Houdini
Monday, September 1 at 9 p.m.
The History Channel
This two–part miniseries stars Academy Award–winner Adrien Brody as legendary magician Harry Houdini, alongside Kristen Connolly of “House of Cards.” The show will recreate his most sensational illusions and may be an early contender for best mini–series at the Golden Globes. It might just be the perfect mix of artsy, historical and dramatic.
Utopia
Sunday, September 7 at 8 p.m.
Fox
Every once in a while, you just need a horribly great reality show. “Utopia” is this season’s pick for the secret “Real World” or “Big Brother” fan inside you. Your social psych professor might not think it’s a valid experiment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy watching fifteen people make fools of themselves while trying to create their own society in the wilderness. If you're into creepy, NSA-type stuff, this show is for you. There are hidden cameras everywhere, and they are filming and live streaming 24/7. To prove it’s real, the creators will let you visit Utopia, as long as you get a special passport. Spring break, anybody?
Red Band Society
Wednesday, September 17 at 9 p.m.
Fox
Can’t get enough of “The Fault in Our Stars?” Well, you’re going to need even more tissues because Steven Spielberg’s newest project follows a group of kids living in a hospital’s pediatric ward. Octavia Spencer protects them as their loving nurse. It’s gonna be a tear–jerker.
Madam Secretary
Sunday, September 21 at 8:30 p.m.
CBS
This new CBS drama follows a former CIA agent’s transition into Secretary of State. Don’t be embarrassed by how many times you’ve watched the trailer, let’s just hope the show will be even better. Do you think CBS is Ready for Hillary?
Gotham
Monday, September 22 at 8 p.m.
Fox
Ryan Atwood, oh how we’ve missed you. Listen up “O.C.” fans: Ben McKenzie is back (he never really left TV, but no one actually watched “Southland”). He's a hot, young version of Batman's mentor Detective Jim Gordon, who is given the biggest case of his career: the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents. Baby Batman is adorable, and his future nemeses crop up in all kinds of unexpected ways. This is an origin story with something for everyone.
How to Get Away with Murder
Thursday, September 25 at 10 p.m.
ABC
“Scandal” and “Grey’s” fans have been waiting with bated breath for the new Shonda Rhimes series. Viola Davis of “The Help” stars as a law school professor and practicing attorney in this legal thriller. Her students would (seems like literally) kill for a spot at her prestigious firm. Think Elle Woods and her classmates gone really, really wrong.
Stalker
Wednesday, October 1 at 10 p.m.
CBS
“Stalker” was made for fans of “Hostages,” “Pretty Little Liars” and “SVU.” A special division of the LAPD focuses on, you guessed it, stalkers, and hottie Dylan McDermott (of “American Horror Story”) is their brand–new addition. The creepiest of the creepers. Fair warning, this violent thriller might have you sleeping with the lights on.
Mulaney
Sunday, October 5 at 9:30 p.m.
Fox
Former “SNL” writer John Mulaney created his own sitcom that will basically be a present day “Seinfeld,” featuring “SNL” alums. He will be joined in his apartment by “SNL” cast member and Iranian queen of comedy, Nasim Pedrad and comedy old–timer Martin Short.
The Flash
Tuesday, October 7 at 8 p.m.
The CW
It’s a good year in TV for comic book fans. Following the success of their Green Arrow–inspired show, “Arrow,” The CW decided to make a spin–off and tell the story of how Barry Allen (played by Grant Gustin of "Glee") became The Flash, the fastest man in the world. Run, Barry, run!
State of Affairs
Monday, November 17 at 10 p.m.
NBC
If, for some reason, other political dramas just won’t do it for you, then writer–director Joe Carnahan of “The Blacklist” brings you Katherine Heigl’s return to television in “State of Affairs.” Heigl plays a top CIA analyst, who just happened to be engaged to the president’s deceased son.
