Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Monday, September 21, 2009

Annnnnd we’re here. Tonight is the Monday we’ve all been waiting for…or dreading.  With the exception of a very few, almost all of the Monday night shows are back.  As you’ll see from our handy chart below, you’ve got to choose wisely or else miss out on some great television.

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER and THE BIG BANG THEORY, two of my personal faves, return to CBS tonight along with TWO AND A HALF MEN and the premiere of Jenna Elfman in ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE.

I think you know by now that DANCING WITH THE STARS isn’t my thing, but with the ratings it pulls in, it clearly is the thing for many. I’m going to give CASTLE another shot this year.  I wasn’t completely enamored last season, but I do love some Nathan Fillion, so I’ll give it another shot.

Many, many other shows to choose from so be sure to take a look at the episode descriptions below, as well as my notes, to help you decide what to watch.

For me, the best season premiere of them all is HOUSE.  I’ve already had a chance to see it, but I’m going to watch it again tonight because it’s that good.  It’s not a typical episode, so clear out all expectations (other than a brief cameo by Robert Seann Leonard, none of the cast is even in the episode). But if you enjoy the genius acting of Hugh Laurie then you’re going to really dig tonight’s episode.  And I’m going to dig watching Hugh walk away with the Emmy next year.

Ok enough already, time to check out tonight’s TV lineup.

How I Met Your Mother | 8pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“Definitions”
Lily forces Barney and Robin to face their fears about defining their relationship; Ted is anxious about his first lecture at Columbia.

House | 8pm on FOX | 2-hour Season Premiere
“Broken”
House goes through detox, hoping to stop the hallucinations that tormented him; Dr. Nolan (Andre Braugher) refuses to sign the paperwork to reinstate House’s license unless House participates in his own mental recovery.

Dancing with the Stars | 8pm on ABC | 2-hour Season Premiere
The ninth-season opener begins with 16 celebrities, the show’s largest cast ever. Competitors include Donny Osmond, Melissa Joan Hart, Michael Irvin and Chuck Liddell. On the first night of competition, the male celebrities perform.

Heroes | 8pm on NBC | 2-hour Season Premiere
“Orientation; Jump, Push, Fall”
A mysterious death pushes Claire into the spotlight; Angela worries that Nathan will discover his true identity; an unexpected visitor haunts Matt; H.R.G. and Tracy join forces.

One Tree Hill | 8pm on The CW
“What Are You Willing to Lose”
Haley and Mia (Kate Voegele) try to protect Red Bedroom Records; Brooke chooses the new face of her clothing line; Clay defends Nathan; Dan’s new wife is revealed.

Accidentally on Purpose | 8:30pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“Pilot”
After a breakup from a charming commitment-phobe, Billie finds herself pregnant by a fling with a younger man, but she decides to keep both her baby and its father. [GMMR: Check out our review of ‘Accidentally on Purpose’ in the CBS Fall Preview Podcast]

Two and a Half Men | 9pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“818-jlkpuzo”
In the seventh-season opener, Mia’s reappearance has Charlie doubting his love for Chelsea, and he has to decide between the two women. Eddie Van Halen has a cameo.

Gossip Girl | 9pm on The CW
“The Freshman”
Georgina is determined to make Blair a social outcast; Serena tries to get even with Chuck; Bree and Nate decide to continue exploring their relationship.

Greek | 9pm on ABC Family
“High an d Dry”
Rusty seeks help in getting his grades up; Casey organizes an alcohol-free house-to-house party circuit.

The Big Bang Theory | 9:30pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“The Electric Can Opener Fluctuation”
After tampering with Sheldon’s Arctic-expedition data, the guys follow him back to Texas, which threatens Leonard’s chances for romance with Penny.

Castle | 10pm on ABC | Season Premiere
“Deep in Death”
Castle considers how to fix his relationship with Beckett and finish writing his book, but the pair must investigate a dead man tangled in tree limbs.

CSI: Miami | 10pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“Out of Time”
As Eric Delko’s life hangs in the balance, Horatio finds himself reminiscing about the formation of the CSI team and how its members first met.

Also playing…

• Inside the Actors Studio | 7pm on Bravo: Actress Amy Poehler’s comedy resume includes a lengthy stint on “Saturday Night Live” and starring roles in “Baby Mama” and “Parks and Recreation.”

• Lincoln Heights | 8pm on ABC Family: Lizzie tries to make new friends; Charles considers running away from his problems.

• Jon & Kate Plus 8 | 9pm on TLC: Kate takes the children on a trip to visit an Amish farmer and friend who often supplies their family with fresh produce; after a fresh organic meal, it’s time for a family game night.

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: President Barack Obama
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien:  Ricky Gervais, “Chicken” Charlie Boghosian, Lynyrd Skynyrd
• The Jay Leno Show: Jennifer Garner, Rep. Barney Frank
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Marg Helgenberger, Dule Hill, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Clive Owen, Joanna Garcia, Living Colour
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Robin Williams, Bobcat Goldthwait, Matt & Kim (R 8/26/09)
• Chelsea Lately: Floyd Mayweather, Rob Estes, Loni Love, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Guy Branum
• Last Call with Carson Daly:Alison Brie, Brian Deegan, Franz Ferdinand (R 9/14/09)
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Former President Bill Clinton (R 9/17/09)
• The Colbert Report: The Flaming Lips (R 9/16/09)

Talk to me people…what will YOU be watching tonight? For the latest TV from GMMR, follow me on Twitter.