If you've been thinking that the new TV season isn't exciting, you're not alone. Some top TV critics have been thinking the same thing.

Time's James Poniewozik calls it "The Ratings Drought" and thinks that viewers didn't want to go back to watching the old shows after the writers strike, they wanted something new. Tim Goodman over at The San Francisco Chronicle says that the ratings for returning shows and new ones show a real disinterest from TV fans. Chuck, Heroes, and Life (all NBC shows) have seen big drops, and ABC's Pushing Daisies is even being beaten by...well, I'm let Goodman say it:

Hollywood is the most impatient entity in the entire galaxy. Industry experts and execs are already worried that the new season isn't living up to expectations.

Please note that we are one week into the new season.

There are only two new shows so far that have shown any strength: Bionic Woman and Private Practice. Of course, they've only had one episode each, less than a week ago, so who knows if those numbers are even solid? Returning shows, such as Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, and CSI: Miami are still big ratings-getters, but even their numbers are down. ABC, CBS, NBC are down in the 18-49 demo too

The CW said "no" to the new Aquaman show, but go here to take a look at the trailer (and hurry before the network takes it down!)

I don't think it looks too bad. Sort of like The O.C. meets Smallville.

[via TV Tattle]

I was just reading Anna's post on the FOX upfront, and she reports that The Loop has been renewed for another season. Is this even remotely possible, or some joke? All of the shows - better shows - that FOX could have renewed or added to the schedule (they passed on Andy Richter's comedy, which was picked up by NBC, and that had to at least be as good at The Loop) and they decide to renew The Loop. Hell, where's Stacked with Pam Anderson? They could put them back to back and have a night of so-so comedy!

I guess I'm just shocked. Even if The Loop was better than it is (and it isn't), I would still be surprised it got renewed, because it had "short-lived midseason replacment that you will soon forget" written all over it.

Wow.