It’s midseason, so that means the networks have to plug some holes created by shows old (goodbye, “Gossip Girl” and “Private Practice”) and new (so long, “Made in Jersey” and “Animal Practice”). Of course, there are the obligatory cop and doctor shows, as well as new dating and food competitions (because TV is lacking in those?). The strangest trend, though: Not one, but TWO celebrity diving shows are debuting. Here’s a look at some of what’s coming to a TV near you:
JANUARY
Jan. 7: “Deception” (10 p.m., NBC): Primetime soap about a detective (Meagan Good) who mingles among the wealthy in her quest to solve her friend’s murder.
Jan. 9: “Stars in Danger: The High Dive” (8 p.m., Fox): The first of two shows about “celebrity” diving, this one features JWoww and a couple of “Real Housewives,” among others.
Jan. 10: “1600 Penn” (9:30 p.m., NBC): A sneak peek of the White House comedy already aired, but it officially debuts tonight. With Bill Pullman as the president and Jenna Elfman as the first lady.
Jan. 14: “The Carrie Diaries” (8 p.m., CW): The “Sex and the City” prequel, with AnnaSophia Robb as a 16-year-old Carrie Bradshaw.
Jan. 21: “The Following” (9 p.m., Fox): A former FBI agent (Kevin Bacon) hunts down a serial killer (James Purefoy) and his sadistic followers. (Note: May be too graphic for some.)
Jan. 22: “The Taste” (8 p.m., ABC): This cooking competition features Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson.
Jan. 31: “Do No Harm” (10 p.m., NBC): The obligatory doctor show, this time about a neurosurgeon with a secret.
FEBRUARY
Feb. 8: “The Job” (8 p.m., CBS): Reality contestants compete for a chance to win their dream jobs. Hosted by Lisa Ling.
Feb. 14: “Zero Hour” (8 p.m., ABC): A man (Anthony Edwards) races to save his missing wife (and maybe humanity) in a conspiracy thriller that spans time and place.
Feb. 19: “Cult” (9 p.m., CW): A journalist (Matthew Davis) investigates disappearances, including that of his brother, linked to a TV show.
Feb. 26: “Golden Boy” (10 p.m., NBC): A crime drama about the rise of a New York detective
MARCH
March 3: “Red Widow” (9 p.m., ABC): A suburban housewife (Radha Mitchell) living in Sausalito dabbles in organized crime.
March 19: “Celebrity Diving” (8 p.m., ABC): Greg Louganis will be a judge as celebrities pair up with professionals to … you know … dive.
March 31: “Ready for Love” (8 p.m., NBC): Giuliana and Bill Rancic will host this dating competition.
APRIL/MAY
April 3: “How to Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life” (9:30 p.m., ABC): And the award for most unwieldy title goes to this comedy about a newly divorced mom (Sarah Chalke) who moves back in with her parents (Elizabeth Perkins, Brad Garrett)
May 1: “The Family Tools” (8:30 p.m., ABC): A man returns home to take over his family’s hardware business.
Fox is also set to unveil “The Goodwin Games,” starring Scott Foley and Becki Newton, although no date is set yet. A role has already been recast and the number of episodes have been reduced, so who knows when (if?) it will make it on the air.
Heather Chavez
