When movie stars move to smaller screens

In the entertainment world, there is and always will be a dichotomy between television and film actors. The competition between the two mediums has only increased as outlets such as Hulu and Netflix have fueled the fire by providing easier accessibility. Many actors cross the divide. However, the permeability between the two is not always easy to pervade.

This fall’s television lineup is seeing a return of film stars to the small screen, but the question is will they stay?

Making her television debut, Zooey Deschanel, the adorable sweetheart of hits such as “500 Days of Summer” and “Elf,”is gracing the small screen in her new FOX series, “The New Girl.”

In her films, Deschanel’s charm often works slowly so that, by the end of the movie, one can’t help but think, “I love her!” Her staying power in TV’s primetime will depend on her ability to have a stronger presence on screen from the beginning of each episode. Seeing as she is the title character, it shouldn’t be too hard for her; however, she’ll also have to balance her presence so she doesn’t overwhelm viewers with too strong a voice.

James Spader will face similar issues in his role as Sabre CEO Robert California on NBC’s “The Office.” While Spader had a stint on “Boston Legal” from 2004-2008, he has been off the small screen since.

Spader’s role as California in this ensemble comedy doesn’t afford him much time to bask in the spotlight, so he will have to work to make an impression on viewers. He will also work against his character’s storyline, which splits the CEO’s time between Florida and Pennsylvania.

After her role on “Samantha Who?” ended in 2009, Christina Applegate returned to the silver screen — albeit in movies such as “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” and “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore.” Now, she’s leaving the movies for her new television series “Up All Night,” with Maya Rudolph and Will Arnett. However, how long Applegate remains on the NBC show will depend on the success of the show. “Up All Night” will have to work to keep up with NBC’s other half-hour comedies, such as “The Office”and “30 Rock.”

Christina Ricci will face the same battle Applegate does in “Up All Night.” But while Applegate will be proving herself against the comedies of primetime TV, Ricci will fight against one of the biggest hitters of television: “Mad Men.” Ricci’s  new show “Pan Am” has adopted the “Mad Men” formula by relying heavily on the glamour and glitz of the 1960s. All I can say to Ricci is good luck.

Spader is perhaps the only actor of these four whose role and show will find success. While “The Office” is at an critical junction in its storyline with the recent departure of Steve Carell, it still has more tenure and popularity than these three new shows.

Ricci, Applegate and Deschanel will have to fight against the 30-minute time slot, as well as more established and successful TV shows. Only time will tell if they will find success or not.