When I heard that Katherine Heigl wants to return to Grey’s Anatomy, I first laughed then said, “that’s really, still on?” I could have sworn it was over at least two years ago. I started looking into it and it turns out there are a ton of shows that are worthy of this same comment. These shows either deserve to be on this list because they have just been around for so long, or they’ve been around for too long. I mean really, producers need to realize when their show is past its prime and stop trying to drag it along.

Check out the shows below! What other shows do you think deserve the “really? that’s still on?” title?

initiating the gallery...

Ashley is a freshman at George Washington University and she’s majoring in Overanalyzing Situations and International Affairs. Follow her on twitter @ashleybrooks25

If you just started seeing someone new, chances are your relationship is going to go through some stages. These stages happen in almost every relationship (I don’t have a PhD in relationships or anything, I’m just going by my own experiences). So here are some stages that you and your new bf or gf will probably go through. And if you don’t, your relationship will probably end in a terrible break-up that has you eating a gallon of ice cream every day for a week (just kidding…you’ll only eat a gallon the first break-up night).

1. Butterflies and rainbows

So you two just started dating, and obviously everything is perfect. You want to spend every minute with each other and you can’t keep your hands off each other. You’ve forgotten who your friends are because you haven’t seen them in a week; you’re too busy being complimented on how perfect you are.

2. You meet the friends

If you already know each others friends, you’ll probably skip this. But if not, he gets to meet your friends and you get to meet his. He’ll definitely love drinking cocktails with you and your girls at your favorite Asian-fusion restaurant followed by a Grey’s Anatomy marathon. And I’m sure you’ll have a blast hanging with his bros playing XBox while drinking Red Bull and eating 4-day-old pizza. YUM!

3. Your first fight

Uh-oh. You guys went out last night and  another guy hit on you, and now your BF is upset. Or he forgot to mention that his “friend” who he went to lunch with was really his ex. It’s okay though, you won’t break up. Everybody has to fight eventually (just don’t fight like Sammi and Ronnie).

4. Sex

This stage doesn’t have to be number four. It can be number one or number five or anywhere in between, but having sex with someone new is a big thing. You’re letting them see all of you, and sex means this person most likely means something to you (unless you’re Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian, then sex means you get a reality show).

5. I love you

This is the leap into the next stage, once you say “I love you,” your relationship is no longer new. As Carrie Bradshaw once said, “Everything before I love you just doesn’t count.”

Confession time.

A big part of the reason I’m such a TV addict is I because I love the romcom romances that these TV shows feed their viewers. I love the will they won’t they of it. The build up. The cute scenes. The perfect moments. And yes the perfect kisses, which prove that if you try hard enough good chemistry can in fact, be faked. But anyway, like I was saying. I love the romances of the these TV shows and all cute and sexy scenes that come along with those romances. Like the makeout moments, which, there are quite a few of.

So this week, with TV lacking this summer season, I’d though I’d reflect on some of my favorite tv romances and the memorable makeout moments that accompanied them…and give you, and me, a chance to oh, ah, and aw over them by linking you to the scenes on YouTube.

10. Alex and Izzie in the bar. This one made the list more for the speech Alex makes that proceeds the kiss than the kiss itself, but also a little bit for the kiss. In Izzie’s words “Seriously.”

9. Cappie and Casey on the stairs. A loyal fan of Greek I waited patiently for these two crazy kids to finally get together. And their get back together scene, and kiss, really did live up to the hype. Mostly though, I love this scene because of their awkward pre-kiss ramblings and insecurities. Adorable.

8. Matt and Julie on the football field. Matt and Julie of Friday Night Lights (a recently canceled, completely underrated show I highly recommend to all of you) are the epitome of sweet and innocent first love. And so is this kiss.

7. Nathan and Haley in the rain. One Tree Hill took a turn off the deep end back around the second scary stalker story line, but when the show first started out even I was a Nathan and Haley fan. I mean they had the steamiest makeout sessions. Especially in the rain.

