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Stars to Watch This Fall

April 20, 2007

Although spring has just arrived, I’m going to fast-forward a couple of seasons for a quick perusal of new fall 07’-08’ shows. It’s never too early for a look at the major networks’ latest attempts to engage America. Be prepared to witness the making of new TV stars, comebacks of old premises, and the arrival of some hits.

For next fall, networks are debuting familiar stories based on books or movies. Candace Bushnell, of “Sex and the City fame,” has one culled from her book, “Lipstick Jungle,” premiering on NBC. The series will star Brooke Shields and Kim Raver, from “The Nine.” In addition, this year’s green light tally winner, ABC has a pilot based on Doug Liman’s hit movie “Mr. And Mrs. Smith.”

Other re-used story lines include: NBC’s updated remake of “The Bionic Woman” and Fox’s take on the “Terminator” in “Sarah Connor Chronicles.” Also, Shonda Rimes’s has a “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off for ABC.

The Brits serve as inspiration for pilots such as ABC’s “Football Wives,” taken from the popular “Footballers’ Wive$” in England.

Some stories are original, but their settings are tried and true. There’s an office in NBC’s “The It Crowd,” a newsroom in “Fox’s Action News,” and a courtroom in “Fox’s Supreme Courtships.”

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