Guilty Pleasures

A plane crash strands 48 survivors on a deserted island only to discover they not only have to fight against starvation, but a mysterious predator that will pick them off one by one. Fortunately for new fans, with such a large supporting cast, this new series has the makings to be around for quite a few episodes. And with a mixture of culture, language and sex, "Lost" conjures a taste palatable to a diverse audience.

Matthew Fox (Party of Five) returns to primetime on ABC, as "Dr. Jack," once again leading an ensemble cast of the recently orphaned. Even without former TV siblings Bailey, Jules, Claud and Owen at his side, Fox proves that playing head of the household, or head of the island as the case may be, is a role he cannot only carry, but succeed in.

And to the skeptics, I understand you may not be intrigued by all the hype. I have to admit, it has been awhile since I have tuned in to ABC to watch anything other than a reality series or movie of the week. But I promise you will not be disappointed by committing to this series. Unlike a lot of ABC's creations, "Lost" will be around for the long haul, and you won't be scratching your eyes out waiting for it to disappear.

The new and improved, O.C.

Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County premieres this Tuesday (MTV, 10:30 p.m.) and I for one am pumped up! Airing after the other dingy demise of America's future, "The Real World: Philadelphia" (thumbs up on that mess, by the way), reality series "Laguna Beach" follows a group of eight "friends" who all look like they should be on television and sound as though they learned everything from television.

Adults; laugh it up and be glad these aren't your kids or better yet, grateful you don't have any. Parents; hide your children, put them in the chess club and pray they are a nerd with some interest other than becoming a celebrity. The moral; if your daughter gets out of high school today without a mini skirt, Ugg boots and a tattoo and your son without bling, a cell phone or waxed eyebrows, consider yourself a successful parent.

Mad Laughs

The season premiere of Saturday Night Live is up this week with host Ben Affleck. (NBC, 11:30 p.m.) The season comes just in time to take some slugs at the presidential countdown, always a strong point for the SNL comics. While I am a fan of SNL, the show can be hit and miss and often runs on too long. I anticipate the season opener to be full with so much built up over the summer. However, if it's wall to wall laughs you're looking for, I suggest you change the channel to Fox. (I never thought I'd hear myself say that.)

In an earlier time slot and a substantial competitor to the nearly 30 year old SNL, is Fox's Mad TV. This sketch comedy collection has continued to grow in strength over the years and has already started their season with nothing but hilarity. Case in point: I was so tired but loved the hour-long laughs so much, I napped during the commercials and perked up when the show resumed. Now that's obsession - I mean dedication. The highlight of the lineup this season includes dead-on Bush & Kerry impersonations that will leave you wishing we had a third party to choose from after all.

Biggest night of TV this week: Thursday

·Season premiere of what will be plagued as the saddest comedic reality series in the last four years; the "First Presidential Debate."

·Pearl Jam pops up in the mainstream at timely moment to perform and hopefully sit down with David Letterman.

Seasons to come...

·Bobby Brown is set to have a 10-episode reality series on Bravo in the spring. That's his prerogative, but if I were Whitney, I would release a new album and quick, because her career is about to get flushed with this spectacle.

·Long Beach reality couple, Jeff and Sharon set to wed next fall. After a surprise engagement en route to NYC, the couple announced they are already making plans but have yet to decide on a So Cal or No Cal setting. Tune in next fall for a sneak peak at the new season; Newlyweds: LBC. Congratulations to the favorite couple and might I just add, well done.