The Best New Shows of Fall 2010

Raising Hope

There are a bunch of new series entering our homes, this season – some good, some bad, and some just plain unwatchable.  And while it’s great to see the return of favorites like Glee, Modern Family, Bones, Fringe, Law & Order: SVU, and Criminal Minds; it’s also nice to have some new blood thrown into the mix (especially while True Blood is on hiatus).

Here are some clips of and my thoughts about the best new shows of Fall 2010.

Boardwalk Empire – It’s beautifully shot, Steve Buscemi is creepy, Michael Pitt is at his sulkiest best, and it’s executive produced by Martin Scorsese.  What more could you want?  (HBO, Sundays at 8pm)

Detroit 1-8-7 – This gritty Motown cop-drama starring Michael Imperioli, D.J. Cotrona, James McDaniel and the mesmerizing Aisha Hinds is going much further toward filling the gaping hole left by the cancelation of Law & Order than that show’s LA revamp.  Also, the soundtrack is phenomenal!  (ABC, Tuesdays at 10pm)

Hawaii Five-0 – I love everything about this show.  The original is one of my all-time favorites, so I was initially quite skeptical, but I was wrong, and I’m not afraid to say so.  It’s fun, it’s brash, and it’s tight.  (CBS, Mondays at 10pm)

Lone Star – I’m praying more people get into this one.  Unfortunately, it’s just so damned good that it’s bound to get cancelled.  THIS JUST IN…  As I was routing-around online to find a clip to put in this spot, I read that FOX has officially cancelled Lone Star after just two episodes.  See – what’d I tell ya?  (FOX, Mondays at 9pm)

Mike & Molly – I’ve loved Melissa McCarthy since Gilmore Girls.  Now, alongside Billy Gardell and the always genius Swoozie Kurtz, she’s starring in a sweet and clever sitcom that dishes-out some plus-sized belly-laughs (and honest truths)!  (CBS, Mondays at 9:30pm)

Raising Hope – I laughed so hard at this show’s abject political incorrectness, that I had to pause and use that little round-arrow-rewind button on my DVR remote about five times during the pilot (case in point: the new dad changing his first diaper and throwing-up on the baby).  The incredible cast, including Martha Plimpton, Lucas Neff and the brilliant Cloris Leachman, is nothing short of stellar in a comedy about a family that makes those from Roseanne and Malcolm in the Middle look well-balanced and upwardly mobile.  (FOX – Tuesdays at 9pm)