1. "Terra Nova"
Steven Spielberg has really been busy lately. Not only is he producing numerous films this year, but he also has some new television shows, including Fox's upcoming fall show "Terra Nova." The series mixes Spielberg's enthrallment with family and science fiction as it follows a family from the year 2149 sent back to prehistoric years to help save Earth. The visitors from the future are settled in Terra Nova, a settlement whose leader is played by "Avatar's" (2009) Stephen Lang. The series will offer many special effects as the time travelers enter a lush and hazardous world of dinosaurs.
2. "Falling Skies"
Speaking of Steven Spielberg, he also lends a hand in co-producing the main attraction of TNT's summer lineup. Airing in more than 75 countries, Spielberg's latest project, "Falling Skies," features Noah Wyle making his return to television since he left "E.R." in 2005. Wyle plays a former history professor who joins a resistance group fighting against extraterrestrials. Hopefully, the show won't come off as a televised version of "Battle: Los Angeles," full of noisy action. If the show's effects can pass for television budget standards, then "Falling Skies" should be excellent summer entertainment.
3. "The X Factor"
Arguably, Simon Cowell might have been one of the biggest reasons people still tuned in for "American Idol." Watching him make witty remarks about contestants definitely provided the show with some comic relief. Now, Simon has left "Idol" and is bringing his European-based talent show, "The X Factor," to Fox this fall. The competition will feature Cowell and other judges mentoring contestants and will offer a more diverse gathering of singers. However, is there enough undiscovered talent left in America to help support both shows? Also, does America really need another reality show?
4. "Wilfred"
FX has developed a reputation for pushing boundaries by entertaining viewers with darkly humorous shows like "Archer" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." After seeing the trailer for "Wilfred," it is clear that people are in for a similar treat. Based on an Australian comedy, the curiously entertaining "Wilfred" stars Elijah Wood as Ryan, a depressed man who is the only person able to see Wilfred the dog as a man in a dog costume, instead of an actual dog. Ryan's depression will serve as an ongoing joke as he strives to keep Wilfred under control and questions his grip on reality.
5. "Allen Gregory"
This fall, Fox will add another animated show to its Sunday night Animation Domination lineup. Co-created by Jonah Hill, "Allen Gregory" features Hill voicing the title character, a very ostentatious 7-year-old. Allen Gregory is a genius child who has written novels and reconciled peace talks, but the biggest challenge of his life will be attending elementary school. It doesn't look as comical as "The Simpsons" or "Family Guy," but it promises to deliver a clever, subversive tone.