As the leaves start falling from the trees, so too do new network TV shows seem to drop from the skies at the same time of year.

Among the 26 new series being introduced by the five major commercial broadcast networks this fall, here is our considered opinion of what appear to be the best of the group. Each new series (premiere dates included) is assessed based on the show's first episode, as well as "the score," our judgment on a show's entertainment and aesthetic appeal, and "the lowdown," plot points viewers may consider morally problematic.

The rest of the new season will be reviewed at a later date.

The score: Interesting and original, done in a whimsical, suspension-of-disbelief style, right down to the fairy-tale production design, which softens the moral implications of its life-and-death premise. The sweet romance between Ned and Chuck is appealing; they sleep on opposite sides of a wall, which they both touch chastely. Only time will tell how the series may develop. A superior production, with personable leads and a grade-A cast including Kristin Chenoweth, Swoosie Kurtz, Ellen Greene and Jim Dale (as narrator).

The lowdown: Though clearly a fantasy, there are obvious ethical questions intrinsic to the basic setup, including Ned allowing someone else to die in Chuck's stead, some crass humor, such as a joke about masturbation, and moderate violence.

Kid Nation (CBS), Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m. (Sept. 19).
Highly publicized reality show --- sort of a pint-sized variant on PBS' "Frontier House" --- wherein 40 kids, from 8 to 15 years old, endeavor to rebuild Bonanza Town, N.M., abandoned in 1885, with --- it is emphasized --- no adults, no parents, no teachers anywhere. (Of course, they've conveniently forgotten host Jonathan Karsh and the off-camera crew, but never mind.)

Four pre-chosen kid leaders comprise the town council, and in the first hour, we watched how the youngsters try to organize themselves, make their first meal (the pasta is a disaster), learn the fine points of using the communal outhouse and cope with homesickness, fatigue and the like.

The score: Putting aside the issue of child labor laws, and some patent contrivances inherent in all these reality series, "Kid Nation" looks to be quite entertaining for fans of the unscripted TV genre and good family viewing as well. The educational and character-enhancing aspects of the show are apparent. The kids are quite appealing, and it's touching to see them rise to the occasion, as when, for instance, team leader Laurel assures weeping 8-year-old Jimmy that she'll substitute for his parents.

The lowdown: A few crass expressions here and there, but otherwise the producers have taken care not to offend.

Life (NBC), Wednesdays, 10-11 p.m. (Sept. 26).
English actor Damian Lewis, with a convincing Yank accent, plays mentally fragile detective Charlie Crews, who rejoins the police force after being unjustly convicted of murder and spending the last 12 years in prison. He's assigned a no-nonsense partner, Dani Reese (Sarah Shahi), and their first assignment is to solve the murder of a young boy. She's at first highly skeptical of Charlie's eccentricities (he speaks in odd non sequiturs) and his methods are highly unconventional, but she grudgingly comes to admire him.

Clearly, his prison time has left emotional scars (he talks to himself and seems slightly unbalanced) but the experience has taught him a thing or two about living, and the touchy-feely demeanor usually gets results. Robin Weiger is Lt. Karen Davis, who's down on Charlie, and Adam Arkin plays Ted Early, an ex-CEO and Charlie's former cellmate, who now lives in Charlie's garage.

The score: Series has an intriguing bittersweet quality, and Lewis provides an appealing characterization, surmounting plot implausibility. His offbeat but appealing character and generally commendable outlook on "life" may generate fans, with the mystery behind his initial conviction possibly providing additional interest beyond the solving each week's case.

The lowdown: Standard police procedural stuff but with an interesting edge. Moderate violence, brief rear nudity, occasional casual attitude toward sex, some crass language and drug references (Dani had been a user).

Life Is Wild (CW), Sundays, 8-9 p.m. (Oct. 7).
Widowed and remarried veterinarian Danny Clarke (D.W. Moffett) decides to move his blended family from New York to South Africa for a year. Joining him on this adventure are new wife Jo (Stephanie Niznick), 11-year-old son Chase (K'sun Ray), rebellious stepson Jessie (Andrew St. John), stepdaughter Mia (Mary Matilyn Mouser) and the narrator of the series, his wise-beyond-her-years teenage daughter Katie (Leah Pipes). As the family moves in with Danny's first father-in-law, Art (David Butler), at his hunting lodge, parents and children alike must make the transition to their new environment.

The score: A relatively wholesome offering that takes full advantage of South Africa's beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife.

The lowdown: Very occasional crude and crass language and a single use of profanity, scenes of underage drinking.

K-Ville (Fox), Mondays 9-10 p.m. (Sept. 17).
The show's title refers to post-Katrina New Orleans, where veteran cop Marlin Boulet (Anthony Anderson) is joined by new partner, Trevor Cobb (Cole Hauser). As the two investigate high-profile cases in the devastated and sometimes lawless city, under the levelheaded command of Capt. James Embry (John Carroll Lynch), Boulet's old partner (Derek Webster) tries to regain the trust he lost by deserting during Katrina, while Boulet himself tries to entice his wife (Elise Neal), who has taken their daughter to live in Atlanta, to return.

The score: Remarkably taut and edgy drama, produced and penned by "Hill Street Blues" veteran Jonathan Lisco. Disturbingly realistic in places, but of high quality throughout.

The lowdown: Some crass language, questionable alcohol use and violence with gore.

---CNS Harry Forbes and John Mulderig are with the USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting.