8 Returning Sitcoms We Can't Wait to Keep Watching

One upside to the end of summer? Fall television! That's right—I've been waiting almost four long months to find out what happens to my favorite TV characters. Here are the televsion shows that have kept me perched on the edge of my seat all summer long.

Returning Sitcoms

Modern Family

Network: ABC
Returns: Wednesday, Sept 25 at 9PM EST

Synopsis: This mockumentary-style sitcom follows Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neill), his second wife, their infant son and his stepson, and his two children and their families.

Why We Can't Wait to Keep Watching: Although it started out hilarious, this show may have jumped the shark; it just hasn’t lived up to its potential for the last two seasons, but we’re committed to giving it another go. Last season’s finale was fantastic, which gives us hope that the writers will get it together this year. Few sitcoms can hit the perfect note of funny and sweet like this show can.

Learn more here.
How I Met Your Mother

Network: CBS
Returns: Monday, Sept 23 at 8PM EST

Synopsis: The series follows Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) and his friends in New York City as they find their place in the world. As a framing device, Future Ted (voiced by Bob Saget) recounts to his children the events that led to his meeting their mother.

Why We Can't Wait to Keep Watching: It only took nine seasons but … TED MEETS THE MOTHER!! We met the mother at the end of last season and we think they’ll be a very cute couple (and knowing Ted, a bit annoying). We have some misgivings about the format—the entire season takes place over the course of a weekend (Robin and Barney’s wedding)—but we’ve stuck around too long to quit now! Besides, this is one of our favorite ensemble casts and we still love hanging out with them. Mazel tov, Ted!

Learn more here.
New Girl

Network: Fox
Returns: Tuesday, Sept 17 at 9PM EST

Synopsis: Quirky teacher Jess (Zooey Deschanel) moves into a loft with three guys (Nick, Schmidt and Winston) after breaking up with her boyfriend. As they get to know each other, friendships form and romance blooms.

Why We Can't Wait to Keep Watching: We need to see what happens with Jess and Nick’s relationship, obviously. And now that Cece has called off her wedding, Schmidt is going to have to make a decision about who he wants to be with, which will inevitably lead to ridiculous Schmidt-like antics. Presumably Winston will be there. Plus Damon Wayans returns as Coach—the one upside of the Happy Endings cancellation (sniff!).

Learn more here.
Community

Network: NBC
Returns: midseason

Synopsis: When smarmy lawyer, Jeff Winger (Joel McHale), gets his degree revoked, he heads to Greendale Community College, where he finds himself the de facto leader of a study group.

Why We Can't Wait to Keep Watching: The brilliant and mercurial Dan Harmon is back! Last season was uneven without him, so we’re hoping for a return to form. Also returning is John Oliver, who will be reprising his role as Professor Duncan for at least six episodes. Jeff technically graduated at the end of last season, so it’ll be interesting to see how Harmon works him into the show now. We’re going to miss Donald Glover when he leaves after five episodes … but we won’t miss Chevy Chase. Six seasons and a movie!

Learn more here.
Parks and Recreation

Network: NBC
Returns: Thursday, Sept 26 at 8PM EST

Synopsis: This ensemble comedy follows Leslie Knope (the awesome Amy Poehler), a midlevel bureaucrat-turned-city council member, as she and her colleagues try to make Pawnee, Indiana a nicer place to live, one park at a time.

Why We Can't Wait to Keep Watching: Andy running around London? Only good things can come from this. (Plus, have you seen Chris Pratt's body lately?!) Last season saw some major life events for these characters—the adorable wedding of Ben and Leslie, April’s acceptance into veterinary school, Chris and Ann’s decision to have a baby, Ron’s girlfriend getting pregnant—providing a lot of potential storylines. It looks like they’re shaking things up a bit with the cast too, shedding the dead weight that is Ann Perkins (sorry Rashida Jones—the writers just didn’t know what to do with you) and Chris Traeger, midway through the season. We will miss Rob Lowe, though; Chris with the flu still makes us laugh, two years later.

Learn more here.
The Mindy Project

Network: Fox
Returns: Tuesday, Sept 17 at 930 PM EST

Synopsis: The series follows OB/GYN Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling) through her personal and professional life. Though she has a successful career, her love life is a mess. Chris Messina and Ed Weeks costar as her practice partners/occasional antagonists.

Why We Can't Wait to Keep Watching: The first season had some growing pains, but a lot of potential. With a little retooling, this show could be great. The hiatus should’ve given the writers time to find a consistent tone, hopefully focusing more on the romantic comedy side at which it excels, and less on the workplace comedy bit. Mindy Kaling is always charming to watch and this season has an impressive list of ~~eye candy~~ guest stars lined up, including James Franco and Timothy Olyphant.

Learn more here.
The Big Bang Theory

Network: CBS
Returns: Thursday Sept 26 at 8PM EST

Synopsis: Sheldon and Leonard, brilliant but socially awkward physicists, find their lives turned upside down when the beautiful Penny moves in across the hall. Penny befriends them and their equally awkward friends, eventually becoming romantically involved with Leonard.

<strong<Why We Can't Wait to Keep Watching: This hasn’t been appointment viewing for some time, but last season was one of its strongest and we’re looking forward to getting reacquainted with our favorite geeks. Last season ended with some big moments for the characters, with Raj finally being able to talk to women sober and Leonard taking off for a four month expedition in the North Sea, so there will be lots of opportunities for the characters to grow this season. </strong<

Learn more here.

Suburgatory

Network: ABC
Returns: midseason

Synopsis: Concerned his teenaged daughter Tessa is growing up too fast in New York City, single father George Altman (Jeremy Sisto) moves the family to the suburbs, much to Tessa’s dismay. Cheryl Hines, Ana Gasteyer and Chris Parnell costar as their neighbors.

Why We Can't Wait to Keep Watching: This underrated little gem doesn’t get enough attention. Last season ended in a whirlwind, leaving much unresolved and giving the show’s writers a lot of interesting directions to go in. They’ve lost a few recurring characters, reportedly due to budget cuts, but the core cast is still strong. Keep your eye on this one.

Learn more here.