FALL 2008 COMEDY PREVIEW

When does your favorite comedy return with new episodes? What famous faces will be popping up as guest stars? And what’s the scoop on all the new series? About.com has all the details – read on in our Fall 2008 Comedy Preview.   

Thursday, August 21
The Cho Show* (VH1, 11/10c) –The music channel turns to offbeat comedienne Margaret Cho for what they’re billing as a “reality-sitcom.” From awkward clashes with her more traditional parents to outrageous moments with her colorful entourage, fans of the stand-up are sure to love this up- close-and-personal look at Cho’s life.
* denotes new series.

Tuesday, August 26
Gavin & Stacey* (BBC America, 8:40/7:40c) – This two-time winner of the BAFTA (the UK’s version of the Emmy) comes to the States. Written by and starring Ruth Jones (Nighty Night) and James Corden (The History Boys),  the series follows the whirlwind romance of two young lovers from different regions and the culture clash of their quirky families.  

Sunday, September 7
Entourage (HBO, 10/9c) – More Hollywood escapades abound for Vincent (Adrian Grenier), Ari (Jeremy Piven) and the boys. In the fourth season, executive producer Mark Wahlberg makes his second appearance as himself, Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl) returns as singer Justine Chapin, and childhood friend Dom (Domenick Lombardozzi, The Wire) visits again.

Wednesday, September 10
‘Til Death (FOX, 9/8c) – Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher return to mine more comedy from marital misunderstandings, as JB Smoove (who plays Kenny) is upped to a series regular.  Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) directs an upcoming episode.
Do Not Disturb* (FOX, 9:30/8:30c) – Set in a high-end Manhattan hotel, this workplace comedy largely focuses on the personality clash between detail-oriented manager Neal (Jerry O’Connell, Carpoolers) and the brash head of human resources, Rhonda (Niecy Nash, Reno 911!). Also starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson of CBS’ The Class.

Thursday, September 11
Comics Without Borders* (Showtime, 11/10c) – International comedy sensation Russell Peters hosts this nine-episode series featuring multicultural stand-up comedians.

Saturday, September 13
MADtv (FOX, 11/10c) – Bobby Lee, Nicole Parker and the rest of the gang are back for the 14^th season of the sketch-comedy show, joined by new cast member (and Chicago comedy vet) Matt Braunger.
Saturday Night Live (NBC, 11:30/10:30c) – SNL’s starting earlier than ever, with hopes of capitalizing on the upcoming election. Keep visiting tvcomedies.about.com for hosting information as it becomes available. 

Thursday, September 18
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, 10/9c) – This college favorite about four egocentric friends keeps pushing boundaries as Mac (Rob McElhenney) and Charlie (Charlie Day) fake their own deaths and Dennis (Glenn Howerton) fakes his way into rehab to get more fodder for his memoirs. Danny DeVito also stars.

Monday, September 22
The Big Bang Theory (CBS 8/7c) – Leonard (Johnny Galecki) continues to be annoyed by uptight roommate Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and finally goes on a date with neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco). Shaking things up for the geeks? Sara Gilbert (Roseanne, in which she starred with Galecki), parlaying her turn as brainy Leslie Winkler into a full-time gig.
How I Met Your Mother (CBS 8:30/7:30c) – When we last left off, Ted (Josh Radnor) had just proposed to Stella (guest star Sarah Chalke, Scrubs). Could she be the future mother of his kids? Meanwhile, Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) begins to realize he has feelings for Robin (Cobie Smulders). Later this season, look for a guest turn from Regis Philbin.
Two and a Half Men (CBS 9/8c) – Martin Mull (Roseanne) and Rena Sofer (24) guest star when Charlie (Charlie Sheen) encounters an ex whose son looks an awful lot like him. Also featuring Jon Cryer.
Worst Week* (CBS 9:30/8:30c) – Sam Briggs (Kyle Bornheimer, Jericho) will do anything to please his girlfriend’s parents, but instead becomes a one-man wrecking crew whenever he’s around them. Kurtwood Smith of That 70’s Show plays another curmudgeon as Sam’s future father-in-law. Erinn Hayes (The Winner) and Nancy Lenehan (My Name Is Earl) round out the cast.

