Technically the new Fall television series doesn’t start til next week when the Primetime Emmys airs, but a few shows begin their new season this week. We thought it’d be the perfect time to signal out our favorite returning shows and brand new offerings by the networks that we’re looking most forward to. Today, we’re tackling on returning favorites which have entertained us in the past and hope continue to do so. Tomorrow, we highlight the new shows vying for freshman hit honors.

Patrick, Tyrell and myself have compiled a list of our respective five favorites. Be sure to comment on your favorite shows after reading this post. Without further ado, let’s begin with my list first.

Donovan’s 5 Returning Show Picks

America’s Next Top Model: All-Stars

Ashamedly, I have to admit that ANTM’s highly-anticipated upcoming All-Stars season tops my list. I know the same sentiment is echoed by true hardcore ANTM fans as well. While the returning models aren’t the ones with the most model potential, they’re definitely the crème de la crème when it comes to drama and bitchy tendencies. Be sure to check on my preview pics on a weekly basis and for Rich‘s hilarious and popular show recaps.

Law & Order: SVU

When it was announced Christopher Meloni was leaving the series, I gave the hugest gay gasp ever. How could the producers let go of the hunky daddy? But as they say in showbiz, the show must go on. And go on it has. The new showrunner wooed back my favorite ADAs (Stephanie March and Diane Neal) back on the show. Plus, they cast a sexy new male lead in Danny Pino who’ll become Det. Benson’s (Mariska Hargitay) new partner. Definitely stoked to see if Meloni’s departure will signal in a renaissance period for the veteran show. As much as I love the show, last season wasn’t it’s greatest, creatively speaking.

Modern Family

The ABC sitcom is consistently one of the funniest shows on television. Unlike “Glee” which suffered a sophomore slump last season, “Modern Family” continued to deliver the laughs in it’s second season. With older twins cast as Cam & Mitchell’s daughter Lily this year, I expect new dynamic hilarious situations to befall television’s favorite gay couple. Can’t wait to hear the hilarious Gloria (Sofia Vergara) back on a weekly basis.

Nikita

Before this latest reboot of this female spy hit the air last season, I boohooed CW’s new series. But I took back everything I said when I caught the highly entertaining pilot episode. The entire first season kept me on the edge of my seat and looked forward to the show on a weekly basis. Now that Alex (Lyndsy Fonseca) is no longer on Nikita’s (Maggie Q) side, the whole show has been flipped around. The only thing I’m not looking forward to this season is the network’s silly decision to air the show on Friday nights instead of Thursdays. The one good thing is I’ll have something entertaining to watch on those lazy Saturday mornings.

Desperate Housewives

I can’t believe this is going to be “Desperate Housewives’” last season. It seems just like yesterday when this dramedy burst onto the scene. Instantly, the show became a hit. While the show has lost its luster and popularity the past few years, I still made a point to include the show on my weekly viewing TV schedule. Since it’s the show’s swan song, I’ll definitely tune in to see how Marc Cherry wraps it up. Will any of our former cast members head back to Wisteria Lane to joining in the season-long farewell? Perhaps Jesse Metcalfe can take off his shirt one more time. My number one pick is for Nicolette Sheridan to return, but we all know that’s not going to happen considering she’s suing Cherry.

Patrick’s 5 Returning Show Picks

Survivor: South Pacific

After 23 Seasons, this is still one of my favorite shows on television. This season, a whole new group battles it out for 1 million dollars, with the exception of two returning survivors that will be getting a second chance at the loot. I’m so happy to be able to transition out of Big Brother (which I love) right into a new season of Survivor. One day… one day I will be on this show – just as soon as they allow Canadians. LOL.

Dancing With The Stars

Normally I’m sort of “meh” about this show, but I really like the cast this year so I’m especially looking forward to this season. I haven’t had my “The Hills” fix in so long, and none other than Kristin Cavallari will be dancing this season with Mark Ballas – hot couple! Also, Rob Kardashian will be shaking his derriere this season which is definitely a good thing. Others that I’m interested in watching are Ricki Lake, David Arquette, and Chaz Bono.

Modern Family

One of the funniest shows on television, how could I not be excited for this. I’ve had a Cam, Mitchell and Gloria void in my life for far too long now. I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble this family gets into this season and what fabulous guest stars they’ll have.

Parks & Recreation

This is also one of my favorite comedies on television. Amy Poehler is just my favorite. She can say anything, and I’ll start laughing. I recently watched the bloopers/outtakes from last season. Oh man. Poehler taking 23 minutes to get one line out because she had the giggles. Amazing.

The Office

This one could be hit or miss without Steve Carell, but I’m willing to give it a shot because the other characters hold their own for me. To tell you the truth, my favorite character is actually Phyllis. The episode where the sales team went on a power trip and Phylis was a complete biatch was epic for me.

Tyrell’s 5 Returning Show Picks

90210

I have to hand it to Donovan for rekindling my interest in this show. In all honesty, it took over my “Gossip Girl” addiction last year which I totally stopped watching mid-season. I cannot wait to see how they keep the characters together post graduation and all of the other crazy things that have taken them away from each other. Oh and Naomi’s pregnancy? I cannot wait to see how that plays out.

Modern Family

Who doesn’t love this show? I cannot wait for my Wednesday night of hilarity to return. I cannot get enough of this family’s dysfunction. And Ty Burrell is definitely the funniest man on television. Period.

Happy Endings

This sleeper hit is one of my favorite new shows from last season. The comedy is right up my alley and I love Elisha Cuthbert. I hope this season that the two who left each other at the altar will hook up this season to make things a little more complicated.

Dancing With The Stars

This season of the show is going to be SO GOOD! I already love all of the contestants this year but am honestly only cheering for a few. Kristin Cavallari obviously who is also paired with one of my favorite pros, Mark Ballas, Chaz Bono because he’s been getting so much heat for doing the show and of course, Ricki Lake. Come on, doesn’t everyone want her to win?

Parks & Recreation

I have to thank my boyfriend Patrick for allowing me to see how funny this show truly is. I brushed off the first season but watched the last two seasons and absolutely peed a little every time. Amy Poehler is so funny and I love the writing style of the show. Definitely something to get into if you’ve never watched and love “The Office.”

Conclusion

Obviously we’re huge “Modern Family” fans. The ABC sitcom each made our list. You can definitely tell Patrick and Tyrell are engaged. They have an overlap of three shows on their respective Top 5 lists. Hilarious. That being said, I’m sure if Brian did a list, it would be similar to mine as well. Which veteran shows are you most excited to seeing again? Post all your favorites below.

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