HOSTAGES – SEPTEMBER 23rd

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer, of “Pirates of the Caribbean” fame, comes “Hostages,” a show that promises to play into the minds of the viewers. It features Toni Collette (“United States of Tara”) as a surgeon selected to operate on the President of the United States, as well as Dylan McDermott (“American Horror Story”) as the FBI agent who not only deals with hostage situations, but creates them. Confused yet? Turns out it’s all one big assassination plot, with the doctor’s family held captive by the hostage negotiator, unless she kills the president. Each character constantly walks the thin line between good-guy and bad. Either “Hostages” is going to be a big hit, holding audiences captivated (pun intended) or a confusing mess. Decide for yourself, as “Hostages” premieres Monday, September 23rd on CBS.

MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D – SEPTEMBER 24th

As the title makes clear, this show promises to be about the super secret agents who work at the fictional S.H.I.E.L.D (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division), an organization seen in every Marvel comic or movie as the investigators of all things superhero (or supervillain). Main character, agent Phil Coulson, will be reprised by Clark Gregg, who portrayed Coulson in all of the “Iron Man” movies, “Thor,” and “The Avengers,” where he appeared to meet his demise. Considering the setting is supposedly immediately after “The Avengers” transpired, audiences will receive proof that the beloved, geeky agent made it out alive. This show promises to be a hit, with writer and director Joss Whedon of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fame guiding the series. Find out just how super “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” is on September 24th on ABC.

MASTERCHEF JUNIOR – SEPTEMBER 27th

What do you get when you cross “Hell’s Kitchen’s” foul-mouthed and harsh chef Gordon Ramsay with children aged 8 to 13? The answer is fall’s newest cooking competition, “MasterChef Junior.” The UK version of the show was so successful that FOX has brought it across the pond for US viewers to enjoy. At first glance what appears to be a lighthearted, if not humorous show exploiting the gaffes of young wannabe chefs, the ante is upped when it’s realized that the competition’s winner will receive $100,000. For fans of culinary television or seeing young children crack under pressure, “MasterChef Junior” will premiere September 27th on FOX.

REIGN – October 17TH

Think of the stereotypical teenage girl TV show–“Pretty Little Liars,” “Gossip Girl,”“The Vampire Diaries”–now add that drama to the mystique of “Downton Abbey.” Intrigued? “Reign” will be a new show focusing on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots and will be a meeting of the minds–a period drama, but with emphasis on hunky nobles and seductive ladies. The costumes for this show look stunning, and the roles are played by veterans of shows such as “Teen Wolf” and “The Tudors.” “Reign” promises to be an interesting take on 1557 France, but its success will rely on whether the history will remain believable yet interesting. “Reign” premieres October 17th on The CW.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN – October 9th

For those unfamiliar with the series progression of “American Horror Story,” it’s important to know that each season has an entirely different setting, plot, and characters. However, certain actors and actresses return each season into new roles. While past seasons have focused on ghostly houses and insane asylums, the third release will take a look at a coven of witches and will alternate between the Salem Witch Trials and the present day. Fan favorite and Primetime Emmy Award winner Jessica Lange will star as the head of the group, and familiar faces from seasons one and two will return for new and exciting roles. Prep yourself for Halloween by watching “American Horror Story: Coven” on October 9th on FX.