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So by now everyone knows that I am uber excited for the release of Tyler Perry’s film adaptation of the legendary play For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Wasn’t Enuf.  Well, this week gave us a ton of late-breaking news concerning the film and it’s release.

Firstly, take a look at the first official photo of the beautiful cast.  In case, you need a refresher, Perry has assembled Anika Noni Rose, Kerry Washington, Janet Jackson, Kimberly Elise, Phylicia Rashad, Loretta Devine, Tessa Thompson and Thandie Newton for this powerful ensemble film and the photo shows all of these stunning women.  Don’t forget that Whoopi Goldberg, Macy Gray, Hill Harper and Richard Lawson (among others) are a part of the film as well.

Secondly, Perry has rescheduled the film’s release.  These days, most films get pushed back for various reasons but this film has been pushed UP from an original early 2011 release to November 5, 2010.  You know what that means?  The film is entering the Academy Awards derby and is now officially an awards contender, marking Perry’s first release to garner any sort of awards buzz.

All we’re waiting for now is a trailer for this highly anticipated film and, with the release just around the corner, it looks like that will be appearing shortly. Is it just me or can you not contain your excitement for this release?  I’ve loved the play forever and I hope that Perry does the powerful and emotional stories great justice.  This is definitely a “win” for African American film-making.

Academy and Grammy Award-winning superstar Jamie Foxx is headed back to his sketch comedy roots.  Foxx originally rose to fame as an original cast member of Fox’s sketch show In Living Color (his Wanda character has to rank as one of the most popular skits of all time).

He’ll be returning to the Fox Network for a new show that he’s working on alongside fellow comedian Affion Crockett.  Both comedians are expected to star and serve as executive producers for the show that will debut sometime during the 2010-11 television season (most likely a spring mid-season replacement show).  According to Foxx, the show will feature “a fresh take on pop culture, including spoofs of commercials, TV shows, movie trailers, music videos and celebrities with a diverse cast of comedians.”

The show’s tentative title is The Jamie Foxx Project, and Fox has ordered 12 episodes already.  It’s not to be confused with another pilot that Foxx was working on for the Fox Network, but that project has since been scratched.

I’m excited to see Jamie returning to his roots as a television star!  The man knows real comedy and I’m sure he’s going to assemble a great cast to make this show one of the funniest since In Living Color.  I just hope we can get a Wanda reprisal…just like he did for the BET Awards!

With the Emmys now handed out, there’s a new fall television upon us and it’s looking to be one of the grandest ones in a very long time.  Instead of boring you with the entire crop of new shows, I’ve personally selected 5 new shows that scream Must Watch! and 5 returning shows that deserve to retain (or gain) your loyalty.  The networks are doing their best to ratchet up their quotients of new and original programming but these are the standouts that are guaranteed to deliver laughs, tears, thrills and water-cooler buzz this September.

New Shows

Nikita (The CW)

I may be telling my age but I remember back in the late 90’s when USA Network had a show called La Femme Nikita that starred Australian actress Peta Wilson.  It was risque, sexed-up and action-packed, set to a killer soundtrack.  Well, the CW has remade that show (which itself was a remake), tailor making it for its core teenage audience.  This version stars Maggie Q (of Live Free or Die Hard fame) as a woman who escapes the clutches of her prisoners, only to be trained to become an assassin and spy.  Nikita realizes she’s been brainwashed when her fiancee is brutally murdered and she vows revenge on the people (called the “Division”) who trained her.  Maggie Q continues the legacy of a sexy, sultry Nikita and the ads for the show have led some parental groups to spit blasphemous venom.  The show looks like a great, fun tale of revenge and adventure and Ms. Q is quite the looker.  It premieres on Thursday September 9 at 9PM.  Unfortunately, it goes directly up against one of my returning show picks Grey’s Anatomy. 

The Event (NBC)

The fact that Blair Underwood is the President of the United States made me take notice of this new thriller from NBC.  But don’t get it twisted – this man is no Obama.  He’s seeking the truth behind a carefully and intricately plotted chain of events that lead up to the titular “Event.”  The show follows a man (played by Jason Ritter, son of the late John Ritter of Three’s Companyfame) whose lost his fiancee (are you sensing a fall TV trend here?) and in the process of tracking her disappearance, uncovers the biggest conspiracy in U.S. history.  This is no “ordinary” conspiracy.  NBC describes it as “a cover up which changes the very core of mankind as a whole, whose implications are life changing.”  Yeah, with a tag line like that…I’m definitely in!  The Event premieres on Monday, September 20 at 9PM.

