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This week's 'V' debut episode on ABC has some dazzling moments, including a few that may shock and surprise even viewers with vivid memories of the original 1983 miniseries. But does it belong on the list of all-time great TV series premiere episodes? Compare and contrast with the list below, featuring 10 of our favorite TV pilot episodes of all time.



10. 'The O.C.'
"Welcome to the O.C., bitch," says snobby jock Luke (Chris Carmack) to poor newcomer Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie). "This is how it's done in Orange County." For that exchange alone, this episode belongs in the pilot Hall of Fame.

This week on TV: Marshall and Ted take a road trip, Eric McCormack guests on 'Old Christine,' and brace yourself for a 'Real Housewives' catfight.

MONDAY, OCT. 19
'How I Met Your Mother' (8PM, CBS)
What does Kenny Rogers have to do with Barney's attempts to persuade Robin to become a U.S. citizen? Nothing. But The Gambler does figure into Marshall and Ted's plan for a legen – wait for it – dary road trip, which is ruined when Lily insists on joining them. And Mr. Rogers? He narrates the audio book they listen to when they hit the road.

'Heroes' – Samuel and Sylar working together? That can't end well. (8PM, NBC)
'Man Caves' – 'Ace of Cakes' Duff Goldman gets a new hangout space (8:30PM, DIY)
'Greek' – Everyone finds out Evan lost his trust fund (9PM, ABC Family)
'Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags' – A history of NYC's garment district (9PM, HBO)
'The Big Bang Theory' – Wil Wheaton guest stars as Sheldon's nemesis (9:30PM, CBS)

Doug Savant made a name for himself as the openly gay character Matt Fielding on the original 'Melrose Place' from 1992 to 1997. After reportedly leaving when producers backed off from addressing Matt's sexuality, Savant stayed busy with made-for-TV movies and guest spots on shows like 'JAG' and 'The Love Boat: The Next Wave' until he re-emerged, in 2004, as Tom Scavo on 'Desperate Housewives.'

Now Savant's promoting '36½ Reasons to Laugh,' a book that helps raise money for underprivileged children who need dental care. He dished with AOL TV on the new 'Melrose,' how Matt Fielding changed television (and his career) -- and addressed those pesky rumors that the ladies of Wisteria Lane don't get along.

Lauren Lee Smith is leaving the scene of the crime. The actress, who joined the cast of 'CSI' last season, will not return as a regular for the show's upcoming 10th season.

Also in the news today: Shawn Pyfrom exits 'Desperate Housewives,' while USA Network renews 'Burn Notice' and 'Royal Pains.'

See more of today's top TV headlines after the jump.

Ryan Seacrest gets a million-dollar payday, Paul McCartney books 'David Letterman,' Susan Sarandon and John Goodman join HBO's Dr. Kevorkian biopic and more of today's top TV headlines.

'Desperate Housewives' brings back Andrea Bowen and promotes Maiara Walsh, 'Camp Rock 2' gets a new writer and director, MacGruber heads to the big screen and more of today's TV headlines.

Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni sign a two-year deal with 'SVU,' Drea de Matteo moves in to Wisteria Lane, Disney crows a new 'Princess' and more TV news.

Mark your calendars: On Sat., Sept. 5, ABC will officially debut its 2009 fall TV schedule, launching a full month's worth of series premieres ('Cougar Town'; 'The Middle'; 'Flash Foward'), along with the return of favorites like 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Desperate Housewives' and the much-anticipated 9th season of 'Dancing With the Stars.'

Want to know when to save the date? Check out ABC's full schedule, including show titles, times and dates, after the jump.

This week on TV: House and Cuddy's post-kiss aftermath, 'Jersey' girls and big finales for 'Lost' and 'Bones.'

MONDAY, MAY 11
'House' (8PM, Fox) 5th season finale
Well ... that happened. Now that House and Cuddy have finally acted on their long-simmering feelings for each other, they can enjoy a happy relationship, right? Au contraire, because this is House we're talking about, and despite last week's gnarly detox, he still has plenty of demons haunting him, including, yes, Amber. Elsewhere, the good, grumpy doc and company are dealing with a patient whose brain is in a war with itself. The left side's battling the right side for control of his personality, which is making his diagnosis and treatment even more challenging.

'The Big Bang Theory' – 2nd season finale (8PM, CBS)
'Gossip Girl' – No Doubt guest stars (8PM, The CW)
'24' – Kim's baaa-ack (9PM, Fox)
'Charm School With Ricki Lake' – 3rd season premiere (9PM, VH1)
'Castle' – 1st season finale (10PM, ABC)

'Tough Love'
(Sun., 10PM, VH1) 1st season finale
We're still doubtful about how many love matches are going to result – or be long-lasting – from this latest reality love search series, but the show has definitely launched a new star in matchmaking host Steven Ward.

Love him or hate him – and plenty of the women at his boot camp did indeed take offense at his sometimes brutally honest feedback – we're predicting a future show that will revolve around Steve himself looking for his Mrs. Right.

In the mean time, tonight's season ender will find Steve sending the women off on overnight dates and giving them his final assessment on whether or not they've learned anything from his, yes, tough love.