Ready for a new string of fall TV shows? Think you can pick out the ones that will be around in the new year? Here’s a roundup of the major new comedy, drama, sci-fi and reality shows.

Will The Donald trump Martha’s new show? Find out if reality will bite for either entrepreneur when the new fall TV lineup begins. REALITY

As the new TV season begins, reality shows are stepping quietly into the background.

They’ll return but not now. The networks have regained their confidence in scripted series. And some viewers may breathe a sigh of relief now that some intelligence has returned to television.

Consider the difference:

Last fall the networks introduced six new reality shows. This year they have two new ones.

Last fall they had eight returning reality shows. This year returns seven.

Last fall the WB even planned a game show ("Studio 7") and a variety show ("Steve Harvey’s Big Time"). Now it has neither.

Here’s a roundup of the shows, from best to worst, with a 0-10 rating.

"Three Wishes" (8). This goes well beyond feel-good; it’s somewhere up near feel-great and feel-giddy. Each week, a crew converges on a small town and listens to the wishes of some of its inhabitants; then three are granted. Eric Stromer ("Clean Sweep") and Carter Oosterhouse ("Trading Spaces") may be the most photogenic carpenters in TV history. (NBC Fridays, Sept. 23)

"The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" (pilot not available for review). The formula that works for Donald Trump will now get a second edition with Martha Stewart in charge. "The show is going to have a style all its own," Kevin Reilly, the NBC president, insists. "People are going to see...a tough, very thoughtful Martha." (NBC Wednesdays, Sept. 21)

"How I Met Your Mother" starring Neil Patrick Harris (left) and Josh Radnor, a new comedy on CBS.

COMEDY

When it’s time to develop clever comedies, Fox may be the champion.

When it’s time to actually put those shows on the schedule ... well, that’s another matter.

One poll of TV critics (via the Broadcasting & Cable trade paper) picked "Everybody Hates Chris" and "My Name is Earl" as this fall’s best new comedies. Fox developed both, paid for their scripts, and then rejected them.

"I kind of thought it was" dead, "Earl" creator Greg Garcia says before the show was picked up by NBC. "Chris" went to UPN.

Here’s one view of how they rank, from best to worst, rated on a 0-10 scale; also included are the time slots and debut dates:

"Everybody Hates Chris" (8). A tough childhood can be kind of funny in retrospect. Chris Rock narrates and co-created this fictionalized version of his childhood. (UPN Thursdays, beginning Sept. 22)

"How I Met Your Mother" (7). Here’s the story of a courtship - narrated by the guy, decades later. Relative newcomer Josh Radnor, with great supporting turns by Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan. (CBS Mondays, Sept. 19)

"Out of Practice" (7). An earnest young psychologist struggles for acceptance in a family in which everyone else has a medical degree. This is from the "Frasier" producers; its splendid supporting cast includes Paula Marshall, Henry Winkler and Stockard Channing. (CBS Mondays, Sept. 19)

"Twins" (7). Sara Gilbert is terrific as a smart, little brunette, overshadowed (literally) by her tall, blonde mother (Melanie Griffith) and sister. Sharp and funny, this is from the "Will & Grace" producers. (WB Fridays, Sept. 16)

"My Name is Earl" (6). A law-breaking loser (Jason Lee) decides to make up for every bad deed. The result is inconsistent but has hilarious moments. (NBC Tuesdays, Sept. 20)

"The War at Home" (4). After surviving their own wild youths, parents must deal with three teenagers. In a so-so pilot, Kyle Sullivan (as Larry) has hilarious moments. (Fox Sundays, Sept. 11)

 "Hot Properties" (4). At an upscale real-estate office the women often talk of love or lust. Most of this is overstated and brimming with clichés, but there are good moments for Nicole Sullivan and Sofia Vergara. (ABC Fridays, Oct. 7)

"Kitchen Confidential" (3). Darren Star, the "Sex and the City" creator, tries another slice of upscale New York City life. This one focuses on a star chef trying to rebound after self-destructing from drugs and alcohol. (Fox Mondays, Sept. 19)

"Freddie" (3). Freddie Prinze Jr. is a likable guy, especially in this role as provider for an extended family. The comedy material he’s been given, however, is so-so. (ABC Wednesdays, Sept. 16)

"Love, Inc." (1). A matchmaking service goes the extra step, pulling scams to make its clients look good. The script, however, doesn’t give much to work with. (UPN Thursdays, Sept. 22)