan to forget they’d ever met.  In the present day, Klaus’ return led to Stefan’s descent back to his violent “Ripper” ways.  Elena and Damon worked together to bring Stefan back from the edge, even as they struggled with the guilt of their growing bond.  Meanwhile, Klaus found himself irresistibly drawn to Caroline Forbes, forcing Caroline’s boyfriend, Tyler Lockwood, to break his sire bond to Klaus and claim Caroline as his own.  Finally, the life of Alaric Saltzman, Elena and Jeremy’s trusted teacher and guardian, took a terrifying turn when Klaus’ mother, Esther, used witchcraft and Bonnie’s unwilling help to turn Alaric into a powerful vampire who hunts down and destroys other vampires – the ultimate vampire hunter.  Season Four begins with the knowledge that everything is changing.  As Elena and her friends enter into the final stretch of high school before graduation sends them off on different paths, their bond to their home town of Mystic Falls takes on a deeper meaning when a new villain seems intent on destroying it.  The series stars Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert, Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvatore, Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore, Steven R. McQueen as Jeremy Gilbert, Kat Graham as Bonnie Bennett, Candice Accola as Caroline Forbes, Zach Roerig as Matt Donovan, Michael Trevino as Tyler Lockwood and Joseph Morgan as Klaus.  Based on the series of books by L. J. Smith, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is from Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Kevin Williamson (“Scream,” “Dawson’s Creek”), Julie Plec (“Kyle XY,” “Wasteland”), Leslie Morgenstein (“Gossip Girl,” “Private”) and Bob Levy (“Gossip Girl,” “Privileged”).

9:00-10:00 P.M.         “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”

Detective Catherine Chandler is a smart, no-nonsense homicide detective.  Several years earlier, Catherine witnessed the murder of her mother at the hands of two gunmen.  Catherine would have been killed too, but someone – or something – saved her.  No one has ever believed her, but she knows it wasn’t an animal that attacked the assassins…it was human.  Years have passed, and Catherine is a strong, confident, capable police officer, working alongside her equally talented partner, Tess.  While investigating a murder, Catherine discovers a clue that leads her to a handsome doctor named Vincent Keller, who was reportedly killed by enemy fire while serving in Afghanistan in 2002.  Catherine learns that Vincent is actually still alive and that it was he who saved her many years before.  For mysterious reasons that have forced him to live outside of traditional society, Vincent has been in hiding for the past 10 years to guard his secret – when he is enraged, he becomes a terrifying beast, unable to control his super-strength and heightened senses.  Catherine agrees to protect his identity in return for any insight he may have into her mother’s murder.  Thus begins a complex relationship between Catherine and Vincent, who are powerfully drawn to each other yet understand that their connection is extremely dangerous for both of them.  The series stars Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville,” “Chuck”) as Catherine, Jay Ryan (“Terra Nova”) as Vincent, Max Brown (“The Tudors,” “MI-5”) as Evan, Nina Lisandrello (“Nurse Jackie”) as Tess, Nicole Gale Anderson (“Make It or Break It”) as Heather, Austin Basis (“Life Unexpected”) as J.T., and Brian White (“The Shield,” “The Cabin in the Woods”) as Joe.  BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is from CBS Television Studios with executive producers Jennifer Levin (“Without A Trace,” “Felicity”), Sherri Cooper (“Brothers and Sisters”), Bill Haber (“Rizzoli & Isles,” “Thurgood”), Paul J. Witt (“A Better Life”) & Tony Thomas (“A Better Life”), Ron Koslow (“Moonlight”) and Gary Fleder (“Life Unexpected”).

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M.           “AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL”

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is returning with new talent and a new judge – the viewer.  Cycle 19 of the show will offer an interactive experience where, for the first time in AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL history, the public will be able to have a say in who stays and who goes in the competition.  Beginning on May 24, fans will have two opportunities each week to vote online at www.cwtv.com and choose their favorite contestants based on photo shoots taken during production.  These scores will be used by Tyra Banks and the judges to help determine who is eliminated each week.  Viewers will also have the opportunity to have their comments and video messages featured in the show when the cycle airs in the fall.  In addition to Banks and returning judge, fashion pr maven Kelly Cutrone, international male model Rob Evans will join the judging panel as the third permanent judge.  Johnny Wujek, stylist to the stars, including singer Katy Perry, rounds out the group as the new creative consultant, who will guide the models through their photo shoots.  Cycle 19 is also the first-ever college edition, inspired by Banks’ recent graduation from Harvard Business School, and will include students from all across the educational spectrum, from four-year colleges and universities to beauty school students.  These women from all walks of life, all parts of the nation, and all types of continuing education, will be invited to show their school spirit — and their modeling chops— to Tyra and the judges.  The girls will vie for a prize package that will launch their modeling careers, as well as help them continue to earn their degree.

9:00-10:00 P.M.         “NIKITA”

Season two of this sexy and suspenseful series saw dramatic upheavals in the life of rogue superspy Nikita (played by international action star Maggie Q), as she continued her crusade against Division, the agency that took her from the streets and forced her to kill for the government.  Nikita and Michael set out to correct the wrongs of Division… only to discover that Alex, Nikita’s protégé, has joined Division in order to avenge her father’s death.  When Nikita helps her achieve her vendetta, the trio is once again united, and a new, powerful team of heroes is formed. These include punk rock hacker Seymour Birkhoff, brilliant CIA analyst Ryan Fletcher, and ex-Navy SEAL Sean Pierce.  Nikita began her journey by searching for a home she never had, only to find a home she never expected:  Division itself.  The series stars Maggie Q as Nikita Mears, Shane West as Michael, Lyndsy Fonseca as Alex, Aaron Stanford as Birkhoff, Dillon Casey as Sean Pierce, Noah Bean as Ryan Fletcher, with Melinda Clarke as Amanda and Xander Berkeley as Percy.  NIKITA is from Warner Bros. Television in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision, with executive producers Craig Silverstein (“Bones,” “K-Ville”), David Levinson (“The Commish”), Danny Cannon (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Chuck”), McG (“Supernatural,” “Chuck,” “The O.C.,” “Charlie’s Angels”) and Peter Johnson (“Supernatural,” “Chuck”).

MIDSEASON

“THE CARRIE DIARIES”

It’s 1984, and life isn’t easy for 16-year-old Carrie Bradshaw.  Since their mother passed away, Carrie’s younger sister Dorritt is more rebellious than ever, and their father Tom is overwhelmed with the responsibility of suddenly having to care for two teenage girls on his own.  Carrie’s friends – sweet, geeky Mouse, sarcastic and self-assured Maggie and sensitive Walt – make life bearable, but a suburban life in Connecticut isn’t doing much to take her mind off her troubles.  And even though the arrival of a sexy new transfer student named Sebastian brings some excitement to Carrie’s world, she is struggling to move on from her grief.  So when Tom offers Carrie the chance to intern at a law firm in Manhattan, she leaps at the chance.  Carrie’s eyes are opened wide at the glamour and grit of New York City – and when she meets Larissa, the style editor for Interview magazine, she’s inspired by the club culture and unique individuals that make up Larissa’s world.  Carrie’s friends and family may have a big place in her heart, but she’s

fallen in love for the first time with the most important man in her life – Manhattan.  The series stars AnnaSophia Robb (“Soul Surfer”) as Carrie Bradshaw, Austin Butler (“Switched at Birth,” “Life Unexpected”) as Sebastian Kydd, Ellen Wong (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Combat Hospital”) as Mouse; Katie Findlay (“The Killing,” “SGU Stargate Universe”) as Maggie Landers, Stefania Owen (“Running Wilde,” “The Lovely Bones”) as Dorrit Bradshaw, Brendan Dooling (“An Elf’s Story: The Elf on the Shelf”) as Walt Reynolds, Chloe Bridges (“90210”) as Donna LaDonna, Freema Agyeman (“Doctor Who,” “Law & Order: UK”) as Larissa Loughton and Matt Letscher (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Entourage”) as Tom Bradshaw.  Based on the novels “The Carrie Diaries” and “Summer and the City” by Candace Bushnell, THE CARRIE DIARIES is from Fake Empire in association with Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Amy B. Harris (“Sex and the City,” “Gossip Girl”), Josh Schwartz (“Hart of Dixie,” “Gossip Girl”), Stephanie Savage (“Hart of Dixie,” “Gossip Girl”), Len Goldstein (“Hart of Dixie”) and Candace Bushnell. Miguel Arteta (“Englightened,” “Cedar Rapids”) directed the pilot, which was written by Harris.

“CULT”

Investigative journalist Jeff Sefton has learned to laugh off his brother Nate’s relentless string of obsessions, especially his latest rant that a hit TV show intends to harm him.  However, when his brother mysteriously disappears, Jeff takes Nate’s paranoia seriously, and in the process uncovers the dark underworld of the TV show “Cult” and its rabid fans.  The only person who seems willing to help Jeff with his investigation is Skye, a young research assistant for “Cult,” who has also started to grow suspicious of the increasingly dark happenings surrounding the show.  The fictitious show, centered on the cat-and-mouse game between charismatic cult leader Billy Grimm and LAPD detective Kelly Collins, has become an obsession for its viewers – and now some of its devotees seem to be taking their fixation to deadly extremes in the real world.  As Jeff and Skye dig deeper into the fan world, they discover that the gruesome plot twists on television are much more than fantasy for some very unfortunate people.  The hardcore fans of “Cult” would kill to see what happens next…  The series stars Matt Davis (“The Vampire Diaries”) as Jeff Sefton, Jessica Lucas (“Melrose Place,” “Cloverfield”) as Skye Yarrow, Alona Tal (“Supernatural,” “The Killing”) as Kelly Collins and Robert Knepper (“Prison Break,” “Shameless”) as Billy Grimm.  CULT is from Fake Empire and Rockne S. O’Bannon Television in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, with executive producers Rockne S. O’Bannon (“Farscape,” “V”), Josh Schwartz (“Chuck,” “Gossip Girl”), Stephanie Savage (“Hart of Dixie,” “Gossip Girl”), Len Goldstein (“Hart of Dixie”) and Jason Ensler (“Franklin & Bash,” “Hart of Dixie”).  The pilot was directed by Jason Ensler and written by Rockne S. O’Bannon.

