Every fall, the major television networks release their new lineup of shows for consumption by the public. Typically, the shows are vaguely reminiscent of an old spaghetti western film: the good, the bad and the ugly. This year, the Clarion helps sort through the pile of pilots and delivers the ones worth keeping an eye on. Make sure to catch these as they premiere and air throughout the week
“666 Park Avenue”
ABC
Sept. 30, 9 p.m.
ABC’s new pilot “666 Park Avenue” capitalizes on the trend of following the lives of upscale citizens set by shows like CW’s “Gossip Girl,” but offers the added flavor of mystery to the plot. The story begins when young couple Jane Van Veen (Rachael Taylor, “Grey’s Anatomy”) and Henry Martin (Dave Annable, Brothers & Sisters), move into The Drake, one of the premier apartment buildings on Manhattan’s upper east side.
However, the building is not quite what meets the eye thanks to mysterious owner Gavin Doran (Terry O’Quinn, “Lost”). This thrilling new drama is based on Gabriella Pierce’s book series by the same name and is produced by creators David Wilcox (“Fringe”) and Matthew Miller (“Chuck”). Those that like high society but want plot elements they can sink their teeth into should look no further than “666 Park Avenue.”
The Mob Doctor
Fox
Sept. 17, 8 p.m.
There are times when good people do bad things for good reasons. For the top resident at Chicago’s Roosevelt Medical Center, this means working for the Southside mob in order to pay off her brother’s life-threatening gambling debt.
Dr. Grace Devlin (Jordana Spiro) is one of the countries most promising young surgeons, but with her involvement in the mob she finds herself in situations no successful surgeon should – performing surgeries in back allies on wanted men and even racehorses involved in massive betting schemes. Devlin somehow balances her two lives, but viewers can expect tensions to run high as her dual lives clash throughout the season.
“Elementary”
CBS
Sept. 27, 9 p.m.
Despite its odd title, “Elementary” looks to be a fresh spin on the classic Sherlock Holmes tales by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The show, however, has a few key differences from the original book series. First, it is set in present-day New York City, but Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller, Dexter), himself is still British. However, the most shocking change is the replacement of Dr. John Watson with Dr. Joan Watson, played by Lucy Liu.
After his time spent in rehab, Holmes is released back into the life of the city, but with one major adjustment. His wealthy father has hired a sober companion, Dr. Watson, to ease the transition and live with him until his life is back on track. Producer Robert Doherty’s (“Medium”) new show, filled with witty humor and crime solving mystery appears to be an interesting take on an old classic.
“Revolution”
NBC
Mondays, 9 p.m.
“Revolution,” produced by J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk (“Lost,” “Star Trek”), creates a world where 15 years ago, all electricity went out, car engines stopped, planes fell from the sky and all government was dismantled. The story starts in the present day, where some of society has learned to regroup and form small colonies across the country. However, not all is peaceful and idyllic.
The story is focused through Charlie Matheson’s (Tracy Spiridakos) eyes and her need to find out what is beyond her small village. The show follows her through her journeys and the dark encounters with the local militia. The show also stars Graham Roger (Memphis Beat) as Danny and Billy Burke (“Twilight”series ) as Miles. Look for a free pilot on iTunes and be sure to catch all of the mystery live as it unfolds.
“The New Normal”
NBC
Tuesdays, 8:30 p.m.
“The New Normal” reflects its title well. The show is based on the death of the nuclear family, the standard one mother, one father and a child no longer stands. Bryan (Andrew Rannells, Girls) and David (Justin Bartha, “The Hangover”) are a gay couple with the desire for a child and a surrogate mother to have it for them. Goldie (Georgia King, “One Day”), on the other hand is a young single mother recently moved to Los Angeles in search of something better than being a Midwestern waitress for her and her daughter.
The three meet and instantly find they can help each other reach their dreams. Creator Ryan Murphy (“Glee”) serves as executive producer and director along with co-creator executive producer Ali Adler (“Glee”) and executive producer Dante Di Loreto (“Glee”), working together to create a promising pilot for viewers this fall.
