SkimIt
Happy 2013, checklisters! January is widely known as the Hollywood dumping ground, with the big studios dropping their worst films on the heels of the Oscar-bait holiday releases. But on TV, the beginning of a new year means midseason premieres, big sports showdowns and award shows. Let's get started!
The Bachelor Season Premiere 1/7, 8/7c, ABC
Still devastated over Sean Lowe being rejected by The Bachelorette's Emily Maynard? Well dry those eyes, because the blonde-haired charmer returns with his own set of 26 bachelorettes clawing over each other to win his affections.
Betty White's Off Their Rockers Season Premiere 1/8, 8/7c, NBC
Not even Betty White herself understands why she has resurfaced as the senior spokesperson of the 21st century. But at any rate, apparently her prank show featuring the elderly laughing at the expense of the young was popular enough to warrant a second season.
BCS National Championship Game 1/8, 12:30/11:30c and 7:30/6:30c, ESPN/ESPN2
It's all come down to this: the #1-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Alabama Crimson Tide face off for the coveted title of NCAA champions. Ahh, Bowl season, it's a beautiful thing.
The Abolitionists: American Experience 1/8, 9/8c, PBS
With the topic of slavery tearing up the box office this holiday season (Django Unchained, Lincoln), PBS follows suit with this three-part examination of the men and women responsible for taking slavery off the table. Part 1 introduces us to the five key abolitionists (re-enacted by stage and TV actors in typical American Experience fashion), with the ensuing episodes delving into specific and important events.
Watch The Abolitionists on PBS. See more from American Experience.
39th Annual People's Choice Awards 1/9, 9/8c, CBS
Only on the People's Choice Awards will you find categories as juicy as "Favorite Fan Following." Hosted by The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco, this year's celebrity roundup features musical performances by Christina Aguilera, Jason Aldean and Alicia Keys.
Girls Season Premiere 1/13, 9/8c, HBO
Lena Dunham's Emmy-nominated dramedy returns, and according to Dunham herself, "It involves sex [and] sharp objects." What is Hannah doing with a new Republican boyfriend named Sandy (Community's Donald Glover)? How will this affect the group? Everything will come to light when the most refreshing comedy this side of Louie returns.
