What AJ is Watching: Winter 2012

*Click to enlarge.*

Key:

- Shows that I already watch (whether returning or premiering) = Black

- New series I am going to check out = Red


I just realized this morning that, even though I made my chart over my winter break, I never actually posted my winter TV schedule here! So now I am righting that wrong. I know that many shows have yet to return from their winter hiatuses and/or debut, but it's definitely time to get organized and discuss!

I say this pretty much every season, but I am SO excited for the returning shows like Justified, White Collar, and The Lying Game. I seriously have been thinking nonstop about the cliffhangers for White Collar and The Lying Game; when I'm not thinking about those, I am trying to guess what in the world the writers for Justified will do next. I am just seriously SO excited.

I'm excited but not necessarily for the timing of the return of 30 Rock and the fourth season premiere of Merlin. I had really, really wanted to rewatch both shows before the new seasons started, but the timing didn't work out. Merlin actually sneaked up on me and I had no idea it was premiering until a week or so before it kicked off last Friday. I thought about holding off on starting both shows and just hoarding them on my DVR, but my TV-watching partner in crime does not want to wait on Merlin and the thought of new Liz Lemon moments passing me by and me not experiencing them in relatively real time...I couldn't bear it. So, those might turn into summer projects!

And in addition to the usual and returning suspects, there are a number of new series debuting this winter and spring. For the winter newbies, it probably goes without saying that the show I am most looking forward to (dare I say eager?) is J.J. Abrams' Alcatraz. In the words of Marguerite de Ghent from Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998), "I do love a good intrigue!" Impending alliteration aside, J.J. Abrams is a master of mystery and of creating long story arcs that maintain energy and hold viewers' interest. I have faith that Alcatraz will be just as engrossing as his other shows like Alias and Lost. I really can't wait to get that mystery started.

The only other new show I am super excited about is The Fades coming over to the States. It debuted in the UK last year and I've been hearing rave reviews ever since. I thought we'd have to wait much longer to catch the first series so I was pleasantly surprised when it was scheduled for a January 14th debut on BBCA's Sci-Fi Saturdays.

The winter season is in full force! Shows are premiering new episodes every night almost! Be sure to check Scheduling With the Stars for all the latest premiere dates and dates for special events.

Any new shows you're interested in watching? Looking forward to a returning favorite? Let us know!