Fall TV is back in session, and the tube returns from its break with a shiny slate of new shows. But which ones will pass the test and become hits, and which ones will flunk out after a few episodes? Here's our guide to the best and worst of 2009's freshman series. -- By Kelly Woo
HEAD OF THE CLASS
'V'
ABC's been hunting for a worthy successor to 'Lost' for years now and failing dismally. But the net just may have found one with this sleekly modern remake of the campy '80s show, with vibrant characters and amazing special effects. Oh, and it's scary as hell. We still have goosebumps.
ABC | Premieres Nov. 3
'Modern Family'
This smart, wry ABC mockumentary about three "normal" families was our favorite new comedy. Sample line from Ty Burrell's wannabe hip dad: "I surf the web, I text ... 'LOL' -- laugh out loud, 'OMG" -- oh my god, 'WTF' -- why the face. I know all the dances to 'High School Musical.'" Genius.
ABC | Premieres Sept. 23
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HONORS STUDENTS
'Glee'
We won't stop believing in Fox's infectious, quirky, soulful high school dramedy. Aside from fun sing-a-long potential, there are relatable characters of all ages, types and cliques. And speaking of the education system's losers …
FOX | Premieres Sept. 9
'Community'
Joel McHale, Chevy Chase and newcomer Danny Pudi headline this band of community-college slackers on NBC. And while 'The Soup' host McHale shines, the entire ensemble works together to make this comedy hum.
NBC | Premieres Sept. 17
'FlashForward'
Where 'V' is more of a thriller, this other ABC drama inherits 'Lost''s more puzzling elements. The central mystery -- Why did everyone black out for two minutes? And were their visions really from the future? -- is absorbing enough for fans to theorize obsessively about it for years to come.
ABC | Premieres Sept. 24
'The Good Wife'
We can hear the elevator pitch: "What if Bernie Madoff's wife … went back to practicing law?!" But CBS' 'The Good Wife' moves beyond its ripped-from-the-headlines origin thanks to a top-notch cast, including star Julianna Margulies (in her first decent gig since 'ER').
CBS | Premieres Sept. 22
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NEEDS TUTORING
'The Vampire Diaries'
We like vampires -- especially very pretty vampires -- and soapy teen CW dramas as much as the next person, but is it too much to ask for a little levity amidst all the angst?
CW | Premieres Sept. 10
'Three Rivers'
It had us at Alex O'Loughlin, but CBS' new medical drama about transplant surgeons felt a bit formulaic. Tone down the melodrama (but keep the tight scrubs).
CBS | Premieres Oct. 4
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FAILING OUT
'Brothers'
This Fox "comedy" is arguably the worst pilot we've seen in years. An NFL player is one of the leads. We're not sure what's more offensive -- the horrendous dialogue or the torture of good actors like CCH Pounder.
FOX | Premieres Sept. 25
'Accidentally on Purpose'
This sleazy CBS sitcom will simply be known as fall's other new cougar comedy. The premise doesn't seem like it would hold up once the baby is born, but we'll probably never know, since it would be a miracle if the series lasted that long.
CBS | Premieres Sept. 21