Wednesday, September 24
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS 8/7c) – Wedding bells sound like they’re in the air as Richard (Clark Gregg) attempts to propose to New Christine (Emily Rutherford), but two others may end up hitched when Barb (Wanda Sykes) faces deportation to the Bahamas. Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus. 
Gary Unmarried* (CBS 8:30/7:30c) – Jay Mohr (Ghost Whisperer) stars as Gary, a divorced father trying to find love as he deals with the news that his ex-wife (Paula Marshall, Out of Practice) is engaged to their shrink, Dr. Krandall (Ed Begley, Jr., St. Elsewhere).

Thursday, September 25
My Name Is Earl (NBC, 8/7c) – Earl (Jason Lee) continues to make amends for past sins with help from his list and karma. After a detour to prison and into a coma last season, the one-hour premiere finds Earl enlisting the help of his friends, including his brother (Ethan Suplee) and ex-wife (Jaime Presley), to focus on righting his biggest blunders. Guests this season include Seth Green (Robot Chicken) and Jenna Elfman (Dharma & Greg).
Ugly Betty (ABC, 8/7c) – Our heroine (America Ferrera) chooses between a proposal from Henry (Christopher Gorham) and a trip with Gio (Freddy Rodriquez). Lindsay Lohan (Mean Girls) and Eddie Cibrian (Invasion) continue their stints as an old classmate of Betty’s and a love interest for Hilda (Ana Ortiz), respectively. Also expect appearances from Mark Consuelos (Hope & Faith) as a detective and Heather Tom (The Bold & the Beautiful) as a State Department liaison to the long-lost son of Daniel (Eric Mabius). Making fewer appearances will be Rebecca Romijn as she focuses on upcoming motherhood; not to worry though as Vanessa Williams remains around as the deliciously devious Wilhelmina Slater.
The Office (NBC, 9/8c) – Will Jim (John Krasinski) ever get the chance to propose to Pam (Jenna Fischer)? Perhaps, but the one-hour premiere will likely focus on two love triangles instead: Dwight-Angela-Andy (Rainn Wilson, Angela Kinsey, and Ed Helms) and Jan-Michael-Holly (Melora Hardin, Steve Carell, and Amy Ryan, reprising her role as Toby’s replacement in HR). Also this season, Rich Sommers (Mad Men) appears as a classmate of Pam’s, and a one-hour episode will air after the Super Bowl on Feb. 1. 