In Shay family news, Fred surprises Sheila with a special performance by her favorite solo artist, and Lisa makes a startling discovery.  Parker Young (Ryan Shay) spent some time with us chatting about the end of the season, where things will go next season, and how much he enjoys playing the surprisingly layered, mislabeled “dumb jock.”

Coming up on the finale; congratulations on the Season 2 pickup. I’m so excited that we’ll get to see more of the show!
Yeah, psyched. Thank you so much!

What can you tell us about what we can expect in the Mother’s Day episode, and what we’ll see this week?
Chatswin really loves their mothers.  It’s very comically competitive, showing off how appreciative their respective families are, so the Shays really try to outdo all of the other mothers and help Sheila feel like a queen [laughs].  Ryan always takes everything 110% and really just commits and wants his mother to feel loved and appreciated, and that’s tonight’s episode.

I read there is a big reveal about the Shay family, and we don’t want to give anything away, but were you surprised about what we’ll find out?
The whole adoption thing has been such a kind of out of nowhere thing.  I was surprised when Lisa started to assume that she was adopted.  She’s very curious, and [laughs] hopeful.  She’s going to dig hard, and it’s really going to uncover some family secrets that are going to shock a lot of people, when the news gets out.

You talked about Ryan rallying around his mom, supporting the family.  What I love about the character is that yes, Ryan can embody this “dumb jock,” but there he is supporting Lisa when she needs it.  He supports his mom, he supports Tessa.  Has it been fun to play the duality of that character?
Oh yeah!  I’m so happy that I do get to, and that he does have this side, and that Emily [Kapnek, creator] is allowing me to explore it.  Truth is, he’s a sweet, genuine guy.  He means well, he’s good hearted.  He can be perceived from the outside as being just a dumb jock, self-absorbed, narcissistic creature, but that’s really not who he is.  It’s been so fun to kind of, amp it up, when George took him under his wing and taught him how to be a man, aside from all of the self-absorbed-ness, the tan, and who are you on the inside, George asks.  Seeing him really be cute, and give his best shot at being a good guy and a gentleman for Tessa.  It’s been fun.

Has there been talk of what we’ll see for Ryan in season 2, and where the Tessa/Ryan relationship goes?
Yeah, I don’t know what Emily has in store for Ryan quite so much, but I’m excited to continue to explore his relationship with Tessa.  In general, Ryan’s kind of at a point where he’s broadening his perspective, kind of opening his mind to the possibilities of life, outside of Chatswin.  He’s grown up sort of sheltered and protected in this seemingly perfect town, raised catered to and babied almost.  It’ll be exciting for him to open his eyes to life when things aren’t so perfect, outside of Chatswin, and that’s what’s so intriguing about Tessa and George.  They are this glimmer of life that exists outside of Chatswin.  They’re just so unique and he’s intrigued by it.

What else do you have coming up besides SUBURGATORY?
It seems like it’s flown by!  Last week, I worked on a show called JANE BY DESIGN, playing a movie star, kind of love interest, to Jane (Erica Dasher).  That was a lot of fun.  And that’s really been it.

Has there been anything that surprises you, being involved in a successful series like SUBURGATORY.  Anything that has surprised you or been exciting for you?
The whole thing has been such a blessing.  It’s been so surreal from the beginning, just finding out that I was a part of it, to then finding out that we got picked up, to then finding out that people loved it as much as we did.  It’s all been so surreal, but such a blessing.  I feel so appreciative that it has gone this way.  A lot of shows, a lot of great shows, lots of great actors, great writers, involved on bunch of projects, for whatever reason, some go, some don’t, and it’s been really great that all of our hard work has paid off, and I’m glad people are enjoying SUBURGATORY, and I hope that they continue to do so!

CBS ANNOUNCES 2012-2013 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

America’s Most-Watched Network Adds Four New Series

New Series Include the Dramas ELEMENTARY, VEGAS, MADE IN JERSEY, Plus the New Comedy PARTNERS

19 Current Series Return

CBS Makes Four Key Time Period Moves to Grow Nights and Spread Strength Across the Schedule

#1 New Comedy 2 BROKE GIRLS Moves to 9:00 PM on Monday

TWO AND A HALF MEN Moves to Thursday at 8:30 PM, Creating A Powerful Comedy Block with THE BIG BANG THEORY at 8:00 PM

CSI: NY to Open Fridays at 8:00 PM and THE MENTALIST Takes Over Sundays at 10:00 PM

NEW YORK – CBS announced today its new 2012-2013 primetime schedule, ordering four new series and making four key time period moves to further enhance television’s top-rated schedule. CBS will finish the season as America’s most-watched network for the ninth time in the past 10 years, leading in viewers by the widest margin of any network in 23 years.

The new series include ELEMENTARY, a contemporary take on the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes in New York City, starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu; VEGAS, a drama inspired by a real-life sheriff and his battle with a powerful mobster for control of Las Vegas in the 1960s, starring Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis; MADE IN JERSEY, starring Janet Montgomery as a smart first-year lawyer with working-class roots practicing at a prestigious Manhattan law firm; and PARTNERS, a comedy about two very different life-long best friends and business partners and their significant others, starring David Krumholtz and Michael Urie.

“These new series feature a great range of bold concepts, rich characters, big stars and fresh faces,” said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. “From a new take on Sherlock Holmes to an epic battle for control of 1960s Las Vegas to a working-class point of view in a prestigious law firm, the dramas each have a unique style and sensibility. And, our new comedy PARTNERS fits perfectly with the CBS Monday night tradition of relationship comedies with a lot of heart and humor.”

The freshman series will be joined by 19 returning shows, including the season’s #1 drama/scripted program – NCIS; the #1 scripted series in adults 18-49 and #1 comedy – THE BIG BANG THEORY; #1 new series – PERSON OF INTEREST; #1 new series/comedy in adults 18-49/25-54 – 2 BROKE GIRLS; #1 news program – 60 MINUTES; and the eight-time Emmy Award winner THE AMAZING RACE.

The other returning series include HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, MIKE & MOLLY, HAWAII FIVE-0, NCIS: LOS ANGELES, SURVIVOR, CRIMINAL MINDS, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, TWO AND A HALF MEN, CSI: NY, BLUE BLOODS, 48 HOURS MYSTERY, THE MENTALIST and THE GOOD WIFE.

For midseason, the Emmy Award-nominated UNDERCOVER BOSS returns, plus the new reality series THE JOB from executive producers Michael Davies and Mark Burnett. Also for midseason are the new drama GOLDEN BOY and the new comedy FRIEND ME.

CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

2012-2013 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

(N=New, NT=New Time, all times ET/PT)

MONDAY

8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
8:30-9:00 PM PARTNERS (N)
9:00-9:30 PM 2 BROKE GIRLS (NT)
9:30-10:00 PM MIKE & MOLLY
10:00-11:00 PM HAWAII FIVE-0

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM NCIS
9:00-10:00 PM NCIS: LOS ANGELES
10:00-11:00 PM VEGAS (N)

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

THURSDAY

8:00-8:30 PM THE BIG BANG THEORY
8:30-9:00 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN (NT)
9:00-10:00 PM PERSON OF INTEREST
10:00-11:00 PM ELEMENTARY (N)

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM CSI: NY (NT)
9:00-10:00 PM MADE IN JERSEY (N)
10:00-11:00 PM BLUE BLOODS

SATURDAY

8:00-9:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS MYSTERY

SUNDAY

7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES
8:00-9:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE
9:00-10:00 PM THE GOOD WIFE
10:00-11:00 PM THE MENTALIST (NT)

Follow the jump for more information about shows, and pictures/trailers, eventually!

The new 2012-2013 schedule is as follows:

On Monday, CBS makes a bold scheduling move and adds a new half-hour series to TV’s top comedy night. The veteran HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER returns at 8:00 PM and provides a strong lead-in for the new comedy PARTNERS at 8:30 PM. The #1 new comedy of the season, 2 BROKE GIRLS, moves to 9:00 PM to anchor the night, followed by the sophomore hits MIKE & MOLLY at 9:30 PM and HAWAII FIVE-0 at 10:00 PM, the top-rated 10:00 PM series on television in adults 18-49.

On Tuesday, CBS uses television’s top-rated dramas as lead-ins for a new one-hour series. The #1 drama/scripted series NCIS remains at 8:00 PM, followed by the #2 drama/scripted series NCIS: LOS ANGELES at 9:00 PM, which will provide a powerful and compatible lead-in for the star-studded new series VEGAS at 10:00 PM.

On Wednesday, a successful night remains intact with potent lead-off hitter SURVIVOR at 8:00 PM, popular thriller CRIMINAL MINDS at 9:00 PM, and the resurgent time period-winning CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION at 10:00 PM, where it improved the time period by 23% in adults 18-49.

On Thursday, CBS creates a powerful comedy block and adds a provocative new drama. The #1 comedy THE BIG BANG THEORY at 8:00 PM is now paired with the #2 comedy TWO AND A HALF MEN at 8:30 PM, creating a formidable comedy duo as a lead-in for the #1 new drama PERSON OF INTEREST at 9:00 PM, which flows seamlessly into the smart new drama ELEMENTARY at 10:00 PM.

On Friday, CBS moves a veteran series to kick off the night and launches a new drama in a protected time period. CSI: NY, which consistently wins its time period, moves to 8:00 PM, providing an established lead-in for the new legal drama MADE IN JERSEY at 9:00 PM. BLUE BLOODS, the night’s most-watched series, remains a solid anchor at 10:00 PM.

Saturday will feature CBS’s CRIMETIME programming from 8:00-10:00 PM, followed by the popular true crime series 48 HOURS MYSTERY at 10:00 PM.

On Sunday, CBS adds a hit drama to a prestigious, award-winning lineup. The acclaimed news magazine 60 MINUTES returns for its 45th season to open at 7:00 PM, followed by the eight-time Emmy Award-winning THE AMAZING RACE at 8:00 PM and the critically lauded and award-winning drama THE GOOD WIFE at 9:00 PM. A proven ratings winner at 10:00 PM, THE MENTALIST moves to Sunday to close out the night.

