2012 Midseason TV Guide (Part 2/2)

December 21, 2011 09:41:51 GMT

'American Idol' and 'The Voice' take people in the search for next music star, while 'Spartacus: Vengeance' and 'Vampire Diaries' bring back fans' favorite characters with bigger challenges.

Though inserting several new titles to their line-up, most networks still maintain their regular programs that constantly deliver strong ratings. This second part of AceShowbiz's 2012 Midseason TV Guide discusses those shows whose returns, either from the holiday hiatus or for a new season, have been eagerly awaited by their fans.

Reality shows, "American Idol" and "The Voice", are set to compete in recruiting talents with their own iconic methods and styles. Meanwhile, scripted series like "Pretty Little Liars" and "The Walking Dead" arouse people's curiosity with growing intrigues in the second half of the season. On the other hand, "Spartacus: Vengeance", which possibly undergoes the biggest change among other shows, returns after the long delay with a new hunk on the title role.

American Idol

Season 11 premiere January 18 at 8 P.M. on FOX

Randy Jackson, J.Lo and Steven Tyler are back on the hunt for the next 'American Idol'

After launching the professional careers of Grammy winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood among others, "American Idol" will once again take viewers to witness the rise of a new star. Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are back on the judging panel, and after getting through their first year together with a relatively peaceful state, will have their first big fight ever this season. Maintaining one of the big changes applied in last season, the producers will let aspiring singers perform songs according to the genre they are specialized in.

The Bachelor

Season 16 premiere January 12 at 8 P.M. on ABC

Former 'Bachelor' suitor Ben Flajnik tries to find love on 'The Bachelor'

Those who were disappointed that Ashley Hebert chose J.P. Rosenbaum over Ben Flajnik should not be upset anymore. Though he left the show with a broken heart, the Sonoma winemaker Sonoma is ready to open his heart and find love on "The Bachelor". He, however, gets more than what he bargains for when an elderly woman shows up and declares her love to him on the very first night. While Ben enjoys romantic and, sometimes, steamy dates with every one of them, the girls present drama as they place themselves at each other's throat in an attempt to win his heart.

How I Met Your Mother

Season 7 return January 2 at 8 P.M. on CBS

More things will be revealed in the remainder of 'HIMYM' season 7

After putting Robin in an emotional rollercoaster ride in the last few episodes before the midseason finale, "How I Met Your Mother" will dive into a new story arc for the beloved character by focusing on her career. While her relationship with Kevin will be surely affected by her latest issues, her ex Barney moves on with his love quest as he dates a new girl. After Robin and Barney stole the spotlight on the first half of the season, Ted's big story will be back prominent in the remaining episodes. The second half of the season is also promised to present more revelations, one of which is Barney's bride.

Pretty Little Liars

Season 2 return January 2 at 8 P.M. on ABC Family

'A' will be uncovered in the second season finale of 'Liars'

In this second half of the season , the Pretty Little Liars have to do community service while the real villain "A" is still out there, roaming free. With them being on the edge of getting more punishment, the tension among Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer is getting higher and there will be a big fight that threatens to ruin the group's dynamic. At the same time, they are closer to "A" than ever before as the mysterious person wants something that is in the possession of the girls, before the identity of this mysterious troublemaker is revealed in the second season finale.

Spartacus: Vengeance

Season 2 premiere January 27 at 10 P.M. on Starz

Liam McIntyre's Spartacus embraces leadership on 'Spartacus: Vengeance'

Fans' curiosity of how Liam McIntyre replaces Andy Whitfield as Spartacus will be answered when "Spartacus: Vengeance" is debuted. In this new chapter, the titular character faces a new and bigger challenge as he embraces leadership and is responsible for the lives of his followers. While he is still adjusting to the new role, his group is threatened to be torn apart by an internal issue. Spartacus is not the only character evolving in this season for Lucretia will "claw her way back to some platform of power" after losing her husband and child.

The Vampire Diaries

Season 3 return January 5 at 8 P.M. on The CW

More Original vampires come in the second half of 'TVD' season 3

If you think you have known a lot about vampires' history, you will learn more about the bloodsuckers of "The Vampire Diaries" in the second half of season 3. After Klaus, Eljah, Rebekah and Henrick, more members of the Original family will be introduced. In the meantime, the evil Klaus won't stop threatening the peace in Mystic Falls. After Stefan has got his hands on the members of Klaus' family and holds them as hostages, the Original vampire plans revenge. For Elena in particular, a returning character who feels betrayed will put her in an uneasy situation.

The Voice

Season 2 premiere February 5 at 8 P.M. on NBC

'The Voice' season 2 presents a longer blind audition

In its second season, "The Voice" will offer more of its biggest attraction by giving viewers a longer blind audition. The coaches' teams will also grow bigger, presenting viewers with more acts from aspiring singers. Expect more drama as Christina Aguilera has shared that the contestants now are savvier than the ones in the first cycle when it comes to picking who they want to work with. A collaboration performance of the A-list coaches is another thing which is rarely seen on another reality series and is surely not to be missed.