As evident by this week’s cold temperatures, it’s safe to say that fall is finally here. But besides the darker skies, cooler temperatures, dust-free sweaters and pumpkin spice beverages, there’s another reason the fall is the absolute best: It’s pilot season.

A slew of promising new television shows from all sorts of genres will be premiering in the upcoming weeks. Each has their own goal: to thrill, enlighten, sadden or even shock audiences. Of course, during every pilot season, there are shows that seem more promising than others, so here are my picks for shows that seem the most likely not to get cancelled half way through the first season (but yet, you still never know). 

1. "A to Z" (premieres Oct. 2 on NBC)

What is it about? From executive producer Rashida Jones ("Parks and Recreation"), the romantic comedy "A to Z" follows the relationship between Andrew (Ben Feldman, "Mad Men") and Zelda (Cristin Milioti, the mother from "How I Met Your Mother") from the point they meet all the way until their inevitable break-up.

Why you should watch: The plot already makes it almost guaranteed that there’s an end to this story, and usually when the story ends, so does the show. It’s unclear if "A to Z" will have any longevity on the air, but regardless, it’ll still be a light show to watch in between much heavier material. Also, I’m a self-regarded fan of the romantic comedy genre and, keeping in mind the genre's lack of success in theaters as of late, this show might be a return to form for the genre – only on a much smaller screen.

2. "Bad Judge" (premieres Oct. 2 on NBC)

What is it about? From executive producers Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, NBC’s "Bad Judge" stars Kate Walsh ("Private Practice") as Rebecca Wright, one of Los Angeles’ most respected criminal court judges. There’s just one thing: While her behavior inside of the courtroom is unorthodox to say the least, her life outside of the courthouse is much more wild and hazy. She parties hard and refuses to settle down. Her lifestyle comes to a halt, however, when she befriends an eight-year-old boy whose parents she put into jail.

Why you should watch: If I knew nothing about the plot and you came up to me and said, "Hey, watch this show about a criminal court judge who acts like a crazed, drunken buffoon," you wouldn’t have to convince me much more to agree to your request. I’m pretty sure this is only entry in the continuing trend of shows with "Bad (insert profession here)," much like the failed series attempt "Bad Teacher." Let’s hope this is way, way better or at least a wee bit more maniacal.

Also, I can’t be the only person that enjoys shows that have flawed and crazy characters in the lead. Now, if someone came up to me and said, "Hey, watch this show about a criminal court judge who has the same personality as a cardboard cutout," I’d just shrug and move right along. Party hard, judge. Party hard. 

3. "Constantine" (premieres Oct. 24 on NBC)

What is it about? Based on the widely popular comic series "Hellblazer," John Constantine (Matt Ryan of "Criminal Minds"), armed with his wit and fascination with the dark arts, has a one-way ticket to hell. A series of events turn him back into the demon hunter that he once was. He travels the country to find the dark forces that are terrorizing the world and send them back to where they belong.

Why you should watch: Well, for one, this adaptation thankfully doesn’t star the ever-so-boring Keanu Reeves (who, to our great misfortune, portrayed John Constantine in the 2005 film adaptation). Matt Ryan, who has far more charisma, is the one to wear the trench coat this time around in a role that will give him the opportunity to possibly become a fan favorite. I’m also always interested in a show that promises two things: the supernatural and fun.

The show will be airing on Friday nights, which usually isn’t a good sign for a show, but other horror/sci-fi hybrids like NBC’s "Grimm" have found success and a growing cult following, so I imagine this shouldn’t have a problem finding similar success. 

4. "Gotham" (premieres Sept. 22 on Fox)

What is it about? Fox’s "Gotham" aims to tell the origin story of one of the most iconic comic book characters in history: Batman. From executive producer/writer Bruno Heller ("The Mentalist"), the show follows police detective James Gordon (Ben McKenzie of "The O.C.") and his rise through the corrupt city of Gotham.

He, along with his more seasoned partner Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue), stumble upon the city’s most high profile cases: the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne, the parents of Bruce Wayne. The investigation leads Gordon and Bullock to the criminal underground of Gotham where they’ll meet familiar villains in Batman mythology.

Why you should watch: This is a must-see show for anyone who is a fan of the caped crusader. What’s especially interesting about the show is that it goes all the way back to the very beginning, way before the black cape and cowls, to restart the mythology with familiar characters and villains.

Back in August at Chicago Comic-Con, it was mentioned that the show is going to be a blend of long form narrative and procedural crime drama, similar to the structure of "Law & Order" and "CSI." The procedural storytelling mixed with a little lavish noir and comic mythology should be a perfect mixture to capture both fans and newcomers alike. Let’s only hope that it delivers, so we can really see Bruce Wayne’s eventual rise to vigilante glory.

5. "Gracepoint" (premieres Oct. 2 on Fox)

What is it about? Fox’s new crime thriller "Gracepoint" is a remake of the series "Broadchurch," which aired in 2013 on BBC America. The Americanized version follows two detectives (David Tennant of "Doctor Who" and Anna Gunn of "Breaking Bad") as they investigate the mysterious death of a young boy found on a beach nearby a small northern California town. The investigation causes a media frenzy and more turmoil for the boy’s family and the town’s residents. 

