Just a few days before the new season kicks off in earnest -- there have been a few premieres already -- and there are shows that are going to be off my "gotta watch"' list for one reason and one reason alone -- casting.

Fair or not, some stars are a major draw, while others just a turn-off. Here's a short take on the casting conundrums that exist as the season commences ...

The Caan Connection
Until the 'Hawaii Five-0' cast included Scott Caan as Danno Williams, I wasn't too interested. However, Caan makes a difference. He's an interesting actor who exudes a fun, cocky and cool energy.

He was great in the 'Ocean's 11' movies and stole scenes on 'Entourage.' In fact, he's a chip of the old block, James Caan. I always liked his dad, and I like the son, too. For Scott, I'll be watching 'Hawaii Five-0.'

Bigger than 'The Event'
NBC's massive promotion for 'The Event' has been all about ... "the event" -- Whatever that turns out to be! However, it's the stars of 'The Event' that Jason Ritter, Laura Innes, Scott Patterson, Blair Underwood, all known commodities and actors worth watching, that may be even more of a draw.

Like 'Parenthood' last year, the casting is so good that it demands a serious look. 'The Event' is so well cast, too, that is has earned viewership for at least a couple of episodes in my estimation. I want to watch these actors no matter what the event turns out to be.

Smits Vs. Selleck
Jimmy Smits on NBC's 'Outlaws' and Tom Selleck on CBS's 'Blue Bloods.' They're going head to head in the Friday 10PM time slot and it's a tough call for television fans.

These are excellent actors who have great track records. Smits was amazing on 'Dexter,' and his work on the last season of 'The West Wing' was superb. Selleck's 'Jesse Stone' movies have shown how he's matured from his 'Magnum' days.

Both actors deliver, and more often than not, they're worth watching. Thank goodness there are DVRs, because otherwise it would be an even more difficult decision. Both actors and their shows will get a shot and then I'll decide. But again, casting counts. I wouldn't be watching either show without these stars attached.

No Allure for 'My Generation'
What does is say about ABC's faith in 'My Generation' that they're using former NBC head of programming Warren Littlefield in the promotion? To me it says, this cast is a bunch of unknowns whom you won't care about unless you get involved in the show. That's a problem. Would it have killed the producers -- that includes Littlefield! -- to cast one household name?

Based on the sneak previews, there's not much here to get me hooked. If you think about the template as a 'Friends' for a new generation, remember that they cast Courteney Cox precisely because they needed one star to draw in viewers. And 'How I Met Your Mother' threw in two -- Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan. Maybe 'My Generation' would be more interesting had they managed to get someone like Alexis Bledel ('Gilmore Girls'). Maybe.

Michael Imperioli Tries It Without a Mustache
Michael Imperioli has something to prove with ABC's new cop drama 'Detroit 1-8-7' -- can he make anyone forget him as Christopher Moltisanti on 'The Sopranos'? That character and the show has loomed large over his career.

Interestingly, Imperioli tried playing the cop role on ABC's 'Life On Mars' in 2008, but the only thing memorable about that particular series for Michael was his Fu Manchu, 1970's mustache. Can he outlive that stache and make something memorable out of 'Detroit 1-8-7'? He's at least worthy of a viewing or two!