It’s not often that television gets a complete makeover over the course of a summer. Sure, there are the occasional seasons when a multitude of shows gets added or pulled, depending upon their success, but the Fall 2005 television schedule finds the major networks still trying to replace some of the long-standing favorites, like Friends and Frasier, that have not found adequate replacements yet. As the networks also scale back on the number of reality TV shows as well and try to find a happy medium behind reality and sitcom, the general public will find a ton of new shows that could pack the right wallop and give networks some major ratings juice over the next few months.

Though FOX has long been criticized for sensationalizing reality shows and playing up their ridiculousness, the network is using this fall to launch a bunch of new and old shows that could get them some serious attention from viewers. The O.C. is back for another season and should maintain its already steady fan base, while Prison Break could earn the network some new viewers for Monday nights. CBS is banking on How I Met Your Mother and standby The King of Queens to anchor its fall lineup, while NBC is hoping that the second season of Joey and the final season of Will & Grace will keep them going strong on Thursday nights.

The WB, with shows like One Tree Hill and Gilmore Girls, should also continue to be a major player in the weeknights of America. Though not exactly known as well as the major networks, WB continues to produce quality shows that audiences can follow easily. Likewise, the launch of one of the season’s most anticipated shows, Everybody Hates Chris, on UPN should make this season an interesting one for primetime viewing. The old veterans of the game may not be around anymore, so look for some new talent to steal the show this fall.