6. Seth and Summer upside down. I know they stole it from Spiderman but they gave Peter Parker and M.J. their due credit, which really only made the moment cuter. I’m a sucker for Seth, okay? So sue me.

5. Veronica and Logan on the balcony. Maybe this one wouldn’t make it into everyone’s top five but it makes it into mine. Mostly because of the way Veronica kisses Logan first, then shakes her head and walks away as if to say “what the hell was I thinking?” before Logan reels her back in. Totally classic.

4. Meredith and Derek in the elevator.  Mer and Der may have had their ups and downs throughout the seasons, but back in the day no one did steamy elevator scenes quite like these two. And for that we owe them their due respect.

3. Chuck and Blair in the limo. Yes Gossip Girl has gone down hill lately but who could forget that first kiss that started it all between Chuck and Blair? I mean in the back of a limo, with those vintage effects Gossip Girl used to do back when it was still cool, and Sum 41′s “With Me”  playing in the background, it was kind of perfect.

2. Pacey and Joey on the side of the road. Dawson’s Creek is a WB teen drama classic so obviously it was making the list. But there were a lot of steamy makeout sessions to choose from. I went with Pacey and Joey’s first kiss. Because they’re way better suited for one another than Dawson and Joey. And because I’m a sucker for the shut up kiss. Don’t ya ever get tired of talking? 

1. Ross and Rachel in the cafe. A tough choice  but who could really compete with the two season in the making, anger induced, passion filled kiss that officially started the will-they-won’t-they Ross and Rachel saga? No one. That’s why they’re number one, ladies. That’s why they’re number one.

What are some other memorable pop culture makeout moments that I left out? Leave a comment and share your favorites! 

It’s official. It’s summertime.

Okay, so I know that technically it’s not officially summertime, that’s not until sometime in June, but for us college girls classes are over, finals are done, and summer is in session. And there’s lots of reasons to be happy about that (like the three bs: beaches, bikinis, and boys), but there are also a few downsides to the start of summer. Like the end of good TV, and the return of really, really bad reality TV. (Speaking of, when does Bachelor Pad start anyway?)

But at least they go out on a high note, you know? Those season finale cliffhangers are a killer, but they also make the show memorable and make sure we keep thinking about their show even when it’s not on. And it works. In fact, I’m still thinking about a few of my favorites.

10. Sex and the City Season Four. After one last perfect New York City night Carrie and Mr. Big part ways, with Mr. Big planning to move to Napa California, and Miranda gives birth to her baby. It’s the end of an era for these ladies, and it was for me too. Where would Sex and the City be without Mr. Big?

9. The OC Season Two. Just when we think Ryan and Marissa are finally going to get it together it all gets shot to hell. Literally. By Marissa herself. She didn’t mean to, though. She was just trying to save Ryan. But will that save Marissa Cooper from doing the time for her crime? Only time would tell.

8. Felicity Season One.  Felicity. Remember when we all thought college was going to be like that? Finishing out our freshman year by trying to decide between two great guys: Noel or Ben? The questioned haunted us the entire summer. Oh, to be that cab driver. The guy with all the answers.

7.  Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Five. Buffy died. Buffy of Buffy the Vampire Slayer died. Before this moment viewers didn’t even think it was possible for someone to die when their name was in the title of the show. Lucky for us it didn’t stick, though.

6. Gossip Girl Season One. Dan and Serena split, and as if that weren’t depressing enough, disaster strikes twice. Minutes after Chuck and Blair finally get their acts together Chuck gets distracted by a leggy blonde and it all goes to hell? Cut to Blair flying off with a cute flight attendant and Chuck returning to his whoring ways. Ugh.

5. Vampire Diaries Season One. Damon almost dies in a fire, but is saved at the last minute thanks to Stephan, Bonnie, and Elena. An emotional wreck, Damon goes to Elena and pours his heart out. The two share a sweet moment and a hot kiss. It’s only then that we find out it wasn’t Elena at all. But Katherine. Damn doppelgangers.

4. Gilmore Girls Season Four. Lorelei and Luke finally get their four years in the making kiss and we’re left to figure out what that means over the summer. But the even bigger cliffhanger? Rory losing her virginity to her married ex-boyfriend and first love, Dean. I know, I was rooting for Jess too.

3.  Friends Season Four. Rachel flies out to London to stop Ross’s wedding, only to realize at the last minute that she couldn’t do that to him. Resigned to loving him from afar Rachel stays for the wedding. Only to hear Ross say her name instead of Emily’s name. Uhoh.

2. Boy Meets World Season Five. What? Did you think that the moment Topanga gave up Yale and proposed to Cory at their high school graduation wouldn’t make the cut? Actually, it was one of the first scenes that came to my mind. Mr. Feeny announced them as the class of 1998 (God, we’re old) but Corny and Topanga remain seated. They were shocked into silence. And so were we.

1. Grey’s Anatomy Season Two. Meredith and Derek reunite for some slutty mistress action in the on call room. Denny dies. And Alex proves his undying devotion to Izzie. The real cliffhanger, though? Meredith standing between McDreamy and McVet unable to make a choice.

What are your favorite season finale cliffhangers? Which finales are you most looking forward to this year? Which one drove you craziest so far?

So we all know that lately pop culture has been a little bit obsessed with vampires. True Blood. Twilight. The Vampire Diaries. It’s everywhere we look and a part of everything we do. But we’re not just obsessed with vampires. We’re obsessed with vampire boyfriends. Edward Cullen in particular. An as someone who spends way too much time in the fictional world I have to step back, and ask…really? I mean come on!

Edward Cullen is not the best fictional boyfriend out there. He’s obsessive, overbearing, and would find great satisfaction in tearing open his girlfriend’s veins and drinking her blood. This is the guy that makes you swoon? Well not me. He’s not my idea of the best fictional boyfriend out there. He’s not even close. Who is, you ask? Well I’ve compiled a list to answer just that question (and put off any of the more important tasks I have yet to accomplish today). Below are my top ten fictional boyfriends, all of whom are real flesh and blood, albeit fictional, men that don’t sparkle in the sunlight.

10. Mike Chang. You know, Tina’s boyfriend from Glee. Not only is he a football player but he has swoon worthy dance moves and even swoon worthier abs.

9. Flynn Rider. The last Disney prince. The one from Tangled. Yes I’ve seen Tangled. What’ is it to you? A little sarcastic, a little funny, and very much the reluctant hero. He’s definitely not as boring as the Disney princes before him and so for that reason alone he makes the list.

8. Nathaniel Archibald. Okay, so I don’t have any legitimate reasons for this one seeing as how he’s a manwhore both literally and figuratively, he’s cheated on almost all of his girlfriends, and he’s hooked up with every female regular besides Lily van der Woodsen (as far as we know), but… he’s so pretty!

7. Seth Cohen. Yes, the geeky guy from the O.C. made it onto the list, mostly because I’ve always had the biggest crush on Adam Brody, but also because that upside down, in the rain, Spiderman kiss that he and Summer share is one of my favorite TV kisses of all time.

6. Cappie. Casey’s on again off again boyfriend from Greek is a favorite of mine. Yes, he’s childish and has a bit of a Peter Pan complex but he’s also a genuinely nice guy. And when Casey asked him where he wanted to be in ten years he said “I want to be with you.” Sigh.  If only.

5. Chandler Bing. The class clown. The commitment-phobe. The one everyone thought was gay. Okay, so that’s all true. But he’s also the guy who overcame all of that and fell in love with his best friend. Plus, he looks really cute with glasses, don’t you think?

4. Aiden Shaw. I was a Carrie and Mr. Big fan. I always have been and I always will be. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate just how awesome of a boyfriend Aiden really was. He forgave Carrie for cheating on him, redid her apartment, and his voice had this sort of twang to it that just makes me want to watch him speak. Shirtless.

3. Dan Humphrey. Serena van der Woodsen’s loyal Brooklyn boyfriend. Dan gets a bit of a bad rep with the Upper East Siders but personally I think he’s a great guy. Cute. Smart. Funny. And he has that whole tortured artist thing down perfectly. What’s a girl gotta do be his muse?

2. Alex Karev. This poor guy has yet to have a relationship that doesn’t end in his girlfriend going crazy, dying, or moving across the country, and I think that’s terrible because Alex deserves better. He’s a good guy, deep, deep, deep down, who will always be therefore his girl when she needs him. Give him a lasting love interest, Shonda Rhimes.

1. Pacey Witter. Yes, the sidekick from Dawson’s Creek is taking the top spot and I don’t feel the least bit guilty about it. Maybe it’s the swooning pre-teen in me but when I think of my favorite fictional boyfriend, I think of Pacey Witter. With Joey, Andie, or even that other chick he dates in the later episodes when he can’t have Joey, Pacey Witter was a great boyfriend. In my eyes this boy can do no wrong. And plus, you know, he’s adorable.

In case you couldn’t tell based on this list I have a type. It’s called tall, dark, and a little bit dorky and/or dangerous. So if you know anyone that fits the bill, send him my way, okay?

Who are your dream fictional boyfs?

When the Grammy nominations were released for this year, I was thrilled to see that Mumford and Sons were up for best new artist and best rock song for “Little Lion Man.” (Fingers crossed they’ll beat the Biebs!) I heard that song last year on the radio and I instantly loved it so much I ran (yes, ran) home to download their album, Sigh No More. And let me tell you, and every track is better than the last. So more than any other, this is one album I just had to share with you all.

About the Band: Mumford and Sons are a folk rock band from London consisting of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, “Country” Wilson Marshall, and Ted Dwane. Sigh No More is their debut album, and they have been featured on multiple shows like Grey’s Anatomy, the short-lived Lone Star, and the UK Skins.

Top 3 Tracks:

Little Lion Man

The Cave

White Blank Page

Why You Should Listen to Them:
This is a band that has an incredible amount of heart. Every song on this album is full of raw emotion. And that makes sense, since the band is made up of a group of guys who are passionate about music, which definitely shows. I tend to listen to this when I have a long drive home at night and need to stay awake – it’s too hard to fall asleep when you’re belting out these songs! They also prove that banjos can totally have a place in popular music, so more power to them. Here’s hoping they walk away victorious from the Grammy’s this year!

Want more awesome iPod suggestions? You got it!

Let’s be honest. There were times when you weren’t sure you’d make it. You were optimistic back in August, but less so as the months wore on. You started your countdown on Halloween, and were ready to tear your own hair out over Thanksgiving break. By the time finals week had rolled around you had already checked out. But somehow, somehow you’ve managed to make it through.

Well…almost.

Another few days and you’ll be free and clear. Done. Dunzo. Getting the hell out of Dodge. The fall 2010 semester will be over and you’ll be able to do whatever you like over the break. Want to know what I’m looking forward to the most?

10. Catching up with the high school BFFs. You never would have made it through prom without them and you’ll never make it through six weeks at home with your parents without them either. Go to the movies. Go to the bars. Sneak beer into your parents’ basement like you’re still 16. Or braid each other’s hair like you’re still six. Whatever. Like you really need me to tell you how to have a good time, right?

9. Movie marathons. There’s just something about those lazy days. Those days when you just know you won’t be getting out of your pajamas, the days when all you want to do is eat some Chunky Monkey and watch a few chick flicks. There’s no use fighting it, so pick your favorites and plop. Personally I’m planning on a Back to the ’90s sort of day.  Heath Ledger 10 Things I Hate About You and Freddie Prince Jr. She’s All That? Yes, please.

8. Organizing everything. Whenever the semester starts, everything is always so organized. My files are backed up on my external hard drive.  My iTunes music is arranged into the perfect playlists. All of my notes are placed neatly in my binders. I can find any book I want on my bookshelf. But somehow, as the semester wore on, I forget to back up my files. That new Katy Perry song never made it onto my playlist. And I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen my microbiology textbook since the first day of classes…

7. Enjoying some home cooked meals. No, not just the holiday meals and the week’s worth of leftovers that will surely follow, but your childhood favorites too. The dinners mom knows you love, the chocolate chip pancakes no one makes quite like your dad, or even your grandmother’s famous sugar cookies. (Note to self: Don’t forget all the elastic waist pants….)

6. Reading a book for enjoyment. I’m an English major. I read ALL. THE. TIME. But they’re not always books that I enjoy. (Oddly enough, before this semester I’d never felt inclined to have a go at 18^th Century Literature.) And even if they are books I enjoy I’m not reading them for enjoyment. I’m analyzing them. Most of the time from some crazy Marxist/Feminist/Deconstruction point of view that, I assure you, the original author never meant for us to use.

5. Sleeping until 2 p.m. Not that this one really needs an explanation or anything, but I have been looking forward to this moment since the first Monday morning I was unable to press the snooze button.

4. Hitting the post holiday sales. Yes, yes, I know you just finished shopping. But this shopping isn’t for other people, this shopping is for you. All those great gifts you wished someone would get you when you were shopping for other people?  Now you can get them for yourself. For a bazillion percent less. Go for it. And return that ugly sweater your aunt got you while you’re at it.

3. Catching up on my favorite TV shows. What’s that? You missed the last episode of Gossip Girl? (Editor’s Note: WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?) You haven’t seen the latest episode of Glee? You haven’t been watching Grey’s Anatomy all season long? That’s okay; you have plenty of time to catch up! And the shows are all online now, anyway so you can grab that laptop and snuggle up in your childhood bedroom (surrounded by all your old favorite Beanie Babies and stuff).  Sure, you have to sit through those annoying ads for Lysol and birth control but at least you don’t have to wait three whole agonizing months to find out if Mark and Lexie are ever going to get back together!

2. Pampering myself. Just a little bit. Probably one of the things I am most looking forward to is having the time for a day of rest and relaxation. It will start will a trip to Starbucks, then I’ll head to the salon to finally get my hair trimmed, and then if I’m really feeling the love for myself I might even work in a manicure. One day of being pampered, just one. Because, honestly we all deserve it.

1. Doing absolutely nothing of importance. My absolute favorite part of winter break. You really don’t have to do anything. No dire emergencies. No homework assignments. No club meetings or class schedules. No appropriate times to sleep or dining hall hours to remember. You can do whatever you want whenever you want because you want to. Or you can do nothing at all. It’s perfectly acceptable. Because you’re on winter break. So enjoy it while you can.

This week, as I caught up on my favorite fall shows (and watched some Sex and the City reruns) I couldn’t help but notice a running trend: female friendships. Sure some shows were about shopping (or singing while shopping) and some were about saving lives, but at the heart of it all, were some pretty cool chicks.

The kind of best friends every girl wishes she had.
The kind of best friends that will risk their lives to help you, the kind that will stand by you through anything, the kind of best friends that will…let you raid their closet. (Hey! It’s the little things that matter.)

These girls aren’t real, but we all wish they were. So, in my first ever Weekly Ten (yeah, I’m new so get used to me!) I’ve decided to pay tribute to what I consider to be some of the best fictional BFFs out there, past and present.

10. Santana Lopez, Glee
She stood by her BFF as Brittany came to terms with the idea that Brittany S. Piers could be just as fierce as Brittney Spears. And she shared a dream sequence with her. And it was hot.

