thePeanutBloggery

It’s September 21, the first day of fall, and the day the Peanut Bloggery begins its coverage of the fall television season. Due some cancellations (“Gilmore Girls”, “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”) and some shows waiting until January to start (“Lost”, “Jericho”), we have quite a few openings on the Primetime Index. After pulling two shows off the bench – “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Brothers and Sisters” – we still have six empty slots.

I’m going to approach this both scientifically and mathematically. I will watch the first three episodes of each of the nineteen new scripted series premiering over the next three weeks. I will rate each episode with a number between 1 and 10, and update you twice a week with the results. In exactly one month (October 21), I will tally the numbers, and the six series with the highest totals will be the winners, earning them one of the coveted slots on the Primetime Index.

Of course, there are four additional shows slated to premiere this fall, and some of our old favorites will be returning mid-season. This won’t be a problem. The odds of my favorite new shows making it to January are pretty low, so there will be plenty of room on the Index.

Now on with the competition. Three shows got an early start this week, hoping the gain an audience before their competitors. Let’s see how they fared.

K-Ville (Fox) – The premise sounded promising: two cops in present-day New Orleans fighting for the recovery of their city with every bust, but the far-fetched writing doesn’t live up to the pitch. I like Anthony Anderson, but he’s working so hard to turn this show into something important, it makes me tired watching him. Score: 5

Back to You (Fox) – I didn’t think I’d enjoy this show. I’m tired of comedies with unlikable leading men and laugh tracks. But the truth is Kelsey Grammer has made a career out of turning unlikable into sympathetic. Plus I’m always happy to see Fred Willard. I guess I should expect more from sitcom legend James Burrows. Score: 7

Gossip Girl (CW) – It’s no secret I’m a sucker for teen dramas. I liked this show, but I doubt it’s going to be for everyone. Only teenagers take themselves this seriously. It’s as if a couple of mostly normal (but really beautiful) kids find themselves trapped in the movie Cruel Intentions. Score: 7

Wednesday we’ll bring you the Fall Premiere Challenge Part 2 in which we’ll look at eagerly anticipated “Reaper” and the second episode of “K-Ville”, as well as many others. Until then, happy watching!