Fall is coming, meaning an end to summer and a new beginning for television shows. While some shows have ended or suffered being axed by producers due to low ratings, there’s still plenty of variety to go around for this year. 

Once Upon a Time (ABC)

A Fantasy drama written by the same writers from Lost, based on and inspired by multiple fairy tales. The story centers around Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison), the descendant of well-known fairy tale characters. In Season 2, the story continues in Storybrooke, Maine, where residents are characters from fairy tales, with a curse. Captain Hooke from Peter Pan stories will be the an antagonist for the season.

Modern Family (ABC)

A story of three families and their trials and tribulations, done in the style of “mockumentary,” returns for its fourth season. Each family agrees to be interviewed for a show that is going to be aired in the Netherlands and reveal more than they thought in this comedy. Features Emmy Award winners Eric Stonestreet and Ty Burrell (supporting actor) and Julie Bowen (supporting actress).

Community (NBC)

The comedy show about a community college student body (starring John McHale, Donald Glover, Chevy Chase, Gillian Jacobs) returns, after some worries of whether or not it was cancelled. It will be returning with 13 episodes, which is a shorter season than usual..

Fringe (FOX)

Fox’s current sci-fi thriller returns, and with a fifth and final season, with 13 episodes as opposed to the usual 26. The Observers are coming to our world, and the main crew (Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble) is working to find ways to avoid terrible events that have been seen to occur in 2036.

How I Met Your Mother (CBS)

The hit comedy show about the five New Yorkers (Josh Radner, Jason Segal, Cobie Smulders, Alyson Hannigan, Neil Patrick Harris) begins its eighth season this fall. This season will possibly be the last season due to the actors’ contracts still being negotiations  While their contracts could be renewed, the producers have worked on two storylines. One that could wrap up the series, and one that can lead into a ninth season.

 

While some popular favorites are returning, some new ones are coming to surface and are hoping to catch the attention of audiences nationwide. 

Elementary (CBS)

An American take on the famous British Sherlock Holmes novels. This is no doubt somewhat inspired by the success of BBC’s hit show Sherlock. CBS’s Elementary has taken a few steps in their own direction, like having the character of Watson be female (played by Lucy Liu), and adding various modern aspects to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved stories. Sherlock will be played by Jonny Lee Miller.

666 Park Avenue (ABC)

Based on the book series by Gabrielle Pierce, a couple (Dave Annable and Rachael Taylor) gets hired as residential managers for an apartment building in New York. Little do they know that each resident had their desires fulfilled by making a deal with the devil.

Arrow (CW)

The CW previously had Smallville, a show based on Superman’s life before he became the Man of Steel. Now they’re doing a show based on the Green Arrow’s life before his fame, played by Stephen Amell. This show will be going for a realistic approach as the Green Arrow goes around as a vigilante, stopping crime by his own means of justice.

CrossBones (NBC)

Set in 1715, Tom Lowe is an undercover assassin whose mission is to assassinate the infamous pirate, Blackbeard. Despite the undercover operation, Lowe grows an appreciation for the notorious seafarer.

The Following (FOX)

Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), a serial killer, breaks out of prison and the former FBI agent, Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon), who put him in prison is brought back to hunt him down. Carroll isn’t alone, however. During his time in prison, he’s used social networking to create a cult following, causing more trouble.