Fall TV preview: because we all need another obsession

Rashida Otunba

“Modern Family”-Wednesday, Sept. 24 on ABC

In light of their three Emmy wins, “Modern Family” returns with a new season to pack a hilarious punch. The Dunphy saga continues in the premiere episode “The Long Honeymoon” that follows newlyweds Mitch (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cam (Eric Stonestreet) in the wake of their wedding.

“Scandal”-Thursday, Sept. 25 on ABC

Everyone’s favorite political drama is back with a vengeance this season as D.C. is left a flaming hot mess in the aftermath of last seasons shocking finale. Daddy Pope kills Fitz’s (Tony Goldwyn) son, Olivia (Kerry Washington) leaves D.C., abandoning her Gladiators and leaving Fitz to deal with his personal problems in wake of his second term. With Olivia gone, Fitz might actually do something influential during his presidency as opposed to yelling at his long suffering wife and hiding his illicit affairs.

“Revenge”-Sunday, Sept. 28 on ABC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYbcdJJtGU8

Murder, wealth and mystery collide as vigilante Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp) returns to primetime. Following the death of her lover, Aiden (Barry Sloane), Emily is more determined than ever to wipe the Grayson’s off the face of the earth, but has she met her match in her cunning, vindictive nemesis Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe)? To be honest, after Emily’s father David Clarke (James Tupper) returned in last season’s finale, there’s no telling where this train-wreck of a series is going. Don’t trust anyone.

“Once Upon a Time”-Sunday, Sept. 28 on ABC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PPw2XrYYLI

This magical drama returns to ABC this fall as Storybrooke gets a healthy dose of snow, thanks to Queen Elsa from “Frozen.” That’s right, Elsa, Anna and Kristoff played by Georgina Haig, Elizabeth Lail and Scott Michael Foster, respectively, become regular cast members this season as OUAT returns to deliver magical fun. Fans can also expect to learn more of Emma Swan’s (Jennifer Morrison) backstory as the characters defend themselves against the Evil Queen (Lana Parrilla.)

“Vampire Diaries”-Thursday, Oct. 2 on The CW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up5sv_hn8sU

Teen girls everywhere rejoice as heartthrob Ian Somerhalder returns to the CW as bad boy Damon Salvatore. . . as a ghost. This season may spell the end of the exhausting Stefan/Elena/Damon love triangle with Damon meeting his unfortunate end last season while the new season showcases Stefan’s relationship with another woman. Sorry, Elena, it’s a hard-knock life.

“American Horror Story: Freak Show”-Wednesday, Oct. 8 on FX

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKGwySm9nMc

Just when you thought this show couldn’t get any creepier, Ryan Murphy decided to create a horrifying circus filled with terrifying attractions. Brace yourselves. This season won’t be as campy as last year’s “Coven.” “Freak Show” cast members include Jessica Lange as an ex- cabaret singer in Nazi Germany, Kathy Bates as a bearded lady, Angela Bassett as a woman with three boobs and to top it all off, a deranged, homicidal clown named Twisty. I wouldn’t recommend watching this alone.

“Madam Secretary”-Sunday, Sept. 21 on CBS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX-vZysWRVw

History professor and former CIA analyst, Elizabeth McCord (Tea Leoni) is asked by the President to become the next Secretary of State and must negotiate global and domestic affairs. If you like political dramas like “Scandal” and “House of Cards,” then this is the show for you.

“Gotham”-Monday, Sept. 22 on FOX

This dark, new prequel drama follows the life of the famous heroes and villains from the Batman universe. The lead character is a young James Gordon (Benjamin McKenzie), who at this point in his career, is just a detective who fighting to keep justice in the cold, corrupt city of Gotham. “Dark Knight” fans will enjoy this show, as it details the early lives of not only Gotham’s heroes, but its villains as well.

“Selfie”-Tuesday, Sept. 30 on ABC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlif6f_8beo

A modern remake of “My Fair Lady,” this campy sitcom follows the life of Eliza Dooley, played by “Doctor Who” star Karen Gillan, a former ugly duckling who has blossomed into a delusional swan, as she searches for fame by using social media. Fans of “New Girl” might enjoy this series  as Dooley ventures to repair her broken personal life by hiring marketing agent Henry Higenbottam (John Cho) to rebrand her image