5) Boardwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empire is getting the five spot by default because they cheated and got a head start, as they are already three episodes deep. However, the season has been spectacular so far. This show has always done a fantastic job using real life players and story lines from the prohibition days. The casting in this show is superb and outside of one or two mediocre performances, the writers get the best out of each and every actor. New episodes air Sundays at 9pm on HBO. Also, if you are interested in the true story behind the characters of Boardwalk, I recommend you check out How Booze Built America on the Discovery Channel.
4) The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead comes in at the four spot. It's third season is set to premier Sunday October 14th at 9pm on AMC; and yes, that also means we have our first scheduling conflict. Thank god for DVR. The walking dead takes a stylistic approach to the zombie genre, often using bleak colors and dank surroundings to reinforce how dire the characters' situation really is. As is the case with all good monster movies/shows, the true struggle is not about Man versus Monster, but instead about Man versus Man. The monster is simply the force that creates the conflict. After spending two full seasons with the cast... well those that lasted that long anyway... the audience has developed quite the connection with each character so that when somebody dies, the audience is genuinely upset about it. I am very optimistic about the new season. Check it out.
3) Community
NBC's Community has been one of my favorite shows since it first premiered back in 2009. Show creator, Dan Harmon, is responsible for some of the most out-of-the-box, cleverly written moments in television history. In fact, other than Arrested Development, I can't think of sitcom with better production value and overall entertainment than Dan Harmon's Community. So why is it only number three? Well the simple fact is that it's Dan Harmon's Community no longer. Harmon was fired after the completion of season 3. So although the show has been one of the most consistently hilarious shows on TV since it's inception, there are some big questions going into the 4th season. So has Harmon steered the show in a clear enough direction that it will stay successful without him, or will this autopilot version of Community be the end? I guess we'll have to wait and see. Be sure to tune in at an all new time slot; Friday, October 19th at 8:30 on NBC.
2) American Horror Story
American Horror Story is, hands down, one of the creepiest things I have ever encountered in my life. Scarier than most horror movies, this show keeps the audience on the edge of their seat each week from beginning until end. Believe it or not, the show stems from the collective mind of the creators of Glee but the writing is far from gleeful. The interconnected characters and complex story lines drive the plot deep into the subconscious and create lasting, haunting memories that leave you begging for more. The only reason I didn't put AHS in the number one slot is because season 2 is a whole new story. One of the coolest, albeit riskiest, things about American Horror Story is that each season features a completely new cast and plot. So although the first season was amazing, there is no telling whether the second season will be as good, better, or completely bomb. Set to take place in an insane asylum, Season 2 certainly shows a lot of promise. Be sure to catch the premier Wednesday October 17th, at 10pm on FX.
1) The League
The League is one of the funniest shows on television. The liberty that FX gives its programs allows The League to continuously push the envelope week after week. Lucky us. The cast has a chemistry unmatched by nearly every sitcom out there. I'll be honest, I was a little late to board the train. I had always heard good things but until about halfway through the last season, I didn't follow the show. I caught up quick though. I found the absurd antics and countless references to football and pop culture extremely addicting. Once I began watching the show, I couldn't stop. And it is for that reason that I'm putting The League as my number one most anticipated fall premier. As a fantasy football player myself, I'll admit that there are definitely some bonus incentive to watch the show, but even if you know nothing about football, the rapport between characters and overall relatability is enough for anybody to enjoy. Season premier is Thursday, October 11th at 10:30pm on FX.
