New TV season spices up programming

Winter break has come and gone, leaving networks unable to rely on holiday favorites and repeats from the fall season. Since 2012 began, viewers have already been treated to a new Bachelor, the premiere of Lifetime’s Project Runway All Stars with brand-new judges and a new season of Pretty Little Liars where fans can finally find out who “A” really is.

The new year brings a wide range of television stars and shows together. Whether your favorite genre is animation- reality- or music-related, there is something for everyone. Here’s a guide to what you can expect in 2012.

Napoleon Dynamite, Jan. 15, FOX

Based on the hit movie Napoleon Dynamite, FOX is bringing back one of the most awkward teenagers in a brand-new television series. Napoleon continues to believe he is destined for greatness with his “sweet abilities.” His best friend Pedro has recently been elected class president while his Uncle Rico continues to live in his iconic orange custom van. The show looks nearly the same as the movie. In fact, the entire original cast has returned for the animated series.

The indie film opened back in 2004. Will fans still want to vote for Pedro and tune in eight years after the film’s success?

 

The Voice, Feb. 5, NBC

Last year’s surprise hit The Voice returns for a bigger season with even more talented singers and musicians. Premiering after this year’s Super Bowl, the singing competition will bring back Christina Aguilera, Cee-Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton to mentor and to judge the contestants. Similar to last season, the blind auditions will return with the judges relying on the singers’ voice instead of their appearances. The next step in the process, the battle rounds, will cut the competition in half, leaving the best of the best fighting for the top prize. Stay tuned to find out if The Voice can keep its high ratings in the face of its competitor, American Idol, which also begins a new season in January.

Smash, Feb. 6, NBC

NBC’s highly anticipated new series, Smash, might just be the next big hit for the network. The show brings viewers the blood, sweat, tears and drama –— all the makings of a Broadway musical. Will and Grace star Debra Messing returns to television as a songwriter while American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee competes to get the role of Marilyn Monroe for an upcoming production. With Steven Spielberg and producers from Broadway’s Chicago and Hairspray working behind the scenes, the show promises to be a realistic look at what makes a show a smash hit.

Real Housewives of Orange County, Feb. 7, Bravo

The original Real Housewives, who started the successful Bravo franchise, returns for a seventh season this February. Tamra Barney, Alexis Bellino, Vicki Gunvalson and Gretchen Rossi are back for more as they welcome newbie Heather Dubrow to the mix. Season six housewife Peggy Tanous chose not to return to focus on more positive adventures. Based on the previews for this season, viewers might finally see Rossi and Barney together as best friends forever. Bellino, however, will be making more enemies than friends.

Oprah’s Next Chapter, Jan. 15, OWN

It’s no secret the Oprah Winfrey Network struggled with ratings during its first year. Hoping to bring back both excitement and viewers, Winfrey has decided to return to the small screen with Oprah’s Next Chapter. The weekly series will take Winfrey outside her studio and into stars’ homes around the country. Since the show’s New Year’s Day premiere, Winfrey has traveled to Steven Tyler’s house in Sunapee, N.H., as well as Joel Osteen’s home in Houston, Texas.

In the upcoming weeks, viewers can expect Winfrey to visit Paula Deen’s ranch, walk on fire with Tony Robbins and meet with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Award Show Season, January and February

It’s that time of year when Ryan Seacrest prepares for his red carpet coverage, actors focus on their longer-than-necessary acceptance speeches and actresses hire the best stylists to ensure they won’t be on the worst dressed list.

January and February bring non-stop award shows, mostly recognizing the best films of the past year. Ricky Gervais will return as host for the Golden Globes Jan. 15 on NBC. The Shrine Auditorium will host the Screen Actors Guild Awards Jan. 29., Music fans can look forward to the 54th Grammy Awards Feb. 12. and finally, the most important show of the year, the Academy Awards, will air Feb. 26 with host Billy Crystal. Too bad most people are burnt out by the time the iconic Oscar trophies are finally handed out to the best in the business.