One thing’s for sure: There are a lot fewer traditional network sitcoms. Only eight of this fall’s 32 network rookies are comedies.
But that’s not the only thing going on this season. Some other trends:
Mindless escapism chic
When NBC hit the jackpot with “Las Vegas” last season, you just knew we’d be seeing more empty-calorie exercises in high-gloss flash and trash. Like “North Shore” (Fox), “Dr. Vegas” (CBS) and NBC’s rookie trio of “Hawaii,” “LAX” and “Medical Investigation.”
UPN’s got buzz
The long-beleaguered little brother of CBS boasts two of the fall season’s most interesting new series, “Veronica Mars” and “Kevin Hill.” And each is better than any new show on CBS. Go figure.
Reality TV is here to stay
In addition to returning favorites such as “The Apprentice,” “Survivor” and “The Bachelor,” the fall season brings eight new reality series to prime time.
Fewer reruns, more fun
At least that’s the way the networks hope it works out when they do a little time-slot sharing to avoid pesky in-season repeats that kill ratings. So “The West Wing” will take a temporary break at midseason when NBC airs the apocalyptic limited series “Revelations,” while “NYPD Blue” does the same drill with the crime drama “Blind Justice.” Meanwhile, ABC scheduled the offbeat fall treat “Desperate Housewives” for 8 p.m. Sundays until Jennifer Garner and “Alias” return in early 2005. And this season, Fox’s “24” thrill ride won’t crank up until January.
There’s gonna be a killer showdown
The toughest match-up of fall? Venerable “Law & Order” does battle with the new “CSI: NY” as the dueling high-profile crime dramas square off at 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Another toughie? “The O.C.” moves into a rugged 7 p.m. Thursday tussle with Matt LeBlanc’s “Joey” and “Survivor.”
Blue-collar nation rising
Now that “Friends” and “Sex and the City” are history, chatty urban singles aren’t so popular. But a little working-class sass seems to be happening. There’s the heartland slapstick of “Blue Collar TV” (WB), with the Oklahoma family sitcom “Rodney” (ABC) soon to follow. And over on cable, blue-collar attitudes already are roaring on reality shows such as “American Chopper” (Discovery Channel), with “Dog the Bounty Hunter” (A&E) and “Family Bonds” (HBO) swinging into view this month and next.
