September is right around the corner. For some people, that means the taste of apples, the sight of fall leaves, and going back to school. For me, September means the taste of pumpkin spice lattes, the sight of fashionable fall coats, and going back to my regular schedule of television shows.

With promos for new and returning shows all over the networks and the latest seasons of my favorite TV shows finally coming to DVD, my excitement for all of the upcoming series and season premieres is starting to rise exponentially.

In order to channel this excitement in a productive way (aka instead of watching the newest Castle promo for the 50th time), I’m sharing with you my TV viewing schedule for the start of the Fall 2012 season. Any new shows on my list are noted with pink text.

MONDAYS:
Dancing with the Stars (8 p.m., ABC): While I don’t agree with some of the “All Stars” that were cast for this season (Bristol Palin and Pamela Anderson? Really?), I am excited to see some of my favorites return to the dance floor. I’ve been watching this show since the end of its first season, so I’m eager to see the high quality of dancing that I know the majority of these celebrities are capable of achieving.  – Season Premiere 9/24

Castle (10 p.m., ABC): My favorite television show is known for its witty banter, deft mixing of comedy and drama, and blinding chemistry between its leads. Now, it’s looking to build on a strong, game-changing season finale, in which Castle and Beckett finally answered the “Will they or won’t they?” question. The next step for this show is to prove that getting the characters together was just another way to keep its trademark spark alive. If any cast and writing team can pull it off, it’s the ones behind the most entertaining procedural on television.  – Season Premiere 9/24

Revolution (10 p.m., NBC): J.J. Abrams and a dystopian American setting? Count me in!  As a longtime fan of Abrams from his work on Alias, I will always try a show that has his name attached, especially a show with a premise this original and interesting. However, the fact that it’s on at the same time as Castle means that it’s most definitely a DVR show for me. – Series Premiere 9/17

TUESDAYS:
New Girl (9 p.m., FOX): The realistic chemistry between all of the leads on this show made it my favorite new comedy last season. I’m eagerly anticipating watching each relationship on the show continue to develop in hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt ways. And I’d be lying if I said the return of Schmidt isn’t one of the biggest reasons I’m excited for the Fall 2012 TV season to begin. – Season Premiere 9/25 (at 8 p.m.)

The Mindy Project (9:30 p.m., FOX): Mindy Kaling is one of my favorite comedic actresses and writers. I have loved her for years on The Office, so I can’t wait to see what she does with her own show. The pilot episode was just made available for viewing, and I plan to watch it as soon as I can. – Series Premiere 9/25

WEDNESDAYS:
Nashville (10 p.m., ABC): When I first heard about this show, I was reluctant to give it a chance (country music isn’t really my flavor). However, the promos have captivated me and shown me that this has the potential to provide a very interesting look at the world of women in the music industry. The cast is strong (I think most people would watch Connie Britton in anything), and any show featuring women dealing with issues beyond romantic relationships is always worth a look for me. – Series Premiere 10/10

THURSDAYS:
Up All Night (8:30 p.m., NBC): This is an example of a show that grew so much from its pilot to its first season finale. I went from finding the characters insufferable to caring about them to wiping away happy tears during the finale. This was a pleasant surprise for me in the world of television last year, and I highly recommend giving it a try (and not just because I have a crush on Will Arnett). – Season Premiere 9/20

Glee (9 p.m., FOX): Sometimes I wonder why I still watch this show every week, but then it pulls me back in with moments of pure joy, honest emotion, biting comedy, and incredible talent. I keep waiting for those moments to guide the show again as they did in the first season, so here I am once more, giving Ryan Murphy and Co. another chance, because when Glee gets it right, few things on TV are more entertaining. – Season Premiere 9/13

The Office (9 p.m., NBC): Though the show has seemed to wear out its welcome, I still can’t seem to give up on it. Much of that loyalty has to do with my love for (aka obsession with) John Krasinski and his arsenal of flawless facial expressions, but there are still moments (especially cold opens) that manage to make me laugh even without Steve Carell. Since this is the final season, I’ll be sticking around to see what’s in store for my favorite paper company employees. – Season Premiere 9/20

Parks and Recreation (9:30 p.m., NBC): This the best comedy on television because it proves that the actions of good, kindhearted underdogs can be laugh-out-loud funny while still pulling at your heartstrings every week. This season will follow Leslie as she navigates her new life as a member of the Pawnee City Council while still keeping up with the lives and antics of her friends from the Parks Department and her Washington-bound boyfriend. I expect nothing less than greatness from this show after multiple seasons of incredibly high-quality television, and I have no reason to believe that I will be disappointed. – Season Premiere 9/20

Elementary (10 p.m., CBS): I thoroughly enjoy intelligent crime shows, but the real reason I’m tuning in for this series premiere is to see how the show deals with having a female Watson. It’s an interesting spin on a familiar story, and I’m intrigued enough by it to put it on my must-watch list. – Series Premiere 9/27

SUNDAYS:
Once Upon a Time (8 p.m., ABC): In my opinion, this was the best new show to emerge from the pack last season. It’s original, smart, emotionally captivating, and anchored by phenomenal performances from a talented cast. The return of magic to Storybrooke in the season finale will surely have a huge impact on this season, but what I’m most looking forward to are the additions of some familiar faces, such as Sleeping Beauty, Mulan, and Captain Hook. – Season Premiere 9/30

The Good Wife (9 p.m., CBS): This is definitely the most critically acclaimed show on my schedule – and for good reason. The writing is intelligent, the acting is superb, and the big moments always feel earned and not emotionally exploitive. If you’re looking for a network drama with style and substance, this is one to watch. – Season Premiere 9/30

666 Park Avenue (10 p.m., ABC): Like Revolution, I’m tuning in to this series premiere because of my LOST and Alias loyalties, but this time it’s Terry O’Quinn drawing me in. I also enjoyed Dave Annable on Brothers and Sisters, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do in another role. The general plot seems like it’s been done before, but the promos look sleek and sexy enough to catch my eye every time they’re on. – Series Premiere 9/30

What’s on your fall schedule, fellow TV fanatics? Do we have any shows in common? Is there anything I’m not watching that I should be? I’m always up for recommendations!