Many of you e-mailed me with burning questions about when your favorite shows will return. Here are a few answers:
Beverly: “I am a fan of the show ‘Mad Men.’ Can you tell me if it is coming back? Also, I would like to know how I could see the very last episode, if possible.”
Mo sez: You’re in luck on both counts, Beverly. The terrific “Mad Men” has not set a return date yet, but AMC is bringing the show back this summer. Also, the first season of the 1960s-set drama is re-airing 11 p.m. Sundays, and is available via iTunes. Look for a Season 1 DVD release a month or two before the show returns.
Jerry: “Do you know if and when ‘The Shield’ and ‘Damages’ will return with new episodes? I’m also a fan of ‘The Closer.'”
Mo sez: Cable shows such as “The Closer,” “Burn Notice,” “Monk,” “Psych,” “Californication,” “Eureka” and “Saving Grace” will be back this summer. None of those shows has set firm return dates yet, but one that has set a date is “Weeds” — it will be back June 16.
Though FX had been eyeing a summer run for “The Shield,” it’s probable that the final season of the cop drama will not arrive until after the Summer Olympics end in late August. FX has not set return dates for “Damages” and “Rescue Me,” but I’ll be sure to post notes on the Watcher Web site when there’s news of those shows. Finally, many of you have asked about “The Riches” — a strike-shortened Season 2 begins on FX March 18. One other note about a cable favorite: HBO’s “Flight of the Conchords,” which debuted last summer, won’t be back until 2009.
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Scott: “I know it is not your favorite show, and I respect that, but I have to ask if ‘The Big Bang Theory’ is coming back this season with new episodes?”
Mo sez: It sure is. “Big Bang Theory” returns alongside “How I Met Your Mother” and “Two and a Half Men” on March 17. All three comedies will air nine new episodes before the end of May. Be aware that “Big Bang’s” time slot has changed: It will air at 7 p.m. Mondays, followed by “HIMYM” at 7:30 p.m.
If you have questions about other shows’ return dates, most network comedies and dramas will be airing new episodes by early April. Shows that won’t be back until next season include “Chuck,” “Life,” “Heroes” and “24.” That last program returns in January 2009.
Joy: “Could you please let me know whom I should address comments to about making new episodes of ‘Friday Night Lights’? … I want to make sure it continues.”
Mo sez: I couldn’t agree more. Many folks at NBC absolutely adore this show and want it to continue, so executives there are in negotiations with various cable networks about giving “FNL” additional airings. That’s if the drama about small-town life gets a third season. To lobby for that, write NBC co-chairmen Ben Silverman and Mark Graboff at 3000 W. Alameda Ave., Burbank, Calif., 91523.
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