What's Happening:  The main theme (at least early on)? Leaving your first love behind as Rory breaks up with Dean. Lorelai, meanwhile, realizes that Rory's soon going to college, and freaks out.

Where It's Been: Did well in its first season opposite "Friends" and "Survivor," but broke out last season. Repeats extremely well, beats "Buffy" big time, so all is good in WB land.

Last Season's High: 6.6mil (October 10, 2001)

Premiere Prediction: 6.9mil

The Reason:  This show is in a unique position: it's the WB's only show with huge potential to go mainstream (a la "7th Heaven"). And it probably will.

Smallville (WB, Tuesday 9pm. Premieres September 24th)

What's Happening:  Red kyrotonite comes into play, the season finale twister wasn't so bad after all,
and Clark learns more about his past.

Where It's Been: Debuted to huge numbers (a record) on the WB last season, but quickly settled into plain old success. Finished off as the net's second higest rated series.

Last Season's High: 8.4mil (October 17, 2001)

Premiere Prediction: 7.2mil

The Reason: This all depends on whether "Gilmore" can break out. If it does, this show will happily go along for the ride.