The New Dramas:

ELEMENTARY stars Jonny Lee Miller as detective Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson in a modern-day drama about a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD’s most impossible cases. Following his fall from grace in London and a stint in rehab, eccentric Sherlock escapes to Manhattan where his wealthy father forces him to live with his worst nightmare – a sober companion, Dr. Watson. A successful surgeon until she lost a patient and her license three years ago, Watson views her current job as another opportunity to help people, as well as paying a penance. However, the restless Sherlock is nothing like her previous clients. He informs her that none of her expertise as an addiction specialist applies to him and he’s devised his own post-rehab regimen – resuming his work as a police consultant in New York City. Watson has no choice but to accompany her irascible new charge on his jobs. But Sherlock finds her medical background helpful, and Watson realizes she has a knack for playing investigator. Sherlock’s police contact, Capt. Tobias “Toby” Gregson (Aidan Quinn), knows from previous experience working with Scotland Yard that Sherlock is brilliant at closing cases, and welcomes him as part of the team. With the mischievous Sherlock Holmes now running free in New York solving crimes, it’s simple deduction that he’s going to need someone to keep him grounded, and it’s elementary that it’s a job for Watson. Rob Doherty, Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly and Michael Cuesta, who directed the pilot, are executive producers for CBS Television Studios.

#Elementary
Twitter: @Elementary_CBS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElementaryCBS
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/114661016436006638906/posts

Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis star in VEGAS, a drama inspired by the true story of former Las Vegas Sheriff Ralph Lamb, a fourth-generation rancher tasked with bringing order to Las Vegas in the 1960s, a gambling and entertainment mecca emerging from the tumbleweeds. Ralph Lamb (Quaid) wants to be left in peace to run his ranch, but Las Vegas is now swelling with outsiders and corruption which are intruding on his simple life. Recalling Lamb’s command as a military police officer during World War II, the Mayor appeals to his sense of duty to look into a murder of a casino worker – and so begins Lamb’s clash with Vincent Savino (Chiklis), a ruthless Chicago gangster who plans to make Vegas his own. Assisting Lamb in keeping law and order are his two deputies: his diplomatic, even-keeled brother Jack (Jason O’Mara) and his charming but impulsive son, Dixon (Taylor Handley). Ambitious Assistant District Attorney Katherine O’Connell (Carrie-Anne Moss), who grew up on the ranch next to the Lambs, also lends a hand in preserving justice. In Vegas, two powerful men – Lamb and Savino – are engaged in a fierce battle for control of the budding oasis, and for both of them, folding is not an option. Nicholas Pileggi, Greg Walker, Cathy Konrad, Arthur Sarkissian and James Mangold, who also directed the pilot, are the executive producers for CBS Television Studios.

#Vegas
Twitter: @Vegas_CBS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VegasCBS
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100116199784797638011/posts

MADE IN JERSEY is a drama about a young working-class woman who uses her street smarts to compete among her pedigreed Manhattan colleagues at a prestigious New York law firm. Martina Garretti (Janet Montgomery) finds her firm’s cutthroat landscape challenging, but what she lacks in an Ivy League education she more than makes up for with tenacity and blue-collar insight. After just a few weeks, firm founder Donovan Stark (Kyle MacLachlan), takes note of Martina’s ingenuity and resourcefulness, as does her sassy secretary Cyndi Vega (Toni Trucks). With the support of her big Italian family, including her sexy older sister Bonnie (Erin Cummings), Martina is able to stay true to her roots as a bold, passionate lawyer on the rise in a new intimidating environment. Jamie Tarses, Kevin Falls, Julia Franz and Mark Waters, who also directed the pilot, are the executive producers for Sony Pictures Television in association with CBS Television Studios. Pilot was written by creator and co-executive producer Dana Calvo.

#MadeInJersey
Twitter: @MadeInJersey_CBS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinJerseyCBS
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/102728364621024910480/posts

The New Comedy:

PARTNERS is a comedy based on the lives of creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, about two life-long best friends and business partners whose “bromance” is tested when one of them is engaged to be married. Joe (David Krumholtz) is an accomplished architect who leads with his head and not his heart, especially in his love life. That’s in stark contrast to his gay co-worker, Louis (Michael Urie), who is spontaneous, emotional and prone to exaggeration. Both have found joy in their love lives: Joe is newly engaged to Ali (Sophia Bush), a beautiful and sophisticated jewelry designer, while Louis is dating Wyatt (Brandon Routh), a vegan nurse who Louis insists is just a promotion away from becoming a doctor. As news of Joe’s engagement settles, time will tell if their business and personal bond can adapt to the addition of two other important relationships. Emmy Award winners David Kohan and Max Mutchnick are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television. Emmy Award winner James Burrows directed the pilot.

#Partners
Twitter: @Partners_ CBS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PartnersCBS
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113332002724495478974/posts

The New Midseason Series:

GOLDEN BOY is a drama about the meteoric rise of an ambitious cop who becomes the youngest police commissioner in the history of New York City, and the high personal and professional cost he pays to achieve it. As he’s interviewed for a story about his career, Walter William Clark, Jr. (Theo James) flashes back on his hard-fought journey from street kid to the most powerful man in law enforcement. After only three years as a beat cop, Clark’s heroics on the job make him bold enough to ask for and receive the unheard – of promotion to Homicide Detective, angering the members of his new department who are eager to see him fail. Clark’s disappointed to be partnered with veteran Detective Don Owen (Chi McBride), a gruff lifer just two years shy of retirement. He would rather team with First Grade Detective Christian Arroyo (Kevin Alejandro), the alpha dog in the squad who’s just as ambitious as Clark, but without a moral center. Arroyo’s partner is Detective Deborah McKenzie (Bonnie Somerville), a tough third-generation cop and the only female detective in the unit. Also on the team is Detective Joe Diaco (Holt McCallany), well-connected with tremendous resources which Clark might find useful. Though laser-focused on moving up the ladder, Clark’s soft spot is serving as the sole caregiver and supporter of his sister, Agnes (Stella Maeve), a teenager demonstrating increasingly dangerous behavior. Keenly observant and politically savvy, the Golden Boy bases his career decisions solely on his need to succeed as quickly as possible, and he’ll find that his epic journey will be filled with consequences. Greg Berlanti, Emmy Award winner Nicholas Wootton and Richard Shepard, who directed the pilot, are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television.

FRIEND ME is a comedy about two 20-something best friends who just moved from Indiana to Los Angeles to start cool new jobs, but can’t agree on how to socially engage in their new city. Rob (Nicholas Braun) is eager to embrace the L.A. scene and meet new people who aren’t looking down at their smart phones or laptops. Evan (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), however, prefers to socialize online at home in his underwear, web-chatting and playing poker with his Hoosier buddies Mike (Parveesh Cheena), Sully (Tim Robinson) and Farhad (Dan Ahdoot) just a keystroke away. Meanwhile, Rob’s had enough of iChatting, and naively posts a flyer seeking new friends on the coffee house bulletin board, despite Evan’s warning that no good can come from meeting strangers in person. Soon the calls start rolling in, some with potential, some just disturbing, and Rob and a reluctant Evan embark on what will be a series of the most epic adventures – and disasters – of their lives. Alan Kirschenbaum and Ajay Sahgal, Eric and Kim Tannenbaum, are executive producers for CBS Television Studios, in association with The Tannenbaum Company. The pilot was directed by Pamela Fryman.

From reality show masters Michael Davies (“Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” “Watch What Happens Live”) and Mark Burnett (“Survivor,” “The Voice”) comes a new reality series, THE JOB, where every week talented candidates are chosen from across the country for a chance to win their dream job at one of America’s most prestigious companies. Host Lisa Ling guides participants through several rounds of the most intense interviews of their lives, including challenges ranging from an on-the-spot quiz to assess their knowledge of the company to deadline-driven tasks while spending a day on the job. But the candidates aren’t the only ones in the hot seat. Adding to the pressure, a rival company is also present and waiting for an opportunity to swoop in and steal any of the contenders by making a competing offer. The participant must then decide immediately whether they will take the rival’s offer or stay in the competition in the hope that they are the last one standing for this once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity. Produced by Sony Pictures Television and Embassy Row.

New Series “666 Park Avenue,” “The Family Tools,”

“How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life),” “Last Resort,” “Malibu Country,” “Mistresses,” “Nashville,” “The Neighbors,” “Red Widow” and “Zero Hour” Join the Lineup

“America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “The Bachelor,” “Body of Proof,” “Castle,”

“Dancing with the Stars,” “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23,” “Grey’s Anatomy,”

“Happy Endings,” “Last Man Standing,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Primetime: What Would You Do?,” “Private Practice,” “Revenge,” “Scandal,”

 “Shark Tank,” “Suburgatory,” “20/20” and “Wife Swap” Will Return

ABC continues to set the industry standard for creative ingenuity, strong viewer retention and ratings success in primetime, delivering the No. 1 comedy (“Modern Family”), No. 1 drama (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and No. 1 freshman drama (“Once Upon a Time”) this season in the key Adult 18-49 demographic. Building on its momentum from the 2011-2012 season, Paul Lee, president, ABC Entertainment Group, will share ABC’s plans for next season and present the network’s 2012-2013 Fall schedule before the advertising and media communities this afternoon at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall.

New series for the 2012-13 season are “666 Park Avenue,” “The Family Tools,” “How to Live with your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life),” “Last Resort,” “Malibu Country,” “Mistresses,” “Nashville,” “The Neighbors,” “Red Widow” and “Zero Hour.”

“America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “The Bachelor,” “Body of Proof,” “Castle,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Happy Endings,” “Last Man Standing,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Primetime: What Would You Do?,” “Private Practice,” “Revenge,” “Scandal,” “Shark Tank,” “Suburgatory,” “20/20” and “Wife Swap” Will Return

“We are using the success we achieved last season as a strong foundation to launch some more great shows this time around,” said Lee. “Last year was about stability and ambition, this year is about growth and continuing momentum, with strong programming that will stake ABC’s claim on more nights as the home of quality entertainment.”

