Upfronts: A user's guide to fall season news

The TV "upfronts" are upon us. What are the upfronts, you, no doubt, ask? Every May, the TV networks dedicate a week to announcing their lineups for the new TV season in the hopes that advertisers will spend billions of dollars in commercial spots in advance (hence: "upfront") of the fall season.

These presentations usually take place in fancy spots like Carnegie Hall and showcase entertainment by big TV stars and musical acts. The fun will begin on Monday in New York City, though this year promises to be more low-key.

Because of the three-month writers strike, the TV networks produced fewer pilots and have toned down their lavish presentations. No more network presidents doing the cha-cha-cha with one of the professional dancers from "Dancing With The Stars." No more long lines of advertisers waiting to take their pictures with Christina Applegate or Hugh Laurie. No more after-parties.

Well, almost. Fox -- the network with lots of "American Idol" money -- is still throwing its big bash in Central Park. And NBC is hosting an "experience." More on that later.

Soon, we will inundate you with news of the new TV schedule and all of the new shows and stars. For now, here's a list of the programs the TV networks already have renewed for next year. If your favorite is not on this list, that means its network hasn't decided what to do with it yet. Unless, of course, it's been canceled. (We'll miss you, "Men in Trees.")

CW

DRAMA
"Gossip Girl"
"One Tree Hill"
"Smallville"
"Supernatural"

COMEDY
"Everybody Hates Chris"

REALITY
"America’s Next Top Model"

CBS

DRAMA
"Cold Case"
"Criminal Minds"
"CSI"
"CSI: Miami"
"CSI: NY"
"Ghost Whisperer"
"NCIS"
"Numb3rs"
"Without a Trace"

COMEDY
"The Big Bang Theory"
"Two and a Half Men"

REALITY
"The Amazing Race"
"Survivor"

ABC

DRAMA
"Brothers & Sisters"
"Desperate Housewives"
"Dirty Sexy Money"
"Grey’s Anatomy"
"Lost"
"Private Practice"
"Pushing Daisies"

COMEDY
"Samantha Who?"
"Ugly Betty"

REALITY
"America's Funniest Videos"
"Dancing With the Stars"
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
"Supernanny"
"Wife Swap"

Fox

DRAMA
"Bones"
"House"
"Prison Break"
"Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles""
"24"

COMEDY
"American Dad"
"Family Guy"
"King of the Hill"
"The Simpsons"

REALITY
"American Idol"
"Kitchen Nightmares"

NBC

DRAMA
"Chuck"
"ER"
"Friday Night Lights"
"Heroes"
"Law & Order"
"Law & Order: SVU"
"Life"
"Lipstick Jungle"
"Medium"

COMEDY
"My Name Is Earl"
"The Office"
"30 Rock"

REALITY
"American Gladiators"
"The Biggest Loser"
"Celebrity Apprentice"
"Deal or No Deal"

-- Maria Elena Fernandez