There are actually quite a few new shows that I am planning to check out this fall, and even more that are premiering mid-season, but these are the ones about which I am most excited.

1. Red Band Society premieres September 17 on Fox, stars Octavia Spencer, Dave Annable, Wilson Cruz, Griffin Gluck, Jordi Palacios, Charlie Rowe, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Brian Bradley, Ciara Bravo and Zoe Levin. Based on the Spanish series “Polseres Vermelles,” this is a high school drama told through the eyes of a group of teenagers who meet as patients in the pediatric ward of Ocean Park Hospital in Los Angeles. I was really excited when we screened this show at the ATX Television Festival in June and I am still really excited to see it this Fall. It could make me cry a lot, but it also seems to have plenty of light-hearted moments to keep things balanced and fun.

2. Gotham premieres September 22 on Fox, stars Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, Jada Pinkett Smith, Robin Lord Taylor, Erin Richards, David Mazouz, Camren Bicondova, Sarah Essen and Sean Pertwee. Centered around Commissioner James Gordon when he was only a rookie detective, this is the origin story of the city of Gotham. Meet Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle and Oswald Copplepot before they become Batman, Catwoman and The Penguin. It surprises even me that I watch so many shows based on comic books, considering I have never actually read any of them, but I am intrigued by the look of this show and by the great cast.

3. How to Get Away With Murder premieres September 25 on ABC, stars Viola Davis, Billy Brown, Alfred Enoch, Jack Falahee, Katie Findlay, Aja Naomi King, Matt McGory, Karla Souza, Charlie Weber and Liza Weil. A group of law students use what they learn from their criminal defense professor to cover up their own real life mistake. Shonda Rhimes’ shows usually do not disappoint (at least not at the beginning) and Davis is a phenomenal actress, so I am interested to see where this show takes us. Also, it is based in Philadelphia and the pilot was filmed in my hometown, I am excited to see how many landmarks I recognize.

4. The Flash premieres October 7 on The CW, stars Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Rick Cosnett, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes, Tom Cavanaugh, Jesse L. Martin and John Wesley Shipp. A spin-off of The CW’s Arrow, this is the story of scientist Barry Allen after a freak accident that gives him the power of super speed. If Arrow is any indication, I think this show is going to be a great ride.

5. Kingdom premieres October 8 on Audience, stars Frank Grillo, Kiele Sanchez, Matt Lauria, Jonathan Tucker, Nick Jonas and Joanna Going. This show is about a Mixed Martial Arts gym in Venice, California and centers around owner and former MMA champion Alvey Kulina and his family. I would pretty much watch this show for any one of the main cast, so I am a little too excited to see them all together in one place.

6. Jane the Virgin premieres October 13 on The CW, stars Gina Rodriguez, Justin Baldoni, Brett Dier, Andrea Navedo, Yael Grobglas, Ivonne Coll and Jaime Camil. Jane is a young, devout woman who is saving herself for marriage and discovers that she was accidentally artificially inseminated by her gynecologist. The premise sounds a little ridiculous, but I am hearing really good things about this show. From the trailer below it seems like it will have an Ugly Betty feel to it in terms of the humor and style, which makes me think this could be really great. After this speech from the Television Critics Association summer press tour, I am already a fan of the lead actress.

7. Marry Me premieres on October 14 on NBC, stars Ken Marino, Casey Wilson Sarah Wright, John Gemberling, Tymberlee Hill and Tim Meadows. After six years of dating and a few botched proposals, Annie and Jake decide to put their engagement on hold until they can get their lives on track. I am usually pretty skeptical about sitcoms but, since this comes from the creator of Happy Endings, I am going to give it a chance. I also may or may not have had a crush on Ken Marino since he played Joey’s professor on Dawson’s Creek.

8. The Affair premieres October 19 on Showtime, stars Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson. An interesting look at the effects of an affair between two married people. One is a waitress at a diner in the Hamptons, the other is a school teacher spending the summer with his family at his in-laws home. I did not mean to have two Dawson’s Creek references in a row, but let’s be honest, I am here for Joshua Jackon. It also does not hurt that this trailer looks amazing.