Returning Shows

They're back... for better or worse. Click through this slideshow to find out what to expect when these shows return. — Television Without Pity [Share this on Twitter]Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"Sons of Anarchy" (Returns September 7 on FX): Gemma's on the run with Unser, Abel's been kidnapped by a crazy Irishman, Jax and Clay are far from reconciliation — it's going to be a gory, gripping, excellent Season 3. Can't wait. Source: TWoPFX/Prashant Gupta - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"The Vampire Diaries" (Returns September 9 on The CW): Our heads are still spinning from the finale of this show. Seriously, Katherine is one evil vampire, and we can't wait to see how this plays out. After all, there's no mercy on this show. Source: TWoPThe CW/Bob Mahoney - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"90210" (Returns September 13 on The CW): We're really curious about a major male character coming out of the closet and getting a hot love interest. Let's hope they handle this better than when Adriana temporarily had a girlfriend before she changed her mind. Source: TWoPThe CW/Patrick Ecclesine - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"Gossip Girl" (Returns September 13 on The CW): We will be spared the annoyance of Jenny Humphrey, but we also hope there'll be less of Rufus and Lilly's childish fighting and more of Chuck and Blair as a happy couple. As for Serena, we boldly predict she'll remain the dumbest yet most beautiful person alive. Source: TWoPThe CW/Giovanni Rufino - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"One Tree Hill" (Returns September 14 on The CW): Sometimes it's nice when networks let niche shows live forever. This show's driving force is its audience — if you're into it, great; if you're not, you're probably never going to be, and you're probably over the age of 14. Source: TWoPThe CW/Michael Desmond - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"Parenthood" (Returns September 14 on NBC): This show turned out to be a nice little surprise last season. It's a little corny and slightly boring at times, but the talent is great, and it frequently delivers some genuinely moving moments and mindlessly enjoyable light entertainment. Unfortunately, Billy Baldwin could be replacing Jason Ritter as Lauren Graham's love interest. Darn, can't have it all. Source: TWoPNBC/Harper Smith - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"Life Unexpected" (Returns September 14 on The CW): Cate and Ryan got married in the finale, but Cate's still conflicted about how she feels about Baze (way to start a marriage, right?). In addition to the never-ending love triangle, the atrociously named Lux will be spending more time in school for a change. Source: TWoPThe CW/Jack Rowand - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"Survivor: Nicaragua" (Returns September 15 on CBS): It's a battle for the ages, or at least a battle of all ages. Instead of just young hotties, this season will have a team comprised entirely of folks aged 40 and over, including former NFL coach Jimmy Johnson. We're just wondering how they're going to find a way to include Russell in this somehow. Source: TWoPCBS/Monty Brinton - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (Returns September 16 on FX): Last season was pretty fantastic, and there's no reason to think the show's sixth year will be any less funny. After all, what's more entertaining than watching the worst people alive terrorize each other over Grilled Charlies and Nightman cat eyes? Source: TWoPFX/Patrick McElhenney - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"The Apprentice" (Returns September 16 on NBC): Taking a break from the celebrity edition, the original version of the show returns, but with a twist: Host Donald Trump will choose contestants who have been personally affected by the economic crisis, giving the show an edgy timeliness it never had before. Source: TWoPNBC/Ali Goldstein - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"The League" (Returns September 16 on FX): If you didn't watch the short but sweet six-episode first season of this comedy about fantasy football players, then you have 13 more chances. Expect more hilarious episodes about this group of friends that are only superficially about football. Bengals player (and "Dancing With the Stars" alum) Chad Ochocinco guest stars in the season premiere. Source: TWoPFX/F. Scott Scafer - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"Chuck" (Returns September 20 on NBC): We're finally going to meet Mama Bartowski, who will be played by the one and only Linda Hamilton. How cool is that? Also, Dolph Lundgren, Olivia Munn, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the Old Spice guy will be making guest appearances — and likely making Chuck's life miserable. Source: TWoPNBC/Chris Haston - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"Castle" (Returns September 20 on ABC): While we all knew that Detective Kate Beckett and author–honorary cop Rick Castle were totally into each other, it took them until last season's finale to realize it themselves. But something tells us this show will find a way to keep these two in flirty mode for at least another season. Source: TWoPABC/Bob D'Amico - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"Two and a Half Men" (Returns September 20 on CBS): After a bunch of hubbub about Charlie Sheen wanting out of his contract, and then worries about his possible prison sentence conflicting with the show's shooting schedule, this sitcom is back on track. You know, for all the moms out there who can't get enough. Source: TWoPCBS - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"Dancing With the Stars" (Returns September 20 on ABC): We don't know who the stars will be this season, and we won't find out until the end of August, but we're guessing it will include a stiff, ungainly athlete and an overexposed, unlikeable reality star, while the ultimate winner will be a professional singer or dancer. Source: TWoPABC/Kelsey McNeal - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"How I Met Your Mother" (Returns September 20 on CBS): Will we meet the mother this season? Hard to say. The producers have promised a big game-changing event that will push the show toward that direction. We do know that Rachel Bilson will be back, and Laura Bell Bundy will be on the show as Robin's new co-anchor. Source: TWoPCBS/Cliff Lipson - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"House" (Returns September 20 on Fox): It's official: House and Cuddy are a couple. For some people, that's the best news ever. For others ... not so much. But all fans should be happy about the absence of Thirteen for several episodes, and the introduction of her temporary replacement, played by Amber Tamblyn. Source: TWoPFOX/Adam Taylor - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"The Biggest Loser" (Returns September 21 on NBC): Once again, there'll be obese people desperately trying to lose weight while Bob and Jillian scream at them entire time. And we're guessing that there will be at least one contestant who outweighs any of the folks from the previous seasons. Source: TWoPNBC/Trae Patton - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"Glee" (Returns September 21 on Fox): The show will tackle the music of Britney Spears, with an appearance by Ms. Spears herself, as well as reward fans with a "Rocky Horror Picture Show"-themed episode. Plus, Kurt might get a boyfriend, and Kristin Chenoweth will definitely be back. Source: TWoPFOX/Adam Rose - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"NCIS: Los Angeles" (Returns September 21 on CBS): Eric Christian Olsen, who played Hacky Sack-loving Vaughn on "Community," is joining the cast as a regular, reprising his LAPD character Marty Deeks. Now we might actually want to watch this Navy-based procedural. Source: TWoPCBS/Cliff Lipson - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"NCIS" (Returns September 21 on CBS): The eighth season of TV's most popular drama (no, we can't believe it either) promises to start off with a bang (perhaps literally), which will resolve the season finale's biggest questions. And later on this year, the show will deliver an origin story or two that will shed new light on certain members of the NCIS team. Source: TWoPCBS/Jordin Althaus - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"The Middle" (Returns September 22 on ABC): We didn't expect this lightweight "Malcolm in the Middle" clone to have a cliffhanger season finale, but then again, we didn't expect this show to even get a second season. Expect a speedy resolution, and then more family hijinks. Source: TWoPABC/Eric McCandless - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM

"Cougar Town" (Returns September 22 on ABC): Travis is going off to college, and that will likely send Jules into a neurotic state. He'll have to deal with a roommate who might even be more annoying than his mother. Jennifer Aniston might even stop by to meet her former Friend this season. Source: TWoPABC/Michael Desmond - Thursday, August, 19, 2010, 1:19 AM