2011 Fall TV: Your Fave New and Returning Shows

Youthink reviews the best returning and new television shows of 2011.

It’s fall, and the gloom and doom of grey weather and piles of homework can get you down. But to keep us sane, fall TV offers up plenty of exciting new shows as well as returning favourites. As voted on by Youthink readers, here is a rundown of the most highly anticipated returning and new shows this fall, along with some insight from TVW (TV Week) editor Brent Furdyk.

Your Favourite New Shows:

New Girl

New Girl follows the quirky antics of Jessica Day, played by Zooey Deschanel, after a bad breakup. Hurt and homeless, she picks herself up and responds to a Craigslist ad for a roommate. The three guys she moves in with become skeptical about the new female presence when she begins to display her offbeat personality, but they eventually warm up to her odd ways. “Although the quirkiness can wear thin pretty quickly, there’s no denying the charm of Zooey Deschanel, and this show is custom-made for her offbeat personality,” comments Furdyk. “The first episode’s ratings were huge, and New Girl looks to be the first comedy hit that Fox has had in years.”


Once Upon a Time


Kharen Hill, Courtesy of ABC

From the executive producers of Lost comes Once Upon a Time, a drama that puts a twist on classic stories. This unique new series takes place in the town of Storybrooke, where a number of fairy-tale characters live as modern-aged citizens due to a spell that has disabled them from recalling their original identities. “It’s certainly an interesting concept, and people who grew up on Disney movies will enjoy seeing all these fairy-tale characters in such a different context,” promises Furdyk. “The pilot pretty much set up the premise, but this looks like one of those shows that could either be a Lost-style hit or could go completely off the rails within a few episodes. Stay tuned.” 


The Secret Circle


Frank Ockenfels III, Courtesy of
The CW

The Secret Circle is an adaptation of the book trilogy by L.J. Smith, the same author of the successful book-turned-television series, The Vampire Diaries. With the rising popularity of supernatural dramas, The Secret Circle stands out with its focus on ancient witch mythology. Britt Robertson from Life Unexpected is cast as Cassie Blake, a teen witch who is about to discover her powers of sorcery. “The Secret Circle should easily appeal to viewers of The Vampire Diaries,” says Furdyk. “It has all the elements of the next CW hit: attractive young stars, supernatural mystery and a built-in fan base.” The television series is sure to spark some magic on the CW this fall.


Your Favourite Returning Shows:

The Big Bang Theory


Monty Brinton, Courtesy of CBS

The Big Bang Theory has captured the attention of nerds and non-nerds all over the world. Since its premiere, the show has been one of CBS’s highest-rated shows – and according to Furdyk, this season promises to be just as solid. “As the relationships between characters continue to fluctuate, it’s a great reminder that The Big Bang Theory has one of the strongest ensemble casts on TV, even if Sheldon is the breakout character. In its fifth season, The Big Bang Theory is still one of the consistently funniest shows on TV.”


The Vampire Diaries


Frank Ockenfels III, Courtesy of
The CW

Having proven that the series is not just a feeble attempt at milking the teenage vampire mania, The Vampire Diaries is easily one of the most anticipated dramas of the season. The story revolves around two vampiric (but relatively civilized) brothers who compete for the affection of Elena, a human girl whom they both befriend. So what’s up for this season? “Why is it that every movie and TV show about vampires always hits a point where werewolves enter the picture?” questions Furdyk. “It happened in Twilight and True Blood, and now werewolves are going to be playing a big part of the storyline in The Vampire Diaries’ new season.”


How I Met Your Mother


Cliff Lipson, Courtesy of CBS

Returning to CBS for its seventh season, anxious fans are still excited about each How I Met Your Mother episode, taking them a step closer to finally figuring out exactly how Ted meets the mystery mother. Each episode is narrated by Ted in the year 2030, flashing back to his youth as he shares with his children the events that led him to their mother. With a handful of Barney’s timeless (and, not to mention, awesome) advice, viewers will be rolling in fits of uncontrollable laughter in no time. But what more can we expect this season? “I’ve given up hope that we’re ever going to find out who the mother is,” says Furdyk, “But the show is so far beyond that by now that it doesn’t matter. Coming up: A special Halloween episode with guest star Katie Holmes.”


Teen Readers Poll: 2011 Fall TV Favourites

Your favourite returning shows:
1.    How I Met Your Mother
2.    The Big Bang Theory
3.    Vampire Diaries
4.    Gossip Girl
5.    The Office
6.    Supernatural
7.    Chuck
8.    Boardwalk Empire
9.    Bones
10.  Castle

Your favourite TV actor:
1.    Neil Patrick Harris – Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother
2.    Jim Parsons – Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory
3.    Jason Segel – Marshall Eriksen, How I Met Your Mother
4.    Leighton Meester – Blair Cornelia Waldorf, Gossip Girl
5.    Blake Lively – Serena van der Woodsen, Gossip Girl
6.    Candice Accola – Caroline Forbes, The Vampire Diaries
7.    Jensen Ackles – Dean Winchester, Supernatural
8.    Jenna Fisher – Pam Halpert, The Office
9.    Joshua Gomez – Morgan Guillermo Grimes, Chuck
10.  Alexander Skarsgaard – Eric Northman, True Blood

New TV shows you’re most excited about:
1.    New Girl
2.    Once Upon a Time
3.    The Secret Circle
4.    X Factor
5.    Ringer
6.    How to be Gentlemen
7.    The Lying Game
8.    2 Broke Girls
9.    Terra Nova
10.  Pan Am