Cable networks reveal upcoming new series

(AFP PHOTO/Lucy NICHOLSON)

With award-winning hit shows like Mad Men, Burn Notice and The Closer, which draw sizable audiences, the cable/satellite television networks have joined the big leagues alongside broadcasters and premium channels like HBO.

Broadcast and satellite television channels have announced their new series and lineups, traditionally slated for the fall/winter season. But cable often offers more daring shows and has counter-programming during the summer to attract viewers, and they are having success with this strategy.

Here are some highlights of the upcoming seasons from a few of the many cable and satellite networks:

On TBS, comedian Conan O'Brien will kick off his new late-night show on November 8, a much-anticipated announcement after the controversial end of his stint as host of NBC's Tonight Show.

The Turner Network channel also announced new shows, including the animated series Neighbors from Hell from DreamWorks and rapper Ice Cube's Are We There Yet? Also debuting is Good and Evel from Stanley Tucci's and Steve Buscemi's production company and a Wayan brothers project.

TNT, another Turner channel, unveiled 11 new original series with star talent such as Don Cheadle, Jamie Foxx, and producers like Ridley Scott.

The channel will launch Memphis Beat with Jason Lee ( My Name is Earl, Alvin & the Chipmunks) and in midseason the network debuts a Steven Spielberg sci-fi drama, Fallen Skies, starring Noah Wyle ( ER), not to be confused with Spielberg's other sci-fi television project Terra Nova on FOX.

Also upcoming is Cheadle's medical show set in 1971 Los Angeles, Ridley Scott's Graysmith about the cartoonist, author and detective Robert Graysmith, and Jamie Foxx's production of Miss Philly following the police commissioner on the streets of Philadelphia.

On A&E (Arts & Entertainment), the fourth largest US cable network, the lineup for the next season includes reality projects starring David Hasselhoff and Tony Danza.

Similar to Kiss member Gene Simmons' Family Jewels, 1980s heavy metal band Twisted Sister's singer Dee Snider and his family will appear in Growing Up Twisted.

At Bravo, the channel adds a fifth night of new programming and its first scripted shows including I'm Not Myself These Days by writer Darren Star ( Sex and the City), about a married New York power broker by day and drag queen by night.

Following up its hit show Top Chef, Bravo schedules Around the World in 80 Plates, testing culinary skills at top-flight international restaurants. Other reality shows on the network include The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Miami Social Club.

RC