Zap2it Fall TV Preview 2008: ABC's New Shows

ABC's fall launch is really more of a relaunch. After the writers strike the network opted not to bring back three first-year shows -- "Pushing Daisies," "Private Practice" and "Dirty Sexy Money" -- until this fall, and therefore is putting a lot of effort into reminding viewers that they'll be back.

The strike also moved ABC's development calendar back, so this fall viewers will see only one new scripted series (the time-jumping cop show "Life on Mars") and one unscripted offering, the family-friendly game show "Opportunity Knocks." A couple other shows might be ready for later in the fall, but for now ABC is going to live or die on the strength of its returning shows.

That means lots more "Dancing with the Stars," the usual doses of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Desperate Housewives" and the return of those three not-quite-freshman series to Wednesday nights. As for the new stuff? Check in after the new year.

- Rick Porter