By Sara Shereen Bakhshian

 

While summer television programming has improved over the years, nothing compares to the excitement of a new fall/winter season. And once again broadcast and cable programming includes a variety of shows with a spiritual aura. Here’s a look at what to expect for the new class of shows and when favorites such as “Heroes,” “Lost,” and “Medium” will return.

 

The New Class

 

“Eastwick” is a contemporary take on John Updike’s classic “The Witches of Eastwick” and the eponymous film. The hour-long series features Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price, and Jamie Ray Newman as the trio learning about their bewitching talents.

 

“Eastwick” premieres Wed., Sept. 23 at 10 p.m., EST on ABC.

 

“FlashForward” is a drama set in Los Angeles when everyone on Earth blacks out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds. Characters see their future set to occur on April 29, 2010. Some are calling the show the next “Lost,” and it essentially asks if one could change their destiny. Familiar “Lost” actors Dominic Monaghan and Sonya Walger star along with Joseph Fiennes and Courtney B. Vance.

 

“FlashForward” premieres Thurs., Sept. 24 at 8 p.m., EST on ABC.

 

“Human Target,” based on the DC Comics comic book and graphic novel, stars Mark Valley as guardian Christopher Chance. Chance integrates himself into his clients’ lives and serves as a human target, protecting them from those that might harm.

 

“Human Target” is set for a midseason preview on Sun., Jan. 17 at 8 p.m., EST; and a premiere Wed., Jan. 20 at 9 p.m., EST on FOX.

 

“Mercy” is a medical drama from nurses’ perspectives at Mercy Hospital. The main characters include a veteran fresh from a tour in Iraq, a head-turner, and a naive newcomer. The series stars Jaime Lee Kirchner, Taylor Schilling, and Michelle Trachtenberg.

 

“Mercy” will premiere Wed., Sept. 23 at 8 p.m., EST on NBC.

 

“Stargate Universe” is the latest installment of the variantly named franchise. The show follows civilians, scientists, and soldiers as their hidden base comes under attack, forcing them through a Stargate. David Blue, Robert Carlyle, Ming-Na, and Lou Diamond Phillips headline.

 

“Stargate Universe” will premiere Fri., Oct. 2 at 9 p.m., EST on SyFy.

 

“Three Rivers” is a drama on organ donation from three points of view: donors, recipients, and surgeons. The doctors face their own dilemmas, while helping patients who have nothing else left to hope for. The series features Alex O’Loughlin and Alfre Woodward.

 

“Three Rivers” premieres Sun., Oct. 4 at 9 p.m., EST on CBS.

 

“V” is an interpretation of the eponymous 1980s miniseries when an alien race comes to Earth, claiming peace. However the Visitors, known as V’s, have a hidden agenda relating to devotion. The cast includes Elizabeth Mitchell, Morris Chestnut, and Scott Wolf.

 

“V” is set to premiere Tues., Nov. 3 at 8 p.m., EST on ABC.

 

“The Vampire Diaries” is based on the L.J. Smith book series of the same name, where a teenager finds herself in the middle of a love triangle with vampire brothers. Stars include Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder.

 

“The Vampire Diaries” premieres on Thurs., Sept. 10 at 8 p.m., EST on The CW.

 

The Upper Class

 

ABC will kick-off its final season surrounding the mythology abundant island of “Lost” in early 2010.

 

CBS is filling its Friday nights with the likes of earthbound spirits and dreams foreseeing the future through the shows “Ghost Whisperer” and “Medium” set to premiere Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., EST, respectively. “Medium” is new to CBS after previously airing on NBC.

 

The CW will continue the Winchester Brothers’ adventures in fighting evil on “Supernatural” Thurs., Sept. 10 at 9 p.m., EST.

 

FOX will explore “The Pattern” on “Fringe,” again on Thurs., Sept. 17 at 9 p.m., EST; and the discoveries of deception expert Dr. Cal Lightman in “Lie to Me,” on Mon., Sept. 28 at 9 p.m., EST.

 

HBO will bring back the polygamist family drama “Big Love” in 2010.

 

NBC is slated to return its chronicle of ordinary people with extraordinary powers in “Heroes” on Mon., Sept. 21 at 8 p.m., EST.

 

Ultimately, no matter how one arranges their TV viewing schedule this season, it is very likely they will come across at least one spiritually inspired episode.