We're six days into the New Year, and finally have our first quality new show of 2009. Of course, it's only new to ABC, because it used to be on NBC, but Scrubs is back tonight with a fresh pair of episodes (9 p.m. ET), and that's excellent news about an excellent sitcom.
And if you're making a list, and checking it twice, of upcoming new and returning shows to anticipate, also consider these...
Damages (FX, Wed 7, 10 p.m. ET). The second season begins tomorrow night, with another flash-forward set-up that's a jaw-dropper, and another roster of killer guest stars (in terms of talent if not murderous intent). Definitely a show to watch, and enjoy, with William Hurt added to the mix this year.
24 (Fox, Sun 11, 8 p.m. ET). The new season begins, and its biggest primary surprise already has been leaked. (Stop reading IMMEDIATELY, if you haven't heard.) Tony is alive, and back with a vengeance. The first four hours begin, as usual, with a major jolt, and throw Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer right into the thick of things. Again. But it's still a fun ride, and I plan to be along.
American Idol (Fox, Tue 13, 8 p.m. ET). Can't help it. I've seen this competition from the start, and despite its high cheesiness factor, I still watch, and still enjoy most of it. Fourth judge? We'll be the judge of that -- but so long as the game is "Simon says," I'll be aboard.
Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi, Fri 16, 10 p.m. ET). The last episode ended with a silent, astounding cliffhanger: The crew found Earth and landed there, to find it devastated. What happens now? Great question -- and what ought to be a great ending season for a very imaginative series.
The United States of Tara (Showtime, Sun 18, 10 p.m. ET). This Toni Collette showcase, created by Diablo Cody and produced by Steven Spielberg, is as good as that troika of talent makes it sound. On a big night for cable series -- Showtime's Secret Diary of a Call Girl and The L Word and HBO's Big Love and Flight of the Conchords also return that night -- Tara may be the most sparkling jewel of all.
And that's just for the next two weeks. Past that, January also offers the return of ABC's Lost, Fox's Hell's Kitchen, TNT's The Closer and USA's Burn Notice, and the premieres of Fox's Lie to Me and TNT's Trust Me. Not bad. Not bad at all.
And, in February, comes the show I've been anticipating eagerly all season: Fox's Dollhouse.
So don't give up because of a few days of True Beauty and Momma's Boys. All is not lost -- especially with Lost on the way.