With last week marking the official end of summer’s wonderful television programming, primarily the end of True Blood, I have to say I have been quite upset. However, the fall seems to be looking up (pun!) and I am looking forward to the fall TV season immensely. With plenty of returning series that have kept people waiting up in arms since the spring and a handful of brand new shows that viewers are highly anticipating, students should be prepared for some major study breaks while lounging in the dorms. This is only a brief preview of what’s to come, so take advantage of your free university cable or get your DVRs ready for some awesome television programs you definitely don’t want to miss.

The CW, channel 3

Gossip Girl

Since the third season premiere on Sept. 14, fans of course have been raving about the final confirmation of Chuck and Blair. Though there seemed to be some potential infidelity, Chuck managed to prove his love with a sweet one liner. While this may lower the drama, think again. Georgina is back and there appears to be some juicy drama in the works between her and Blair. What will happen with Serena’s crazy behavior? Will she get the attention she wants or make a huge mistake? With appearances by Hillary Duff (playing a spin-off of Emma Watson) and Tyra Banks playing an A-list actress, this season is full of surprises. Tune in Wednesdays at 9 p.m. to find out.

The Vampire Diaries

While the The Vampire Diaries book series has been out for a while, the television series just recently made its grand debut on Sept. 10. The show takes place in Mystic Falls, Va., (yes, another small town with vampires) and revolves around the love life of the heroine, Elena Gilbert (played by Nina Dobrev from the Canadian drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation). While the vampire may be overplayed in pop culture these days, what separates this series from anything else is the innocent girl is caught in a love triangle with not one, but two dreamy vampires … and they’re brothers! This is also toned down for a younger audience so that the teenage girls that are banned from True Blood and possibly Twilight can get their vamp fix. Take a bite out of this Thursdays at 8 p.m.

Supernatural

The Apocalypse has begun! Lucifer is running rampant on Earth by selecting his human host Nick, played by Mark Pellegrino (the bad, abusive former husband of Rita during season one of Dexter and the destructive, mysterious Jacob from Lost). The Winchester brothers will have some interesting situations to contend with in the fifth season of this intense thriller series. Mischa Collins, who plays the wildly popular angel Casiel, has also been signed on as a series regular. Formerly paired with Smallville, this series will now be paired with The Vampire Diaries to continue the CW’s “night of horror.”  Tune in to see the fate of the brothers, humans, angels and the human race on Thursdays at 9 p.m.

HBO, channel 5

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Though you don’t have to be a Seinfeld fan to enjoy this show, those who are will be in store for some great appearances by the original cast in the upcoming seventh season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. The eccentric Larry David is ready to bring even more of his wacky daily life to the people who love his humor best this Sunday, Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. With the end of the sixth season marking the split between Larry and Cheryl (and an unfortunate gerbil incident), what will happen between Larry and Loretta? Was going to the Blacks’ at-home rehab really the best thing for him? Jeff Garlin, Richard Lewis and the rest of gang will all be there to help Larry come back to his senses, when possible.

Bored to Death

A new show is ready for the Home Box Office and it seems to be the perfect follow-up to the nuttiness of Curb. Not only does it embody the off-beat comedy and have Ted Danson starring, a fellow Curb member, but also has the hilarious Jason Schwartzman, who has stared in a number of Wes Anderson’s films, and Zach Galifianakis, the awkwardly ridiculous brother in The Hangover. Schwartzman plays Jonathan Ames, a Brooklyn writer for a magazine edited by Danson’s character, George Christopher. Galifianakis plays Ray Hueston, a comic book illustrator and Ames’ best friend who tries to help him cope through a rough break up. Because Jonathan’s character gets bored with his daily routine and tired of dealing with his current relationship problems, he resorts to his fantasies of being a suave, investigative detective hero-figure that Ray totally admires and helps Ames develop. This has gotten great previews and is set to be another show for fans of Curb.

ABC, channel 7

Grey’s Anatomy

Well, after some press releases over the summer confirming the departure of T.R. Knight (George), it is safe to say that we know George is dead, but Izzie is alive! With the sixth season of this ever popular medical drama starting up on Sept.17, fans are seriously pumped. The gang will be dealing with the mourning of George while also dealing with their dramatic personal lives. With Derek and Meredith married along with Izzy and Alex, some potential moving arrangements seem to be in the near future. Get your Grey’s fix Thursdays at 9 p.m.

CBS, channel 9

How I Met Your Mother

We finally meet the mother in the back of the classroom in the fifth season of this hilarious show that has slowly picked up a wide audience. Each season has shown the development of the characters growing older and going on different courses in life through the authentic flashback-from-the-future style. In the last season we see Ted conclusively writing his name on a blackboard after realizing he needed a serious career, not long after getting attacked by a goat that Lily saved (who knew a goat attack could do that?). Barney and Robin finally and rather simultaneously admit their feelings for one another, which will be interesting to see develop. While all the characters decided to take a “leap of faith” from the top of their building to a neighbor’s rooftop, they all admitted to one another and themselves it was the best year of their lives. Who is the love of Ted’s life? We will begin finding out Mondays at 7 p.m.

FOX, channel 10

Glee

In a brilliant marketing move, Fox premiered the first episode of Glee after the season finale of American Idol in May. Hype steadily grew over the summer, and his little show has already generated a huge fan base. The members of Glee are currently trying to improve their club’s popularity on campus, but after “pushing-it” a little too far, what’s in store for the group’s rep? Now that we finally see the romantic tension rise between Will and obsessive-compulsive Emma, how long will it last? Find out Wednesdays at 9 p.m.

Showtime, channel 17

Dexter

Dexter is a dad … enough said. Well, aside from that, fans finally get to see Dexter and Rita’s long awaited marriage blossom into one interesting, psychological new season premiering Sunday, Sept. 27. With a baby on the way and a secret still deeply pitted inside of him, Dexter is preparing for what will probably be the most intense ride of his life. Though Rita truly loves the Dexter she knows, will she still love the Dexter he hasn’t fully unveiled to her? Is the new baby going to be taught “the code?” Let’s only hope for the best and some bloody, suspenseful drama that keeps fans on the edge of their seats every week. Let it warp your mind Sundays at 9 p.m.

Californication

Hank Moody, the real ladies man, is finally back and now located in the Big Apple being a professor (I already sense some interesting student-teacher bonding, if you know what I mean). Even though he is following Karen, like he always does, they are still separated and he is still raising their rebellious teenage daughter Becca. Balancing being a single dad and now being a professor, will the Hank we all know and love still make a strong presence? Fans are just hoping that Karen and Hank can find some sort of common ground without suffocating each other. Marcy and Charlie also have some things to work through, as well. It should be the steamy, quick-witted season we’ve been waiting on for quite some time. Be there Sundays at 10 p.m.