By Melissa Brisco
Copy Editor
Each year, a plethora of new shows are released with hopes of getting enough views to keep the program on for more than three weeks, and at, best return for a second season.
Each network produces numerous shows that not only compete with other new shows but also with much loved returning programs.
This year, many of the shows are targeted to teen audiences and some have roots in the past. One show is a revival of a much loved 90s show, while another is the sister show to an already popular program. The array of new shows is extremely diverse and many are promising.
One new show which has been receiving much buzz is the resurrection of the popular 90s show, “Melrose Place.” The show originally ran from July 1992 until May 1998 and was the second show in the “Beverly Hills, 90210” series. The new “Melrose Place” is the fifth series in the “Beverly Hills, 90210” franchise. It is not an entirely different show but merely an updated version.
“I watched the first episode [of ‘Melrose Place’] and I’m going to watch the rest of this season,” senior Precious Ogunyemi said. “The first episode wasn’t very good, it seems as though they just started filming randomly in the middle of a story line. In other shows, they build relationships between the characters, but in this one they were already established. I’m going to keep watching though because it seems like it is going to get better.”
The show is about a small apartment complex located in West Hollywood and the plot revolves around its residents. The majority of the actors are young, fresh faces in Hollywood, but a few members of the original cast will be on the new show while others will have guest spots. Two of the young actors will be playing the children of characters from the original show.
Regardless of how good the show is or how true to its predecessor it is, one thing is sure: it will be filled with drama. The first episode is projected to have a murder mystery take place. The show premiered on the CW on Sept. 8. To catch up on the drama, viewers can check out the episodes they’ve missed at the CW.com.
Another show creating buzz is the highly anticipated “Glee.” The pilot aired last spring following the “American Idol” season finale and was very well received. The show is about a high school show choir that was once amazing and even national champions but now is a place for misfits and dorks. A teacher who was in the Glee club when he was in high school decides he wants to be in charge of the club and hopefully return them to their former glory.
The show promises to be funny and charming with delightful newcomers such as Lea Michele (who plays Rachel Berry) and Cory Monteith (who plays football player Finn Hudson) as well as veteran Jane Lynch (who plays the captain of the school’s cheerleading squad, (Sue Sylvester). The show premiered Sept 9. To catch up on the fun, viewers can check out FOX.com for previous episodes.
“I plan on watching “Glee” because it looks like a show that features music that fits into my tastes as well as being a comedy,” senior Scott Bower said. “Also, as a member of Vivacé, I feel obligated to see how the show choirs compare.”
CW has another new show appealing to teens. “Vampire Diaries” which is oddly reminiscent of the hit book and movie series Twilight is based on the book series by L.J. Smith. The show is about Elena Gilbert, a high school girl who is the object of affection of two vampire brothers – one is good and one is evil. All of the actors are relatively unknown. The show seems a bit corny, but many fans of the Twilight franchise anticipated the show’s premier which aired on Sept. 10 on the CW. To see the episodes, go to CW.com. Fervid Twilight fan and sophomore Sarah Hillier does not plan on watching the show.
“‘Vampire Diaries seems to just be following the trending vampire fad among teenage girls,” Hillier said. “They seem to think that, because Twilight and “True Blood” have been successful, they can pick up on that success. My guess is that, like most other fads, this too will pass, and the show won’t last more than a couple seasons at most.”
Also premiering this fall is the comedy “Community” staring much loved TV host Joel McHale from his show “The Soup” and veteran comedic actor Chevy Chase. It is a show about a group of quirky students from all paths of life who attend the local community college set in Greendale, Colo. and form a study group. Through the study group, the characters inevitably end up learning more about themselves than the curriculum. The show premiere aired on Sept. 17 and the episodes can be viewed on NBC.com
“I am going to watch “Community” because I am a fan of Joel McHale,” senior Aleya Noor said. “I think he is really funny and I already watch his show ‘The Soup.’ I’m really excited [for ‘Community’].”
Starting also this fall is “NCIS: Los Angeles” a spinoff show of the already popular “NCIS.” The new show will still be about the Naval Criminal Investigative Services, but will focus around the Office of Special Projects. The group of investigators will go undercover and try to uncover and catch criminals and divert crimes that pose a threat to America’s National Security. A few of the characters from the original “NCIS” will guest star on “NCIS: Los Angeles” however, the regulars of the show are all new. The show premiered on Sept. 22nd on CBS. Those wanting to catch up on the show can go to CBS.com to watch the episodes they missed.
“I do not plan on watching ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ because I really like all of the character from the original ‘NCIS’ and I do not want to start watching another show,” original “NCIS” fan and senior Alaina Wolf said.
This new, diverse array of fall shows appeals to all different audiences, and while some are more promising than others, one thing is sure: this fall, viewers will be very entertained.
