And now, the return of the comeback

The time of the so-called “in-betweeners” has passed. True Blood recently finished with a not-so-impressive finale despite the season-long buildup of the Dionysian horror parading in the town of Bon Temps but sets up what promises to be an even more spine-tingling, sinister, mind-conflicting and titillating third season. Top Chef Masters ended on a high note as well as Bravo TV’s The Fashion Show that paired Kelly Rowland and Isaac Mizrahi on hosting duties. The rest face bigger challenges ahead of them in terms of 1) sustaining audience viewership against bigger, meatier counterparts; and 2) staying relevant when our very perception of “now” is once again being challenged. After all, networks are pouring in huge sums of money to generate TV to talk about, blog about, twitter about and write about and influence viewers in every aspect of their lives, in any way possible. Haven’t we had enough of girls with headbands that say “XOXO”?

At long last, the wait is over. They brought out the best in us, and the worst in us. Now come the big guns — the hit TV sitcoms that redefined popular culture, calibrated trends, influenced “street speak,” pushed lifestyles and boundaries, and determined what makes “Generation Now” so “Generation WOW!” They are the forerunners of pop culture, and for those who go against the norm, these shows are every bit the brainless (and sometimes brainy) time consumers needed during those long, boring hours when you just want to couch out, open a pack of potato chips, and go for gold! Our network favorites are back! And they’re better than ever.

90210. The kids of Beverly Hills are at it again — this time, reeling from the events that transpired at Naomi’s party last season when Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord) mistakenly accused Annie (Shenae Grimes) of sleeping with her boyfriend Liam (Matt Lanter). Under false assumptions, she humiliates the principal’s daughter and pushes her to her limits, calling the cops on the underage party, and driving off under the influence. This leads to an even more disastrous outcome when she accidentally hits an unnamed stranger, drives off, and is spotted by a mysterious newcomer who plays it up with the cast in Season Two. Meanwhile, Adriana (Jessica Lowndes) gives birth, gives up her baby, and deals with postpartum depression. And Silver (Jessica Stroup) remains torn between Ethan (Dustin Milligan) and boyfriend-ex-boyfriend Dixon (Tristan Wilds). With longer hair, cooler O.C.-inspired fashion, Cali flavah, shifted alliances, and a new hit trio dominating the school, 90210 proves that it ain’t really that sunny in Philadelphia. Wait ‘til you get to Beverly Hills.

America’s Next Top Model. So it’s not always about them tall skinny models. No, no, no! In previous seasons, we saw plus-sized models, models with obvious handicaps, disabilities and mental disorders, vertically challenged models who have to work doubly hard to look like they’re six feet tall, and models of all ethnicities with the most fascinating personal histories. How can you forget that one contestant who underwent female circumcision in Africa? This season, Tyra mixes it up in search for America’s next petite supermodel, citing Kate Moss as the prime example of a girl whose sheer confidence and talent renders her six feet tall. The Jays are back and crazier than ever; so is Nigel Barker. Sadly, Paulina Porizkova has reportedly rescinded her duties as ANTM judge, joining the deposed alumni ranks of Janice Dickinson and Twiggy. But more than anything, it’s the brainless catfights, memorable photo shoots, and Tyra and Ms. Jay’s crazy antics that will have us hooked for this 13th season of the hit CW outfit.

Gossip Girl. So last season was an emotional rollercoaster for the brats of NYC. Chuck’s dad died, Serena got arrested, Poppy was revealed to be a social-climbing scammer, Jenny went wild and crazy, Vanessa is Vanessa, Nate hooked up with older women, Georgina became manic and holier-than-thou, only for her true colors to come out in the end, Jenny was appointed as the new Queen Bee, Dan is Dan, Vanessa is still Vanessa (you’ve gotta have some love, or hate, for Brooklyn), and Chuck and Blair played a never-ending cat and mouse game that makes you wonder if there are really couples like this in real life. Oh wait, yeah, there are. I can name five off the bat. But more importantly, viewers were given the perfect setup for Season Three, as the high school cast transitions to the all-too-familiar but not-so-familiar world of college. Some are in Columbia. Others are in Yale. Georgina is hinted to be Blair’s new roommate. Serena goes in search of her father. Nate gets cozy with a political enemy that brings a Privileged star back from boob tube limbo. And now comes Hilary Duff. Yup, you heard it! But the most interesting new plot element of Gossip Girl, as places like Brooklyn and Manhattan, in Sex and the City tradition, seem to play a large part in the characters’ lives and the series’ evolution, is NYU or New York University. In college, the rules have changed. Loser is popular, and popular is social outcast. But the game is the same. Secrets, more secrets, sex, lies, and scandals, you know you love them. Wait, don’t say it!

So You Think You Can Dance. In the words of dance stalwart Debbie Allen from Season five in her incredible response to Travis Wall’s first-ever contemporary routine last season, SYTYCD has become more than just a competition. It has become a conversation — a conversation that is connecting a community of dance from all around the world. Well put, Debbie. From Bollywood to the often queer in Season Four, from successful Russian folk style to straight-up African, to the increasingly popular style of contemporary and jazz, and from Tabitha and Napoleon’s lyrical hip-hop to Louis Van Amstel’s ballroom, the show’s otherworldly and ridiculously talented contestants are subjected to a holistic trial of fire with the intention of crowning America’s Favorite Dancer. The choreographies are sharper, more creative and more memorable than ever, therefore pushing contestants to really step up their game. Otherwise, they will be taken over and eaten alive by the utter brilliance of a Sonya, Travis Wall, or Mia Michaels routine. As Debbie Allen would later say, the show has truly evangelized the world of a dance in a way that nothing else has. True that!

The fall season has definitely arrived. And it promises to bring TV viewing to a whole new playing field. Later on, we’ll tackle hit new shows like Vampire Diaries, the new Melrose Place remake, The Beautiful Life, and Glee — shows that will merrily mince along with these network behemoths. In the meantime, get psyched and get cozy. ‘Coz tonight’s gonna be a good night!

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