Fall TV: Hudson Valley celebs shine in new, returning shows
The ABC drama "666 Park Avenue” stars Rachael Taylor as Jane Van Veen, Dave Annable as Henry Martin, Robert Buckley as Brian Leonard, Mercedes Masohn as Louise Leonard, Helena Mattsson as Alexis Blume, Samantha Logan as Nona Clark, with Vanessa Williams as Olivia Doran and Terry O'Quinn as Gavin Doran. Credit: ABC
If you're lamenting the end of summer, take comfort in the fact that the fall TV season officially kicks into gear this week, with new shows and old favorites hitting the airwaves. From comedy to drama to reality TV and beyond, many of these series feature stars with Hudson Valley connections. Here's a look at fall shows that feature local celebrities.
NEW SHOWS
"666 Park Avenue" on ABC: If there's one new show that could claim it's the "Hudson Valley-est" of them all, it would be "666 Park Avenue," a buzzy drama that premieres at 10 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30. Three of its stars hail from the area: Chappaqua resident Vanessa Williams, Suffern native and former Walden resident Dave Annable and Yonkers native Erik Palladino. The show takes place at The Drake, a glamorous Manhattan residential building threatened by supernatural forces. Palladino, who plays The Drake's doorman, said the show has a "Kubrick, Hitchcock vibe." Williams, whose character owns The Drake along with her mysterious husband, agreed. "'666' is a world where there's a lot of intrigue," she said. "Hopefully it will be like watching a movie each week."
"Go On" on NBC: Another Yonkers native starring in a new series is Tyler James Williams, an actor who made a name for himself as the teen star of "Everybody Hates Chris." Now 19 years old, Williams is a part of the ensemble comedy "Go On," headlined by "Friends" actor Matthew Perry. The show, which premieres at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11, follows a group of people in therapy for grief counseling. If that doesn't sound like the basis for a rip-roaring comedy, Williams said that the show doesn't just go for laughs. "We're showing that not only are we funny, we can touch you as well," he said. "You may cry here and there."
"Nashville" on ABC: "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere returns to prime time in the soapy musical drama, "Nashville," which premieres at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10. The Palisades native plays the role of an ingénue looking to make her mark in country music by any means necessary (think Taylor Swift but with a bad attitude).
"Elementary" on CBS: Aidan Quinn is best known starring in popular '90s films like "Benny and Joon" and "Legends of the Fall." The actor, who has called Palisades home, will appear on the small screen in CBS's modern-day Sherlock Holmes series, "Elementary," which premieres at 10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27. He'll play a New York City cop who works with the legendary detective.
"Revolution" on NBC: Legendary producer J.J. Abrams, who attended Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville/Yonkers, was the creative force behind cult hits including "Lost," "Alias" and "Felicity." He'll serve as executive producer on the new post-apocalyptic drama, "Revolution," which premieres at 10 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 17. Abrams says that while fans shouldn't necessarily expect the Smoke Monster from "Lost" to make a cameo, the scenario of a world that's survived without power for 15 years allows for intriguing sci-fi possibilities. "We've had very interesting discussions about what might have happened, and why, if the power went out," he said.
"Arrow" on CW: Rye native Greg Berlanti is producing "Arrow," an action series about the adventures of the popular comic book character Green Arrow. The show premieres at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10.
"Guys with Kids" on NBC: Saugerties native Jimmy Fallon, whose day job is hosting "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," has a new gig as a co-creator and co-producer of "Guys with Kids." Comedian Lauren Caltagirone, who hails from Cortlandt Manor, is a writer on the fatherhood-centric sitcom, which premieres at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26 (the sneak peek airs on Wednesday).
"The Ricki Lake Show" on the CW: Over in daytime, Hastings-on-Hudson native Ricki Lake is hosting a syndicated talk show for the first time since her popular gabfest went off the air in 2004. "The Ricki Lake Show," which premieres at 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 10, will focus on "every kind of topic that a woman cares about and relates to," according to Lake, including family, health and relationships.
RETURNING FAVORITES
"The Voice" on NBC: The popular reality-competition series, "The Voice," returns for its third season at 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 10. Harriman resident Jermaine Paul took the top prize for season two in May. This season, two mentors with Hudson Valley roots join the crew. Yonkers native Mary J. Blige will team up with Adam Levine to help his contestants, while Bedford resident Rob Thomas will assist Cee-Lo Green with his proteges.
"Saturday Night Live" on NBC: "SNL," which features Eastchester native Bobby Moynihan among the cast, returns with new episodes at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15. And if you look carefully during the monologue behind whoever's hosting, you'll find Rockland County native Jared Scharff on guitar in the house band. While the show is sure to tackle the presidential election, it's likely that Moynihan will reprise his Snooki character, too, as the Marlboro native recently gave birth to her first child.
"Boardwalk Empire" on HBO: Stone Ridge resident Steve Buscemi received his second Emmy nod for his role as gangster Nucky Thompson on "Boardwalk Empire." The show returns at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16.
"The New Girl" on FOX: Max Greenfield, a Dobbs Ferry native, plays lovable Schmidt on "The New Girl," which returns for its second season at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25. He's up for his first Emmy Award two nights earlier on Sunday, Sept. 23.
"The Good Wife" on CBS: Spring Valley native Julianna Margulies stars as Alicia Florrick on "The Good Wife," which returns for season four at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30.
"The League" on FX: Fantasy sports comedy "The League," which stars former Rye resident Nick Kroll as Rodney Ruxin, returns for season four at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11.
"Community" on NBC: Chevy Chase, a Bedford resident, plays Pierce Hawthorne in the quirky NBC comedy, "Community," which returns for season four at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19.
From Vanessa Williams to J.J. Abrams, we recently talked to many of the Hudson Valley stars promoting new shows. Check back for features on "Go On," "Revolution," "666 Park Avenue," "Nashville" and more, which will hit the site the day of the show's premiere.
