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What to watch: TV 2009

By Robert Lloyd To every season there is a midseason -- turn, turn, turn that dial -- and a time for every series, subject immediately to change. At this special moment not even halfway through the television year, we ring out the old and the hardly begun and ring in some new: There is a nursery full of baby shows squalling for your love. This latest litter presents a pleasantly wide range of not entirely predictable premises, and though the ones available for preview vary in quality, the effort is nonetheless appreciated.

By Robert Lloyd

To every season there is a midseason -- turn, turn, turn that dial -- and a time for every series, subject immediately to change. At this special moment not even halfway through the television year, we ring out the old and the hardly begun and ring in some new: There is a nursery full of baby shows squalling for your love. This latest litter presents a pleasantly wide range of not entirely predictable premises, and though the ones available for preview vary in quality, the effort is nonetheless appreciated.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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'In the Motherhood,' ABC

Thursdays

Recast broadcast elevation of a Web series originally made to sell hair-care products and phone services features Megan Mullally, Cheryl Hines (pictured) and Jessica St. Clair as three flavors of mom. As before, misadventures of real mothers (piping up in the “Web community”) inspire the scripts, which will reportedly continue to involve hair-care products and phone services. (March 26)  (Bryan Bedder / Getty Images)

'Parks and Recreation,' NBC

The 2008 election was good to “SNL” Clinton-imitator/”Weekend Update” host Poehler, whom NBC has now deemed ready for prime time. Greg Daniels (“The Office”) is behind “Parks and Recreation,” with a cast including Rashida Jones and Aziz Ansari. (April)  (Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images)

'The Osbournes: Loud and Dangerous', Fox

What is this that stands before me? The world’s first heavy-metal variety show? Can the old bat-biter really succeed where Rosie O’Donnell failed? In this series of specials, Ozzy, Sharon, Jack and Kelly attempt to bring back the genre in a reported mix of comedy, music, celebrity drive-bys and game-show high jinks. (Spring)  (Tim Whitby / Getty Images)

'Hitched or Ditched,' The CW

Tentatively titled reality show throws longtime unmarried couples into a stressful week of wedding planning. At the end they have the option to remain living in sin. (Spring)  (AFP / Getty Images)

'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency,' HBO

Sundays

The late Anthony Minghella directed the lovely, character-rich movie-length pilot (co-written with Richard Curtis, of “Blackadder” and “Four Weddings” fame) for this series based on Alexander McCall Smith’s novels about Botswana’s only female gumshoe. Singer Jill Scott stars. (March 29)  (Erik S. Lesser / For the Times)

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