Ahhh, that new TV show smell. A new fall season has begun and thankfully there seems to be a few select jewels among the endless excess of recycled cop and hospital dramas. Yes, these programs are safe bets and some have been wonderful, but when a new show comes out that breaks the mold, a show that to quote the infamous Ms. Frizzle “takes chances, makes mistakes, gets messy” that my friends is a show worth taking a gander at. Let’s take a look at a few of these boob tube noobs.
BOARDWALK EMPIRE
Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO
A new series taking place in Atlantic City, N.J., during the prohibition era and stars Steve Buscemi as Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, part politician part gangster, and the once undisputed ruler of Atlantic City. “Empire” has the involvement of Martin Scorsese and was adapted by Emmy award-winning screenwriter and producer Terence Winter of “The Sopranos.” I am literally salivating. “Boardwalk Empire” premiered Sunday, Sept. 20.
THE EVENT
Mondays at 9 p.m. on NBC
“The Event” is an American conspiracy thriller that looks promising and unique. Starring Jason Ritter, the show follows one man as he looks to find answers to his girlfriend’s mysterious disappearance. In the process he discovers the biggest cover-up in US history. Could this baby be the next “Lost,” or will it be just another wannabe? Find out for yourself, since “The Event” just premiered Monday, Sept. 20.
HAWAII FIVE-O
Mondays at 10 p.m. on CBS
A remake of the classic, long running original and set in beautiful Hawaii, “Hawaii Five-0” looks to be just another cop drama — just more exotic. I find this ironic though, as the original is the reason for the constant rehashing of cop dramas each season on every network. The show does star Daniel Dae Kim who played Jin Kwon on “Lost” so give this show a look if you’re a big fan of Mr. Kim, check out “Hawaii Five-0” which just aired Monday, Sept. 20.
NO ORDINARY FAMILY
Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC
The story of the Powell’s, an average American family who, after their plane crashes into the Amazon River, gain super powers. Sounds like “Heroes” set in suburbia to me, but the show does boast Julie Benz who played Rita on “Dexter.” and Michael Chiklis of “The Shield” and “Fantastic Four” fame. Could be great, could be garbage. “No Ordinary Family” premiered this past Tuesday, Sept. 21, so give it a shot if you so desire.
RUNNING WILDE
Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. on FOX
A comedic show starring Will Arnett and Keri Russell. Arnett plays an oil company heir whose childhood crush turned environmental activist ends up living with him. Hilarity ensues as the two clash inevitably. Oh, and David Cross plays Russell’s ecoterrorist fiancé. The casting obviously makes me think “Arrested Development” and it sounds like a hoot. “Running Wilde” premiered Tuesday, Sept. 21.
Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC
“Undercovers” is an American Spy series created by the great J.J. Abrams (the genius behind “Lost,” “Alias” and “Fringe”) about a married couple who happen to also be superspies. This action packed romantic comedy set in a plethora of exotic locations and shows promise based upon the creative mind behind. It definitely deserves a look, especially if you like the film “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” “Undercovers” premiered Wednesday, Sept. 22.
NIKITA
Thursdays at 9 p.m. on The CW
The show stars Maggie Q of “Mission Impossible III,” an assassin bent on revenge against the people who made her into what she is. Sounds sexy. A sort of reboot of previous “Nikita” films and TV series, the show takes place during a whole new chapter of Nikita’s life. Check the show out. If you’re a fan of the originals or just the sultry Q, this might just be for you. It premieres tonight, Thursday, Sept. 23.
THE WALKING DEAD
TBD The Walking Dead on AMC
Making its glorious premiere on Halloween, this zombie apocalypse show is close to arrival, and boy is it gunna be good. Created for television by Frank Darabont of “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile,” “The Walking Dead” follows Rick Grimes as he navigates across zombie infested America to find his wife and kid. Boasting incredible visual effects and a great cast, you would be stupid not to check this warlock out.