‘Cougar Town’, the hit US comedy about a group of friends in their 30s and 40s dealing with love and life, airs Tuesdays at 8:30pm on ABC, and returns to UK television screens this Friday, March 9, at 8:30pm on Sky Living.

Starring Courteney Cox (Friends) and executive produced by Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel (Scrubs, Spin City), the series revolves around Jules Cobb (Cox) and her dysfunctional friends who spend their time either at Jules’ house or at a local pub run by Jules’ neighbour Grayson, played by Josh Hopkins.

In this Friday’s season premiere, Jules and Grayson, who have been dating for over a year, take a major step forward in their relationship after Jules spends the episode trying to disprove her friends’ belief that she is a predictable person. Meanwhile, Jules’ son Travis (Dan Byrd) moves into a new student house while dealing with the presence of his silly yet well-meaning father Bobby (Brian Van Holt).

The results of both plots are as hilarious as one would come to expect from this show, which has solidified itself as one of the best-written ensemble comedies on contemporary television. Premiering alongside Emmy winner ‘Modern Family’, ‘Cougar Town’ exemplifies the modern family comedy, with innovative and creative plots which serve to echo the statement of Courteney Cox’s previous hit sitcom ‘Friends,’ that: ‘your friends can become your family’.

Set in an always-sunny cul-de-sac in Florida, the series provides consistent, razor-shop humour while still delivering family-friendly entertainment.

The cast and crew have recently hosted viewing parties across the United States – a move previously covered by Toonari Post – in an effort to trump up promotion for the show after it spent the majority of the last 12 months off the air due to various scheduling delays. But now, the Golden Globe nominated comedy is back on UK screens for a brand new 15-episode run.

Set to guest star in the forthcoming episodes are several actors from ‘Scrubs’, notably Sarah Chalke who portrayed Dr. Elliot Reid on the hit medical comedy for 9 years (2001-2010). Chalke will join ‘Cougar Town’ for four episodes as a love interest for Van Holt’s character, while her former co-star Ken Jenkins – Dr. Bob Kelso on ‘Scrubs’ – will return as Jules’ father for at least one episode.

One of this season’s most high-profile guest stars is David Arquette, real-life husband of Courteney Cox and her co-star in the ‘Scream’ franchise. Arquette and Cox are currently separated, but that has not stopped them from working onscreen once again, following their co-starring roles in all 4 ‘Scream’ films and Arquette’s appearance in a 1996 episode of ‘Friends’. Cox herself will step behind the camera to direct several episodes this season.

‘Cougar Town’ returns this Friday (March 9) at 8:30pm on Sky Living.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/CougarTown

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The upcoming Fall season ushers in many new, must see television series debuting in upcoming weeks. The major television networks of ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX will be introducing a wave of new shows in hopes of becoming the next big hit. Many successful television shows will also be going through major changes as popular celebrities leave shows and are replaced by fresh faces.

NBC welcomes Christina Applegate, Maya Rudolph and Will Arnett in “Up All Night”, a new comedy series that highlights the struggles of parents with young children. The series preview aired on September 14. “Up All Night” is the brainchild of Emily Spivey and produced by Lorne Michaels, both from “Saturday Night Live.”

Juggling careers, daily responsibilities, and sleep deprived life with a baby is the foundation of this new comedy. With strong ties to humor and wit, the cast and creators of “Up All Night” are set on showcasing a hilarious perspective on parenthood. Simon Cowell’s departure from American Idol has come and gone, but the British superstar will now return to television with a new reality competition.

His UK hit show, “The X-Factor” will debut on September 21 on FOX. The singing competition has been #1 in the UK for years, and Cowell hopes to have the same success with the show in the United States. Raising the stakes from prizes in the past, the grand prize of a $5 million record deal is something people have not yet seen in reality competitions.

Judges for the show include music mogul L.A. Reid and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. The highly anticipated reunion of Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul as judges will be one to watch. Along with many new up and coming series, many fan favorites are coming back with a new season of episodes.

Hilariously written and performed “Modern Family” will be back for new laughs and jokes on ABC starting September 21. With last season’s mention of couple Cameron and Mitchell wanting to have son, viewers can look out for this story line as well as the usual ups and downs that make up this family’s lives.

Changes are also coming to a solid television series on NBC. “Law & Order: SVU”, which has been on air since 1999, will no longer have Christopher Meloni playing widely popular detective Elliot Stabler. Marishka Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson as Stabler’s partner will stay for season 13.

The fan favorite duo of Benson and Stabler will no longer be shown each week, leaving loyal fans at a loss. “Law & Order: SVU” has been the most successful series of the Law & Order brand. Time and ratings will tell if the show will continue on as a mainstream hit without the reliable detectives headlining the show. “Law & Order: SVU” will premiere its new seasons on September 21.

Change is also occurring on NBC’s hit comedy, “The Office”. With the departure of comedian Steve Carell as Michael Scott of Dunder Mifflin, critics have questioned if the show can retain its signature comedy. Viewers will soon find out who the new manager of the company will be. The new season of “The Office” starts September 22.

After the much publicized Charlie Sheen scandal, “Two and a Half” men will premiere on September 19, with front man Ashton Kutcher replacing Sheen. Kutcher will also take the coveted title of highest paid actor on television, receiving $700,000 per episode. The comedy will surely be watched under scrutinizing eyes as viewers see the transition of the show from Sheen to Kutcher.

There are plenty of new and exciting television shows to watch for the upcoming Fall 2011 season. With new additions to already successful shows, it will be interesting to see which shows come out on top and which may not deliver.

The article Must-See TV Series This Fall appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.