TV Preview: Poptimal’s Most Anticipated Returning Shows and Series Finales

Last January, we were waiting on the edge of our seats for the return of shows like Lost, 24, and Glee.  We wanted to know if The Powers That Be at Lost would answer all our questions before the grand finale.  (They didn’t.)  Would Jack Bauer survive the 8th longest day of his life?  (He did.)  Could Glee live up to the standards it set in the first half of its freshman year?  (Sadly, it didn’t.)  Even though Lost and 24 have both signed off, we still have much to look forward to when it comes to our favorite returning shows. Read on to see what they are and what series finales we’re most eagerly anticipating.

Most Anticipated Returning Shows

Pretty Little Liars! It was my (and, if we’re honest with ourselves, everyone’s) guilty pleasure over the summer, and now that it’s back, it’s time for some serious questions to be answered. Who is A? Will Hanna survive being hit by a car? WHY WERE THESE GIRLS EVER FRIENDS WITH A B*** LIKE ALISON IN THE FIRST PLACE?! – Keshvar Alikhani

Southland. I’m thrilled this incredibly gripping LA police drama was given a second chance on TNT after NBC shamelessly canceled it — 2010 was clearly not a year for good decision making at the Peacock network. Hopefully with a regular time slot and committed cable network, Southland can finally start getting the viewership and awards recognition it deserves. A friend of mine thinks it makes you feel like you’re watching the first cop show ever made. Bold statement, but not untrue. – Erin Biglow

What, are you kidding me? Parks and Recreation. When I found out they were making it a mid season replacement this year for Outsourced I wanted to punch an NBC executive in the face. Right in the face. – Gabe Callahan

Supernatural, Glee, and Hawaii Five-0. – Nicole C.

Parks and Recreation. – Adam Derosier

After The Game was canceled two (maybe three) years ago, fans on Facebook started a petition to bring it back.  Apparently the powers-that-be paid attention ’cause the show is returning on BET with the same cast. – Savannah DuBois

Friday Night Lights. How I’ll miss the downtrodden dreamers of Dillon, Texas. It’s the final season, which has already been airing for Direct TV subscribers, and is probably the most underrated program on television. Packing more human drama than any other series on broadcast or cable, this show has found a way to eliminate all stigma of high school-focused programs and, for my money, has the best acting ensemble on screen today. – Josh Hatala

Californication. It’s been away for a full year and last season’s finale put some big, big changes into motion. Hopefully it will stay on its A-Game. – Keith Kuramoto

White Collar. Mozzie! What happened to Mozzie?! If that lone hair on his sweet, little bald head is harmed in any way, someone will pay. Plus, I miss ogling Matt Bomer, his effortless flair as Neal Caffrey and the bromance between he and Peter. – Inisia Lewis

Modern Family, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Rescue Me (last few episodes ever before show ends). – Kelley Lynn

Community and Fringe. Why aren’t more people watching this show? Every episode is full of laughs, pop culture references, and some of the most ridiculous scenarios I’ve seen on television. They pulled off a Halloween Zombie episode with ABBA songs playing throughout all the mayhem. Do I even need to start about the genius of the Christmas Claymation episode? If you ever wondered what happened to original and fun TV comedy then look no further than Community.  It’s also impossible to deny that Fringe is one of the best shows on television especially after the start of the third season. The mythology of the show and the unknown continue to grow and I’m highly anticipating learning more about the First People. – Bilal Mian

Tie: Merlin and The Game. On the one hand, I’m totally flexing my sci-fi geekiness, on the other I’m praying BET won’t screw this up. – Keshaunta Moton

The Walking Dead. Well now that we know that the writers of the series weren’t in fact fired and it was blown way out of proportion, I look forward to seeing more of this awesome show! Any time an adaptation is made there’s always the risk of completely destroying the story. Not in this case. – Desiree Neal

White Collar! Remember the cliffhanger with poor Mozzie getting shot? Can’t wait to make sure he is okay and learn more about the damn music box. – Allison Toner

I’ve been dying to know what Leslie Knope and her bumbling crew have been up to in their too-long absence. Parks and Recreation can’t arrive quickly enough. – Lauren Tyree

Most Anticipated Series Finales

Entourage is wisely bowing out after all but wearing out its welcome last season with Vince’s descent into cocaine addiction. The final season will likely result in Vince’s obligatory trip to rehab and subsequent image rehaul, ending with his eventual triumph onstage at the Oscars as the show’s final sign off. Just a prediction. – Erin Biglow

Friday Night Lights. I’m already sad because DirecTV subscribers are currently watching the final season, and I can’t. Imagine how the tears will flow when I actually watch the Taylors and the rest of the Dillonites walk into that Texas sunset for good. – Inisia Lewis

Rescue Me. – Kelley Lynn

The Office. Steve Carrell is done after this season. I would love to see him leave Dunder Mifflin with Holly. That is my dream. Let the man find his happiness for once. – Bilal Mian

Smallville. Now I haven’t been watching this show for the past for 5 of its 10 seasons but I really want to know how this story of Superman’s early years ends. – Keshaunta Moton

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Images courtesy of Mitchell Haaseth, Justin Lubin, NBC, and HBO.