Save a few new shows like a time-traveling drama and an old comedy from another network, ABC’s fall schedule will look fairly similar to the one it unveiled in September 2007. Promising (yet ratings-starved) dramas like Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money will be back on Wednesdays, as will the hit series Private Practice, while Boston Legal will be back for its final season on Mondays. Grey’s Anatomy will serve as a lead-in on Thursdays to Life on Mars, a new dramedy based on a BBC series of the same name that stars a present-day cop (Jason O’Mara, pictured) who’s transported back in time after getting hit by a car. On Tuesdays, a new reality show called Opportunity Knocks will literally bring a game show to someone’s front porch each week, and a new season of Scrubs (yep, that old NBC comedy) will follow Knocks once Dancing with the Stars finishes up its next installment. A new animated comedy from Mike Judge (King of the Hill) called Goode Family (about a clan compelled to do the right thing) and a new season of Eli Stone will round out Tuesdays.
Sundays will remain intact with the winning lineup of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers & Sisters. Other shows set to return this fall include Samantha Who, Super Nanny, and Wife Swap. Lost will come back midseason, as will a new and yet untitled reality show from Ashton Kutcher and Tyra Banks, not to mention According to Jim, The Bachelor, and ABC News’ “Primetime: What Would You Do?”
Since the 100-day writers strike wreaked havoc on the development season, ABC was only able to develop four scripted shows in preparation for fall. However, it still has 17 pilots in the work for midseason, including a remake of the old ABC comedy Cupid from Rob Thomas.
Men in Trees, Miss Guided, Oprah’s Big Give, and October Road all got the ax for fall.
According to Jim is the show that won’t die.
What about Ugly Betty????!!!!!
does that mean Bryan Greenburg will be going back to One Tree Hill??? Oh please, please???
what about miss guided?!?
Miss Guided – are they keeping it on hold in case the new shows around Scrubs tank? If not, what a waste.
October Road got the axe? NO!!!!! I loved that show!
Rachael, “Ugly Betty” will still be “Grey’s” lead-in. Now what about “Cashmere Mafia” and “Notes from the Underbelly.”
what about “Big Shots”?
I wish Lost was back on Wednesdays
HOW COULD ABC AX OCTOBER ROAD??? That is one of the most entertaining and sweet dramas on television. I am gonna quit watching things..everytime I find a show I like, it’s axed.
We should petition ABC for October Road, or at least a 2hour movie to wrap up the stories.
Seems the strong women get the axe again! What a shame… they tried the time traveler already and he got the axe last season… now they are trying that again.. nuts!! I want the strong female leads back with Women’s Murder Club! Smart women with a brain always better than some dumb man traveling around time!
ABC is becoming a pretty worthless network when it comes to getting new viewers. Women’s Murder Club is like the ONLY female lead drama and they should stick with it. Procedurals don’t always catch on right away, plus it’s Angie Harmon!!! ABC is lucky they still have Ugly Betty, Grey’s and Lost. Everything else is white bread boring.
ABC cancels WMC but keeps According to Jim?! Makes no sense!
I’m not optimistic about the remake of Life on Mars. The BBC version is one of the best pieces of television I have ever seen. I don’t see how the remake can be nearly as good.