OK, so the TV networks didn’t offer a whole lot to excite viewers last fall. And the shows that were thrilling to me either ended their runs (“The Shield”) or were canceled (“Pushing Daisies” and “Eli Stone”). But the midseason is a time to recharge, so cable and broadcast networks are launching new shows and bringing back heavy hitters — such as “Lost,” “American Idol” and “24.” Speaking of “24,” it’s been nearly two years since Jack Bauer saved America in 24 hours over 24 episodes. In honor of Jack’s return on Sunday, here are 24 old and new shows — in no particular order — that have me eagerly anticipating the midseason.
1
Lost
8 p.m. Jan. 21, ABC
Where’s the island from which Jack, Kate and the rest of the Oceanic 6 escaped, you ask? A better question is when is the island?
2
30 Rock
8:30 p.m. Thursday, NBC
It’s true, Tina Fey can do no wrong. And the incredible cast of TV’s best comedy makes her look even better.
3
Damages
9 p.m. Wednesday, FX
Everyone’s gunning for driven lawyer Patty Hewes (Glenn Close) in the new season of this suspenseful drama.
4
24
7 p.m. Sunday, Fox
Jack Bauer is in trouble with the U.S. Senate, but not for long. Once again, he’s tasked to save the world.
5
The Office
8 p.m. Thursday, NBC
The Dunder-Mifflin gang always makes me laugh, but Jack Black and Jessica Alba will help out during a post-Super Bowl episode.
6
Flashpoint
8 p.m. Friday, CBS
With it’s easy-to-follow, stand-alone eps, last summer’s sleeper hit is the perfect antidote to “Lost” and “Damages.” Don’t think too hard, just enjoy.
7
Psych
9 p.m. Friday, USA
Funny men James Roday and Dule Hill still crack me up as the fake psychic and his partner.
8
Scrubs
8 p.m. Tuesday, ABC
New network, same zany hospital hijinks for Zach Braff and, for three episodes, Courteney Cox.
9
Friday Night Lights
8 p.m. Jan. 16, NBC
Thanks to DirecTV and NBC, viewers are getting another shot at making the wonderful drama a success. Don’t mess it up, people.
10
American Idol
7 p.m. Jan. 13, FOX
TV’s No. 1 show hired another judge in hopes of hitting all the right notes with viewers again.
11
Fringe
8 p.m. Jan. 20, FOX
Creator J.J. Abrams and crew have me hooked on their creepy FBI cases.
12
The Beast
9 p.m. Jan. 15, A&E
Patrick Swayze plays second fiddle to a dark, brooding Chicago in this FBI drama.
13
Trust Me
9 p.m. Jan. 26, TNT
Tom Cavanagh and Eric McCormack play fast-talking pals working in a Chicago ad agency.
14
Bones
7 p.m. Jan. 15, FOX
Fox is moving this forensic fave to a new night again, but it’s worth following.
15
Burn Notice
9 p.m. Jan. 22, USA
Jeffrey Donovan graced the stage of a Chicago theater this winter, and now he’s back as out-of-work spy Michael Weston.
16
Flight of the Conchords
9 p.m. Jan. 18, HBO
Kiwi musicians Jemaine (left) and Bret (right) are making sweet, hilarious music again.
17
United States of Tara
9 p.m. Jan. 18, Showtime
Toni Collette (above) plays a mom with multiple personalities in this darkly comic series written by “Juno” scribe Diablo Cody.
18
CSI
8 p.m. Jan. 15, CBS
It’s the end of an era as William Petersen and his character Gil Grissom pack it in. Welcome, Laurence Fishburne.
19
The Closer
8 p.m.
Jan. 26, TNT
Is it true? Does commitment-phobe cop Brenda (Kyra Sedgwick) actually get married? Surely she’ll screw this up.
20
Battlestar Galactica
9 p.m. Jan. 16, Sci Fi
I’m not looking forward to the end of this space opera; but I can’t wait for the final 10 episodes, when we’ll learn what happened to Earth and what happens to Starbuck (above).
COMING SOON
21
Chuck
7 p.m. Feb. 2, NBC
The nerdy spy comedy that hit its stride this season will get even wackier with this 3-D episode.
22
Dollhouse
8 p.m. Feb. 13, FOX
It’s been dumped in the Friday wasteland, but I’ll TiVo Joss Whedon’s latest creation, about a female agent who gets a new personality for each case.
23
Reaper
8 p.m. March 17, CW
Finally, Satan’s back! Maybe we’ll learn what he has in store for Sam.
24
The Tudors
9 p.m. March 30, Showtime
King Henry VIII takes another bride, Jane Seymour, who will try to keep her head on her shoulders.
