Must See TV for Moms

I don't know about you, but this summer, I found myself watching a lot of television with my kids. Translation:  Your TV life is not your own when your tweens control the remote.  In fact, I have logged so many hours watching "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody" and "iCarly" that I can pretty much recite the lines.

But now that my kids have a curfew (thank you back to school schedule), I am finally going to gain possession of the remote once again. I'll be back on the couch re-connecting with some of my favorite stars and meeting a few new ones along the way.  

Here's a rundown of what I plan to watch this fall...

REALITY

My Fave..."The Amazing Race" - I've been a fan of "The Amazing Race" since it premiered nine years ago but my reason is a bit biased.  You see, I was one of the publicists at CBS who launched the show way back when.  I'll never forget the day I met the host Phil Keoghan - he's one of the most inspiring people I've ever met.  In fact, Phil was one of those people in my life who encouraged me to not only think outside the box but to step out of my comfort zone and try things I've never done before in my life. And at the heart of it, that's what "The Amazing Race" is all about - friends, sisters, spouses, partners and roommates compete in a month-long race around the world and the winning team captures $1 million.  A quick piece of trivia - want to know how "The Amazing Race" came to fruition? The show's executive producer and creator Bertram Van Munster challenged his wife Elise, who was an advertising executive, to come up with an idea for a great reality show.  Within one minute, she responded, "a race around the world."  From there, an Emmy award-winning TV series was born. 

Guilty Pleasures: Dancing with the Stars, Project Runway, Ace of Cakes and The Biggest Loser

COMEDIES

My Fave..."Glee" - Give me high school angst mixed with music, Jane Lynch, geeks and a singing competition and you have effectively created a show that's custom made for me (and the rest of the musical loving viewing public).  Can't wait to see what the new season holds in store, and on September 21 at 8pm, I will be front and center and judging from the Glee preview - which features John Stamos - it's going to be a great season!

Must See:  Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, The Office and The Middle.

DRAMAS

My Fave..."Brothers and Sisters" - When last we caught up with the Walker family, they were involved in a multi-car traffic accident and it appears that my favorite heartthrob, Rob Lowe, is hanging by a thread.  Dying to know what happens?  You and me both. Brothers & Sisters returns this fall on ABC on Sunday, September 26.  Grab your tissues ladies...something tells me this one is going to be a major tearjerker.

Must See:  Drop Dead Diva, Private Practice, Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood and The Good Wife.

TWO NEW SHOW PICKS...

"The Whole Truth" - I'm really looking forward to seeing Maura Tierney return to television this fall in this ABC legal drama.  Tierney was supposed to star in "Parenthood" but had to drop out when she learned she had breast cancer.  Thankfully, she caught it early and is back on television where she belongs on The Whole Truth, Wednesday, September 22 at 10 pm ET/PT on ABC. 

"Mike and Molly" - Chuck Lorre ("Big Bang Theory, "Two and a Half Men") tackles a comedy this fall about an overweight cop and a teacher who meet at a weight loss meeting and sparks fly.  Mike and Molly stars Melissa McCarthy, Swoosie Kurtz and Billy Gardell and premieres Monday, September 20, at 9:30 pm ET/PT on CBS.

So, here's my rundown of must see shows this fall - and if you've got some that I'm missing, please share your favorites too!