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Cable: more than the big four

Cable TV used to cede the fall season to the networks, but look for some quality programs in the next few weeks.

By ERIC DEGGANS
Published September 10, 2006

	We'd like to know more about what you watch. Join the discussion; share your viewing habits with us: It's Your Times
	The small screen never looked so big In today's increasingly wired world, the threats to network television just keep growing. Their reality is ours When it comes to reality TV, fall was once the scarcest time of all. Daytime: a star, a chef and a shrink It sounds like the start to a bad joke, but really those are the highlights from this year's syndicated season, such as it is. When schedules collide: how to keep up We've all been there. Cable: more than the big four Cable TV used to cede the fall season to the networks, but look for some quality programs in the next few weeks. Debuts of new and returning shows Programs marked with an (n) are new series. Network affiliates Here are the Tampa Bay area affiliate stations for the national networks: Sunday schedule A look at Sunday night TV. Monday schedule A look at Monday night TV. Tuesday schedule A look at Tuesday night TV. Wednesday schedule A look at Wednesday night TV. Thursday schedule A look at Thursday night TV. Friday and Saturday schedules A look at Friday and Saturday night TV.

Once upon a time, cable TV took a break when the networks kicked off their new fall series, well aware that niche channels could hardly compete for viewer attention and loyalty.

No more. These days there's just too much programming to fit into the slots when network TV is dormant. Take a look at the highlights this fall.

Koppel on Discovery: the Price of Security, 8 tonight, the Discovery Channel: Former ABC anchor Ted Koppel's first documentary for Discovery is a three-hour look at the war on terror's effect on personal privacy.

The Wire, 10 tonight, HBO: David Simon's compelling urban drama moves into the classroom, looking at the lives of kids raised in Baltimore's crack-ravaged neighborhoods. (Season debut)

The Underground, 10 p.m. Thursday, Showtime: Damon Wayans brings a sketch comedy show billed as "In Living Color on steroids." (Season debut)

Inside the Actors' Studio, 8 p.m. MONDAY, Sept. 18, Bravo: Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher bares her soul in the first episode of the show's 12th season. (Season debut)

Stargate SG-1, 9 p.m., FRIDAY, Sept. 22, Sci Fi CHANNEL: All the sci-fi nerds in the cosmos couldn't keep the Sci Fi channel from axing this series after 10 seasons; the finale airs here. (Series finale)

Dexter, 10 p.m. SUNDAY, Oct. 1, Showtime: Six Feet Under alum Michael C. Hall is a likable forensics expert in Miami who doubles as a serial killer of criminals who escape justice. (Season debut)

South Park, 10 p.m. WEDNESDAY, Oct. 4, Comedy Central: Who knew fart jokes and jibes at religions could keep this edgy animated series afloat into its 10th season? (Season debut)

Battlestar Galactica, 9 p.m. FRIDAY, Oct. 6, Sci Fi CHANNEL: This gritty, ambitious update of the classic science fiction series returns for a third season, evoking the Iraq war while showing the occupation of a human colony by bad guys the Cylons. (Season debut)

Iconoclasts, 9 p.m. THURSDAY, Oct. 26, Sundance Channel: Pairs of innovators from different worlds discuss their passions, starting with Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder and champion surfer Laird Hamilton. (Season debut)

[Last modified September 7, 2006, 12:43:11]