FOX: IT'S OLD NEWS

'K-Ville'

"K-Ville" attempts to season its cop-show shenanigans with a soupcon of social relevance. And we say "soupcon" because the series is set in New Orleans, a city struggling to survive and rebuild (the "K" stands for "Katrina"). There's local color in every nook and cranny: The hero's name is Marlin Boulet (played by a somber Anthony Anderson) and he runs around saying Nawlinzzy things such as "I need some gumbo." Cole Hauser, as Boulet's partner, is dead weight, however, and the show's topicality gets in the way of the crime-solving. (Mondays at 9 p.m.; debuts tomorrow.)

'Kitchen Nightmares'

Oh joy, another reality show starring that beastly banshee of the Cuisinart set, Gordon Ramsay (whose other Fox series, "Hell's Kitchen," returns midseason). In this outing, the insufferable old fusspot travels about the country from restaurant to restaurant, raising hell with chefs and kitchen staffs and, if precedent be any guide, making himself as welcome as a 250-pound cockroach. (Wednesdays at 9 p.m.; debuts Wednesday.)

'The Next Great American Band'

"The Next Great American Band" invites America (at least whatever portion of it watches this show) to vote on nominees for the musical sensation of tomorrow after a panel of judges -- one of them a nasty Brit -- winnows the competitors from 60 down to 10. Sound just a wee bit familiar? It's from the producers of "American Idol," and any resemblance to that mega-monster-hit is purely intentional. (Fridays at 8 p.m.; debuts Oct. 19.)

'Back to You'

"Back to You" -- or perhaps more aptly titled "Frasier Goes to Pittsburgh" -- would be the big hit sitcom of the year, if the year were 1992. Superficially the kind of grand old sitcom they don't make anymore, the show unfortunately suggests they probably shouldn't make 'em anymore; the formula and cast seem dated. Still, there's a smattering of laughs, and Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton give their all as the sparring, spatting anchor team at a Pittsburgh TV station. Fred Willard, as always (seemingly since dinosaurs ruled the Earth), provides invaluable nutty support, this time playing the zany in-house weatherman. "Well, I'm off," he says cheerfully. "I still vomit before every show." (Wednesdays at 8 p.m.; debuts Wednesday.)

'Nashville'

"Nashville" is, yes, yet another "American Idol" clone, this one a country-western variation featuring established professional talent, as well as the usual aspiring and perspiring amateurs. Humble critic makes following suggestion to network programmers: Please devise a "reality" series that offers a toll-free number that viewers can call to vote the entire program off the air. (Fridays at 9 p.m.; debuted Friday.)