Midseason television preview -- network

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The fall television season gets all the publicity, but when winter rolls around, a ton of new shows hit the airwaves. Today, amNewYork takes a look at some of the shows coming to network television, and on Thursday we’ll take a look at cable.

‘Paula Abdul: Live to Dance’
8 p.m., CBS, Jan. 4
Abdul ditches the “American Idol” panel for her gig as a judge on this brand-new dance competition show. We’re hoping that MC Skat Kat will be a guest judge. That kitty could groove.

‘The Cape’
9 p.m., NBC, Jan. 9
ABC’s had some success with its superhero family series “No Ordinary Family,” and now NBC is getting into the fray with “The Cape,” about a cop (David Lyons) out to clear his name with the help of, well, a cape, and some powers. Summer Glau (“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” Firefly”) also stars, continuing her string of nerd-friendly roles.

‘Bob’s Burgers’
8:30 p.m., Fox, Jan. 9
The latest cartoon to join Fox’s Animation Domination, “Bob’s Burgers” has a solid crew of voice actors, including H. Jon Benjamin, Eugene Mirman and Kristen Schaal, but it could likely find the fate of other recent non-Seth McFarlane Fox cartoons (i.e. quick cancellation).

‘Off the Map’
10 p.m., ABC, Jan. 12
“Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rimes sticks to the medical world for her latest series, “Off the Map,” about doctors working at a clinic in a South American town. We’re glad to see Caroline Dhavernas — whom we loved in the late, lamented “Wonderfalls” — get a new starring gig.

‘Harry’s Law’
9 p.m., NBC, Jan. 17
We’re also excited to see a new David E. Kelley series, especially when it’s a legal thriller. Kathy Bates, who is always excellent, stars in this quirky drama about a former patent lawyer who starts her own firm in a shoe store.

‘Perfect Couples’
8:30 p.m., NBC, Jan. 20
Mary Elizabeth Ellis (Waitress on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), Olivia Munn (“Attack of the Show” and recently a correspondent on “The Daily Show”) are two of the bigger names on this ensemble romantic comedy show.

‘Roger Ebert Presents At the Movies’
10:30 p.m, PBS, Jan. 21
The venerable film critic returns to television with a new movie review show. Taking up the famous critic slots are Christy Lemire (the Associated Press) and Elvis Mitchell (National Public Radio) who will, yes, be grading movies on a thumb scale. Ebert will also have a segment — “Roger’s Office” — where he’ll have cinematic discussions using his computer voice.

‘The Chicago Code’
9 pm., Fox, Feb. 7
Shawn Ryan, creator of “The Shield,” heads back to the precinct for a new cop show, “The Chicago Code” (formerly titled “Ride-Along”). He also created the recently canceled “Terriers,” which premiered on FX this fall. Time will tell if this series, starring Jennifer Beals and Jason Clarke, will have more staying power.

‘Traffic Light’
9:30 p.m., Fox, Feb. 8
Based on a hit Israeli series, “Traffic Light” is a comedy focusing on three guys in various stages of relationships. This show features two “Office” alums: David Denman (Roy) and Nelson Franklin (Nick)

‘Mr. Sunshine’
9:30 p.m., ABC, Feb. 9
Matthew Perry returns to prime time in this new sitcom about a manager of a sports arena going through a crisis. And for those of you with cable, fellow “Friend” Matt LeBlanc has a new series, “Episodes,” premiering on Showtime on Jan. 9.

‘America’s Next Great Restaurant’
9 p.m., NBC, March 16
This foodie competition show pits contestants against each other to get funding to open a restaurant of their very own. “Iron Chef” Bobby Flay, no stranger to the New York food scene with numerous NYC eateries, is a judge.

‘Body of Proof’
10 p.m., ABC, March 29
Dana Delany plays a neurosurgeon who takes up a new job as a medical examiner after a horrific car crash ends her surgery career. This thriller has a great group of supporting actors, including Geoffrey Arend, Jeri Ryan and John Carroll Lynch.

‘Chaos’
8 p.m., CBS, April 1
A bit of a wonky-sounding series, “Chaos” focuses on rogue CIA agents in the Office of Disruptive Services who tackle any dangers that might try to upset the security of the country. “Chaos,” by the way, stands for Clandestine Administration and Oversight Services, which is just the kind of insanity that piques my interest.

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