A solid mix of promising new series and returning hits is what drove ABC to strong results in the 2011-12 Season. Season to date among Adults 18-49, ABC claims TV’s No. 1 comedy/scripted series (“Modern Family”), the No. 1 drama (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and the No. 1 freshman drama (“Once Upon a Time”). Led by Emmy-winning “Modern Family,” ABC’s 2-hour Wednesday night comedy block continues to connect with audiences, posting its 2nd straight year of growth with viewers (+3%) and young adults (+6%). In addition, ABC is the only network up during the 10 o’clock hour on Monday-Friday as lead-in to affiliates’ late-local newscasts with Total Viewers (+8%) and Adults 25-54 (+7%).

Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note shows picked up but not listed on the schedule will debut later in the 2012-13 season.

ABC’s fall primetime schedule is as follows (all times listed are Eastern); new shows are in bold:

MONDAY:            

8:00 p.m.                             “Dancing with the Stars”
10:00 p.m.                           “Castle”

In January:

8:00 p.m.                             “The Bachelor”
10:00 p.m.                           “Castle”

TUESDAY:           

8:00 p.m.                             “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show”
9:00 p.m.                             “Happy Endings”
9:30 p.m.                             “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23”
10:00 p.m.                           “Private Practice”

In January:

8:00 p.m.                             “How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)”
8:30 p.m.                             “The Family Tools”

WEDNESDAY:   

8:00 p.m.                             “The Middle”
8:30 p.m.                             “Suburgatory”
9:00 p.m.                             “Modern Family”
9:30 p.m.                             “The Neighbors”
10:00 p.m.                           “Nashville”

THURSDAY:       

8:00 p.m.                             “Last Resort”
9:00 p.m.                              “Grey’s Anatomy”
10:00 p.m.                            “Scandal”

FRIDAY:               

8:00 p.m.                             “Shark Tank”
9:00 p.m.                           “Primetime: What Would You Do?”
10:00 p.m.                           “20/20”

In November:

8:00 p.m.                             “Last Man Standing”
8:30 p.m.                             “Malibu Country”
9:00 p.m.                             “Shark Tank”
10:00 p.m.                           “20/20”

SATURDAY:        

8:00 p.m.                             “Saturday Night College Football”

SUNDAY:              

7:00 p.m.                             “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
8:00 p.m.                             “Once Upon a Time”
9:00 p.m.                             “Revenge”
10:00 p.m.                           “666 Park Avenue”

Follow the jump for more info on ABC’s new shows:

NEW FALL AND MIDSEASON SERIES:

DRAMA

“666 PARK AVENUE”

At the ominous address of 666 Park Avenue, anything you desire can be yours. Everyone has needs, desires and ambition. For the residents of The Drake, these will all be met, courtesy of the building’s mysterious owner, Gavin Doran (Terry O’Quinn). But every Faustian contract comes with a price. When Jane Van Veen (Rachael Taylor) and Henry Martin (Dave Annable), an idealistic young couple from the Midwest, are offered the opportunity to manage the historic building, they not only fall prey to the machinations of Doran and his mysterious wife, Olivia (Vanessa Williams), but unwittingly begin to experience the shadowy, supernatural forces within the building that imprison and endanger the lives of the residents inside. Sexy, seductive and inviting, The Drake maintains a dark hold over all of its residents, tempting them through their ambitions and desires, in this chilling new drama that’s home to an epic struggle of good versus evil.

“666 Park Avenue” stars Rachael Taylor (“Charlie’s Angels,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” Transformers) as Jane Van Veen, Dave Annable (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Reunion”) as Henry Martin, Robert Buckley (“One Tree Hill,” “Lipstick Jungle”) as Brian Leonard, Mercedes Masöhn (“The Finder,” “Chuck,” “Three Rivers”) as Louise Leonard, Helena Mattsson (“Iron Man 2,” “Nikita,” “Desperate Housewives”) as Alexis Blume, Samantha Logan as Nona Clark, with Vanessa Williams (“Desperate Housewives,” “Ugly Betty,” “Shaft,” “Soul Food”) as Olivia Doran and Terry O’Quinn (“Lost,” “Millennium,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “Alias,” “The West Wing,” “Jag”) as Gavin Doran.

Based on the book series by Gabriella Pierce, “666 Park Avenue” was written by David Wilcox (“Fringe,” “Life on Mars”), who is also an executive producer along with Matthew Miller (“Chuck,” “Human Target”), Leslie Morgenstein (“Gossip Girl,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “The Lying Game,” “The Secret Circle,” “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”), Gina Girolamo (“The Secret Circle,” “The Lying Game”) and Alex Graves (“Fringe,” “The West Wing”). The pilot for “666 Park Avenue” was directed by Alex Graves. “666 Park Avenue” is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Alloy Entertainment (“Gossip Girl,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Pretty Little Liars”) and Warner Bros. Television.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/666parkave
Twitter: Twitter.com/666ParkAve_ABC
Hashtag: #666ParkAve

“LAST RESORT”

500 feet beneath the ocean’s surface, the U.S. ballistic missile submarine Colorado receive their orders. Over a radio channel, designed only to be used if their homeland has been wiped out, they’re told to fire nuclear weapons at Pakistan.

Captain Marcus Chaplin (Andre Braugher) demands confirmation of the orders only to be unceremoniously relieved of duty by the White House. XO Sam Kendal (Scott Speedman) finds himself suddenly in charge of the submarine and facing the same difficult decision. When he also refuses to fire without confirmation of the orders, the Colorado is targeted, fired upon, and hit. The submarine and its crew find themselves crippled on the ocean floor, declared rogue enemies of their own country. Now, with nowhere left to turn, Chaplin and Kendal take the sub on the run and bring the men and women of the Colorado to an exotic island. Here they will find refuge, romance and a chance at a new life, even as they try to clear their names and get home.

“Last Resort” stars Andre Braugher (“Men of a Certain Age”) as Captain Marcus Chaplin, Scott Speedman (“The Vow”) as XO Sam Kendal, Daisy Betts (“Sea Patrol”) as Lieutenant Grace Shepard, Dichen Lachman (“Being Human”) as Tani Tumrenjack, Daniel Lissing (“Crownies”) as SEAL Officer James King, Sahr Ngaujah (“House of Payne”) as Mayor Julian Serrat, Camille de Pazzis as Sophie Gerard, Autumn Reeser (“Hawaii Five-O,” “No Ordinary Family”) as Kylie Sinclair, Jessy Schram (“Falling Skies,” “Once Upon a Time”) as Christine Kendal.

Recurring guest star is Robert Patrick (“The Gangster Squad”) as Master Chief Joseph Prosser.

“Last Resort” was written by Shawn Ryan (“The Shield,” “The Unit,” “The Chicago Code”) and Karl Gajdusek, who are also executive producers along with Martin Campbell and Marney Hochman Nash. The pilot for “Last Resort” was directed by Martin Campbell. “Last Resort” is produced by Middkid Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LastResortABC
Twitter: Twitter.com/LastResort_ABC
Hashtag: #LastResort

“MISTRESSES”

Welcome to a provocative and thrilling drama about the scandalous lives of a sexy and sassy group of four girlfriends, each on her own path to self-discovery, as they brave the turbulent journey together.

Meet Savi (Alyssa Milano), a successful career woman working toward the next phase in her life — both professional and personal — simultaneously bucking for partner at her law firm while she and her husband, Harry (Brett Tucker), try to start a family of their own. Savi’s free-spirited and capricious baby sister, Josselyn (Jes Macallan), couldn’t be more different – living single, serial dating and partying, and regularly leaning on her big sister along the way. Their common best friend, April (Rochelle Aytes), a recent widow and mother of two, is rebuilding her life after tragedy and learning to move forward, with the support and guidance of her closest girlfriends. And friend Karen (Yunjin Kim), a successful therapist with her own practice, reconnects with the girls after her involvement in a complicated relationship with a patient goes far too deep.

“Mistresses” is a salacious new drama about a group of friends caught in storms of excitement and self-discovery, secrecy and betrayal, and bound by the complex relationships they’ve created.

“Mistresses” stars Alyssa Milano (“New Years Eve,” “Romantically Challenged,” “Hall Pass,” “My Name Is Earl,” “Charmed,” “Melrose Place”) as Savannah, Yunjin Kim (“Lost”) as Karen, Rochelle Aytes (“Work It,” “White Collar,” “Detroit 1-8-7,” “Desperate Housewives”) as April, Jes Macallan (“Kiss Me,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Crash and Burn,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Shameless”) as Josslyn, Jason George (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Closer,” “Against the Wall,” “Castle,” “Off the Map,” “Eastwick”) as Dominic, Brett Tucker (“Castle,” “Spartacus: Vengeance,” “Rizzoli & Isles,” “NCIS,” “Neighbours”) as Harry, Erik Stocklin (“Grey Sheep,” “Sick Day,” “Let’s Big Happy”) as Sam.

Guest Starring Marin Hinkle (“Two and a Half Men,” “Brothers & Sisters”) as Elisabeth, John Schneider (“Smallville,” “90210,” “Desperate Housewives”) as Thomas Grey, Shannyn Sossamon (“How to Make It in America,” “Dirt”) as Alex, Cameron Bender (“Commander in Chief,” “Whitney,” “Beverlywood”) as Richard, Kate Beahan (“Burning Man,” “Rake,” “Boston Legal”) as Miranda, Sunkrish Bala (“Notes from the Underbelly,” “I Just Want My Pants Back”) as Hamid.

Based on the U.K. television series, “Mistresses” is from K.J. Steinberg (“Gossip Girl”) and is executive-produced by Robert Sertner (“Revenge,” “No Ordinary Family”), K.J. Steinberg (“Gossip Girl”), Rina Mimoun (“Privileged,” “Gilmore Girls”) and Douglas Rae (“Wuthering Heights,” “Camelot,” “Mistresses,” “Raw,” “Meadowlands”). The pilot for “Mistresses” is directed by Cherie Nowlan. The series is from ABC Studios.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Mistresses
Twitter: Twitter.com/Mistresses_ABC
Hashtag: #Mistresses

“NASHVILLE”

Chart-topping Rayna James (Connie Britton) is a country legend who’s had a career any singer would envy, though lately her popularity is starting to wane. Fans still line up to get her autograph, but she’s not packing the arenas like she used to. Rayna’s record label thinks a concert tour, opening for up-and-comer Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere), the young and sexy future of country music, is just what Rayna needs. But scheming Juliette can’t wait to steal Rayna’s spotlight. Sharing a stage with that disrespectful, untalented, little vixen is the last thing Rayna wants to do, which sets up a power struggle for popularity. Could the undiscovered songwriting talent of Scarlett O’Connor (Clare Bowen) be the key to helping Rayna resurrect her career?

