Best in Show

Back to school is upon us, but for those of you who have begrudgingly crept into adulthood, evaded becoming a teacher and/or have no offspring to speak of, it is just regular old fall. So while we don't get to experience the thrill (or agony) of walking those high school halls, we can look forward to our favourite shows returning to the small screen and everyone is present and accounted for.

So without further ado, broken up into nifty school related categories (we're so cleaver like that!) we present to you our picks for must watch TV this fall:

	The History Club: Downton Abbey Premiere Date: September 16th (BBC) We know that Lord Grantham scolded us for streaming DA in the past, but who wants to muddle through until January to see Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley as a bonafide couple? And with a wedding supposedly on the horizon and Shirley Maclaine's arrival we are pulling a Lady Sybil by dubiously defying his orders. The Overachievers: Parks and Recreation Premiere Date: September 20th (NBC) We have missed the Pawnee Parks Department just as much as Ron Swanson hates everything; i.e. immensely. In light of the tragic end of Amy Poehler and Will Arnett's (real life) marriage we need Leslie Knope and Bens Wyatt's quirky romance more than ever. If something goes wrong with those two, god help us, love does not exist. Luckily the prognosis looks good as rumor has it the premiere takes place in Washington DC where Ben took a job last season. Other possible saving graces: John Ralphio definitely returning and Tom 'Tommy Fresh' Haverford.
	The Mean Girls: Revenge Premiere Date: September 30th (ABC) As pretty recent Revenge addicts, we were relieved that we didn't have to wait a full summer to find out if Victoria Grayson lives! Although having binge-watched the first season, it's still felt like a while. As our heart aches for a Daniel Grayson sighting, we hear the Hamptons is about to get a bit more devious with a ton of new characters – including Emily Thorne's mother (!), sexy foreign love interests and a possible baby (although lets all hope that's a hoax and faux Amanda hits the bricks.)
	The Hipsters: New Girl Premiere Date: September 25th (FOX) It is a true American travesty that Jess and Nick have not yet consummated their oh-so obvious love for one another AND we heard that Schmidt and Cece don't even get back together! Safe to day romance is not this show's strong suit, but we will continue to faithfully tune in, of course (we predict a touching Ross and Rachel type situation). Although we could easily do without Winston's weak rhetoric, we find ourselves constantly quoting the ever hilarious Schmidt: has anyone seen my driving moccasins?
	The Loner: Dexter Premiere Date: September 30th (Showtime) Deb knows and there has been a proposition of incest (not incest strictly speaking, but as good as!) We can't focus long enough to even discuss it.
	The Popular Kids: Happy Endings Premiere Date: October 23rd (ABC) This show got off to a rough (i.e. not funny) start, but, alas, has become quite good in its second season. Although we find Alex and Dave absurdly unfunny, we are curious about the budding (misguided?) romance between Penny and Dave. Max: also hilarious. Sidenote: we are calling these kids popular, but really this is only in reference to Penny (should we be worried that we relate to her a little too much?) and Brad.
	The New Kid: The Mindy Project Premiere: September 25th (FOX) If you haven't gleaned from this post that we obsessed with televised romance…then re-read. That is why we love The Mindy Project (the pilot is available online). This show is basically a rom-com movie abridged into 22 enjoyable minutes. We don't love the name, but the cast is cute and funny.
	The Oddballs: The Office Premiere: September 20th (NBC) Prepare yourself to bid farewell to Pam, Jim, Dwight and the gang. Although we experienced some emotional turmoil saying goodbye to Michael a few seasons ago we were able to find solace in new manager Andrew "Nard Dog" Bernard; but nothing is cushioning this blow. Apparently there is a lot to cover this season with rumours that we might just find out the reason behind the Dunder Mifflin documentary and a possible Steve Carell return -- could it be too good to be true? Other highlights include: Andy and Erins beyond cute chemistry, confirming Angela's husband is gay and your almost decade long crush on Jim Halpert, of course.

Fanatically yours,

Us