Mike & Molly (CBS)

Okay first let me say that this traditional sitcom from CBS should not be classified as “the one about the two big people.”  Mike & Molly follows the couple who meet at a weight loss support group and begin a relationship.  Well, at first Molly isn’t interested but we get to see Mike court her.  Its pedigree is legendary: executive producer James Burrows is at the helm, and he’s the force behind iconic shows like Frasier, Will & Grace and Laverne & Shirley.  The previews have been hilarious.  It’s simply a show about two ordinary, single people…and I must admit I’m a little tired of the whole “I can’t find a date” whines coming from perfect looking stars who have the perfect hair, skin and waist size.  The sitcom joins CBS’ thriving Monday comedy lineup on Monday September 20 at 9:30PM.

My Generation (ABC)

I love satires, shows that poke fun at different genres.  My Generationis one of those.  It’s a “mockumentary” which follows a group of high school friends in Austin, Texas and shows them 10 years after their graduation.  There are some stereotypical folks in this group, like the Nerd, the Beauty Queen and the Jock.  However, what makes this show different is that it’s told in flashback and present day, intermingled with straight to the TV screen commentary from the characters.  Standout actor is Mehcad Brooks (who seems to be everywhere these days.  You’ll recognize him from Just Wright, True Blood and Desperate Housewives.)  The show premieres on Thursday September 23 at 8PM. 

Undercovers (NBC)

Boris Kodjoe (Brown Sugar andTV’s Soul Food) and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Dr. Who, Bonekickers) play a retired CIA couple who now run a small, catering business in Los Angeles.  However, the pair return to the CIA when one of their close friends goes missing on an assignment gone awry.  The pair are reluctant initially but eventually re-immerse themselves in the life of espionage, disguises and combat that was once second nature to them.  The show screams a TV version of the wildly popular Mr. & Mrs. Smith and I am so happy to see an African American couple headlining this show.  To make matters even better, color is not even addressed in the show, indicating a positive sign that TV may finally be ready to make shows about PEOPLE and not just about specific races.  The show debuts on NBC on Wednesday, September 22 at 8PM.

Returning Shows

The Apprentice (NBC)

The world’s greatest job interview returns, this time in its traditional format and not with celebrities.  As an added twist, the show’s contestants have all been hit by the country’s economic recession – all 14 of them have lost their jobs as a result of it.  NBC is promising “more Donald Trump” in this edition, indicating that the creator and mastermind behind the hit will be more hands-on than previous seasons; in addition, the show is seeking to give these qualified folk another shot at “redemption and success.”  The prize?  A job at the Trump Organization, complete with a 6 figure salary.  The show has its two hour premiere on Thursday September 23 at 9PM.

90210 (The CW)

The show finally hit its stride in season 2 last year, becoming the cult favorite we all knew it could.  This season looks to delve deeper into the characters and the first major storyline will showcase tennis heartthrob Teddy being involved with…another guy!  Yep, and this time it’s real (unlike Adrianna’s flirtation with lesbianism last season).  In addition, look for some shocking twists – it is the gang’s senior year, so we’ll definitely hear talk of college and jobs, as well as witness a couple downfalls.  90210 returns on a new night – Monday September 13 at 8PM.

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)

The venerable hit show seemed to rediscover its mojo last year after sinking into nothingness the previous season.  The premiere will take place weeks after the hospital massacre, showcasing how some of our favorites are dealing with the aftermath of the homicidal maniac.  Executive producer Shonda Rhimes promises “closure” for Alex and Izzie, but doesn’t confirm or deny whether Katherine Heigl will pop back up as Izzie.  There will also be a wedding very early in the season.  The candidates – Callie & Arizona, Cristina & Owen and Alex and Lexie.  Either way, the wedding will look to figure prominently into this season’s stories.  In addition, look for Derek (Patrick Dempsey) to step down as Chief, reeling from his shooting.  The show returns on Thursday, September 23 at 9PM.

Glee (Fox)

Fox’s freshman standout musical series is back…and with a vengeance.  Britney Spears will be the guest in the season’s second episode and the network has been keeping the entire episode veiled in silence.  Show star Lea Michele hinted that she had a number with Spears at the Emmy awards and many are already raving that the episode is one of the show’s best ones yet.  Other possible guest stars are being kept underwraps.  I usually don’t dig musical TV shows but this one just continues to grow on me – its funny, touching, moving and insane ALL AT THE SAME TIME!  It returns to Fox on Tuesday September 21, at 8PM.

Undercover Boss (CBS)

This show premiered after the Super Bowl last year and immediately became a ratings smash.  I’ve watched reruns all summer long and have found myself captivated by how CEO’s can slide right on into their companies and watch how their employees either succeed or fail in their respective positions.  CBS promises more heartwarming stories this season and more bigtime companies being profiled.  The hit series returns on Sunday, September 26 at 10PM.

So there are my ten to watch this fall!  Make sure you tune in and give these shows a try…I bet you’ll be addicted!

Check out the previews for each Top Ten TV picks only on XI TV!