Why you should watch: Who doesn’t love a little mystery? Please, someone answer this because I’d like to know. "Gracepoint" is billing itself as a 10-part mystery event, which leads me to believe that this may follow the same narrative footsteps as "True Detective" and FX’s "Fargo" by only being one singular event series, with possible later seasons tracking different characters and plot lines.

Either way, I’m already sold on "Gracepoint," not only because of the possibility of a riveting story, but also the two leads. David Tennant is almost always amusing, and Anna Gunn, who just won a Primetime Emmy for her performance in AMC’s "Breaking Bad," is outstanding. This is by far one of the most promising new shows this fall.

6. "Madame Secretary" (premieres Sept. 21 on CBS)

What is it about? CBS’ new political drama "Madame Secretary" follows Elizabeth McCord (Teá Leoni), a college professor and former CIA analyst who is called upon by the White House to become the newly appointed Secretary of State after the mysterious death of her predecessor. 

Why you should watch: It may just be me, but "Madame Secretary" seems like it will fall along the lines of "The West Wing" but way less Aaron Sorkin-y, of course. Depending on how much you like "The West Wing," this could be a good or bad thing. Either way, this show looks like it has the potential to be a break out hit. Oh, and it’s nice to see that Teá Leoni is making an effort to be relevant again after being last seen in the abysmal comedy "Tower Heist."

By the way, don’t watch the preview on CBS. Just don’t. For some reason, the network idiotically spoiled an outcome of what appeared to be a major plot line of the season. By all means, if you’re into potential spoilers, go right ahead. Maybe, perhaps, there’s more in store than what they’re showing? We’ll see. 

7. "Mulaney" (premieres Oct. 5 on Fox)

What is it about? Emmy-award winning comedian and writer John Mulaney plays, well, John Mulaney in the pilot of Fox’s new series "Mulaney" (I mean, seriously, can the title be any more creative?) In the show, he plays an up-and-coming stand-up comedian who attempts to take his career to the next level.

He thinks his big break into show business has finally arrived when he becomes the writer for a self-centered game show host Lou Cannon (Martin Short). This new job forces Mulaney to balance time between his work and his life with his two best friends and roommates.

Why you should watch: For starters, if you haven’t heard of John Mulaney, please do yourself a favor and become familiar. His stand-up special "John Mulaney: New In Town" is available to stream on Netflix so you really have no excuse now. Also, he won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for NBC’s "Saturday Night Live," most notably the universally beloved Weekend Update segments. 

I also must dare to say that he’s funnier than Jerry Seinfeld (who, as you know, had his own sitcom on television for many years). Will "Mulaney" be Mulaney’s "Seinfeld"? I’d only hope so.

8. "Red Band Society" (premieres Sept. 17 on Fox)

What is it about? Fox’s new dramedy series "Red Band Society" centers on a group of cancer-stricken teens that share their experiences together through their ups and downs inside of a Los Angeles hospital where they’re under the care of Nurse Jackson (Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer, "The Help"). 

Why you should watch: It’s possible that this dramedy series could be filled with so much melodrama that it would make anyone’s head spin. However, with the recent success of "The Fault in Our Stars," Fox is definitely jumping on the bandwagon to cater towards the hearts of young teens and youthful souls alike. The results could either be really, really good or something that borderlines on exploitation for the sake of weepy dramatics.

Judging from the preview online, however, this mildly entertaining coming-of-age effort looks like it's worth giving a shot. Probably have a box of Kleenex ready, though, just in case you get a case of the feels.

9. "Stalker" (premieres Oct. 1 on CBS)

What is it about? CBS’ psychological thriller "Stalker" stars Dylan McDermott and Maggie Q as detectives who investigate stalker incidents as they try to keep their personal obsessions at bay. Why? They both have stalking histories of their own. 

Why you should watch: This was an uneasy one for me to include on the list. I’ll still watch the pilot two reasons: Kevin Williamson, who is the mastermind behind "Scream" and Fox’s "The Following," and Dylan McDermott, who’s always been an underutilized talent.

Despite those two aspects, however, this show will have unsettling story lines and gratuitous violence against women. I mean, that’s the harsh reality with a lot of stalking cases, but do those elements equal prime television entertainment? This is a little iffier, but I’m including it on the list anyways because I trust Williamson and his ability to write something that's razor sharp and intense. 

10. "The Affair" (premieres Oct. 12 on Showtime)

What is it about? Spoiler alert: Two people have an affair in Showtime's new drama "The Affair." Noah (Dominic West, "The Wire"), a schoolteacher and novelist, meets Allison (Ruth Wilson, "Saving Mr. Banks"), a young waitress who’s attempting to piece her life together following a tragedy. Their affair unfolds after they meet in Montauk, causing a derailment of their personal lives.

Why you should watch: I know what you're probably thinking: Who in the world would want to watch a show about an affair? It seems like it would be riddled with cliches to the point of dramatic parody. I mean, how long can a show about people willingly screwing up their personal lives last for more than an episode?

I was in the same boat, but then I thought there has to be more to the show than what's currently being presented and for this reason, I'm holding out hope that there's far more characterization and plot that'll be further explored.