9. Phoebe Buffay, Friends
Come on, you know you want her to write an out of tune, off-key song about you.

8. Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
Even though she was in law school she still managed to take time out of her day to teach her friend the bend and snap. Now that’s true friendship.

7. Caroline Forbes, The Vampire Diaries
Did you see last week’s episode? The newly turned vampire kicked some werewolf butt while saving her best friend’s vampire boyfriend. Who does that!? A BFFAEAEAE, that’s who.

6. Veronica Mars, Veronica Mars
When her best friend was brutally murder she didn’t just get mad, she got even.  Nothing stopped her from knowing the truth, not even being trapped in a freezer and left to burn.

5. Hermione Granger, Harry Potter
The girl leaves behind her family and her friends to help Harry fight the Dark Lord. (Shut up. No, I won’t say his name. And yes, I know my inner geek is showing.)

4. Cristina Yang, Grey’s Anatomy
She operated on her best friend’s husband while there was  a gun to her head. Best. BFF. Ever.

3. Lorelei Gilmore, Gilmore Girls
Not only was she Rory’s best friend, but she was also the coolest mom a girl could ever have. She did everything for her daughter, from helping her study Shakespeare to helping her find her favorite hangover food. That’s love.

2. Blair Waldorf, Gossip Girl
Okay, so maybe you don’t want to be one of her minions. Or on the receiving end of her “Blair Waldorfing.” But she and Serena? They’re the real deal. Next time Blair heads off to Paris for the summer, can she take me with her instead?

1. Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City
Big said it best when he told her friends, “You girls are the loves of her life. A guy’s just lucky to come in third.”

Who are your favorite TV/movie BFFs?
And is it just me, or do you want to find your own BFFs and give them a big ol’ hug?

Got a special place in your heart for top 10 lists? We do and we’ve got some doozies.  Get ‘em all out right here.

If fantasy football is a good enough reason for guys to disappear for days on end, then I hereby give you permission to set aside the textbooks and turn off your cell phone for what is going to be the greatest (and most stressful) week of TV all year. It seems like every. freaking. show. on TV is premiering this week. Not sure how you’re going to fit it all in??

Brace yourselves, I’m about to outline the next five days’ worth of what to watch, what to TiVo, and what to skip altogether.  Oh, and all new shows are linked to their previews so you can decide for yourself!

Good luck. And thank god for Hulu.

Monday, September 20

8:00

Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Is it even possible not to watch this season’s train wreck assembly of contestants foxtrot their way to faux-fame?  TiVo so you can skip the commercials!
House (Fox)
Chuck (NBC)
How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
If you’re like me and have been going through Barney Stinson withdrawal through the whole, long summer then be sure to watch HIMYM live.

8:30

Rules of Engagement (CBS)

9:00

Lone Star (Fox) New Show (and uber hottie) Alert!
The Event (NBC) New Show Alert!
Looks like this is going to be the new trendy conspiracy show of the season.  Watch it live so you’re up on all the plot twists in case everyone’s talking about this one come Tuesday.
Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Charlie Sheen, go home.  Skip this one, in the name of wife-beaters everywhere!

9:30

Mike & Molly (CBS) New Show Alert!

10:00

Castle (ABC)
Chase (NBC) New Show Alert!
If you like cop dramas and girl power, hit record on this new show featuring a badass assortment of U.S. Marshals…and Jesse Metcalfe.
Hawaii Five-0 (CBS) New Show Alert!

Tuesday, September 21

8:00

Glee (Fox)
If you don’t watch this one live, I can’t even speak to you.  Grab a big bowl of popcorn and get ready to sing your heart out.  Glee’s back!!
The Biggest Loser (NBC)
NCIS (CBS)

9:00

Raising Hope (Fox) New Show Alert!
There’s a cute baby, so isn’t that an instant reason to TiVo?
NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS)

9:30

Running Wilde (Fox) New Show Alert!
Since I love Keri Russell, I want to like this show.  But it looks a little stupid.  Set to record and watch it when you’re bored/hungover.