Complicating matters, Rayna’s wealthy but estranged father, Lamar Hampton (Powers Boothe), is a powerful force in business, Tennessee politics, and the lives of his two grown daughters. His drive for power results in a scheme to back Rayna’s handsome husband, Teddy, in a run for Mayor of Nashville, against Rayna’s wishes.

“Nashville” stars Connie Britton (“Friday Night Lights,” “American Horror Story”) as Rayna, Hayden Panettiere (“Heroes”) as Juliette, Powers Boothe (“MacGruber,” “24”) as Lamar, Charles Esten (“Enlightened,” “Big Love”) as Deacon, Eric Close (“Chaos,” “Without a Trace”) as Teddy, Clare Bowen as Scarlett, Jonathan Jackson (“General Hospital”) as Avery, Sam Palladio as Gunnar and Robert Wisdom as Coleman.

“Nashville” was written by Callie Khouri (“Thelma & Louise”) who is an executive producer along with R.J. Cutler (“The September Issue,” “The War Room,” “Flip That House,” “A Perfect Candidate”) and Steve Buchanan. The pilot for “Nashville” was directed by R.J. Cutler. The series is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Gaylord Entertainment.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NashvilleABC
Twitter: Twitter.com/Nashville_ABC
Hashtag: #Nashville

“RED WIDOW”

When Marta Walraven’s (Radha Mitchell) husband is brutally murdered, her first instinct is to protect her three young children. Her husband’s business partners – Irwin Petrova (Wil Traval), Marta’s scheming and untrustworthy brother, and Mike Tomlin (Lee Tergesen) — were involved in an illegal drug business deal with rival gangsters, and Marta’s husband paid the ultimate price. She already knows the violent world of organized crime; her father, Andrei Petrova (Rade Sherbedzija), and loyal bodyguard Luther (Luke Goss) are gangsters too. She and her sister Kat (Jaime Ray Newman) had always wished for a safer life without bloodshed and fear. For a while Marta lived happily as a stay at home housewife in San Marta’s cooperation, FBI Agent James Ramos (Mido Hamada) now promises justice.

Marta discovers a tenacity she never knew she had, and takes on the gangsters and the FBI to unveil the truth about her husband’s death. As she digs into this dark underworld, she’ll test her own strength, relying on her resourcefulness, determination and family ties like never before. To get out of this mob, she needs to beat the bad guys at their own deadly game.

“Red Widow” stars Radha Mitchell (“Melinda and Melinda,” “Silent Hill,” “Rogue,” “Henry Poll Is Here,” “The Children of Huang Shi,” “The Waiting City”) as Marta Walraven, Wil Traval (“Rescue Special Ops,” “Underbelly,” “All Saints”) as Irwin Petrova, Erin Moriarty (“One Life to Live”) as Natalie Walraven, Sterling Beaumon (“Arthur Newman, Golf Pro, “Clue”) as Gabriel Walraven, Lee Tergesen (“Army Wives”) as Mike Tomlin, Jakob Salvati as Boris Walraven, Mido Hamada as FBI Agent James Ramos, Luke Goss as Luther, Jaime Ray Newman (“Drop Dead Diva”) as Kat Petrova, Suleka Mathew (“Hawthorne”) as Dina Tomlin and Rade Serbedzija (“24”) as Andrei Petrova.

Based on the Dutch series “Penoza,” “Red Widow” teleplay is by Melissa Rosenberg (“Dexter” and screenwriter of the Twilight franchise). “Red Widow “is executive-produced by Melissa Rosenberg, Howard Klein (“The Office,” “Parks & Recreation”), Endemol Studios and Alon Aranya. The pilot for “Red Widow” was directed by Mark Pellington. The series is produced by ABC Studios.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RedWidowABC
Twitter: Twitter.com/RedWidowABC
Hashtag: #RedWidow

“ZERO HOUR”

As the publisher of a paranormal enthusiast magazine, Modern Skeptic, Hank Galliston has spent his career following clues, debunking myths and solving conspiracies. A confessed paranormal junkie, his motto is “logic is the compass.” But when his beautiful wife, Laila (Jacinda Barrett), is abducted from her antique clock shop, Hank gets pulled into one of the most compelling mysteries in human history, stretching around the world and back centuries.

Contained in one of his wife’s clocks is a treasure map, and what it leads to could be cataclysmic. Now it’s up to Hank to decipher the symbols and unlock the secrets of the map, while ensuring the answers don’t fall into the wrong hands – a man they call White Vincent (Michael Nyqvist). With his two young associates, Rachel (Addison Timlin) and Arron (Scott Michael Foster), in tow, along with Becca Riley, a sexy FBI agent (Carmen Ejogo), Hank will lead them on a breathless race against the clock to find his wife and save humanity.

“Zero Hour” stars Anthony Edwards (“Big Sur,” “Flipped,” “ER”) as Hank, Carmen Ejogo (“Sparkle,” “Chaos,” “Away We Go”) as Beck, Scott Michael Foster (“Californication,” “The River”) as Aaron, Addison Timlin (“Californication”) as Rachel, Jacinda Barrett (“Matching Jack,” “Middle Men,” “New York, I Love You”) as Laila and Michael Nyqvist (“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Patrol”) as White Vincent.

“Zero Hour” was written by Paul T. Scheuring (“Prison Break”) who is also an executive producer along with Pierre Morel, Lorenzo DiBonaventura (“The Transformers,” “GI: Joe” franchise, “Salt,” “Red”) and Dan McDermott (“Human Target”). The pilot for “Zero Hour” was directed by Pierre Morel. The series is produced by ABC Studios.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ZeroHourABC
Twitter: Twitter.com/ZeroHour_ABC
Hashtag: #ZeroHour

COMEDY

“HOW TO LIVE WITH YOUR PARENTS (FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE)”

Polly (Sarah Chalke) is a single mom who’s been divorced for almost a year. The transition wasn’t easy for her, especially in this economy. So, like a lot of young people living in this new reality, she and her daughter, Natalie (Rachel Eggleston), have moved back home with her eccentric parents, Elaine (Elizabeth Perkins) and Max (Brad Garrett). But Polly and her parents look at life through two different lenses. Polly’s too uptight. Her parents are too laid back. Polly’s conservative when it comes to dating (no action, whatsoever), while her parents are still sexually adventurous. They think Polly turned out okay, so what’s the big deal? Well, they say it takes a village to raise a child…and in Polly’s case, this village is on fire. But with help from her best friend Gregg (Orlando Jones), her lovable yet irresponsible ex-husband Julian (Jon Dore) and her cool and fun assistant Jenn (Rebecca Delgado Smith) Polly takes her first steps toward getting a life, starting with a social one.

“How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)” stars Sarah Chalke (“Mad Love,” “Scrubs”) as Polly, Jon Dore as Julian, Rachel Eggleston as Natalie, Brad Garrett (“Everybody Loves Raymond,” “‘Til Death”) as Max, Orlando Jones (“Rules of Engagement”) as Gregg, Elizabeth Perkins (“Weeds”) as Elaine, Rebecca Delgado Smith as Jenn.

“How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)” was written by Claudia Lonow, who is also an executive producer along with Brian Grazer and Francie Calfo. The pilot for “How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)” was directed by Julie Anne Robinson. The series is produced by 20^th Century Fox and Imagine Television.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HowToLiveWithYourParents
Twitter: Twitter.com/HowToLiveABC
Hashtag: #HowToLive

“MALIBU COUNTRY”

When Reba Gallagher (Reba) discovers that her husband, Bobby, (Jeffrey Nordling) a country music legend, has a cheatin’ heart, her world is turned upside down. Reba dreamt of becoming a country star herself, but put her career on hold to raise a family. Now she’s questioning all of that, big-time. With the ink on her divorce barely dry, Reba packs up her sharp-tongued mother, Lillie May (Lily Tomlin), her two kids and the U-Haul and heads for sunny California to begin a new chapter. Leaving Nashville in the rear view, they start over at their Malibu residence — the last remaining asset they have. Reba gets to know her new open and loving neighbor Kim (Sara Rue) and her son, Sage, but also discovers that relocation to Southern California is going to be quite an adjustment for a traditional southern belle: the West Coast seems like the polar opposite of Music City, and Reba feels like an outsider. Still, with the support of her family she sets about finding her voice, jump-starting her music career with the help of her new music agent, Geoffrey (Jai Rodriguez), and embracing this chance to begin again.

“Malibu Country” stars country music superstar Reba (“Reba,” “Tremors”) as Reba, Sara Rue (“Rules of Engagement,” “Less Than Perfect”) as Kim, Justin Prentice as Cash, Juliette Angelo as June, Jai Rodriguez (“Bones,” “How I Met Your Mother,” one of the original hosts of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) as Geoffrey and Lily Tomlin (“Eastbound and Down,” “Damages,” “Desperate Housewives,” “West Wing,” “Nine to Five,” “All of Me,” “Nashville”) as Lillie May.

“Malibu Country” is from Kevin Abbott (“Last Man Standing,” “My Name Is Earl,” “Reba”) who executive produces along with Michael Hanel & Mindy Schultheis, Reba McEntire & Narvel Blackstock, Dave Stewart & Pam Williams, John Pasquin. The pilot for “Malibu Country” was directed by John Pasquin. The series is from ABC Studios.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MalibuCountryABC
Twitter: Twitter.com/Malibu_Country
Hashtag: #MalibuCountry

“THE NEIGHBORS”

How well do you know your neighbors?

