In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks, network television decided wisely to postpone the debut of its fall season. Acting in the public interest, they broadcast national news instead, and pushed back all of the season premieres one week. They were also forced to make drastic changes in the plotlines of shows that hit too close to home with the tragedy. Some shows had to be rewritten and reshot, and some will never see the airwaves. One episode of New York-based "Friends" for instance, had to be reworked because it took place in an airport as Monica and Chandler prepared for their honeymoon. Obviously, airport humor is no longer funny.

Despite the necessary changes, however, the networks are ready to roll out the new season and the public is ready to receive them. Viewers will be able to escape temporarily from some unpleasant realities into a fantasy world where the biggest concerns are "Will they or won't they finally kiss?" "Who killed Laura Palmer?" and "Are you master of your domain?" Best of all, as Americans try to return to their normal lives, television will be a great instrument in reestablishing normal daily routines.

Here, then, is an easy to follow schedule of the best returning "can't miss" shows of the fall. [Note: All times are EST]

Monday

"Everybody Loves Raymond" CBS, 9:00 p.m.

The new season will offer more of the same, and thank goodness. This sitcom offers the best example of the classic family comedy of all shows currently on the air. Series star Ray Romano shines as the hapless husband, father, brother and son of his entertaining family. Romano and TV wife Patricia Heaton have great chemistry, and supporting stars Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts, who play Ray's parents, get funnier each time they barge into their son's home. If you think you're a college student who is much too cool for this family show, think again. It has a talented cast and clever writers who know how to find the humor in everyday life. It's what great comedy is all about.

Tuesday

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" UPN, 8:00 p.m.

This is the best show on television. Yes, it has a silly title. Yes, it features a girl who kills vampires. Get over it or you will continue to miss out. You don't have to be a sci-fi lover to enjoy the genius of this show. It is sharply written and superbly acted. The fact that Emmy voters annually overlook it is as mind-boggling as it is frustrating. Whatever you seek in a show, comedy, action, romance, horror, fantasy, "Buffy" has it all. It will alternately cripple you with laughter, choke you with tears, and stimulate the philosophical recesses of your brain and it will continue to do so for long after the credits have rolled.

In the upcoming season, "Buffy" literally and figuratively gets a new lease on life, as her character returns from the dead and switches networks to UPN after five years with the WB. Ensuring its high quality will not falter as a result of the switch, imaginative author Joss Whedon, remains as executive producer. Although the network shuffle unfortunately spells the end of crossovers with its spin-off series "Angel" (which remains on the WB), "Buffy" will not disappoint. Already causing industry buzz is a musical episode featuring songs written by Whedon and performed by the cast. Take one hit of "Buffy,"and undoubtedly you'll be hooked.

Wednesday

"Ed" NBC, 8:00 p.m.

"Ed," both the title character and the show itself, epitomize charming television, and it's not too late to join in Ed's fun. When we last left the show, he was finally on the verge of a romantic breakthrough with life-long crush Carol, when in perfect TV timing, ex-girlfriend Bonnie showed up on his doorstep. While everyone knows Ed and Carol are meant to be together, the producers will keep torturing viewers with through another season of wanting and waiting. And though we'll throw shoes at the screen in the frustrating wait for that first kiss, we'll love every delightful, unrequited minute of it.

"The West Wing" NBC, 9:00 p.m.

Before recent tragic events, Aaron Sorkin, creator and headwriter for "The West Wing," had always emphasized that although the president and administration he created do work in The White House, they live in an artificial, hypothetical world. For this reason, he avoided topics that related too closely to the contemporary political climate and refused the requests of real-life politicians to guest star occasionally in episodes.

The attacks of Sept.11, however, were too monumental to be ignored. Sorkin felt that if the events were not somehow addressed, viewers would never be comfortable watching Martin Sheen's President Bartlet continue with his fictional presidency. Thus, at Sorkin's request, NBC has agreed to pre-empt the already filmed season premiere with a specially penned episode dealing with the issues facing the world following the terrorist attacks. The standalone episode will air on Oct. 3, pushing the original season premier back another week.

