The end of September means the start of TV premières, including new series (CBS’s “The Crazy Ones” or Showtime’s “Masters of Sex,” anyone?) and beloved Emmy-winners (including Claire Danes’ return on the “Homeland” première on Sept. 29). Get your DVRs ready, because tears, chuckles, and drama can be found on every network this weekend.
CBS: ‘The Big Bang Theory’
The nerd brigade is back, including this year’s Best Actor in a Comedy Series Emmy-winner Jim Parsons. The season seven première will sweep Leonard (Johnny Galecki) away to the North Sea, leaving Sheldon (Parsons) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) to bond in his absence, while Raj (Kunal Nayyar) hits the town after finally overcoming his inability to talk to girls. Premières at 7 p.m. today.
Other CBS notables: “Two and a Half Men,” Season 11, today @ 8:30 p.m.; “The Amazing Race,” Season 23, Sept. 29 @ 7 p.m.
Fox: ‘Glee’
Fox’s musical comedy will sing a more somber note while honoring the death of Finn Hudson actor Cory Monteith in the third episode of season five, but tonight’s première will kick off a rocking two-part Beatles tribute — and address the season four cliff-hanger involving a potential proposal between Blaine (Darren Criss) and Kurt (Chris Colfer). Premières at 8 p.m. today.
Other Fox notables: “The Simpsons,” Season 25, Sept. 29 @ 7 p.m.; “Family Guy,” Season 12, Sept. 29 @ 8 p.m.
ABC: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
Season 10 will spell the end for Sandra Oh’s time as Cristina Yang, but there is plenty of drama waiting in the two-part “Grey’s”première to distract from the upcoming farewell. Viewers will return to Seattle Grace Hospital to find Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek (Patrick Dempsey) the parents of a new baby — and discover the fate of Dr. Webber (James Pickens Jr.). Premières at 8 p.m. today.
Other ABC notables: “Once Upon a Time,” Season 3, Sept. 29 @ 7 p.m.; “Revenge,” Season 3, Sept. 29 @ 8 p.m.
NBC: ‘Parks and Recreation’
Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) is facing recall from the City Council, Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) is expecting a baby, and Rashida Jones and Rob Lowe will take their final bows in a few short weeks. Season six will be a busy time for the Pawnee Parks Department, starting tonight with an hourlong première set in London with guest star Heidi Klum. Premieres at 7 p.m. today.
Other NBC notables: “Parenthood,” Season 5, today @ 10 p.m.; “Saturday Night Live,” Season 39, Saturday @ 10:30 p.m.