September 7th, 2010
01:50 PM ET
Fall TV gives a sense of déjà vuThere aren’t a ton of original ideas out there in the land of fall TV, but that’s good news for those of you looking for more of the same. We’ve compiled a list of new shows that sound a lot like… well, old shows, so you can see which match up to your TV tastes. If you miss "Lost," then try out "The Event" With an equally ambiguous title, “The Event” is looking to fill the void that “Lost” has left. The main character works to expose a big cover-up, which effects “an eclectic band of strangers” (can you say Jack, Hurley and Sawyer?). Also, this conspiracy could change the fate of mankind forever. (Premieres on NBC September 20 at 9 p.m.)
If you like “Southland” then try out “Detroit 1-8-7” While the location is different than other cop shops, TV Guide says “Detroit 1-8-7” is done in the style of “Southland.” Our main detective in Detroit is described as wily, respected and misunderstood which may end up being similar to “Southland’s” seasoned, honest and no-nonsense main character. (Premieres on ABC September 21 at 10 p.m.) If you like “Bring It On” then try out “Hellcats” Okay, this one technically isn’t based on a TV show, but those who still catch “Bring It On” whenever it’s on basic cable will nonetheless be pleased. “Hellcats” promises the same characters, clothing and drama as the successful movie, including cheer routines, a quest for a national title and a girl who just doesn’t fit in. It sounds an awful lot like the year 2000, but why change a formula that works? (Premieres on The CW September 8 at 9 p.m.) If you miss “Alias” then try out “Nikita” It’s about time for a strong female assassin to lead an action show (again). “Nikita” – The CW’s remake based off the 1990 Luc Besson film that’s also inspired a U.S. movie and a television series - follows a young rogue spy working to bring down a secret agency. But this agency is called Division, while the secret agency on “Alias” was called SD-6. Totally different. (Premieres on The CW September 9 at 9 p.m.) If you like “Greek” then try out “Glory Daze” What’s it like to pledge a Greek house at a college campus? Both “Greek” and “Glory Daze” will show you. “Glory Daze” follows four friends navigating college and planning for their futures – which means it’ll be “Greek,” circa 1980. (Premiere TBD.) If you like “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” then try out “Undercovers” Like "Hellcats," this technically isn't a TV show knockoff, but we couldn't help but notice that the plot feels similar to "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." Married former spies own a small catering company – until a friend goes missing and they return to the world of espionage and disguises. According to NBC, the couple realizes that working together as spies is the “excitement and romance that their marriage has been missing.” Because as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt proved in their 2005 film, nothing adds spice to a marriage like a little espionage. (Premieres on NBC September 22 at 8 p.m.)
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Wait. Wait. Did this article seriously call out Nikita on ripping off Alias, in the same breath as talking about the fact that it's a remake of a movie and a tv show that both came out YEARS before Alias? Are you kidding me? I'm not particularly thrilled with them remaking Nikita *again* but come on. If there are comparisons to be made, shouldn't it be the other way around, with Alias compared to the previous Nikitas?
BRING BACK C H I P S ! ! ! ! ! !
Two words: Battlestar Galactica
I agree withLOL on Lost. Saw the pilot. Saw the finale. Good enough for me.
What about FlashForward? Tons of potential ...wasted!! SIGH.
I continue to be amazed at the hate some people have for LOST, and most of it seems to come from people who just don't seem to understand the ending (or the entire series for that matter).
It's like they got so upset over the finale. Almost like they expected Jacob himself to come out of their TVs and give them all the answers to the shows mysteries. Apparently, none of them pay attention to detail.
I refuse to watch the event. After NBC cancelled Heroes, I won't watch any new shows on there. Why invest in a show that you are going to just pull a few years later as soon as people are into it?
A few years later when people are into it? Are we talking about the same Heroes that everyone hated after season 1 (season 2 if you're being generous) and stopped watching resulting in plummeting ratings?
Keep watching public TV and you'll be as smart as Howdy Duty.
It's Howdy Doody, moron.
Lost should stay "lost"! What a DUMB show!
Whoa! Are you guys trying to say there is nothing original on TV anymore? I'm shocked.
I've got one! "If you miss a good TV show...........you are just heck out of luck!!!"
"If you like intelligence, turn off the t.v. and read a book."
I'll agree with other posters... go back and watch shows that you didn't catch the first time around.
Sopranos
OZ
Dead like me
ER
Seinfeld
The practice of showing characters walking in V formation directly at the camera in slo-mo ala The Right Stuff...STOP IT!
Well, now you know why I don't watch anything on TV except the Headline News and The Weather Channel.
I think we should at least watch some of these shows' pilots ourselves before we rush to judgment. "Nikita," for one, picks up where its previous incarnations left off ... it's more of a sequel with a twist. And, good God, give "The Event" a chance. Just because it appears to use similar storytelling devices as "LOST" doesn't mean it's not worth a look. And you can blame the networks–not the shows' producers and writers–for PR shots. I agree: the "Event" photo above does scream "LOST" (and "V" and a few other serialized dramas). We'll know for sure in a month or so from now ...
@Natalie Avon
I'm sure the event Affected the strangers, it did not Effect them...
