New NBC Fall TV Shows

This week marks the launch of most of the new TV shows. Monday night felt like NBC's new "Must-See TV," with Chuck, Heroes, and Journeyman. The shows on the other networks didn’t spark enough of my interest – although I thought about watching How I Met Your Mother.

Chuck had a promising start. With a cute, funny and smart lead character in “Chuck,” this is different than just a usual action show. He works for the “Nerd Herd” after all. The spy storyline and obvious romantic sparks with his CIA protector, “Sarah Walker,” should keep the show moving at a fun pace. Let’s hope it doesn’t simplify stories too much in order to fit its time slot.

The debut of Heroes’ new season provided the most excitement. Monday’s episode had to do the first season thing: recap last season and setup the new season. The Heroes writers know how to hook its viewers with familiar, likable characters (Hiro!) and plot twists (murder!). Adding David Anders (“Sark” on Alias) also provided depth. If you saw him on Alias, you know he’s capable of playing deceptive characters. This show is definitely the solid foundation for NBC’s Monday night.

Journeyman proved it has potential. For fans of time travel shows and movies, like me, this show won’t be dropped quickly. It’s been a long time since Quantum Leap aired. While the characters seem interesting, the first episode of Journeyman only gave hints of who they are and why we should like them. If they build on that, then the audience will be rooting for the main character to save people throughout time, while trying to get home.

Let me know which fall TV shows you’re excited about – new and returning. Maybe I’ll become a fan, too. Or at least rent them once the season is over.

-Cori Stoddard, SKORCH online editor/intern

Top Left: Chuck, Monday at 8p.m., NBC

Middle Right: Heroes, Monday at 9p.m., NBC

Bottom Left: Journeyman, Monday at 10p.m., NBC