As with many things, the draw of the television screen can often be a much stronger force than the necessity of homework. After a summer of reruns, many procrastinators are looking forward to the return of fall television. This season boasts the last of "Friends," Alicia Silverstone's return to the entertainment industry and yet another season of "Survivor."
"Friends" will end its ten-season-long run this year, with many fans anxious to see how it will conclude, particularly since many college-aged students grew into adulthood watching the show.
"I am most looking forward to 'Friends' because I want to find out who Rachel is going end up with," said sophomore Juliana Thrope. "I hope she ends up with Ross."
The season premiere of "Friends" will feature an hour-long episode that will pick up in Barbados where last season's finale left off. The show will premiere Thursday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. and will be followed by the season premiere of "Will and Grace" at 9 p.m. on NBC.
"Coupling," a new show that has generated a lot of buzz, will fill the time slot after "Will and Grace." The show, a rip-off of a BBC show, is about six people's interrelations throughout various stages of dating and relationships and, of course, focuses on their sex lives. For those wishing to compare and contrast, the original show can be seen on BBC America Sundays at 9:40 p.m.
While NBC may sweep Thursday-night television, Fox takes home the award for most intriguing reality shows. "Joe Millionaire," which will debut on Monday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m., is leaving viewers wondering how exactly the studio plans to dupe the participants for a second time.
"I am excited for the new 'Joe Millionaire,'" said junior Scott Davis. "I don't understand how the show can be done more than once unless the guy this time really is a millionaire."
Fox also promises a variety of new fictional shows, as well as the return of many successful favorites.
"I want to watch '24,'" said sophomore Tom Lewis. "I saw an episode last year with a friend who explained the theory behind the show ... that each episode is an hour in real time ... and it grabbed my attention."
"24" will premiere Tuesday Oct. 28 at 9 p.m., preceded by a new set of "American Juniors," like American Idol, only more dramatic and competitive because there are parents involved, at 8 p.m.
Many networks are using star power to create drawing power for new shows. "Miss Match," with Alicia Silverstone, will debut on NBC, Friday Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. The show is being marketed as a comedic drama about a woman (Silverstone) who attempts to solve all of Los Angeles' love problems while ignoring her own.
Though it sounds like she's taking on the role of Jane Austen's Emma character, Silverstone's new character won't share many other qualities with Cher from her blockbuster "Clueless."
Fox is also using star presence to push one its new shows. "A Minute with Stan Hooper," a comedy about a big-city television commentator who moves to a small-town, features Norm Macdonald and will premiere Wednesday Oct. 29 at 8:30 p.m.
Local networks are not the only ones gearing up for the fall season; HBO is ready to fill the time between the first and second halves of "Sex and the City," which will return in January. The network's most exciting new show is "K Street," produced by George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh and set right here in D.C. The series examines the power of the government from a fly-on-the-wall perspective. "K Street" premiered last Sunday and will continue with its second episode this Sunday at 10 p.m.
While many shows have yet to begin their season, rating comparisons for the networks began this past Monday in a frenzy to see which station would come out on top. CBS took top marks on Monday, closely followed by ABC and NBC, according to an article on zap2it.com, an entertainment news site. The competition this year will be a close call if Monday night is any indication of the season to come.
