Lower Decks

December is here and that means a lot of network and cable television shows are going to start running repeats or going on hiatus soon, while others will start up again.  Some, like The CW’s Smallville and Supernatural, already have.  It may be January of February of 2009 before certain shows are back on the air with new episodes.  Not only is this disappointing for fans but it means here at Lower Decks we’re not going to have shows to review.  We’ll have to find something else to talk about.

A wonderful guide to the “winter season” has been put together by the futon critic. Here is a brief at when your favorite shows will go into repeats and when new episodes will start:

• Supernatural and Smallville went on hiatus following their November 20th episodes; new episodes return Thursday, January 15th, 2009.
• Fringe goes on hiatus after the December 2nd, 2008 episode (its tenth) and returns on Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 following American Idol.
• Ghost Whisperer goes on hiatus after its Friday, December 5th, 2008 episode and returns January 16th, 2009.
• Heroes wraps up the first half of its third season (Volume 3: Villains) on Monday, December 15th. The second half (Volume 4: Fugitives) doesn’t start until February 2nd, 2009.
• Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles goes on a lengthy hiatus following its Monday, December 15th episode.  It moves to Fridays at 8PM beginning February 13th, 2009.
• The final season of Stargate: Atlantis and the first season of Sanctuary conclude on Friday, January 9th, 2009.
• The third season of ABC Family’s Kyle XY begins Monday, January 12th, 2009.
• On Friday, January 16th, 2009 Battlestar Galactica begins the second half of its fourth and final season with a four-hour event (three repeats from 7-10PM and a new episode at 10PM).
• On Friday, January 23rd, 2009 repeats of Invasion and Moonlight begin airing at 8PM and 9PM, respectively, leading into Battlestar Galactica at 10PM.
• Lost begins its fifth season on Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 with a three-hour event. It moves to its regular 9PM timeslot on January 28th.
• Joss Whedon’s new series Dollhouse premieres on FOX on Friday, February 13th, 2009 at 9PM.
• And on The CW, repeats of Jericho should continue airing on Sundays at 7PM at least through March of 2009.

As is always the case with television programs, check your local listings or favorite online guide to make sure you don’t miss new episodes of your favorite shows.