Meet the Weavers, Debbie (Jami Gertz) and Marty (Lenny Venito). Marty, in hopes of providing a better life for his wife and three kids, recently bought a home in Hidden Hills, a gated New Jersey townhome community with its own golf course. Hidden Hills is so exclusive that a house hasn’t come on the market in 10 years. But one finally did and the Weavers got it!

It’s clear from day one that the residents of Hidden Hills are a little different. For starters, their new neighbors all have pro-athlete names like Reggie Jackson (Tim Jo), Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Toks Olagundoye), Dick Butkis (Ian Patrick) and Larry Bird (Simon Templeman). Over dinner, Marty and his family discover that their neighbors receive nourishment through their eyes by reading books, rather than eating. The Weavers soon learn that the entire community is comprised of aliens from Zabvron, where the men bear children and everyone cries green goo from their ears.

The Zabvronians have been stationed on Earth for the past 10 years, disguised as humans, awaiting instructions from home, and the Weavers are the first humans they’ve had the opportunity to know. As it turns out, the pressures of marriage and parenthood are not exclusive to planet Earth. Two worlds will collide with hilarious consequences as everyone discovers they can “totally relate” and learn a lot from each other.

“The Neighbors” stars Jami Gertz (“Entourage,” “Modern Family,” “Still Standing,” “Ally McBeal”) as Debbie Weaver, Lenny Venito (“Bored to Death,” “Men in Black III,” “Person of Interest,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) as Marty Weaver, Simon Templeman as Larry Bird, Toks Olagundoye as Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Clara Mamet as Amber Weaver, Tim Jo (“Glory Daze”) as Reggie Jackson, Ian Patrick (“Wanderlust”) as Dick Butkis, Max Charles (“The Three Stooges,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”) as Max Weaver, Isabella Cramp as Abby Weaver.

Guest starring are Mitch Rouse as Real Estate Agent and Doug Jones as Alien. Co-Starring are Bruce Green as Angry Man and Mary K. DeVault as Angry Woman.

“The Neighbors” was written by Dan Fogelman (“Cars,” “Tangled,” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love”) who is also an executive producer with Aaron Kaplan, Jeff Morton (“Modern Family”) and Chris Koch (“Workaholics,” “Modern Family”). “The Neighbors” was directed by Chris Koch and is from ABC Studios.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theneighborsABC
Twitter: Twitter.com/TheNeighborsABC
Hashtag: #TheNeighbors

“THE FAMILY TOOLS”

Mixing family with business is never easy, and Jack Shea (Kyle Bornheimer) is about to learn that lesson the hard way. When Jack’s father, Tony (J.K. Simmons), has a heart attack and is forced to hand over the keys to his beloved handyman business, Jack is eager to finally step up and make his father proud. Unfortunately Jack’s past career efforts have been less than stellar, so everyone seems to be waiting for him to fail. His new job isn’t made any easier by Tony’s rebellious, troublemaker assistant, Darren (Edi Gathegi), and Darren’s flirtatious sister, Liz (Danielle Nicolet), who works at the local hardware store. Yet with the support of his Aunt Terry (Leah Remini) and his oddball yet endearing cousin Mason (Johnny Pemberton), Jack Shea may just find his true calling right at home.

“The Family Tools” stars Kyle Bornheimer (“Bachelorette,” “Romantically Challenged,” “Perfect Couples”) as Jack Shea, J.K. Simmons (“Ultimate Spiderman,” “Generator Rex,” “The Closer”) as Tony Shea, Edi Gathegi (“X Men: First Class”) as Darren, Johnny Pemberton (“21 Jump Street,” “Aim High”) as Mason, Danielle Nicolet (“X Men TV Series”) as Liz and Leah Remini (“In the Motherhood,” “King of Queens”) as Terry.

Based on the UK series “White Van Man,” “The Family Tools” teleplay is by Bobby Bowman. “The Family Tools” is executive-produced by Bobby Bowman, Mark Gordon (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Criminal Minds”) and Andrea Shay (“It Takes a Village,” “Virtual Virgin”) and Paul Buccieri (“Prime Suspect”). The pilot for “The Family Tools” was directed by Michael Fresco (“Suburgatory,” “Raising Hope,” “Better Off Ted,” “My Name Is Earl,” “Northern Exposure,” “St. Elsewhere”). The series is from ABC Studios.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheFamilyTools
Twitter: Twitter.com/TheFamilyTools
Hashtag: #FamilyTools

CourtneyK –

OK I’M TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES! Seriously, apparently I’m a full on fan now. I love everything about this show, even the sappy parts!

With Henry taking that fateful bite of Poisoned-Apple Turnover and sinking to the floor last episode; it was GAME ON in Storybrooke for the finale! There was no WAY Emma wasn’t going to start believing in The Curse, her iron-clad logic was going to shatter and when it did, it was a little bit of a let down. A series of flashes? Really? But I guess there wasn’t really any other way to show her coming to the realization that everything in the book was real. (The kicker was finding August, nearly petrified literally. Just in time for him to say….nothing really helpful whatsoever. Ah well, he looked good doing it.)

The back story and the current story running simultaneously would usually send me into a frustrated frenzy. However flipping back and forth helped the time move even quicker than it usually does. The sense of urgency was never lost for me. There were no pointless exchanges this episode.

The supply-closet confrontation was very satisfying! I liked seeing Emma kick a little Regina/Majesty ass. Watching Regina’s face fall; priceless! And perfectly executed by Lana Parrilla (no kidding, could she be any prettier???). Apparently there’s no security in place at Storybrooke Memorial/General/SistersofStorybrooke Hospital, whatever it’s called. Strangers can just walk right up to the beds of little boys in ICU! I looooooved the exchange between Jefferson and Regina. The look in his eyes!! Oooooohhh!! Regina has consistently underestimated her foes and the levels they will go to. She’s been so blinded by the need to “win” she doesn’t understand what she’s losing. The message is clear to us, the viewers though; blind ambition and revenge are a losing battle.

While there may be no love lost on Henry’s part, Regina clearly loves her adoptive son and was devastated to learn that his condition was all her inadvertent doing. Being forced together to save him, the Merry Mommy Enemies (wow, that’s hard to say) have to slay a dragon. Well, one of them does. Wait….DRAGON?? IN STORYBROOKE and NOOOOOOBODY ever knew??? People in that town are completely oblivious.

Did anyone else think Gold/Rumple was talking about Belle when he said “Is our friend still in the basement?” to Regina??? I panicked!!!

The dragon/Maleficent was fierce looking but all too easily defeated. Still, I’m a sucker for the story references and when Emma flung her father’s sword at the glowing belly of the beast I cheered!  As soon as Gold/Rumplestiltskin appeared at the top of the elevator shaft; I knew he was pulling something. It was so abundantly clear, even Emma’s “super power” should have alerted her. But maybe being trapped in a stuck elevator is her Kryptonite?

As the curse was broken and the “wave of love” swept the town, and no dramatic costume changes or green-screen swirling occurred, it became clear. Just because The Curse was broken, it didn’t mean the spell would be reversed and the misplaced citizens of Far-Far-Away/Storybrooke would finally have Happily Ever Afters back. With the announcement that OUAT is being picked up, the intertwined fates of our favorite characters made real-ish is still up for turmoil! They know who they are and why they are in Storybrooke, but their journey home has just begun! I’m definitely excited to watch more ONCE UPON A TIME when it comes back for Season 2!

Amrie-

There are times when I’m watching TV where I literally text Rae or post to Twitter that I feel like I’m watching from a different dimension based on my completely different view, and that’s true of last night’s ONCE UPON A TIME finale.  Everyone had these amazing reactions that were what the writers had anticipated – a “holy shit” kind of reaction that has people waiting on edge for what happens in Season 2.  For me?  The reaction I had after a perfectly fine, typical OUAT episode was “meh.”

As in “Meh, I’ll come back for Season 2, but don’t know what happened in the final moments so I’m not sure why I should be excited about it, and it wasn’t exciting enough for me, of an episode, to forget that I don’t know what happened in the final moments.”  I’m glad Emma “believed” sooner than later.  I liked the exchange where Regina just admitted to being the Evil Queen, and I liked the line about her Majesty finding a safe place to hide, but otherwise, meh.  Like, how can Emma not see that Gold is setting her up?  How did she actually break the curse?  Where can it possibly go, and the list goes on….

Sebastian Stan and Eion Bailey better be back next season – the only time I feel invested is when I’m watching their storylines.  Emilie De Ravin, Jamie Dornan – all wasted in the episode; could have served a greater purpose.  And the David/Charming and Mary/Snow reunion in the middle of the street?  For a couple who love each other so much in real and TV life, there could have been a bit more fireworks.  And don’t try to change my mind – Lana Parilla and I have entered that long standing Amrie-vs-Gabrielle-Union-type standoff where I can’t understand why people love her so much…….

Long story short – I stayed on the fence about the show from Day 1 to now, and I will most likely remain there indefinitely.

Okay, cast your vote – CK or Amrie – whose reaction matched yours?

I am so happy to be able to say that tonight’s episode of HART OF DIXIE is the season finale NOT the series finale!! Tonight, with a big storm coming, George and Lemon make attempts to go through with the wedding, and Zoe and Wade get stuck together to wait out the storm.  Check out the spoilery clip (above) about some pre-wedding-jitter dreams that George is having and tell us – what are you looking forward to in Season 2?

New York (Monday, May 14, 2012) – Peter Rice, Chairman, Entertainment, Fox Networks Group; and Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, today unveiled the FOX primetime schedule for the 2012-2013 television season to the national advertising community during its annual Programming Presentation at the Beacon Theatre.

“Television continues to be the most vibrant, emotionally rich platform in the world,” said Rice. “FOX has been the No. 1 network for eight seasons by delivering groundbreaking, engaging and culturally relevant shows that connect with our audience, not only on-air, but wherever they are in the digital or social space.”

“With first-year culture-driving hits like NEW GIRL and THE X FACTOR and strong returning tentpoles like AMERICAN IDOL and GLEE, we were laser focused on our development and it has really paid off,” said Reilly. “I have no doubt that our two genre-defying new dramas, our new FOX Sports Saturdays, and our three new distinctive, sharp and upscale comedies – all fronted by incredible talent – can propel FOX to even greater success.”

