This week marks the return of fall television. It’s been a pretty good summer, though, I must say. Here’s what we’ve been watching regularly:

– Royal Pains
– Burn Notice
– Suits
– White Collar
– Necessary Roughness
– Keeping Up With the Kardashians
– Flipping Out
– Fairly Legal

I’m excited for all those shows to return – some of which will be back later this fall/early winter – but what everyone’s abuzz about right now is the return of fall prime-time television – click here for an interactive fall TV calendar. I am giddy with excitement about being able to push through my work day thinking about plunking down on the couch with a nice glass of wine to watch X show (depending on the day of the week).

By far our favorite show is How I Met Your Mother. The season finale finally revealed it was Barney’s wedding they had been flashing clips of throughout the season. I was happily surprised by that one and the premiere this season didn’t disappoint either. 

Two and a Half Men, the much anticipated return sans Charlie Harper/Sheen, was still very, very funny and now has the opportunity to capture a new Kutcher-loving audience.  But I can tell you that hanging up that bowling shirt in the backround of his funeral service alongside the flowers and casket means my dad’s days of tuning in are quickly coming to an end as well.  I think everyone was really impressed by how seamless the transition feels and how it was carried on with the same humor and wit, however, Charlie really brought a lot of charisma to the show.  Not that Kutcher can’t, but it’ll be a different show none-the-less.  I’m wondering if they’ll just give it a go this season and make it the last? 

Castle is a huge Monday night entertainer in our house and last season ended on a nail-biting cliffhanger, only to pick up last night with a frustrating and slow return. I still love it, don’t get me wrong, but I was hoping for a little more Castle-Beckett banter, however, I understand with all the drama that unfolded in one episode last season needed some time to fully recover and play out.

While crafting and killing time so we could fast forward through commercials during Castle, we watched some of Hawaii 5-0, which we haven’t seen since oh, i don’t know when.  Might have missed some big things but I think we got caught up in the 20 minutes we watched.  Still entertaining.

One that delightfully wowed us was 2 Broke Girls – sadly, we didn’t have it recording so we missed the ending.  We definitely added that one to the list, even though Mumbles says he isn’t fond of this actress who plays the lead.

Last week we welcomed Buffy babe Sarah Michelle Gellar (now Sarah Michelle Prinze – wife of Freddie Prinze Jr.) back to the small screen in the CW’s new show, Ringer.  I thought they did really well and knowing it had been made for CBS. I hope the CW doesn’t teeny-bopper it up too much. (a little bit is okay.  You know how much I love Veronica Mars).   Something isn’t quite right but I can’t put my finger on it.  For example, they keep showing this photo and it takes me too long to figure out what they were trying to accomplish…is the the uber rich twin and the fancy/weird/Gaga-ish outfit is supposed to tell me she can afford expensive, weird clothes?  That she can get away with anything?  Or, is it the prostitute sister and this is supposed to tell me that she’s imprisoned by her body? She feels trapped and chained down, trying to break free?  She doesn’t feel comfortable wearing a collar chained to her tube top in a similar fashion that she doesn’t feel comfortable impersonating her twin sister?  I don’t get it.

Also on my must-watch list (brace yourself, it’s kinda long):
(Returning)
NCIS
NCIS Los Angeles
Grey’s Anatomy
The Mentalist
Body of Proof
One Tree Hill
Gossip Girl

(Newbies)
New Girl – watched it last night… started out slow but had me laughing out loud by the end. 
The Playboy Club
Pan Am
Unforgettable
Person of Interest

What is on your DVR this fall?  Any new shows you’re really excited about?