10:00

Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC) New Show Alert!
It’s about time for a cop show outside of NY/Miami/LA. And who needs cops more than Detroit? This is the perfect option to fill the void left by the original Law and Order. <Moment of silence>

Wednesday, September 22

8:00

Hell’s Kitchen (Fox)
The Middle (ABC)
Undercovers (NBC) New Show Alert!
Seemingly normal couple revert back to their previous lifestyle as undercover agents.  They then coin the term “sexspionage”.  Eh, I’d watch it.

8:30

Better With You (ABC) New Show Alert!
TiVo because the mom from That 70s Show has finally found a new home on TV!

9:00

Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
Criminal Minds (CBS)
Modern Family (ABC)
Yes, yes, yes.  I know, it’s brilliant and funny.  Watch it live for sure.

9:30

Cougar Town (ABC)
Totally underrated. Yeah, I said it. Plus, Jennifer Aniston is guest starring. Record it for those mid-afternoon breaks when the only thing on TV is old episodes of Gilmore Girls…which you’ve already seen 3 times.

10:00

The Whole Truth (ABC) New Show Alert!
The Defenders (CBS) New Show Alert!

Thursday, September 23

8:00

My Generation (ABC) New Show Alert!
This one looks like it could either be really great or really horrible.  Set it to record and make up your mind later.
Bones (Fox)
Community (NBC)
It’s baaaaack!  One to watch live, for sure.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

8:30

30 Rock (NBC)
S#*! My Dad Says (CBS) New Show Alert!
I for one am totally dying to know what kind of S#*! is going to go down on this sure-to-be-hysterical show.  If you loved the original Twitter account of the same name, this is one to record.

9:00

Fringe (Fox)
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
With last season’s crazy finale, do you really want to take your chances on the TiVo malfunctioning and not watch the new Grey’s live?  Or worse, saving it for later and having it all ruined for you by your status-happy girlfriend? Get real.
The Office (NBC)
CSI (CBS)

9:30

Outsourced (NBC) New Show Alert!

10:00

Private Practice (ABC)
The Mentalist (CBS)

Friday, September 24

8:00

Smallville (CW)
Medium (CBS)

9:00

The Good Guys (Fox)
Supernatural (CW)
Dateline (NBC)
CSI: NY (CBS)

10:00

20/20 (ABC)
Blue Bloods (CBS) New Show Alert!
Tom Selleck, for the win.  If you’ve got nothing else to do than marvel at a glorious mustache and take in yet another cop drama, then by all means.  But really, I’d advise just leaving a little earlier for the frat parties.  Nothing you need to see here.

There are plenty of things I’ll miss about the summer. But the bad TV won’t be one of them. I don’t know about you ladies, but I don’t think I’d be able to survive another week of badly written summer dramas, or so-good-it’s-bad-but-it’s-really-really-bad reality TV. Thankfully, the television gods must have heard our prayers (and our curses when we saw Wipeout was on AGAIN) and have brought back all our favorite shows.

So set your DVRs and mentally prepare yourself for all the excitement (!!!), because here’s a list of what to watch, and when.

The Show You Won’t Admit You’re Watching: Vampire Diaries
Premieres: Thursday, September 9, 8:00 p.m. on The CW

Where We Left Off: Stefan, Damon, Elena, and Bonnie manage to save the town from angry vampires and walk away unscathed, just in time for Damon to show Elena his softer side, and sneak in a quick kiss too. The only problem? It wasn’t Elena. In what was easily one of the most shocking season finales, Katherine, Elena’s doppelganger, and the Salvatore brothers’ first love, returns to kill Uncle John Gilbert. While John lies in a pool of his own blood, Elena’s brother Jeremy attempts to turn himself into a vampire. Elsewhere, Caroline has been rushed to surgery after a potentially fatal car accident and Tyler attempts to figure out what made him crash the car in the first place. Catch a glimpse of the new season here.

