CafeYak Shop

While I'm sad to see great TV shows like "The Event" or "Chase" cancelled (so few shows survive these days), I welcome fall's new comedies, time travel dramas and 60's inspired mod pieces reminiscent of "Mad Men". Fall TV seems to be produced better than ever, with more network shows getting to the HBO level of movie blending TV quality. So the big highlights this season are the 60's dramas and the laughing out loud comedies. Here are my picks for this fall's best scripted TV shows.

Pan Am

ABC, Sundays, 10/9c. Premieres Sep 25.

Perhaps one of the most glamorous shows to premiere this fall, Pan Am brings back the style and refinement that was synonymous with air travel in the 60s. We've been fascinated by the 60s ever since "Mad Men" and this new show now from ABC definitely brings back some associations. Though covering the relationships of both pilots and stewardesses, "Pan Am" certainly puts the spotlight on the flight attendants - the glamorous girls that had to look right, weigh little and possess class in the golden age of flying. They were the rock stars that women wanted to be like and men found the most desirable. It was all about the passion and the pride. Mix into that a little espionage drama and you've got the makings of a very promising TV show, less forget Christina Ricci in a starring role. The show, at least based on the pilot, also brings back memories of "Catch Me If You Can" - that kind of lightness, brash bravery and a little bit of pizzazz. I remember the heyday of "Pan Am" and hopefully this one will stay past the pilot days.

NBC - Up All Night

NBC, Wednesdays, 10/9c. Premieres Sept 14.

For some, a long day of parenting may be enough to leave it behind when the kids are in bed, but I enjoy watching shows about other parents. Call it commiserating or co-celebrating - whatever you call it, it's a funny, funny world to show on TV. Produced by Lorne Michaels, ("Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock" veteran), it's got that kind of light humor in every way. Here you've got the comedic talent of Christina Applegate (Reagan Brinkley, the career mom), Will Arnett (Chris, a stay at home dad), and Maya Rudolph (Ava, Reagan's boss). The premise is the question - can we have it all? The show will not surprise anyone that it's hard to balance motherhood and career and that being a stay at home dad is a new territory. What it will do is show how sweet moments with the baby will topple anything negative outside the house and how you can find humor even in a pile of baby socks. I will be watching.

SEE ALL PICKS NOW.