Sizing Up The Fall 2013 TV Schedule

It’s never too early to start planning your nightly viewing habits for the fall television season and get a jump on resolving new DVR conflicts! With that in mind, here’s a brief overview of ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX primetime programming that’s new, coming back or cancelled.

ABC – ABC is introducing a bundle of new series, most of which will air in the fall. There’s early optimism among network media buyers on the success of The Goldbergs, a family comedy, and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, the adventures of the agents of a covert, quasi-military peacekeeping organization. The popularity of the Marvel Universe is expected to get good initial tune-in and then it will be up to the creators to keep viewers coming back each week. Ming-Na (ER) and Clark Gregg (Avengers) are among the Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D cast. Renewed shows include: The Bachelorette; Castle; Nashville; Last Man Standing; The Middle; and Modern Family. Canceled shows include: Body of Proof; Zero Hour; 666 Park Avenue; and Happy Endings.

CBS – CBS has 20 returning shows this season, the most of any broadcast network.

The network’s highest-profile new sitcom is The Crazy Ones, starring Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar as a father and daughter who own an ad agency. Two new, short-arc dramas, Hostages and Intelligence, are expected to do well in the very competitive Monday night 10pm time slot. Returning shows include: 2 Broke Girls; The Good Wife; Mike & Molly; and Person of Interest. The few shows not returning include: CSI: NY; Golden Boy; Partners; Rules of Engagement; and Vegas.

NBC – NBC has three new family-themed comedies premiering on Thursday night from 8:30pm to 10pm. They include Welcome to The Family starring Mike O’Malley (Glee) at 8:30pm, Sean Saves the World starring Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) at 9pm, and The Michael J. Fox Show starring Michael J. Fox at 10pm. NBC’s biggest chance for drama success is Blacklist, the new James Spader crime drama airing Monday at 10pm. Renewed shows include: Grimm; Parks and Recreation; Chicago Fire; The Biggest Loser; and Parenthood. Shows not returning include:1600 Penn; Guys With Kids; The New Normal; and Smash.

FOX – Many of the new FOX series skew a bit more male and will be a notable change in the primetime program landscape which traditionally leans more heavily female. Two such shows are Dads airing Tuesdays at 8pm and Brooklyn Nine-Nine airing at 8:30pm on Tuesdays. FOX also introduces two new sci-fi dramas to Monday nights: Sleepy Hollow, starring Orlando Jones (MADtv) and Almost Human, starring Karl Urban (Star Trek). Law drama, Rake, starring Greg Kinnear, premieres mid-season on Thursday night at 9pm. Renewed shows include: Bones; The Mindy Project; Raising Hope; and The X Factor. Canceled shows include:Ben and Kate; The Mob Doctor; and Touch.

For a list of the new shows, when they are premiering and sneak peek trailers, check out www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview/

As always, let us know what you think!

Sources: Broadcasting & Cable, Adweek, TV Guide, TVline.com, Variety.com