Network Upfronts

For those of us that like TV, this is a big week. It's the week each year when the networks, one-by-one, unveil their fall schedules. This lets audiences know what shows were cancelled, what shows were kept, where they will air, and offers a sneak peak at new shows. In other words, it's a week filled with promise.

The question is, which of those promises looks the most intriguing. Each year networks trot out dozens of new shows. Some pop; some wilt and end up on the scrap heap. Below I've picked a handful that I think might pop based on first looks.

Good Bets:

Revolution, Mondays at 10 p.m. on NBC
Why: This show has a good pedigree. It comes from producer J.J. Abrams and features a lot of the trappings of his other shows. There is a scientific/supernatural mystery, it is set in a unique location, and it's all about trying to find hope. Since "LOST" is several seasons gone now and "Fringe" is airing its final 13 episodes in the fall, it's about time we got a new, engrossing J.J. Abrams drama. "Revolution" looks like it has the potential to be just that.

Last Resort, Thursdays at 8 p.m. on ABC
Why: This show has a great cast (headed by Andre Brauer) and a unique concept. It's about a nuclear submarine that is fired upon by a fellow U.S. Navy ship. Unsure of who to believe in, the crew decides to beach itself on an island and take up a defensive position against its own country and the rest of the world. The trailer was cool, but the only question is whether the show is sustainable. Still, it seems like an interesting original concept in a sea of shows that are a little too familiar.

Possibility Looms:
The Mindy Project, Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. on FOX
Why: Mindy Kaling is adorable and hilarious. This show looks like it captures that vibe, and is perfectly paired with Zooey Deschanel and "The New Girl," easily the best new show of 2011-12. It's possible this could be uneven, but the trailer was pretty funny.

Chicago Fire, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on NBC
Why: On paper, and in the trailer, this is a pretty stock show. But that is both the plus and minus. It will likely be a bit predictable, but it has a good cast and you get the feeling you know what to expect from the show when you watch the trailer. This may not be the most original show, but it looks like it could be fairly entertaining.

Could Go Either Way:
Nashville, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC
Why: It has a good cast and the trailer looks pretty nice. I'm always a fan of Connie Britton on TV, and she looks like she has it dialed in with the lead role here. However, this wreaks a bit of "Country Strong" as a weekly TV soap opera. That movie was not good. If the show goes that way... ugh...

666 Park Avenue, Sundays at 10 p.m. on ABC
Why: It's got a good cast and a somewhat interesting premise. I like horror movies. But this looks like it could quickly spiral out of control. Additionally, since launching "Grey's Anatomy" a few years back, 10 p.m. on Sunday nights has been a port of no return for shows on ABC. So there's that.

Mob Doctor, Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX
Why: Again, a good cast. But the show has a lame title and seems like it has a fairly predictable premise. The trailer didn't really do much to change that feeling. This could be a hidden gem, or it could be what it looks like.

Elementary, Thursdays at 10 p.m. on CBS
Why: Everyone loves Sherlock Holmes, but it's the most well-trod ground. We already have an EXCELLENT modern update of Holmes with the BBC production of "Sherlock." This looks like it could be a fairly stock procedural with Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu as Dr. Watson. Yikes!

Go On, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC
Why: I like Matthew Perry, really I do, but he hasn't had a great track record with shows of late. This is from some of the creative team behind "Friends," and NBC has high hopes for it restoring some luster to the Peacock, but the jury is still out.