This fall, two new half-hour comedies – THE MINDY PROJECT and BEN AND KATE – will join RAISING HOPE and NEW GIRL on an all-new Tuesday night comedy block. Created by Emmy-nominated writer/producer and New York Times best-selling author Mindy Kaling (“The Office”) and starring Kaling, Chris Messina (“Damages”), Anna Camp (“The Good Wife”) and newcomer Ed Weeks, THE MINDY PROJECT features Kaling as a skilled OB/GYN navigating the tricky waters of both her personal and professional life, as she pursues her dreams of becoming the perfect woman, finding the perfect man and getting her perfect romantic comedy ending.

BEN AND KATE, the heartwarming new sibling comedy created by Dana Fox (“What Happens In Vegas”) and directed by Jake Kasdan (“Bad Teacher”), also debuts Tuesdays this fall. Starring newcomer Dakota Johnson and Nat Faxon (“Bad Teacher,” Academy Award-winning co-screenwriter of “The Descendants”), the comedy follows a pair of odd-couple siblings – one, an overly responsible single mom; the other, an exuberant kid-at-heart – and their friends as they push each other out of their comfort zones and into real life.

The compelling new drama THE MOB DOCTOR will debut this fall. Executive-produced by Josh Berman (BONES, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) and Rob Wright (“Crossing Jordan”), the engrossing character drama stars Jordana Spiro (“My Boys”) as a brilliant, life-saving surgeon caught in a complex web between her promising medical career and her family’s debt to Chicago’s Southside mob.

Edge-of-your-seat thriller THE FOLLOWING, created by Kevin Williamson (“Dawson’s Creek,” “Scream” franchise) and starring Golden Globe Award-winning Kevin Bacon (“X-Men,” “Frost/Nixon”) and James Purefoy (“Rome”), premieres in midseason. The spellbinding and intense drama follows an ex-FBI agent (Bacon) called out of retirement to track down a devious and diabolical serial killer (Purefoy), the mastermind behind a nationwide string of murders.

THE GOODWIN GAMES, the inventive new comedy from the executive producers of “How I Met Your Mother,” Carter Bays, Craig Thomas and Chris Harris, is slated for midseason. Starring Scott Foley (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Felicity”), Becki Newton (“Ugly Betty”) and Jake Lacy (“Better With You”), the family comedy tells the story of three estranged siblings who return home after the loss of their beloved father (guest star Beau Bridges, “The Descendants”), and unexpectedly find themselves poised to inherit more than $20 million – if, and only if, they can adhere to their late father’s trivial wishes.

It was also announced that GLEE, the award-winning cultural phenomenon, will move this fall to Thursdays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), following all-new installments of Simon Cowell’s THE X FACTOR (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). THE X FACTOR returns for Season Two with two new judges, who will join Cowell and L.A. Reid on the world’s largest search to award one global superstar or music group a $5 million record contract.

FOX series returning in 2012-2013 include: AMERICAN DAD (Season 8), AMERICAN IDOL (Season 12), BOB’S BURGERS (Season 3), BONES (Season 8), THE CLEVELAND SHOW (Season 4), COPS (Season 25), FAMILY GUY (Season 10), FRINGE (Season 5), GLEE (Season 4), HELL’S KITCHEN (Season 10), KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (Season 5), MASTERCHEF (Season 3), MOBBED (specials), NEW GIRL (Season 2), RAISING HOPE (Season 3), THE SIMPSONS (Season 24), SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (Season 9) and TOUCH (Season 2). AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE and TEEN CHOICE 2012 will also return to the FOX schedule.

Keep up with all the new series on the FOX 2012-2013 primetime schedule at FOX.com or by “liking” the series on Facebook and following the series on Twitter:

Following are the FOX 2012-2013 primetime schedule and synopses of the new series:

 FOX 2012-2013 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
(All Times ET/PT)

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM                          BONES
9:00-10:00 PM                        THE MOB DOCTOR (new)

THE FOLLOWING (new) joins in midseason.

TUESDAY
8:00-8:30 PM                          RAISING HOPE
8:30-9:00 PM                          BEN AND KATE (new)
9:00-9:30 PM                         NEW GIRL
9:30-10:00 PM                       THE MINDY PROJECT (new)

THE GOODWIN GAMES (new) joins in midseason.

WEDNESDAY
8:00-10:00 PM                        THE X FACTOR (fall) / AMERICAN IDOL (midseason)

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM                          THE X FACTOR Results (fall) / AMERICAN IDOL Results (midseason)
9:00-10:00 PM                        GLEE

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM                          TOUCH
9:00-10:00 PM                        FRINGE (fall)

HELL’S KITCHEN returns in midseason.

SATURDAY
7:00-10:30 PM                        FOX SPORTS SATURDAY (fall)
COPS returns in midseason.

ANIMATION DOMINATION HIGH-DEF (new) will join late-prime in 2013.

SUNDAY
7:00-7:30 PM                          NFL Game (fall) / ANIMATION DOMINATION (encores)
7:30-8:00 PM                         THE OT (fall) / THE CLEVELAND SHOW
8:00-8:30 PM                         THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM                        BOB’S BURGERS
9:00-9:30 PM                         FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM                       AMERICAN DAD

Follow the jump for some more information, and eventually, videos!

The following new comedies will premiere this fall on FOX:

BEN AND KATE

What happens when an exuberant, irresponsible dreamer who always says “yes” moves in with his overly responsible little sister to help raise her five-year-old daughter? BEN AND KATE, a new single-camera young ensemble comedy, follows these odd-couple siblings as they push each other out of their comfort zones and into real life. KATE FOX (Dakota Johnson, “The Social Network”) followed the rules all her life…until she got pregnant in college and dropped out just shy of graduation. After the birth of her daughter, MADDIE (Maggie Jones, “We Bought a Zoo,” “Footloose”), Kate put her twenties on hold. Now working as a bar manager to make ends meet and maximize her time with five-year-old Maddie, she’s uber-prepared for every possible catastrophe – except for the arrival of her older brother, BEN FOX (Nat Faxon, “Bad Teacher”). Ben likes trouble a lot more than his sister does. His infectious energy makes you want to follow him into any number of bad ideas. He’ll totally screw up your life, but somehow, you’ll feel good about it. Where Kate is all about planning and preparing, Ben is big on spontaneity and out-of-the-box ideas. But don’t let the Velcro wallet fool you – he’ll probably be a millionaire someday. When Ben comes to crash on Kate’s couch for a few days, he finds a sad state of affairs. Kate’s surviving, but not living. Ben realizes that for the first time in their lives, Kate needs his help and he’s determined to bring some much-needed chaos into her overly stable world. He starts by offering to help look after Maddie so Kate can get back to experiencing her mid-twenties and making mistakes, since the one real “mistake” she’s made turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Always there to help with Ben’s crazy schemes is his partner-in-crime, TOMMY (newcomer Echo Kellum), who worships Ben like a hero and nurses a serious crush on Kate. Kate’s British best friend, BJ (Lucy Punch, “Bad Teacher”), is a cocktail waitress at the bar that Kate manages and an all-around hot mess who would do anything for Kate, even if her advice is often questionable and occasionally illegal. From writer/executive producer Dana Fox (NEW GIRL, “What Happens in Vegas”) and executive producer/director Jake Kasdan (NEW GIRL, “Bad Teacher”), BEN AND KATE is a heartwarming story of deeply mismatched siblings: a sister who needs to go for her dreams and a brother who needs to get his head out of the clouds.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20^th Century Fox Television, Chernin Entertainment

CREATOR/WRITER/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Dana Fox

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Peter Chernin, Katherine Pope

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: Jake Kasdan

CAST: Dakota Johnson as Kate, Nat Faxon as Ben, Maggie Jones as Maddie, Lucy Punch as BJ, Echo Kellum as Tommy

VIDEO TRAILER:

THE MINDY PROJECT

THE MINDY PROJECT is a new single-camera comedy from Emmy Award-nominated writer/producer and New York Times best-selling author Mindy Kaling (“The Office”) that follows a woman who, despite having a successful career, desperately needs to break bad habits in her personal life. After all, how many doctors make inappropriate toasts at their ex-boyfriend’s wedding, nearly drown at the bottom of a stranger’s pool and get arrested for disorderly conduct just moments before having to deliver a baby? Funny, impatient and politically incorrect, MINDY LAHIRI (Kaling) can quote every romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan that exists. She loves the good ones and the bad ones, because the girl always gets the guy. Mindy is determined to be more punctual, spend less money, lose weight and read more books – all in pursuit of becoming a well-rounded perfect woman…who can meet and date the perfect guy. Mindy is a skilled OB/GYN and shares a practice with a few other doctors, none of whom make life any easier for her. JEREMY REED (British writer/comedian Ed Weeks) is the walking definition of total bad news. He not only shares a practice with Mindy, but sometimes her bed as well – despite her best efforts to resist. He is funny, self-absorbed and super sexy. In contrast, DANNY CASTELLANO (Chris Messina, “Damages”) is a hothead and guys’ guy who has a habit of stealing Mindy’s patients. Danny criticizes her for everything, including her struggling love life and her lack of professionalism – even though it’s obvious to everyone except Mindy that he secretly admires her work. His blue-collar childhood gives him a big chip on his shoulder, but he is a dedicated physician, which Mindy can’t stand to admit because he’s always getting on her case. Rounding out the office staff are the receptionists – BETSY PUTCH (Zoe Jarman, “Huge”), young, earnest and easily excitable, who thinks the world of Mindy and is always trying to impress her; and SHAUNA DICANIO (newcomer Dana DeLorenzo), a self-assured Jersey Girl who is indifferent to Mindy, always knows where the cool party is and carries a poorly concealed torch for Danny. Mindy is in constant communication with her beloved best friend from college, GWEN GRANDY (Anna Camp, “The Good Wife”), who also happens to be the governor’s daughter. Gwen is a hilarious, sometimes too-blunt friend, and secretly a former carefree party girl (which only Mindy seems to remember). Although Gwen is now happily married to a financial analyst, with a six-year-old daughter, this lawyer-turned-Pilates mom remains squarely in Mindy’s corner. As Mindy attempts to get her career off the ground and meet a guy who passes her red flag test (no drug habits, no skinny jeans and no secret families, among others), only time will tell if she gets her romantic comedy ending.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Universal Television, 3 Arts Entertainment

