What's Happening:  Daryl "The Chill" Mitchell joins the cast, Danny Devito guests in the premiere. Recent news has Kelly Ripa Consuelos coming back to the show, for how many episodes is not known.

Where It's Been: The show started out solid on Sunday, and stayed stable following a Wednesday move. But its second season was no charm, most likely getting renewed by the hair on its chinny chin chin.

Last Season's High: 12.1mil (October 10, 2001)

Premiere Prediction: 11.8mil

The Reason:  Not speaking on the quality of the series, the ratings are mediocre and getting worse. Next stop: Ed's last episode. Scheduled to land in May of 2003.

The West Wing (NBC, Wednesday 9pm. Premieres September 25th with two hour episode)

What's Happening:  With (hoepfully) no September 11th like tragedy to kick start the season, what will the show do? Well, it's election year (at least on the show), so expect alot of campaigning. As you've heard, Rob Lowe leaves in March, Lily Tomlin comes on for 10 episodes, while Mary Louise Parker becomes a regular.

Where It's Been:  Was a hit in its first season, albeit a small one. But 18 emmy nominations and 9 wins the following September fixed that one. One of NBC's premiere dramas, it's amassed 57 emmy nods in just 3 seasons, including two wins for best lead actor (Martin Sheen) and two straight wins for Outstanding drama.

Last Season's High:  25.3mil (October 3, 2002)

Premiere Predicition: 24.9 (with best drama emmy win)  21.3mil (without best drama win)

The Reason:  The best drama emmy has always kick started this series. If it wins this year, it'll get another big start. If not, it'll have to settle for top 5.

Law & Order(NBC, Wednesday 10pm. Premieres October 2nd)

What's Happening:  Not much. For once, no cast changes to report.

Where It's Been: The show was always a solid alternative for Wednesday at 10pm, but after "The West Wing" took up residence at 9pm, ratings exploded. Last season it finished in 7th place, up in viewers for the fourth consecutive season. Now entering season number 13.

Last Season's High: 22.6mil (October 3, 2002)

Premiere Prediction: 21.2mil

The Reason:  "Law & Order" is NBC's true unsung hero. And the Wedesday edition will always be the flagship.