Philadelphia Daily News Ellen Gray column

Sept. 16--TELEVISION'S a year-round affair, but the end of summer still triggers a small avalanche of new broadcast shows.

Some networks are staggering their rollouts, but between now and Thanksgiving a couple of dozen new scripted shows will debut.

You probably can't watch them all and, based on the pilots alone, nothing so far is a can't-miss. But here are 10 worth a look:

--"Red Band Society."

When: 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Fox 29.

What it's about: Teenagers in a pediatric ward bond through their shared experiences in this American remake of a Spanish drama, "Polseres Vermelles."

What I liked: Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer ("The Help") seems to be having fun as the no-nonsense nurse who knows more about her charges than they imagine, and the young cast is distinctive and charming.

Might be for you if: You didn't find "The Fault in Our Stars" irredeemably depressing and won't obsess about insurance issues.

Premieres: Tomorrow.

--"Madam Secretary"

When: 8 p.m. Sundays (but likely later during football season), CBS3.

What it's about: Tea Leoni plays Elizabeth McCord, a college professor and former CIA analyst tapped by her old boss (Keith Carradine), now the president, to be secretary of state.

What I liked: Leoni's drily funny as a woman who, like at least one previous secretary of state, can't figure out why anyone cares about her hair. Situations-of-the-week are likely to be high-stake, although it's McCord working with (and around) the White House staff (played by the likes of Bebe Neuwirth and Zeljko Ivanek) that made the pilot memorable.

Might be for you if: You loved "The West Wing" and didn't hate "Commander in Chief."

Premieres: Sunday, at 8:30 p.m. and repeated at 10:30, wrapped around the season opener of "The Good Wife."

--"black-ish"

When: 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 6ABC.

What it's about: Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross play parents who've given their kids much that they didn't have growing up but who worry (or at least he worries) that they might be losing their cultural identity.

What I liked: That ABC finally found a funny show to follow "Modern Family" that's about another modern family. And no, it doesn't hurt that it's a family of color, addressing issues of assimilation with humor.

Might be for you if: You're already watching all those other ABC families on Wednesdays. Because, hey, here's another one.

Premieres: Sept. 24.

-- "Gotham"

When: 8 p.m. Mondays, Fox 29.

What it's about: Not your parents' (or grandparents') "Batman," this fairly violent prequel from Bruno Heller ("Rome," "The Mentalist") focuses on future police commissioner James Gordon (Ben McKenzie).

What I liked: The pilot's overstuffed with future villains, but Future Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) and Catwoman-to-be (Camren Bicondova) are fun. Jada Pinkett Smith's in her element as club owner Fish Mooney. I'm pinning my hopes, though, on Heller to show me something I haven't already seen.

Might be for you if: You've always had a yen to know much, much more about Gordon.

Premieres: Monday.

-- "Jane the Virgin"

When: 9 p.m. Mondays, CW57.

What it's about: Adapted from a Venezuelan telenovela, it's the story of what happens when a young woman (Gina Rodriguez) who's determined not to repeat her unwed mother's history becomes accidentally pregnant without having sex. (Yes, really.)

What I liked: The happiest surprise of the fall is the show I made fun of in May. It's touching and funny and Rodriguez sells it.

Might be for you if: You loved "Ugly Betty."

Premieres: Oct. 13.