CREATOR/WRITER/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Mindy Kaling

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Howard Klein, B.J. Novak (pilot)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: Charles McDougall (pilot)

CAST: Mindy Kaling as Mindy, Chris Messina as Danny, Ed Weeks as Jeremy, Anna Camp as Gwen, Zoe Jarman as Betsy, Dana DeLorenzo as Shauna

VIDEO TRAILER:

The following new drama will debut this fall on FOX:

THE MOB DOCTOR

For most physicians, the Hippocratic oath is sacred. But for one Chicago doctor, who is indebted to the mafia, saving lives isn’t her only concern. THE MOB DOCTOR is a fast-paced medical drama featuring a brilliant young female cardiothoracic surgeon who is split between two distinct worlds as she juggles her promising medical career with her lifelong debt as a doctor to Chicago’s Southside mob. DR. GRACE DEVLIN (Jordana Spiro, “My Boys”) is a top resident at Chicago’s Roosevelt Medical Center. Smart and self-assured, she’s heralded as one of the country’s most promising young surgeons. But family ties keep her glued to her Southside roots. To pay off her brother’s life-threatening gambling debt, she makes a deal with the devil and agrees to work “off book” for the mafia men she once despised.  During the day, Grace must deal with the emotionally compelling cases at Roosevelt Medical – a toddler in need of a heart transplant, an elderly man desperate to donate a lung to his sick wife, the mass chaos in the wake of a two-train collision on the ‘L.’ But in her other vastly different world, she must juggle an onslaught of mob-related demands, including operating in mob-sanctioned locations, removing bullets from dead bodies to hide incriminating evidence, saving a juiced-up race horse and covertly helping an aging mobster with his erectile dysfunction. All the while, Grace must keep her dual life a secret from everyone: her protective best friend, NURSE ROBERTA “RO” ANGELI (Floriana Lima, “Glory Daze”); her handsome, blue-blooded boyfriend, DR. BRETT ROBINSON (Zach Gilford, “Off The Map,” “Friday Night Lights”); her boss at Roosevelt Medical and Chief of Surgery, DR. STAFFORD WHITE (Zeljko Ivanek, “The Event,” “Damages”); her rival, DR. OLIVIA WATSON (Jaime Lee Kirchner, “Necessary Roughness,” “Mercy”); even her well-meaning screw-up brother, NATE (Jesse Lee Soffer, “As the World Turns”), and her overly dramatic mother, DANIELLA (Wendy Makkena, “NCIS”). The only one who knows the true scope of Grace’s activities is the man to whom Grace owes her debt: the charming and diabolical Southside mob boss CONSTANTINE ALEXANDER (William Forsythe, “Boardwalk Empire”), an oddly compassionate killer whose relationship with Grace is more than it seems. Recently released from prison, the former head of the Chicago mob looks to reclaim his place in the organization, with the help of his right-hand associate – and Grace’s ex-boyfriend – FRANCO (James Carpinello, “The Good Wife”). As Grace tries to heed the demands of these two conflicting worlds – not to mention the needs of her own slightly dysfunctional family – her moral center comes into direct conflict with the very immoral things she’s asked to do. But with nerves of steel and a tough-as-nails exterior, she somehow manages to make it all work – at least for now.

PRODUCTION COMPANY: Sony Pictures Television

CREATORS/WRITERS/EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Josh Berman, Rob Wright

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: Michael Dinner

CAST: Jordana Spiro as Dr. Grace Devlin, William Forsythe as Constantine Alexander, Floriana Lima as Nurse “Ro” Angeli, Zach Gilford as Dr. Brett Robinson, Jaime Lee Kirchner as Dr. Olivia Watson, Zeljko Ivanek as Dr. Stafford White, James Carpinello as Franco, Jesse Lee Soffer as Nate Devlin, Wendy Makkena as Daniella Devlin

VIDEO TRAILER:
 

THE FOLLOWING

THE FBI estimates there are currently over 300 active serial killers in the United States. What would happen if these killers had a way of communicating and connecting with each other? What if they were able to work together and form alliances across the country? What if one brilliant psychotic serial killer was able to bring them all together and activate a following? Welcome to THE FOLLOWING, the terrifying new thriller from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Dawson’s Creek,” the “Scream” franchise). When notorious serial killer JOE CARROLL (James Purefoy, “Rome”) escapes from death row and embarks on a new killing spree, the FBI calls former agent RYAN HARDY (Emmy-nominated actor Kevin Bacon, “X-Men: First Class”) to consult on the case. Having since withdrawn from the public eye, Hardy was responsible for Carroll’s capture nine years ago, after Carroll murdered 14 female students on the Virginia college campus where he taught literature. Hardy is a walking textbook of all-things Carroll. He knows him better than anyone; he is perhaps Carroll’s only psychological and intellectual match. But the Ryan Hardy who broke the Carroll case years ago isn’t the same man today. Wounded both physically and mentally by his previous pursuit of this serial killer, it’s been a long time since Hardy has been in the field. This investigation is his redemption, his call to action. In contrast to nine years ago, Hardy isn’t calling the shots on this case. He works closely with an FBI team, which includes all-business and tough-as-nails JENNIFER MASON (Jeananne Goossen, “The Vow,” ALCATRAZ) and young, razor-sharp MIKE WESTON (Shawn Ashmore, “X-Men”).

The team considers Hardy to be more of a liability than an asset. But Hardy proves his worth when he uncovers that Carroll was covertly communicating with a network of killers in the outside world. It quickly becomes obvious that he has more planned than just a prison escape, and there’s no telling how many additional killers are out there. The FBI’s investigation leads Hardy to CLAIRE MATTHEWS (Natalie Zea, “Justified”), Carroll’s ex-wife and mother of the criminal’s 10-year-old son, JOEY (newcomer Kyle Catlett). Close during Hardy’s initial investigation, Hardy turns to Claire for insight into Carroll’s next move. The tension rises when Carroll’s accomplices kidnap his intended last victim from nine years ago. Hardy becomes ever more determined to end Carroll’s game when he realizes that this psychopath intends to finish what he started. The thriller will follow Hardy and the FBI as they are challenged with the ever-growing web of murder around them, masterminded by the devious Carroll, who dreams of writing a novel with Hardy as his protagonist. The reinvigorated Hardy will get a second chance to capture Carroll, as he’s faced with not one but a cult of serial killers.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Warner Bros. Television, Outerbanks Entertainment, Bonanza Productions Inc.

CREATOR/WRITER/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Kevin Williamson

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: Marcos Siega

CAST: Kevin Bacon as Ryan Hardy, James Purefoy as Joe Carroll, Jeananne Goossen as Agent Jennifer Mason, Natalie Zea as Claire Matthews, Kyle Catlett as Joey Matthews, Shawn Ashmore as Agent Weston, Valorie Curry as Denise, Adan Canto as Billy Thomas, Nico Tortorella as Will Wilson

VIDEO TRAILER:

The new comedy slated for midseason is:

THE GOODWIN GAMES

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And when that will’s worth more than 20 million dollars, you can bet someone’s going to find a way to get the cash. From the executive producers of “How I Met Your Mother,” THE GOODWIN GAMES is a single-camera comedy that tells the story of three grown siblings who return home after their father’s death, and unexpectedly find themselves poised to inherit a vast fortune – if they adhere to their late father’s wishes. If any of the Goodwin kids feel like they deserve the money, then it’s HENRY (Scott Foley, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Felicity”), the eldest child and an overachieving surgeon. He sees himself as a role model for his less successful siblings – and reminds them every chance he gets. Returning home will force Henry to question the choices he’s made, especially as he reconnects with his first love and true soulmate, LUCINDA (Felisha Terrell, “Days of Our Lives”). Middle sibling CHLOE (Becki Newton, “Ugly Betty”) was a child prodigy in math, and her unofficial role as “the smart one” of the family still sends Henry into fits of jealousy. But long ago, Chloe gave up academics in favor of being the popular girl. Now, through a series of hidden messages, her late father will lead Chloe back to her old love of numbers – and back to the person she’s meant to be. Of the three siblings, the youngest, JIMMY (Jake Lacy, “Better With You”), could use the inheritance the most. A small-time ex-con and dull-witted guitarist who’s deep in debt to a loan shark, Jimmy may be the family screw-up, but he has more heart than anyone. Like his siblings, Jimmy’s also returning to something in this town: his eight-year-old daughter. Pulling the strings from beyond the grave is the children’s late father, BENJAMIN (guest star Beau Bridges, “The Descendants”), a college math professor. Guilty over not parenting his kids better, Benjamin has left behind a series of unique challenges – administered by his estate attorney APRIL (newcomer Melissa Tang). Through these tasks, Benjamin hopes he can get his children to rediscover their true selves and learn the lessons he failed to instill in them while he was alive. Their potential reward? More than 20 million dollars – a fortune that they never knew their father had – and the chance to become the people their father wanted them to be. So let THE GOODWIN GAMES begin!

PRODUCTION COMPANY: 20^th Century Fox Television

CREATORS/WRITERS/EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Carter Bays, Craig Thomas, Chris Harris

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: Peyton Reed (pilot)

CAST: Scott Foley as Henry, Becki Newton as Chloe, Jake Lacy as Jimmy, Felisha Terrell as Lucinda, Melissa Tang as April

VIDEO TRAILER:

HBO has released some pretty awesome character posters for the upcoming season of TRUE BLOOD.  Follow the jump for a gallery of our favorites, including Russell, Pam, Tara, and Roman, Christopher Meloni’s new vampire addition!!

The finale is full of straight up comedy, big emotions, and a moment that I found so endearing that I was delighted to find tears in my eyes.  There were episodes this season that I struggled to get through, as can be the case with any show trying to stay new in its fifth season, but this finale brought the whole year full circle, and get me and THE BIG BANG THEORY on better footing going into Year 6.  Be sure to check it out tonight at 8/7c on CBS, and following the jump for a preview clip or two!