Cadenza does a lot for arts and entertainment. We sacrifice our ears and our feet for live music, our eyes (and sometimes our sanity) for movies of all kinds. But most of all—in my case, anyway—we sacrifice our time and our social lives for watching every TV show we can. And we want all of you in on the fun! So we have compiled a list of new and returning fall shows for everyone’s viewing entertainment:

Monday

Gossip Girl took a definite downturn last season, but, as always, the promos have me intrigued, along with the usual promise of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll (if by rock n’ roll you want a Lisa Loeb guest appearance, which is even better in my book). It might be interesting to check out the Sept.14 premiere on the CW to see how the writers keep every character in New York even as they head off to college. Plus, Sonic Youth is performing in the fifth episode. Whether they lend credit to the show or lose some themselves is up to you!

How I Met Your Mother is, in my opinion, the funniest and smartest sitcom right now. The ensemble, including Neil Patrick Harris and Jason Segal, portrays a realistic-yet-still-hilarious group of friends that is just plain fun to watch. Last season’s finale revealed a juicy tidbit about the mysterious mother that could (hopefully!) lead to more answers, and Barney and Robin’s new relationship will undoubtedly add new flavor and dimension to the Sept. 21 premiere on CBS.

Tuesday

The Forgotten is yet another detective show premiering Sept. 22 on ABC, but with an compelling twist. Each episode is narrated by a John or Jane Doe body the “Identity Network” team attempts to reconstruct with the little evidence left behind. It could be just another mediocre crime show, such as “The Unusuals”, or it could be the next CSI. You might just have to tune in to find out.

The Biggest Loser looks like just another reality show where contestants willingly degrade themselves for money and fame, but it really isn’t. Sure, some of the immunity challenges echo other reality shows, but the vast majority of the 2 hour show (I know, I know, but watch it on Hulu) is the most inspiring and uplifting television I’ve ever seen. The contestants not only lose weight and look hot by the end, they go through intense therapy to battle the issues that brought them there in the first place, and are truly different people by season’s end. NBC’s Sept. 15 premiere promises to be a tearjerker and inspire everyone to make better life choices.

Wednesday

If you haven’t heard of Glee by now, you obviously don’t check the top songs on iTunes. That’s right: after the May broadcast of the pilot, the cast’s rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” hit the number one spot, and that just shows how America responded to the sunniness and humor of this show about a high school show choir. It’s both heartwarming and subtly satirical, making it one of the most unique shows on the air. And, besides, any show with musical numbers is an automatic must-see in my book. Watch the pilot online, and then tune in Sept. 16 on Fox for the first episode.

ABC’s Modern Family gets props for the most unique concept. This mockumentary follows three families for an upcoming reality show in the Netherlands, and it explores the different types of a modern 2009 family: the gay couple, a straight couple and a multi-ethnic couple. The promos look both funny and realistic without resorting to stereotypes, and hopefully the Sept. 23 will live up. I will certainly be there to find out!

Thursday

Simply put, Thursdays are the pinnacle of the television week, and Sept. 17 is the jackpot: Amy Poehler’s mockumentary-style Parks and Recreation, The Office and the always hilariously offensive It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia all premiere. Put on your sweats, grab the popcorn and some friends. It’s going to be a loooong night. Or you could always use them as drinking games before you go out. Either way, you’d have to be delusional or a 12 year-old girl to watch Vampire Diaries instead.

Friday

Friday night television is not a lucrative time-slot. I’ll be honest: I thought Dollhouse was canceled, but it is apparently returning for its second season on Fox on Sept. 18. The show tells the story of a group of people called “Dolls” whose personalities and existence in the outside world have been wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas. This concept creates an enormous world of possibilities for the show, and Joss Whedon’s cult following had enough strength to bring it back for an unprecedented second season, perhaps a testament to the quality of the show. Hopefully it will someday be granted with a better time slot and have a legitimate shot at success.

Saturday

What’s even on besides SNL? Rumor has it that Megan Fox is hosting the premiere, which is reason enough for me to skip it.

Sunday

There’s a reason The Amazing Race has won all six “Outstanding Reality-Competition Program” Emmy’s that have been awarded. The race around the world combines physical and mental tasks with relationship drama with just-plain-hilarious challenges (slide down a hill with a 200 pounds of cheese, anyone?) that is addicting to watch. The exhausting race legs bring out the worst in every contestant, strain their relationships and create compelling television. Check it out on Sept. 27 on CBS. Reality doesn’t get much better than this.