Which new boob-tube offerings merit your adoration? Radar picks the cream of the crop

This article is from the September issue of Radar Magazine. For a risk-free issue, click here.

Before you whip yourself into a Pointer Sisters–caliber frenzy over the new fall TV lineup, think twice. Each autumn—as networks fling a batch of baby shows out of their development nests—an alarming number of highly touted series splat like a bag of Joey punch lines.

That's why we've enlisted respected television consultant Sam Armando, who counsels advertisers about which shows are worth their dime, to provide a much-needed reality check. How giddy should you get about these top picks? Just follow our handy guide.

= Radar's Picks

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REALITY TV

Stylista (The CW)
In a Nutshell: Eleven fashion-obsessed strivers vie for an editorial job at Elle.
Formula: America's Next Top Model + I'm from Rolling Stone
Why It May Rock: The brain behind this show—Tyra Banks—has never disappointed us before.
Why It May, Ultimately, Blow: Anne Slowey, the Elle editor in charge, was generally lackluster when she appeared on the first season of Project Runway.
Inside Scoop: "The CW says they want to target women ages 18 to 34, and with this show they're putting their money where their mouth is. I can't imagine people choosing not to watch it."
Appropriate Level of Excitement: Oprah's giving you a car!

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Exiled (MTV)
In a Nutshell: The most heinous brats that ever appeared on MTV's My Super Sweet 16 are sent to survive in primitive locations.
Formula: The Travel Channel + Scared Straight!
Why It May Rock: The sheer satisfaction of seeing spoiled, selfish monsters get their comeuppance.
Why It May, Ultimately, Blow: The cultural imperialism implicit in sending pampered princesses to rough it among the plebes.
Inside Scoop: "It fits within the demo, it's got the appeal, and all in all it's a nice twist on things. This should stick."
Appropriate Level of Excitement: You're state field hockey champs!