If the Mayans are correct and 2012 is truly the final year for humanity, then it is only appropriate for the new year’s television season to start off with a bang. From an animated spin-off of the movie “Napoleon Dynamite” to a real-life “Beverly Hillbillies” series, it seems this year’s new shows are hitting all the genres. So no matter your entertainment tastes, you will find what you are looking for in this season’s lineup. Check out a few of the shows below for a sneak peak of this season’s most anticipated series.
The Finder (8 p.m. CST, Fox)
This “Bones” spin-off television series is all the talk among television critics. It follows the crazy, yet mystery-solving antics of Walter Sherman, who was introduced in the sixth season of “Bones.” This procedural is about a man who has a knack for finding the “unfindable,” which during his days as a soldier in Iraq meant finding hidden explosives. Unfortunately, he was unable to find one such explosive before it blew up right in front of him, resulting in severe brain damage and ending his military career. Now he’s lending his extraordinary finding skills and off-the-wall way of thinking to help solve crimes. If you watch “Bones,” there is no doubt that you will thoroughly enjoy this extraordinary spin-off. Debuting on Jan. 12, “The Finder” seems to have already created quite a following.
Napoleon Dynamite (7:30 p.m. CST, Fox)
For most, there is no explanation needed for this one. However, for those who missed the 2004 film, this animated spin-off is about the life of a geeky teenager living in rural Idaho. According to the Napoleon star, Jon Heder, the cartoon and movie will have a lot in common, as the entire original cast will be lending their voices to the show. The show will debut on Jan. 15.
Alcatraz (8 p.m. CST, Fox)
For all of you still having withdrawals from the television series “Lost,” this show could be the cure. With “Lost” producer J.J. Abrams and actors Jorge Garcia and Sam Neill, this series is going to be more than just an everyday sci-fi drama. The story centers on detective Rebecca Madsen (new-comer Sarah Jones) as she tries to solve the inexplicable reappearances of Alcatraz’s most notorious criminals, who are supposed to be dead. Debuting Jan. 16, this series is a must-see according to critics.
Bayou Billionaires (8 p.m. CST, CMT)
This show is literally “The Beverly Hillbillies” as a reality show. Cameras follow the story of a formerly poor family who find out their home sits on the fourth-largest deposit of natural gas in the United States. Each half hour shows the family spending their cash on something more lavish than the last. Like every reality show, it will most likely be frustrating, addicting and highly entertaining. Since I am intrigued, you can bet I will be watching the series premiere on Jan. 21.
Smash (9 p.m. CST, NBC)
Starring Debra Messing and Katharine McPhee, and produced by Oscar winner Steven Spielberg (you may have heard of him), “Smash” centers on a group of people trying to put together a Broadway musical based on Marilyn Monroe. According to MSNBC, “Smash” could be the breakout hit NBC has been waiting for all season long. While many people are comparing the show to “Glee,” producers say not to expect characters to burst into songs, movie-musical style. The show seems to be its own unique entity and will debut on Feb. 6.
So whether returning to the high school days of “Napoleon Dynamite” humor, curling up in front of a sci-fi thriller or watching country bumpkins spend boatloads of money is your preference, there is sure to be something this new year to catch your interest. But then again if the world does end, then second seasons are not looking good.
