Autumn is in full swing and with it comes a new batch of TV shows to fall in love with. There will certainly be some programming casualties as the season progresses. You may still be nursing wounds from the cancelling of one of your early favorites from last year - "Pan Am," "The River," "Alcatraz," or "The Playboy Club," among others. But this year you can start anew with these promising debuts. Let's hope that some of the following comedies and dramas are here to stay - at least for longer than half a season.

1. “The Mindy Project” (FOX)

Mindy Kaling of “The Office” stars in her own creation as a quirky and successful OB/GYN looking for a happy ending with a suitable Mr. Right. Along the way, she strives to repair her awkward social life and become her notion of an ideal woman – thin, sexy, and confident. “The Mindy Project” is both unconventional and hilarious, which is exactly why the viewing audience will embrace its characters. Also starring Chris Messina of “Damages” and Ed Weeks, a fresh – but certainly promising - face to television. The comedy premieres on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 9:30/8:30c. The pilot is airing on Hulu now.

2. “Elementary” (CBS)

Think present-time Detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusty companion, Dr. John Watson. Now replace Holmes’ partner with a female version named Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu of “Charlie’s Angels”) and you have a new drama premiering Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 10/9c. This modernized adaptation revolves around the detective (Jonny Lee Miller of “Eli Stone”), who portrays a recovering addict and, along with Dr. Watson, helps the NYPD solve its most troubling cases. Since the ill-fated end of “CSI:Miami,” there is a vacancy for another captivating crime drama to dominate and “Elementary” is perfect for the opportunity.

3. “Arrow” (CW)

Premiering on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 8/7c, “Arrow” is the story of Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell of “Private Practice”), a survivor of a horrible accident, who returns to society equipped with archery skills as the Green Arrow. This show borders on the Batman concept - a rich guy by day, masked crime-fighter by night. Queen makes it his mission to resolve the issues of the city, as well as the issues in his personal life. The series has great potential, thanks to its promising storyline.

4. “Made In Jersey” (CBS)

The series follows Martina Garretti (Janet Montgomery of “Entourage”), a headstrong young woman who relies on her street smarts to help her thrive at a law firm in New York. Though she lacks the proper higher education her colleagues benefited from, Garretti has a passionate determination and the support of her family to push her forward. Her endearing character is worthy of a weekly commitment. The plot of the show is reminiscent of “Ugly Betty” and, with any luck, will claim the same success. Also starring Kyle MacLachlan of “Desperate Housewives” and Toni Trucks of “Barbershop.” The series premieres Friday, Sept. 28, at 9/8c.

5. “The Mob Doctor” (FOX)

Jordana Spiro (“My Boys”) plays Dr. Grace Devlin, a thoracic surgeon with a secret – her family debt to the Southside mob of Chicago. The series, premiering Monday, Sept. 17, at 9/8c, centers on the doctor’s struggle between her rising career and obligations to the mob. The plot of “The Mob Doctor” is one that is sure to keep audiences at the edge of their seats, anticipating whatever is next to come. William Forsythe (“Dear Mr. Gacy”) plays Alexander Constantine, the leader of the Southside gang. The storyline for “The Mob Doctor” is based off the book Il Dottore by Ron Felber. 

6. “Beauty and the Beast” (CW)

This series follows homicide detective Catherine Chandler (Kristin Kreuk of “Smallville”), who was saved as a teenager by someone or something she couldn't identify. Years later, she comes across the man who saved her, a doctor named Vincent Keller (Jay Ryan of “Terra Nova”) with his own beastly secrets. The two begin a complex yet strong relationship as they work together to come to terms with who they truly are. “Beauty and the Beast” will likely prove to be more than just another adaptation of a popular childhood fairytale and is sure to captivate with its tension and mystery. The show premieres Thursday, Oct. 11, at 9/8c.

 

Reach staff reporter Kathy Zerbib here. Follow her on Twitter here.