TV Networks Unveil Their Top Contenders For The Fall Schedule

By Michael Lopez

For the past few months, we've been buzzing about potential TV pilots that may or may not hit the small screen this fall. And while things are not looking good for series reboots like Wonder Woman and The Munsters, shows like Charlie’s Angels and Good Christian Belles are a confirmed go.

Good Christian Belles you say? Yes, Marisol Nichols' new series used to have a much more controversial word in its title. But with a little retooling, and some major backing from ABC, it looks like her southern-fried nighttime soap will definitely be hitting the air.

Speaking of ABC, their new Charlie'Angels reboot seemed to get a very positive response when it was shown to advertisers in New York. Now featuring Minka Kelly, Annie Ilonzeh, and Rachael Taylor (sorry Dania Ramirez), the show promises plenty of action and some Latin flava courtesy of new Bosley, Ramon Rodriguez.

Other interesting additions to ABC include Pan Am, a Christina Ricci drama about stewardesses in the 1960's and Work It, a comedy featuring Amaury Nolasco in female drag (we've got to see this one to believe it). On a sadder note, Tr3s fave Valerie Cruz is " off the sched." Her Off The Map series will not be renewed for a second season.

NBC definitely had some interesting prospects for its fall lineup. Capitalizing on the success of Glee, the network announced it was picking up a new musical series called Smash. Produced by Steven Spielberg, it will focus on all of the drama that happens behind-the-scenes of a Broadway play. And with Idol alum Katherine McPhee in the cast, you know it should have some great vocal numbers.

The peacock network will also be airing a drama from Hef and company called The Playboy Club and bawdy new comedy called Free Agents featuring Latin comedian Al Madrigal. But fans of Alana de la Garza are in for some bad news. Her Connie Rubirosa character could not save Law & Order: Los Angeles from getting the axe.

CBS got out its chopping block as well, cancelling cult favorites like Sh*t My Dad Says, Mad Love, and The Defenders. But it does have one very intriguing show that's getting added to its fall sched. Person of Interest comes from the mind of J.J. Abrams and Dark Knight writer Jonathan Nolan and promises plenty of mystery and espionage.

Speaking of J.J. Abrams, his hot commodity Alcatraz has been given the green light by Fox (which is an even bigger treat for Jorge Garcia fans). The network also promised fans more Pedro with a pickup of the Napoleon Dynamite cartoon series for midseason 2012.

And just for the record (as if there was any doubt), Tr3s favorites Modern Family, Grey’sAnatomy and American Idol have all been renewed for another season. We recommend setting up those DVR playlists early, because it sounds like it's going to be one very interesting fall.

Which new shows are you most excited about? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags ABC, Alcatraz, CBS, Charlie's Angels, fall season, Fox, Free Agents, Hot Stuff, Napoleon Dynamite, NBC, Person of Interest, Smash, Television, The Playboy Club, TV Pilots