Sunday, September 28
The Simpsons (FOX, 8/7c) – The premiere focuses on Homer’s new job as a bounty hunter, as he tracks down Snake and his pregnant girlfriend Gloria (voice of Julia Louis-Dreyfus). The annual “Treehouse of Horror” episode will spoof It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown as well as the election, and Seth Rogen (Pineapple Express) will write an episode. Other famous voices making the rounds include Matt Damon (The Bourne Ultimatum) and Denis Leary (Rescue Me), the latter playing himself.
King of the Hill (FOX, 8:30/7:30c) – The long-running, and often underrated, series about an average family in Texas celebrates its 250^th episode in May 2009. In the meantime, viewers can enjoy storylines about Luanne and Lucky having a baby and Hank learning that his boss Buck Strickland has an illegitimate son.
Desperate Housewives (ABC, 9/8c) – Last May’s finale found Edie (Nicolette Sheridan) leaving town before jumping ahead five years to give glimpses of Gabrielle (Eva Longoria) as a harried mother, Bree (Marcia Cross) as a successful entrepreneur – with Katherine (Dana Delany) on her staff, and Susan (Teri Hatcher) kissing a man we hadn’t met yet (Gale Harold, Queer as Folk). Fans worried about Mike’s future on the show can relax with the knowledge that James Denton will be back. Five years away from Wisteria Lane seems to be long enough for Edie, who returns with a new husband in tow (Neal McDonough, Traveler). As for Lynette (Felicity Huffman) and Tom (Doug Savant)? They’re still busy with troublesome boys. Time jump fan or not, it’s nice to know that some things never change.
Family Guy (FOX, 9/8c) – In another parody of the Star Wars franchise, the Griffin family takes on The Empire Strikes Back. Other plots include Lois getting a job working for FOX News, Peter taking 3^rd grade classes, and Stewie creating a time machine that sends him and Brian back to World War II-era Poland. Notable guest voices include Drew Barrymore, Robert Downy Jr., Will Ferrell, Kiefer Sutherland, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, and the legendary rock group KISS.
American Dad (FOX, 9:30/8:30c) – Earth is in danger when Roger decides to have his home planet blow up Earth, and it’s hard to blame him after his experiences with the Smith family. Storylines this season also include Steve and his friends planning a heist of a classmate’s bar mitzvah and Stan becoming an exotic dancer.
Californication (Showtime, 10/9c) – It looks like Hank Moody (David Duchovny) and Karen (Natascha McElhone) are finally settling down, leaving much of the sexual antics to Charlie (Evan Handler). Marcy (Pamela Adlon) develops a cocaine habit, and Becca (Madeline Zima) gets a boyfriend. Expect a flashback sequence set at Kurt Cobain’s funeral, back when Hank and Karen were first lovers.  
The Life & Times of Tim* (HBO, 10:30/9:30c) – This new animated comedy focuses on Tim, a self-conscious guy living in New York who goes from one scandalous crisis to the next. Voiced by creator Steve Dildarian, Tim often finds himself embarrassingly caught red-handed in his misguided attempts to handle the problems the world throws at him. 
Little Britain USA* (HBO, 11/10c) – The edgy British sketch comedy series is adapted stateside with help from Simon Fuller (creator of American Idol). Writers and stars making the jump include Matt Lucas and David Walliams. Characters in the original included “The Only Gay in the Village,” wayward teen Vicky Pollard and an incontinent grandma.

Monday, September 29
Chuck (NBC, 8/7c) – Cut short last season by the writer’s strike, the spy dramedy will follow through on Casey (Adam Baldwin) having to choose between his duty and his relationship with Chuck (Zachary Levi) as well as the Buy More assistant manager storyline. Jordana Brewster (The Fast and the Furious) will play a long-lost love of Chuck’s, and guest stars include Melinda Clarke (The O.C.), Michael Clark Duncan (Sin City), John Larroquette (Boston Legal) and Nichole Ritchie (The Simple Life).

Wednesday, October 1
Pushing Daisies (ABC, 8/7c) – In the second season of the acclaimed and stylish series, Chuck (Anna Friel) learns the truth about her real mother, Olive (Kristin Chenoweth) feels the burden of all the secrets she knows, and Emerson (Chi McBride) has begun making pop-up books. Of course the ability of Ned (Lee Pace) to bring the dead back to life – and his inability to touch previously dead Chuck again as a result – remains the focus. A bevy of familiar faces stop by, including David Arquette (In Case of Emergency), Fred Willard (Back to You), Kerri Kenny (Reno 911!), Debra Mooney (Everwood), Autumn Reeser (The O.C.), and Stephen Root (Newsradio).

Friday, October 3
Everybody Hates Chris (CW, 8/7c) – Inspired by Chris Rock’s life as a kid (Rock serves as narrator as well), television’s best family comedy heads to Friday nights. Starring Tichina Arnold, Terry Crews and Tyler James Williams as Chris.
The Game (CW, 8:30/7:30c) – Cliffhangers abounded in last season’s finale, including Kelly (Brittany Daniel) and Jason (Coby Bell) headed toward divorce, Malik (Hosea Chanchez) marrying Robin Givens, and Janay (Gabrielle Dennis) revealing she’s pregnant – further complicating the on-and-off romance of Melanie (Tia Mowry) and Derwin (Pooch Hall).

Sunday, October 5
America’s Funniest Home Videos (ABC, 7/6c) – Tom Bergeron returns as host of this long-running clip show in which ordinary folks submit their videos for a chance at $10,000 and to qualify for the $100,000 grand prize at the end of the season.