>> which effects “an eclectic band of strangers”
which AFFECTS (something).
"Effect" as a verb means "to bring about"
"Affect" as a verb means "to have an influence on"
Nikita is totally unnecessary, its already been done. Usually the best shows are canceled right away and the most bland formulaic garbage will be on the air forever. TV is all about ratings, regardless of quality. Only HBO offers anything creative and unique this season.
I am actually looking forward to seeing Hawaii 5-0. I used to watch the one in the 70's with my dad when he was alive. I am a Psych, The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles and White Collar fan. I also like Leverage on TNT and The Glades on A&E. Can't wait for the Biggest loser to begin.
Not a single show on this list I would watch, and I saw none of the shows that they are compared to
I'm looking forward to the return of HOUSE, Hell's Kitchen, Celebrity Rehab, and more. Not to mention the introduction of Outlaw on NBC. And I don't care if TV is rotting my mind because I enjoy it nonetheless.
I'm just looking forward to The Sunday Mourners
Just give me House, man.
I turn on my TV on Wednesdays to watch Psych. That's it. When the new season starts, I'll sometimes watch Criminal Minds, SVU and Bones, but I'm not really enthused about any of these shows.
You can get all the LOST shows on SeeTVPC [dot] com. They have tons of new and old shows you can search for. It's my go-to place for stuff like this. G' luck!
@Laura Stammer, Another place to get TV shows is LiveTVworldwide [dot] com . It looks like they offer something similar to the one you mentioned.
There are plenty of original premises out there, its just the media refuses to promote some shows while showing off others. Anyone out there watching "Rubicon" on AMC? How about "Sons of Anarchy" on FX? HBO is launching the Martin Scorsese produced "Boardwalk Empire" soon. And speaking of HBO, how about "Treme"? "Justified", "Rescue Me", "Psych", etc. continue to churn out superior entertainment, yet always get ignored. "The Wire" is still the biggest example of great TV getting ignored. The 2010 Emmys said it all.
Harry – I am with you! I love Rubicon on AMC. Very original and intelligent.
The last 10 years or so has been the golden age for TV. Ironically enough, it's also probably been the worst 10 years for movies. It seems like that same "creative class" that destroyed the movies with the endless remakes has targeted TV for failure as well. When you can't get a TV junkie like myself interested in a single show for the fall, then you probably shouldn't have a job, let alone be making millions upon millions a year.
The publicity shot for "The Event" looks like they just cut-and-pasted the actors' heads onto a leftover "Lost" photo. Isn't that Jack's body on the lead actor? Same t-shirt-and-jeans uniform. I agree with many others - tune out and take a walk (at least until Burn Notice returns in November).
how about fringe?
I can't wait for Fringe to return!
Dont watch any TV and go out for a walk – this crap is rotting your brains
Deja crap! More dumbing down of America.
Completely agree with you. T.V. has turned into a total waste of time. Lousy programs interupted by endlless commercials.
Typing the comment on a forum isn't much better.
The internet is just as awful as television. And what do you mean by saying television "has turned into a total waste of time?" Minus news, sports It's Always Sunny and the occasional show on Science or Discovery, it has always been a colossal waste of time.
Great, more copy-cats. TV is getting worse every year. If something unique works, then beat it to a pulp with similar products. If the original products are so great then bring back the originals, including the actors. Sorry to be such a pessimist; but I’m frustrated with having hundreds of channels and thousands of products for consumption; but only a hand full that are not crap.
If you miss LOST – then too bad! There is nothing that will come around for 10-20 years that will be even close to that show.
People should go back & grab shows they may have missed the first time around. Way better than watching them on television!
Try these to start:
LOST
Deadwood
BSG the re-imagined series
Three fantastic series, deep, wonderful writing, acting, & music. Plus for BSG & LOST – commercial free!!!!
Me? I'm a Babylon 5 fan. The last 4 seasons were sensational. The first season was ok.
Dang it I miss Deadwood. Especially wince there was no frakking conclusion!!
I must LOL at your suggestion that nothing as good as lost will be on for "10 or 20 years"...Obviously the millions of people who have been, and will continue, watching Doctor Who know nothing, right? Lost looks like the quality of Two and a Half Men compared to Doctor Who, classic or renewed
Man, Scottie V, you wanted to draw blood, didn't you? Allonsy!
Let me save those of you who are even thinking about considering watching Lost for the 1st time from wasting 6 years of your life. Watch the pilot. Now fast forward to the "shocking" reveal that those survivors are actually dead are in Limbo. You don't need to know the mumbo jumbo crap in between. There, you now know Lost.
Someone didn't actually watch LOST and has no idea what he is talking about in the plot (LOL).
They weren't dead the whole time. They didn't die at the same time. Did you even pay attention to the show? Everyone gets so upset about how it ended and yet apparently none of you who are upset even watched the entire series. I didn't watch LOST until it ended. Then I had to see what the big fuss was. Now, I know. And it was amazing. And if you watch the last season twice, it really makes sense. Do not comment on something unless you know the entirety of it. Otherwise you make yourself look like a fool, which is what you have just done.