Best Of 2008: Top 10 Shows Premiering Again in 2009

By: Jen Smith
Fancast.com

Let’s face it—sometimes midseason replacements can be a bore. Plus, who has time for new shows when you’ve got a whole myriad of tried-and-true to choose from? Our list of the top ten returning shows is coincidentally a mixture of reality show staples and high-stakes dramas. Let’s face it—what would we do without Paula Abdul’s antics? And how will we find out what the future of Earth looks like without the Galactica? Who else will assure us that polygamy is indeed OK? This year has been riddled with cancellations of fan favorites, so thank your lucky stars that these shows are back for more action (or embarrassment) for another year. But don’t get too comfy… a few of these shows are in their last season. At least they’re ending on a high note!

1. American Idol

With its 8th season on the horizon, American Idol is pulling out all the stops. This year, the producers have promised more tears, emotion, and reality. It could be entertaining… but it could also be a snooze-fest. If anything, we’re tuning in to see the new judge, Kara DioGuardi. Will she and Paula bring girl power, or will Randy have to break up a few cat fights? The actual contestants are the last things on our minds this season, so they’re going to have to bring it if they want any attention.

2. Lost

Lost is more confusing than a map of Los Angeles, but it looks like Season 5 will be a little less complicated. The show runners have promised that they’ll still play with flashbacks and flash-forwarding this season, but it won’t be as often as it used to be. The main struggle will be reuniting the cast (half the people are on the island, while half the people are off) but we have it on good authority it’ll happen well before the finale. We’ll also see the returns of a few missing characters and some back-stories on a few others. Lost returns to the island—er, um, ABC—with two brand new episodes January 21.

3. 24

Jack is back! We’ve waited an excruciating year and a half for this show to return, thanks in part to both the writer’s strike and an underwhelming “sixth day.” But, the writers secluded themselves and came out into daylight with a re-tooled version to appease our growing appetites. Just don’t expect to see the same ol’ familiar sets… CTU has been dismantled, presumably for firewood, but we’ve been promised an awesome new hangout. Oh, and Tony Almeida is now evil. We’re counting down the days until Sunday, January 11. Tick-tock.

4. Battlestar Galactica

The final season of Battlestar Galactica airs this year, and the producers are keeping quiet on what to expect. It will supposedly have a whopper of an ending, but will all our questions get answered in the last 10 episodes? The big mystery, of course, is the identity of the final Cylon. Then there are the possible romances—will Starbuck and Apollo hook up again? What about Roslin and Adama? Oh yeah, and don’t forget about the whole “Earth is a desolate wasteland” storyline. Are they out of options? If any show can gives us the answers we crave, it’s Battlestar Galactica. The few surviving humans will tune in to Sci-Fi January 16 at 10 p.m.

5. Big Love

Expect big storylines ahead for Big Love! As if three wives weren’t enough, our resident polygamist is weighing the option of bring in a fourth wife in season three. What’s worse—he can’t exactly afford it. It’s kind of between a new wife and his daughter’s college education. Even worse—the first wife Barb exposed their family as polygamists and threatened to leave if he brings on another wife. Hey, Bill… you might want to listen to your wives. See it all unfold January 11 on HBO.

6. The Bachelor

We watched in shock as DeAnna chose Jesse instead of Jason on The Bachelorette. Jason may not have won, but he did get a reprieve for a chance at love. This season will follow him on The Bachelor while he searches for a would-be stepmother to his 3-year-old son. He’s handsome, sweet, athletic, smart, AND a doting father? The ladies will swoon. Let’s just hope his story ends better than Jesse’s—Diana broke off their engagement not too long after the show. They can’t all be like Trista and Ryan. The roses will be ready to present January 5 on ABC.

7. The L Word

We all love watching hot chicks make out on screen, so naturally we’re pretty pumped for the The L Word’s return. Sadly, it’s the final season for the show. But we will get plenty of cool things to gawk at. First, Elizabeth Berkley is set to play a straight chick that Bette had a crush on in college. Then, we’re treated to a surprise death of a much-hated character. That didn’t give it away, did it? Season Six is essentially a lesbian murder mystery. Sounds juicy! Catch all the forbidden fun on Showtime starting January 18.

8. Flight of the Conchords

A show about a folk duo from New Zealand who play fictionalized and kooky versions of themselves doesn’t sound like it would be much of a hit… but take our word for us, it is. Flight of the Conchords is back for a second, and assuredly popular, season. The good news is that HBO even brought it back for another season despite its low ratings. The bad news is that this is probably the last one. Creators Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie revealed that they feel the show should be wrapped up after the next ten episodes. At least we know that America is starting to embrace folk music again.

9. Damages

Court was adjourned on Damages for a few short months, but this legal thriller is back and ballsier than ever. Apparently the only person who hasn’t changed since season one is Patty Hughes, a high-stakes litigator who always gets her way. Expect a transformation in Ellen Parsons, as she’s become savvier but has begun therapy. And now for the big shocker—Arthur Frobisher isn’t actually deceased. We all presumed he was when he was shot in a field and left for dead, but we find him lying in a hospital bed alone and penniless. Damages will air in your jurisdiction starting January 7 on FX.

10. Kyle XY

The third season of this cult hit has many fans perched on the edge of their seats. Get ready, because this season’s going to answer a lot of questions. Kyle and Jessi finally reveal the extent of their powers to rescue Amanda, who was kidnapped by Latnok. But… everything’s not so cozy with Kyle and Amanda’s relationship and it seems Kyle turns to booze to drown his sorrows. Our young hero might have superpowers, but leave it to a woman to break him down! See it all go down on ABC Family, January 12.