Happy 2009!

With a new year, TV Rules the Nation is looking to return and be better than ever. We know we've been slacking, but now that we've reached our final semester of college, we're a little less swamped with work and a little more willing to slack off by watching TV and using the interweb. So for those who have been frustrated with our lack of posting, have no fear, we're coming back!

Reviews will resume as shows come back, but until then, we'll have some recaps of seasons so far and, for right now, some previews!

1. How I Met Your Mother: First off, isn't that picture from Entertainment Weekly awesome? There's a bunch that are all hilarious. When TV Guide's best show of 2008 returns on Jan. 12, they'll return with an episode called "Benefits" that, without spoiling anything, will feature several reality TV stars haunting Marshall. Some interesting things are on the horizon for roommates Ted and Robin, but I won't spoil them here. If you just can't wait, then check out this blog. Lastly, HIMYM will begin syndication on Lifetime, starting today, so you'll have another place to get your fix of awesomeness.

2. Scrubs: It's always sad when a show reaches its end, but according to show creator Bill Lawrence, it might not be. In an interview with Michael Ausiello, Lawrence revealed that ABC might keep the show on, despite the fact that both he and star Zach Braff will be leaving at the conclusion of its 8th season. From the sound of things, the show has gone back to a format similar to what it was in its first two seasons, where it wasn't quite so goofy, but still incredibly funny. Also, apparently every character will have their story wrapped up by the end, including a conclusion to the J.D.-Elliot relationship. Also, the Janitor gets fired by Courtney Cox in the second episode (WHAT?!) Be sure to read the interview and catch Scrubs' return on ABC TOMORROW NIGHT!

3. The Office: Tomorrow, I'll post a review of the first half of season 5 of the Office, but for tonight, there's some awesome news. First off, the show revealed that their post-Super Bowl episode will feature cameos from none other than Jack Black and Jessica Alba. Apparently, the crew at Dunder-Mifflin will be attempting to watch a bootleged film that features the two stars. In other Office news, Amy Ryan (Holly) reportedly said that she'd be interested in returning to the show, but there are no imminent plans for her return.

4. Heroes: As has been expected, Bryan Fuller is returning as a consultant to Heroes following the end of Pushing Daisies. Also interviewed on EW.com, Fuller said that the show is finally realizing that they suck. According to Fuller, the show will drop a lot of the mythology crap and return the idea of ordinary people with extraordinary abilities. Fuller revealed that everyone returns to their normal lives and then deals with saving the world from there instead of living in an alternate world where responsibilities don't matter. Hopefully the show will return to it's old awesomeness. In other Heroes news, Sylar's dad is going to appear on the show. Hooray?

5. Lost: OMG IT'S COMING BACK IN TWO AND A HALF WEEKS AND I CAN'T WAIT AT ALL!!! (Sorry for not really having news, I just can't wait!)

Like I mentioned, I'll check back in tomorrow with a review of the first half of the season for the Office, and hopefully I'll get 30 Rock finished by the time it comes back on Thursday to recap that too. I know they're both good, I just need to refresh my memory. Anyways, more to come soon!