*Also By Jamie Norwood*

"Gossip Girl" heats up as characters experience college life. Photo courtesy of bscreview.com.

So many shows. So little time. Like every new TV season, there are too many shows to keep track of. Cut down your television time by sticking to what’s actually worth watching.

Worth It:

The Drama: “Gossip Girl”

“Gossip Girl” recently received criticism for adult themes as the characters go off to college.  After the show featured a threesome between Vanessa (Jessica Szhor), Dan (Penn Badgley) and Olivia (Hilary Duff), People magazine published a poll asking whether “Gossip Girl”: had gone too far.  Fifty percent people said, “Yes, children watch this show!” and 50 percent said no.  Well, we’re all teenagers, not children; some of us are even legal adults.  Although the added hook-ups make the show racier, it all adds to the appeal. The love triangle between Tripp (Aaron Tevit), Serena (Blake Lively) and Nate (Chace Crawford) will surly keep you hooked.  Definitely stay tuned for “Gossip Girl”; you won’t be disappointed with this season’s scandalous drama.

The Comedy: “30 Rock”

"30 Rock" stays funny with the addition of a new cast member. Photo courtesy of examiner.com.

Let us just start out by saying that this season of “30 Rock” doesn’t compare to the previous seasons.  That being said, it still maintains its spot as one of the funniest shows on cable.  The typical aspects of the show like Kenneth the Page’s strange antics and Liz Lemon’s odd catchphrases will always earn a chuckle or two, but some of the material is getting old.  For instance, in the first season, Tracy Jordan’s outbursts were hilarious and unexpected.  Now the fun-factor is fading.  But the addition of a new TGS cast member, Jack Baker, and Liz’s ventures into acting keeps the show interesting.  Set aside a half an hour on your Thursday night to watch “30 Rock”; it’ll be worth it.

The Guilty Pleasure: “90210”

“90210” is back, again. This 90’s soap remake is in the middle of its second season and juicier than ever. Now that Annie (Shenae Grimes) has lost all of her friends she has moved on to a sketchier crowd, a drug-dealing boyfriend and even murder. The unrealistic situations seem to be a bit ridiculous and the acting isn’t up to par. Sure, it’s a little cheesy, but sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Tune in for “90210” every Tuesday on the CW.

Not Worth It:

The Letdown: “The Office”

It makes us sad to say that we no longer prioritize watching “The Office.” The show experienced a long dry spell last season when the jokes were expected and the awkward situations didn’t carry the appeal they once had. “The Office” upped its game this season with Jim and Pam’s wedding and Michael Scott’s relationship with Pam’s mother, which puts it back on the track to being a good show.  However, at the moment it won’t deliver the comedy you crave. Don’t waste your Thursday night; maybe just DVR it for a rainy day.

The Replica: “The Vampire Diaries”

You have to be a real vampire lover to sit through this show.  Yes, the attractive cast and the “Twilight”-esque intensity add some appeal, but when it comes down to it, the show is pretty unoriginal.  The main vampire, a mysterious, handsome vampire named Stefan Salvatore prefers to feed off animals instead of humans.  Sound familiar?  The show borrows other aspects from “Twilight” like mind reading and combines it with its own cheesy elements, like the main characters’ diary entries read out loud to create a pretty ridiculous show.  Erase this one off your DVR schedule because your time is too valuable.

The Tragedy: “Desperate Housewives”

The ladies on Wisteria Lane have just gone too far. This season is repetitive, predictable and simply not worth watching. With the death of Edie (Nicolette Sheridan) last season, the show’s in dire need of her feisty comments and compelling drama. Brie’s (Marcia Cross) affair with Susan’s (Terri Hatcher) ex-husband is too unlikely and bound to end terribly. The new season is boring and less twisted than others. After six seasons, how much more drama is even possible? You need to let go of “Desperate Housewives.”