An ambitious fall on ABC awaits us. Five new dramas, many new comedies and several interesting reality programs comprise the schedule. The good news: Lost, What About Brian and Six Degrees allows drama mastermind JJ Abrams three solid hours of entertainment each week. The bad news: Invasion has been cancelled and Secrets of a Small Town didn't make it to the schedule. In an effort to cut into the competition, Grey's Anatomy will move to Thursday nights, a night in the past in which ABC hasn't had much success against the competition.
New Dramas in 2006:
Brothers & Sisters
Told through the viewpoint of Kitty Walker (Calista Flockhart), a group of siblings with complicated lives takes a dramatic turn on the eve of Kitty's birthday. As the series unfolds, shocking family secrets will be uncovered along the way. The series stars: Calista Flockhart, Sally Field, Ron Rifkin, Balthazar Getty, Rachel Griffiths, Dave Annable, Patricia Wettig, John Pyper-Ferguson, Sarah Jane Morris and Jimmy "Jax" Pinchak.
Chance of success: Very good. It has the cushy post-Desperate Housewives slot and an impressive cast, but it will have to compete with Sunday Night Football on NBC.
Men in Trees
This dramedy centers on the life of best-selling author, Marin Frist (Anne Heche), who finds herself stranded in Alaska. Upon learning her fiancé has cheated on her, she cancels the wedding and while stuck in Alaska, discovers she hasn't really lived life to the fullest. The series stars Anne Heche, James Tupper, Suleka Mathews, Derek Richardson, Emily Bergl, Abraham Benrubi, Sarah Strange, Seana Kofoed and John Amos.
Chance of success: Not great. This series is up against stiff competition, not to mention the fact that ABC hasn't owned Friday nights in many years.
The Nine
This intense drama focuses on the lives of nine strangers who are suddenly thrown together during a 52-hour bank robbery hostage situation. Sharing this ordeal forever intertwines the lives of these nine survivors. The series stars Chi McBride, Jessica Collins, Tim Daly, Kim Raver, Scott Wolf, John Billingsley, Lourdes Benedicto, Owain Yeoman and Dana Davis.
Chance of success: Good. Landing the post-Lost slot isn't a sure thing, but the premise is good and may capture viewers attention quickly.
Six Degrees
We've all played the "Six degrees of Kevin Bacon" game, now is your chance to see how those six degrees can change six lives in an instant. The series is created by JJ Abrams and stars Jay Hernandez, Bridget Moynahan, Hope Davis, Campbell Scott, Dorian Missick and Erika Christensen.
Chance of success: 50/50. It may have scored the post-Grey's Anatomy slot, but it faces fierce competition with ER and Shark on Thursday nights.
Day Break - Mid-Season
Imagine Groundhog Day meets Tru Calling and you have Day Break. The series follows Detective Brett Hopper (Taye Diggs), who has been accused of murdering the Assistant District Attorney and is reliving the same day over and over again in an effort to prove his innocence. The series stars Taye Diggs, Meta Golding, Moon Bloodgood, Victoria Pratt, Ramon Rodriguz and Adam Baldwin.
Chance of success: Depends on where it lands on the mid-season schedule. The concept is interesting and may very well be a welcome change in the schedule in 2007.
Traveler - Mid-Season
Three friends blowing off some steam following two grueling years of grad school take a rollerblading joy ride through a museum. Within seconds of their prank, terrorists blow up the museum, which ultimately marks them as the prime suspects. Running from the authorities while trying to prove their innocence makes this series one of the most action-packed new shows of the season.
Chance of success: Excellent if it scores a good spot on the schedule in mid-season.