10 Most Promising Fall Pilots

May 20, 2011 ι Jarett Wieselman

They came, they saw and they mostly conquered.

2011's Upfront Week in (when all the networks pitch new shows to advertisers) provided more promising pilots than any other season in recent memory, making for quite the conundrum this Fall.

However, since there are three plus months before DVR Season Passes need to be set, there's still plenty of time for plot tweaks, cast swaps and other changes that could alter what's to come.

But at this moment, after watching teasers for every Fall pilot, these are the 10 PopWrap is most excited about!

Note: Hotly anticipated mid-season shows like "Apartment 23," "Awake," "Good Christian Belles" and "The River" were omitted for obvious reasons

"Two Broke Girls"
Why: Simply put, this half-hour comedy made me laugh harder than anything else shown during the Upfronts.

"The Ringer"
Why: Sarah Michelle Gellar's triumphant return to television would be a day worth celebrating even if she starred on "The Encyclopedia," a show that featured her reading various Britannica entries for an hour

"Alcatraz"
Why: The first of two J.J. Abrams produced dramas to make the Fall schedule -- and this list -- hints at a mythology-laced mystery that shares the most DNA with "Lost" (time-travel, omniscient puppeteer, shadowy government activity).

"Person of Interest"
Why: The second J.J. Abrams produced drama to make the Fall Schedule -- and this list -- hints at a more procedural drama but stars Michael Emerson. So, win!

"Pan Am"
Why: This 60's set romp promises to blend high camp with high drama and Christina Ricci in awesome costumes.

"Once Upon A Time"
Why: Any show that mixes fairytales with modern day drama deserves some attention!

"Up All Night"
Why: This expletive-laced comedy stars Christina Applegate, Will Arnett & Maya Rudolph. 'Nuff said.

"The Secret Circle"
Why: The latest supernatural drama from Kevin Williamson promises to take everything that worked about "Vampire Diaries" but re-focus it on a coven of mischievous witches.

"New Girl"
Why: Zooey Deschanel injects her signature brand of quirk into this seemingly standard post-breakup comedy ensuring it'll be anything but standard.

"Free Agents"
Why: I've long loved actress Katherine Hahn, who displays fantastic chemistry (in a "Moonlighting"/"Castle"-kind of way) with Hank Azaria. Plus, Anthony Stewart Head co-stars, doubling our "Buffy" fun this Fall!

Photo: CBS; NBC; Fox; ABC; The CW