It’s the new TV season, and I’ve been spending a lot of time in front of the set. This is what I’m watching this season.

SUNDAYS:
7 p.m. 60 Minutes (CBS) – Still the best news magazine around, though I’m wondering when Andy Rooney will retire
9 p.m. Desperate Housewives (ABC) – There’s a new housewife in town played by Dana Delaney, who used to be on China Beach, another great show years ago. I hope she’ll won’t be stuck with a bad plotline like they did with poor Alfre Woodard last time.
runner up: Cold Case (CBS) – The stories are usually so eerie and sad I can’t turn away. I usually watch this show during summer reruns though.
10 p.m. Brothers & Sisters (ABC) – I love Sally Field and Rachel Griffiths. A strong cast, soapy and fun.

MONDAYS:
This is a strong night. There are a few ways to play it:
Make it a comedy night — At 8 p.m., CBS has How I Met Your Mother, which I watched episodes of over the summer. Neil Patrick Harris is a riot. And CW has Everybody Hates Chris and Aliens in America, both shows about the terrors of public middle/high school. I also like CW’s Girlfriends, which has a strong ensemble cast.
Action night: Start at 8 p.m. on NBC with Chuck, followed by Heroes and Journeyman. I’ve liked Chuck so far. It’s action with a light touch. It reminds me of a cross between 40-Yr-Old Virgin and Alias. Journeyman is like a more serious, updated version of Quantum Leap. I do like time travel shows though, and the writers have written an interesting relationship storyline between the married couple main characters.
Reality show night: ABC’s Dancing with the Stars has been a ratings juggernaut. It’s garish, cheesy and so American — the whole ‘you can win if you try real hard’ ethos. It’s followed by The Bachelor, which I hate, but it’s there if you want to make it a night of schadenfreude.
between commercials: CSI: Miami (CBS) – Worth peeking in just to see David Caruso’s overacting. I like Emily Procter, but do they really have to make you wear tight white jeans when you’re digging for ballistics in the swamp?

TUESDAYS:
Mystery night
8 p.m. Bones (FOX)
9 p.m. House (FOX)
between commericals: Dancing with the Stars (ABC) results show
10 p.m. Law & Order: SVU (NBC) – still the best L&O franchise – loved it when Richard Belzer’s character became captain for a day

WEDNESDAYS:
8 p.m. Pushing Daisies (ABC) – The critics are all loving this one. It’s quirky and sweet.
between commercials (or Tivo and watch when nothing else is on): America’s Next Top Model (CW)
9 p.m. Bionic Woman (NBC) – I grew up with the Lindsay Wagner version, so I wasn’t sure I’d like this one. But it’s pretty good – a cross between Alias and Le Femme Nikita. And I’ve got to support a show that has an Asian male recurring character.
10 p.m. Dirty Sexy Money (ABC) – Peter Krause is back on TV! His character is similar to Nate on Six Feet Under, trying hard to be a family man but a bit confused.
and Life (NBC) – Another cop drama, but well done

THURSDAYS:
8 p.m. (ABC): Ugly Betty – Campy fun. Vanessa Williams’ Wilhemmina Slater is the best villan on TV right now.
NBC’s comedy slate of My Name is Earl, 30 Rock, The Office: I like the Office the best, but 30 Rock is getting better each time. It just won the Emmy.
9 p.m. Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – I didn’t like last season, but I’m hoping this season will be better.
or CSI (CBS)
10 p.m. ER (NBC)
Watch in between commercials: Big Shots (ABC) – some good-looking guys kevetching like a bunch of women
Catch during summer reruns: Without a Trace (CBS)

FRIDAYS:
looks like ABC is repeating Pushing Daisies at 8 p.m. so a good chance to catch it if you didn’t see it earlier this week.
9 p.m. Friday Night Lights (NBC) – I’m trying to get into this one, especially now that they’ve moved it to a night where there aren’t many good shows.
10 p.m. NUMB3RS (CBS) – I love nerdy guys, especially when they like to explain simple things using complex terms

SATURDAYS:
If you don’t have Tivo and don’t have a date, NBC is repeating episodes of Heroes, Bionic Woman and L&O SVU

That’s all folks. A lot of shows, which means a lot of knitting for me. (See my crafting blog.) Tell me what you’re watching!