Luck hasn't been on the side of actors Alex O'Loughlin and Jerry O'Connell as of late. Though critical and fan favorites in their previous endeavors, they have a combined four failed TV series over the last three years -- a poor record in any situation. Dare we even whisper the words "show killer"? Yet, network executives still see something in both of these actors to give them another chance.

That's why, come September, both O'Loughlin and O'Connell will be in brand new CBS series: O'Loughlin as Steve McGarrett in a remake of 'Hawaii Five-O' and O'Connell as a Las Vegas lawyer in 'The Defenders.' The question is, will their respective curses be broken or will they need to look for another job outside of acting?

It wasn't all bad fortune for these actors just a few years ago. Back in 2007, O'Loughlin's star was rising fast after a seven-episode stint on 'The Shield.' From there he was immediately cast as brooding vampire Mick St. John on CBS' 'Moonlight.' While the fans, especially the women, loved O'Loughlin in the series, many critics didn't and the show was canceled after one season.

Also in 2007, Jerry O'Connell -- already well-known as the star of 'Stand By Me,' 'Sliders' and 'Crossing Jordan' -- took a chance on single-camera comedy in the ABC series 'Carpoolers.' While receiving fair reviews, the show became a victim of the writers' strike and ended after only one season.

Both actors jumped right back into television, O'Connell in the 2008 FOX sitcom 'Do Not Disturb,' which crashed and burned after only six episodes. CBS gave O'Loughlin another opportunity as an organ transplant surgeon in the 2009 drama 'Three Rivers.' After unfavorable reviews and terrible ratings, 'Three Rivers' lasted only eight episodes before it was yanked off the air.

So, after so many cursed years, what's so different with their new ventures that produces some hope? For O'Loughlin it's nostalgia that gives him the edge. With the original 'Hawaii Five-O' spending over a decade on the air on the same network, there's bound to be fans of the old show, as well as fans of O'Loughlin himself, who will tune in for at least a few episodes to see how he defines the role of Detective Steve McGarrett.

The forecast also looks brighter thanks to O'Loughlin's supporting cast. The actor can rely on TV veterans from shows with ardent fanbases, including Grace Park from 'Battlestar Galactica' and Daniel Dae Kim of 'Lost.' And judging from the pilot, he's got a great rapport with Scott Caan, who plays Danny "Danno" Williams.

O'Connell can thank one particular castmate if 'The Defenders' hits big --Jim Belushi. Yes, John's younger brother will always be known as the star of the longest-running mediocre sitcom of all time, 'According to Jim.' But Belushi does have some dramatic acting under his belt, including a role in Oliver Stone's 'Salvador.' And, like O'Loughlin, O'Connell seems to have a connection with his co-star.

The other thing going for O'Connell is that 'The Defenders' is a procedural, and CBS is the king of procedurals, with nearly half of the schedule taken up by the likes of 'CSI,' 'NCIS' and 'Criminal Minds.' By mixing some lighter moments in with the drama, there's a potential that the series can be a winner.

While there are plenty of new shows premiering this fall, both 'The Defenders' and 'Hawaii Five-O' may get more attention due to the recent bad luck of their actors. This curiosity may spawn into genuine interest and, eventually, a following for these series that could possibly catapult O'Loughlin and O'Connell back into the good graces of fans and network executives alike.