Fall's Best and Worst New TV Shows

via AOL

HEAD OF THE CLASS

'V'

ABC's been hunting for a worthy successor to 'Lost' for years now and failing dismally. But the net just may have found one with this sleekly modern remake of the campy '80s show, with vibrant characters and amazing special effects. Oh, and it's scary as hell. We still have goosebumps.

Airs Tue., 8PM on ABC | Premieres Nov. 3


'Modern Family'

This smart, wry ABC mockumentary about three "normal" families was our favorite new comedy. Sample line from Ty Burrell's wannabe hip dad: "I surf the web, I text … 'LOL' -- laugh out loud, 'OMG" -- oh my god, 'WTF' -- why the face. I know all the dances to 'High School Musical.'" Genius.

Airs Wed., 9PM on ABC | Premieres Sept. 23

HONORS STUDENTS

'Glee'

We won't stop believing in Fox's infectious, quirky, soulful high school dramedy. Aside from fun sing-a-long potential, there are relatable characters of all ages, types and cliques. And speaking of the education system's losers …

Airs Wed., 9PM on FOX | Premieres Sept. 9


'Community'

Joel McHale, Chevy Chase and newcomer Danny Pudi headline this band of community-college slackers on NBC. And while 'The Soup' host McHale shines, the entire ensemble works together to make this comedy hum.

Airs Thurs., 9:30PM on NBC | Premieres Sept. 17


'FlashForward'

Where 'V' is more of a thriller, this other ABC drama inherits 'Lost''s more puzzling elements. The central mystery -- Why did everyone black out for two minutes? And were their visions really from the future? -- is absorbing enough for fans to theorize obsessively about it for years to come.

Airs Thurs., 8PM on ABC | Premieres Sept. 24


'The Good Wife'

We can hear the elevator pitch: "What if Bernie Madoff's wife … went back to practicing law?!" But CBS' 'The Good Wife' moves beyond its ripped-from-the-headlines origin thanks to a top-notch cast, including star Julianna Margulies (in her first decent gig since 'ER').

Airs Tue., 10PM on CBS | Premieres Sept. 22

NEEDS TUTORING

'The Vampire Diaries'

We like vampires -- especially very pretty vampires -- and soapy teen CW dramas as much as the next person, but is it too much to ask for a little levity amidst all the angst?

Airs Thurs., 8PM on CW | Premieres Sept. 10


'Three Rivers'

It had us at Alex O'Loughlin, but CBS' new medical drama about transplant surgeons felt a bit formulaic. Tone down the melodrama (but keep the tight scrubs).

Airs Sun., 9PM on CBS | Premieres Oct. 4

FAILING OUT

'Brothers'

This Fox "comedy" is arguably the worst pilot we've seen in years. An NFL player is one of the leads. We're not sure what's more offensive -- the horrendous dialogue or the torture of good actors like CCH Pounder.

Airs Fri., 8PM on FOX | Premieres Sept. 25


'Accidentally on Purpose'

This sleazy CBS sitcom will simply be known as fall's other new cougar comedy. The premise doesn't seem like it would hold up once the baby is born, but we'll probably never know, since it would be a miracle if the series lasted that long.

Airs Mon., 8:30PM on CBS | Premieres Sept. 21

Sarah's notes: I've already seen Community and I'd have to put that at the Head of the Class, but I blogged about that before. What I didn't mention was that thanks to having good friends in high places, I've already seen the pilot for Modern Family as well. While I don't know if I'd call it laugh out loud funny, the way it all comes together by the end of the pilot is quite clever and it does definitely deserve to be at the Head of the Class. And I'm wondering if the writer used the adjective "sleazy" to describe Accidentally on Purpose because the show decided to hand out promotional condoms at the CBS press tour? Hmm. And contrary to what everyone thinks, I'm not going to even pitch a fit that NCIS: LA isn't on this list anywhere, although don't get me wrong I'm thankful it's not under worst. As far as my personal opinion of that show? Having already seen Legend (the introductory episodes that aired during this past season of NCIS) I'm thinking it might be like the Diet Coke of NCIS. And that's not a bad thing! Everyone needs a little artificial sweetner in their lives...and I'll take Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J over Splenda anyday. :)

What's everyone else's thoughts? What are you most looking forward to seeing this season?