The Show You Can’t Stop Watching: Gossip Girl
Premieres: Monday, September 13, 9:00 p.m. on The CW

Where We Left Off: When we last left off, Gossip Girl was going full circle. Three seasons later little Jenny Humphrey lost her virginity to Chuck Bass, the same Chuck Bass who tried to do more than kiss her at the Kiss on the Lips party back in the pilot. When Blair found out, she banished Chuck from her life and banished Jenny all the way to Hudson to live with her mother. Back in Brooklyn, Dan and Serena shared a kiss that resulted in Nate returning to his man whore roots and Serena jetting off to Paris with her bestie, Blair. Oh and Chuck? His life is currently hanging in the balance after he was mugged and shot.  Watch the promo here.

The Show Everyone’s Watching: Glee
Premieres: Tuesday, September 21, 8:00 p.m. on Fox

Where We Left Off: Quinn delivered her baby. And Rachel’s birth mother adopted her. Puck admitted he loved Quinn. Finn admitted he loved Rachel. Mr. Schuster made a play for Miss Pillsbury. In the midst of all of this, New Directions performed at regionals. And lost. But everyone’s favorite villain, Sue Sylvester, managed to find them funding for another year. Adding to these already complicated plot lines, Season 2 brings new characters, new songs, and an episode dedicated entirely to the musical magic of Britney Spears (1.0). Want to hear some new tunes? Check out the promo.

The Show You’re Not Watching: Life Unexpected
Premieres:  Tuesday, September 14, 9:00 p.m. on The CW

Where We Left Off: Chances are, you’re not watching this show, but you should be. Life Unexpected premiered last January with ten heartwarming episodes. This mid-season show tells the story of Lux, a fifteen year old foster child who, after applying for emancipation, ends up back in the care of the people who gave her up. Enter Cate Cassidy and Nathaniel “Baze” Bazile, who know nothing about parenting. In fact, they don’t even know each other, outside of one backseat hookup at Homecoming. Add in Cate’s finance Ryan, and a couple of quirky characters you’ve got a can’t-miss-it show. Check it out here.

The Show You Don’t Know Why You’re Watching: Grey’s Anatomy
Premieres: Thursday, September 23, 9:00 p.m. on ABC

Where We Left Off: Last season’s finale was “game changing,” at least that’s how executive producer, Shonda Rhimes, describes it. I just call it jaw dropping. When a shooter runs ramped throughout the hospital, Derek is shot, and Meredith miscarries the baby her husband didn’t even know they were having. Meanwhile, the tragedy brings other couples closer. Callie and Arizona reunite, and Owen finally chooses Cristina, while Mark chooses Lexie. But who does Lexie choose? And how will Dr. Bailey and Dr. Webber fit into all of this? Oh, and are any of those pesky Mercy Westers (the ones that survived the finale) sticking around? Catch up on everyone’s favorite drama here.

Other Returning Favorites Worthy of Space on your DVR:

90210: The CW, Monday, September 13, 8:00 p.m.

One Tree Hill: The CW, Tuesday, September 14,  8:00 p.m.

Dancing With the Stars: ABC,  Monday, September 20, 8:00 p.m.

Modern Family, ABC, Wednesday, September 22, 9:00 p.m.

Cougar Town: ABC, Wednesday, September 22, 9:30 p.m.

The Big Bang Theory: CBS, Thursday, September 23,  8:00 p.m.

Private Practice: ABC, Thursday, September 23, 10:00 p.m.

Community: NBC, Thursday, September 23, 8:00 p.m.

Extreme Makeover: ABC, Sunday, September 26, 8:00 p.m.

Desperate Housewives: ABC, Sunday, September 26, 9:00 p.m.

Brothers & Sisters: ABC, Sunday, September 26, 10:00 p.m.

The Good Wife: CBS, Tuesday, September 28, 10:00 p.m.