Monday, October 6
Samantha Who? (ABC, 9:30/8:30c) – Though star Christina Applegate has been diagnosed with breast cancer, all are optimistic that the early detection and advances in cancer treatment will allow for a speedy recovery to full health – and minimal interruption to the show. The comedy, which also stars Jean Smart and Barry Watson, will feature appearances by James Tupper (Men in Trees) and Mary-Kate Olsen (Full House).

Thursday, October 9
Kath & Kim* (NBC, 8:30/7:30c) – Based on the Australian hit of the same name, NBC’s latest adaptation focuses on Kath (Molly Shannon, Saturday Night Live), a 40-something divorcee, and Kim (Selma Blair, Hellboy), her self-absorbed daughter that decides to move back in.
SNL  Weekend Update Thursday (NBC, 9:30/8:30c) –  Three primetime specials will feature the Weekend Update segment as their anchor. A special featuring both new and old material will also air the night before the election called “Saturday Night Live Presidential Bash 2008” (airing Monday, Nov. 3 at 9:30/8:30c).  
Testees* (FX, 10:30/9:30c) – Two friends and roommates work as test subjects for a less-than-normal product testing facility, often with hilarious results. From writer/creator Kenny Hotz (Kenny vs. Spenny) and starring Canadian newcomers Steve Markle as Peter and Jeff Kassel as Ron.

Thursday, October 30
30 Rock (NBC, 9:30/8:30c) – The year’s most Emmy-nominated comedy returns just in time for Halloween. In the opener of the television industry satire, an adoption agency official shadows Liz (Tina Fey) on a day when all hell breaks lose at the The Girlie Show. Also starring Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, and Jack McBrayer.

Sunday, November 2
Surviving Suburbia* (CW, 7:30/6:30c) – Bob Saget (Full House) plays a man whose tranquil life is turned upside down by new next-door neighbors, including a distracting bombshell daughter and parents who file a frivolous lawsuit against Bob’s wife (Cynthia Stevenson, Men in Trees).

MIDSEASON
According to Jim (ABC) – The family sitcom earned a surprise renewal, paving the way for more mishaps between Jim (Jim Belushi) and his wife (Courtney Thorne-Smith).

The Cleveland Show (FOX) – The Family Guy character moves with his son Cleveland Jr. to Stoolbend, VA, where he attempts to reconnect with former classmate Donna. Donna has two kids herself: a flirtatious daughter, and a 5-year-old son who loves the ladies.

The Goode Family (ABC)  – From Mike Judge (King of the Hill) comes this animated comedy about a family obsessed with doing the right thing, be it environmentally, politically or socially. Unfortunately their efforts often have unintended consequences.

Reaper (CW)  – Sam (Bret Harrison) continues to play bounty hunter for the Devil (Ray Wise), while Sock (Tyler Labine) gets a new stepsister (Eriko Tamura, Heroes) whom he also lusts after.

Rules of Engagement (CBS) – Another comedic guy joins the cast as Orlando Jones begins a recurring role in the sitcom about couples. Featuring Patrick Warburton and David Spade.

Scrubs (ABC) – The series jumps to ABC for what stars Zach Braff and Judy Reyes claim will be their final season.  Pumping new blood into the program will be three interns played by new recurring cast members Betsy Beutler (The Black Donnellys), Eliza Coupe (Unhitched), and Aziz Ansari (Human Giant). The eighth season also features return appearances by Elizabeth Banks and Scott Foley.

Sit Down, Shut Up (FOX) – This animated comedy focuses on the lives of eight staff members at a high school. Kenan Thompson, Will Forte and Cheri Oteri (all from Saturday Night Live) and Jason Bateman (Arrested Development) are among the actors giving voice to the offbeat toon.

Untitled Amy Poehler Project (NBC) – Though NBC initially announced a spin-off of The Office, the creators are now first turning their attention to developing a sitcom starring Poehler (Saturday Night Live). A spin-off is still possible as well.  

