Tonight's Fall Premieres: 'Modern Family,' 'CSI,' 'The X Factor' and More! [Wed 9/21]

Last night we saw "Glee" return and "New Girl" premiere, but if that's not enough singing and laughing for you, tonight's lineup should cover you. Not only will we see the return of the (according to the Emmys) best comedy series on TV for the last two years, but we'll also see a new "American Idol" offshoot.

8:00 PM

The X Factor (Fox)

So it's not yet time for "American Idol" and "The Voice" won't be showing up until the winter either. What are you to do if you want to hear some vocal competition (that doesn't involve a capella groups)? Tune in to "The X Factor." Creator Simon Cowell has brought his UK hit over to the US to remind us that vocal competition shows always need at least one judge who isn't just going to be nice all the time. Cowell will be joined on the judging panel by Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid, and Paula Abdul.

The Middle (ABC)

The Hecks return for another season of "The Middle," starring Patricia Heaton and the ever-underrated Neil Flynn. Ray Romano will be guest-starring on the premiere episode, providing an "Everybody Loves Raymond" mini-reunion.

9:00 PM

Modern Family (ABC)

Fresh off its second Emmy win in as many seasons on the air, "Modern Family" returns for its third season as the best comedy on television for two years in a row. Though you might not take the Emmy academy's judgement as law (and rightfully so...really, not a single Emmy for Steve Carell?), it's hard to argue that "Modern Family" isn't the funniest, most heartfelt show on TV right now. This will be a one-hour premiere event, so there will be plenty of funny to go around.

Criminal Minds (CBS)

CBS sure loves its procedurals, and this one is no exception: "Criminal Minds" will be returning tonight for its seventh-season premiere. Paget Brewster will return as Prentiss, and she'll have some explaining to do...like, for example, explaining why she's not dead like everyone thought she was.

Harry's Law (NBC)

Kathy Bates seems to be NBC's new darling, as she not only frequently guest-starred on "The Office" last year, but also started on her own legal drama-comedy. The show is back for another season, fresh off of a nomination for Kathy Bates at Sunday's Emmy Awards.

10:00 PM

Revenge (ABC)

Part soap opera, part Alexandre Dumas homage, this new series follows the actions of a girl who seeks revenge on those that wronged her by putting a circuitous plan into play. The show is a loose adaptation of "The Count of Monte Cristo," and should provide some fun. Who doesn't love watching a revenge story?

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Laurence Fishburne is out and Ted Danson is in as the mother of all criminal science procedurals returns for the...I dunno, 4,753rd season? Oh, it's the 12th. Still, that's a lot of seasons.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

The perennially nominated Mariska Hargitay watched another Emmy pass her by on Sunday, but she's back with "Law & Order: SVU" and ready to start the show's 13th season.