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The writers' strike has greatly affected my anticipation for returning shows. There are many great programs that haven't had a single new episode since December 2007, raising my excitement for shows that I certainly wasn't as eager for a few months ago. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and that is all too true this TV season.
For my most anticipated returning shows, I have three of last season's best new shows which are hopefully back for full seasons, and old favorite that I have high hopes for, and the best reality show on TV.
5. Chuck
As I recall, I enjoyed every episode of
Chuck's shortened first season.
Zachary Levi was a great leading man and
Adam Baldwin is perfect for comic relief. These alone would make me eager for a new season, then they went and cast
Arrested Development's
Tony Hale in a recurring role. If there's one way to get me to tune in, it's casting one of my favorite actors to probably the single funniest show I've ever seen.
4. Eli Stone
This quirky legal dramedy was a surprisingly fresh and entertaining mid-season entry, and the fact that it's coming back at all is a bit of a shock. The final two episodes of season 1 were extraordinary, and with the opportunity to see Victor Garber and Loretta Devine singing again, it's hard not to be excited.
3. The Amazing Race
Taking the Spring off could be the best thing for
The Amazing Race. While some reality shows get stale from over-exposure, the long wait between seasons of the most expertly produced reality show on TV has only made me long for the wacky adventures, crazy detours, and yes, even the bickering couples.
2. Pushing Daisies
It's sad to think there are only nine episodes of this show currently in existence, because every one was so jam-packed with energy and joy that you can never have enough. The brilliant cast, impressive sets and fantastical storytelling are back, and I could not be more thrilled to have last year's best new show back for a full season.
1. Heroes
Season 2 was not very good. That's a bit of an understatement, so it was almost lucky that the writers' strike came along and derailed it. The creative team has had plenty of time to digest last year and focus on what went wrong.
Heroes has huge potential with its large ensemble of characters and it's highly entertaining premise. I hope season 3 rebounds and delivers what the show is capable of. The fact that it's subtitled “Villains” is a good start as it's always more fun to see the bad guys than it is to see the good guys.
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Which of these shows are you most excited to have back?
-John Kubicek, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image courtesy of NBC)