Be sure to bookmark tvcomedies.about.com and keep coming back to find out if and when more exciting comedies like ABC’s Bad Mother’s Handbook with Alicia Silverstone, NBC’s Zip with Steven Weber, and FOX’s Boldly Going Nowhere from the creators of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia make it to a TV near you.  

Anyone seeking a promising young entertainment reporter? How about a network executive in training? Upfront week is among us, and I'm job searching.

CBS 2007-2008 SCHEDULE

MONDAY
8/7c How I Met Your Mother
8:30/7:30c The Big Bang Theory [new comedy]
9/8c Two and a Half Men
9:30/8:30c Rules of Engagement
10/9c CSI: Miami

TUESDAY
8/7c NCIS
9/8c The Unit
10/9c Cane [new drama

WEDNESDAY
8/7c Kid Nation [new reality]
9/8c Criminal Minds
10/9c CSI: New York

THURSDAY
8/7c Survivor
9/8c CSI
10/9c Without a Trace**

FRIDAY
8/7c The Ghost Whisperer
9/8c Moonlight [new drama]
10/9c Numb3rs

SATURDAY
8/7c Encores
10/9c 48 Hours: Mystery

SUNDAY
7/6c 60 Minutes
8/7c Viva Laughlin! [new drama]
9/8c Cold Case
10/9c Shark**

** New Night

MIDSEASON: The New Adventures of Old Christine; The Amazing Race
CANCELLED: Jericho; Close to Home; The Class

A Closer Look at the Shows (courtesy Zap2It.com)

The Big Bang Theory Two geniuses get lucky when a beautiful young woman moves in next door and decides to teach them a few things about the world outside of physics. Kaley Cuoco ("8 Simple Rules"), Johnny Galecki ("Roseanne"), Jim Parsons ("Judging Amy"), Simon Helberg ("Studio 60..."), Kunal Nayyar


Cane A South Florida family runs their successful rum and sugar business while dealing with both professional and personal turmoil. Nestor Carbonell ("Lost"), Sam Carman, Hector Elizondo ("Chicago Hope"), Lina Esco ("London"), Eddie Matos ("General Hospital"), Rita Moreno ("West Side Story"), Jimmy Smits ("The West Wing"), Alona Tal ("Supernatural"), Michael Trevino ("The Riches"), Polly Walker ("Rome")


Kid Nation Forty kids between the ages of 8 and 15 are given 40 days to build a new community -- complete with their own cooking, businesses and government -- in the ghost town of Bonanza City, New Mexico. From the producer of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.


Moonlight A vampire for 60 years, Mick St. James works as a private investigator, dealing with the difficulties of immortality, a slew of undead adversaries and his love for a mortal woman.
Alex O'Loughlin ("The Shield"), Amber Valletta ("Premonition"), Rade Sherbedgia ("24"), Shannon Lucio ("The O.C.")



Viva Laughlin Based on the BBC format "Viva Blackpool," a man's dream of opening a casino in Laughlin, Nevada is compromised by his family, his rivals and his involvement in a murder investigation. Musical numbers unexpectedly ensue. Lloyd Owen ("Miss Potter"), Madchen Amick ("Twin Peaks"), P.J. Byrne ("The Game"), Carter Jenkins ("Surface"), Eric Winter ("Wildfire"), Ellen Woglom, D.B. Woodside ("24") and guest starring Melanie Griffith ("Twins") and Hugh Jackman ("The Prestige")

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Swingtown Residents of a Chicago suburb in the '70s are into couple swapping, open marriages and key parties, but they soon come to realize that their alternative lifestyle comes with its own complications. Jack Davenport ("Coupling"), Josh Hopkins ("Pepper Dennis"), Molly Parker ("Deadwood"), Lana Parrilla ("Boomtown"), Miriam Shor ("Big Day"), Grant Show ("Melrose Place"), Kyle Searles ("7th Heaven"), Shanna Collins ("Wildfire"), Brittany Robertson ("Jesse Stone: Night Passage"), Aaron Howles