Something for everyone in fall TV lineup

Can “The Office” survive without Michael Scott? Will young comedies such as “Parks and Recreation” and “The Middle” continue to boom in popularity? Can writer J.J. Abrams find the same success with his new CBS show “Person of Interest” as he did with “Lost”? Can “Grey’s Anatomy” be saved?

Soon, fall television will be able to answer all our burning questions. What’s good in new television? Which shows should be dropped from our weekly viewings? The only thing you will have to answer yourself is what will actually be worth your time.

First, let’s talk about the returning heavy hitters in prime-time television. Avid TV watchers are curious as to how someone can replace Steve Carell on NBC’s “The Office,” which is going into its eighth season this fall. Fans are now asking if the show can, or should, survive without its iconic boss.

Coming off a successful second season, NBC’s other hit comedy, “Community,” is looking to continue its climb to the peak of TV’s best shows. At the end of last season, audiences across America watched as the students swapped out books for guns in an epic, two-episode paintball fight. Tune in Sept. 22 to see what happens in this noted season premiere.

Other notable shows include FX’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which is back for its seventh season. Actor Rob McElhenney, who plays Mac, reportedly gained 50 pounds for his character’s storyline. Check out this favorite to see just how big the season premiere, and Mac, will be.

ABC’s comedy “Modern Family” is back for a third season Sept. 21. Fans will be looking for another season of hilarious antics from this hysterical family. After two seasons, “Modern Family” is a serious contender for one of the best comedies on television.

Other notable returns to ABC’s lineup include a special two-hour premiere of “Grey’s Anatomy” and the Wednesday night comedy “The Middle.” NBC will also bring back fan favorites “30 Rock” and “Parks and Recreation.”

NBC will be adding “The Playboy Club” to its lineup this fall. While the “Playboy” bunnies may turn heads, can they act? Only time will tell for this new addition to the network’s Monday lineup.

Taking audiences back to the 1960s, ABC’s “Pan Am” is bringing glamour to drab airline travel. The show will focus on the stewardesses and pilots of this luxury airline and will mark actress Christina Ricci’s return to the small screen with a role as a flight attendant. 

CBS is adding “Person of Interest” to its Thursday night lineup, going up against that night’s comedy-heavy schedule on other networks. “Person of Interest” follows a former CIA agent who joins forces with a sketchy billionaire to prevent crime before it happens.

Viewers should also watch out for NBC’s “Up All Night,” a comedy with Will Arnett and Christina Applegate; Fox’s “Terra Nova,” a science fiction drama set in the year 2149; NBC’s “The New Girl,” a glimpse into the life of a 20-something woman played by the adorable Zooey Deschanel; and CBS’s “2 Broke Girls,” a look at the lives of, well, two broke girls living in Brooklyn. There’s no promise that these new additions to fall TV will be worthwhile additions, but with a solid, and largely comedic, slew of returning shows, there will be something for everyone.