Classes are now in full swing. Term papers and tests are soon to follow. You may be asking yourself, "Is there anything that can get me through?" The answer to that burning question can be found within three returning shows this fall.
Whether it is a guilty pleasure, a modern day version of "Beverly Hills 90210" or a raucous comedy, "Desperate Housewives," "The OC" and "Arrested Development" will get you through the studying blues.
Although it's only been on for one season, "Desperate Housewives" became a ratings phenomenon. It was a constant fixture in the Nielsen Top 10, with millions tuning in.
The women of Wisteria Lane, actresses Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria, Nicollette Sheridan and Felicity Huffman have graced numerous magazine covers and talk show couches promoting America's favorite guilty pleasure.
The show, which premieres its second season Sunday Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. on ABC, has managed to keep audiences hooked from day one.
"I got addicted to the show because my dad was addicted," said Brittney Moore, a freshman chemistry major at The University of Memphis.
"I think the title is what initially drew people in," Moore said. "From there, the sex and other plots kept people watching."
Another element about "Desperate Housewives" is the water cooler appeal. The show is almost guaranteed to be talked about the next day at the office, or in the case of fans at The U of M, in the classroom.
"I love it because I can gossip about it with my friends the next day," Moore said.
"The OC" is another show that fans love to gossip about. Whether, it's about the beautiful people that reside in Newport Beach, the clothes they wear or the drama that seems to never end, viewers just can't get enough.
"When 'The OC' is on, no one calls my phone," said Katie Milford, freshman elementary education major. "If someone does call, I hang up."
Sophomore Kelli Neal agreed.
"It has to be completely silent when 'The OC' is on."
Last week's season premiere debuted at No.5, according to Nielsen ratings. The show's high ratings in its third season prove that millions are just as obsessed with the Cohens and the Coopers as students at The U of M.
Luckily for the show's most loyal fans, their obsession is easily fulfilled. Seasons one and two are currently available on DVD. T-shirts with "I love Seth Cohen" are being sold on eBay and the theme song "California" by Phantom Planet serves as many people's ring tone.
Similar to Dylan McKay and Brandon Walsh of "Beverly Hills 90210," "The O.C." has its fair share of beautiful people.
When asked why she keeps tuning in week after week, Milford responded with, "Seth Cohen."
The O.C. airs Thursday nights at 7 p.m. on FOX.
If memorable characters are what you search for in a television show, look no further than "Arrested Development."
The Emmy award-winning show is still looking for more viewers, but to the loyal ones, they can't live without the Bluth family.
"The show is smart and the type of humor is dead pan," said Jonathan Nancy, a senior psychology major.
The avant-garde comedy, the documentary style of filming and an absent laugh track is what makes the show so unique. However, these same characteristics have made it difficult to attract viewers.
"A lot of America needs the generic laughs," Nancy said. "I think they need to be told when to laugh, and it's almost like it takes too much work to watch."
"Arrested Development" has been hailed as the smartest and most unique comedy on the air today. The show is currently nominated for 11 Emmy Awards, which will be handed out this Sunday.
"Arrested" won "Best Comedy Series" last year and is up for it again this year. Awards aside, true fans of the show will remain loyal and always remember that there's money in the banana stand.
The new season begins Monday Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. on FOX.
