by Heather Cone

Created on: May 14, 2009

Each Fall brings with it an onslaught of new TV series. Many of these programs fail after just a few weeks on the air, but a select few find their way into the hearts of viewers across the country, and stick around long enough to become favorites. Below is a brief synopsis of 3 programs that beat the odds and top the ratings as the best new TV shows of 2008-2009.

The Fringe


The Fringe is a science fiction television program most often compared to the X-Files. While some criticize its lack of "seriousness" it is the eccentric scientist that steals the show. Created by JJ Abrams (Alias, Lost and the 90's teen drama Felicity) the show centers around an FBI agent, a crazy scientist and his bitter son (played by Joshua Jackson). .

What makes the show stand out is the diversity of ideas, theories and concepts that are explored. Most of the plot lines revolve around an ongoing FBI investigation into something called "the pattern". Each episode explores past experiments gone wrong, the probability of aliens and even the potential of a parallel universe. All three of the main characters are implicated at some level in these experiments and must collectively determine what or who is behind all of the strange occurrences.

Anyone who enjoys conspiracy theories involving government cover-ups, corporate collusion and just plane strange events, will fall in love with this show.


Lie To Me


Lie to Me is an hour long drama that came into existence as a mid season re-placement on the Fox channel. The show follows Dr. Lightman (played by Tim Roth) and his associates as they set out to determine the truth in a variety of different cases by employing a phenomenal 'new' psychological interpretation known as micro expression. Micro expression claims that through a person's smalled movement or twitch the truth can be revealed.

Each episode is dedicated to one or two cases ranging from determining a murderer to identifying whether someone has breached their professional contract. Lightman and his group are hired to interview the suspects and using micro expression analysis, determine their guilt or innocence. Part of what makes this show so fun to watch is the use of real pictures of celebrities or politicians used to prove the expression, movement or mannerism is valid.

This program has such an original psychological concept behind it that it is hard to not get reeled in.


Life on Mars


Life on Mars was originally a British science fiction/crime drama program. In October of 2008 it was brought to the USA courtesy of ABC. Originally produced by David E. Kelley ( LA Law, The Practice) the show centers around a New York City homicide detective that is somehow transported back to the 1970's where he steps into his 'new' as if he was always there.

Part time travel and part police drama this show offered a bit of everything in each episode. What makes the program so entertaining however is the lead character, Sam Tyler's (played by Jason O'mara) complete confusion over his sudden trip to the past. He often struggles with the value systems of the time period as well as the lack of technological advancements.

This show uses such realistic 70's costumes and expressions in combination with a really good script that one hour never quite seems enough.

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