“Desperate Housewives” creator Marc Cherry assures us that the ladies of Wisteria Lane will be involved in this season’s mystery right from the get-go. The third season starts out six months after the events of the cliffhanger, with Bree engaged, Mike in a coma, the Solis’ searching for Xiao-Mei, and Tom and Lynette up to their eyeballs in kids – with the addition of Tom’s previously unknown 11-year-old daughter, Kayla. Susan will continue to have nothing to do. Returns Sept. 24

“Lost” promises a heavier emphasis on action and romance this season, and will answer some long-brewing questions on that island. Look for Kate to score a love interest, and the same goes for Jack. Henry Gale and Desmond will become regulars this season, but the worst news for fans of the show is that the show will air in blocks. Six episodes will start out the season and then the remaining 17 episodes will return for a consecutive run beginning in February. And I thought last season was bad about consistency! Returns Oct. 4

“Prison Break” is bringing William Fitchner (“Invasion”) on board as an FBI agent who’s as crafty as Michael Scofield. Alas he’s not as pretty. Look for the fugitives to eventually go their separate ways, and some are going to be hunting for D.B. Cooper’s treasure. Mondays at 8:00 p.m.

“Dancing With the Stars” will have fierce competitors such as Harry Hamlin, Mario Lopez, Emmett Smith, Tucker Carlson, Jerry Springer, Vivica A. Fox and Joe(y) Lawrence. Returns Sept. 12

“Everybody Hates Chris” has Whoopi Goldberg guest starring this season. Returns Oct. 1

“My Name is Earl” will have Burt Reynolds as a very special guest star, playing Richard Chubby, owner of Chubby’s Strip Joint. Wonder what their slogan could be? Returns Sept. 21

Two reality show staples, “Survivor” (set on the Cook Islands this time) and “The Amazing Race,” will get their game on Thursday, Sept. 14, and Sunday, Sept. 17, respectively. In a controversial move, “Survivor: Cook Islands” will segregate competitors by race, and you can log on to www.cbs.com to discern who the gay players might be. My vote is for JP, who lives in Long Beach with his Jack Russell terrier and does fitness modeling. “The Amazing Race” will feature a gay couple, Tom and Terry.

Mystery-solving “Veronica Mars” will have a more simplified storyline this year, split into three mysteries, and the show is trying to land famed kidnapped heiress and John Waters vet Patty Hearst as a guest star. Returns Oct. 3.

While January doesn’t constitute fall by any stretch, which is when “The L Word” begins it fourth season on Showtime, here’s a casting update. Cybill Shepherd is joining the show for 11 episodes as a married mom who wants to take a walk on the other side of the street, if you know what I mean. Marlee Matlin joins the cast as a regular who hooks up with Jennifer Beals. Maybe they’ll adopt some children of a lesser Flashdance.