Once the previously filmed episodes begin running, the storyline will pick up where last year's cliffhanger left off. The Oct. 10 episode will answer the question of whether the president will run for re-election after losing a great deal of credibility by revealing his secret affliction with multiple sclerosis. Fans need not fear their favorite fake president is going anywhere, however. Since this show is NBC's prize jewel, it's a safe bet that President Bartlet will remain at work in his wing of the White House.

"Law & Order" NBC, 10:00 p.m.

If you've been with NBC this long on Wednesday night you might as well stay tuned for Law & Order. Although there may be too many incarnations of the L&O series on the Peacock network, the original show has remained strong year after year, continually promising a gripping hour of TV drama. Numerous cast-members have come and gone, but the show has never fallen off track because of top-notch writing and replacement actors who are equally talented, if not better than their predecessors. This year's newcomer is Elisabeth Rohm ("Angel") who replaces Angie Harmon as the new Assistant DA. After three brunettes the producers decided to shake things up a bit and see how a blond will conduct herself in the courtroom.

It will be interesting to follow how this show, which is set in New York and often promotes its "Ripped from the Headlines" storylines, will respond to the World Trade Center tragedy. Other real life news stories, the disappearance of Chandra Levy, the murder of actor Robert Blake's wife, and the arrest of rapper Sean "Puffy/P.Diddy" Combs, will be incorporated into the show this season.

"NYPD Blue" ABC, 10 p.m.

Two Words: Zack Morris. That's right kids, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, the coolest kid from Bayside High, is joining the 16th precinct. Gosselaar replaces Rick Shroeder, whose character disappeared in last year's season finale after a dead stripper was found in his apartment. Producers say Shroeder will not return, implying his character may have met an untimely end, but who really cares? Shroeder was cute while riding that giant toy train through the first floor of the "Silver Spoons" mansion, but can he really compare to Zack Morris? Like it or not, Zack is the Fonzie of our generation, but unlike the Henry Winkler, his youth still allows us to enjoy him in new roles. Don't forget the most important thing about an actor who joins the "Blue" squad: sooner or later you'll probably see his bum. What would Mr. Belding say?

Additionally, Mark-Paul's acting skills have ripened with age, and he should be able to hold his own with the Emmy-Award winning Dennis Franz. Gosselaar will play the son of a Bronx cop who has long-standing animosity with Detective Sipowisz, ensuring wonderful dramatic tension between the new partners. Vanessa Marcil ("General Hospital", "Beverly Hills 90210") will also add fire to the mix as Detective Carmen Olivera, a replacement for the departing Kim Delaney and potential love interest for Gosselaar. The one glitch is that the show airs opposite "Law & Order," but that's why we have VCR's.

Thursday

"Friends" NBC, 8:00 p.m.

True to form, the show ended its eighth season with yet another cliffhanger. Viewers were informed that Rachel, not newlywed Monica, was pregnant, and were left to wonder who the proud papa could be. The mystery will be solved by the end of the second episode, in which four potential daddies will present themselves: the obvious candidates Ross and Tag, the less likely Joey, and from out of nowhere, the lovable German, Gunther.

Beyond the paternity revelation, expect big things from the sextet this season. Yes, last year was a huge disappointment, but all current signs say this will be the last year for "Friends" so it's safe to assume the group will do its best to go out on a high note. The writers showed great promise with the Rachel pregnancy twist. Hopefully her impending motherhood, as well as Monica and Chandler's young marriage will offer some good material for entertaining storylines. If all else fails they should just focus the show on Matt LeBlanc's Joey Tribiani. Throughout the ups and downs of the show, LeBlanc has truly grown into his Joey persona and promises to come through with the laughs whenever he is on the screen. LeBlanc is definitely the most underrated actor on the show, having been bypassed for an Emmy nomination each year while his less talented castmates, Schwimmer, Kudrow and Aniston, have all earned nods. If this is to be the last year for the show, here's hoping that the writers let him and the rest of his "Friends" finish on top.

"ER" NBC, 10 p.m.

The big news in County General this season is the return of Dr. Susan Lewis, played by Sherry Stringfield, who left the show in its third season to spend more time with her husband. (Interesting side note: they're divorced now). Dr. Lewis will surely cause some disruptions in the new married life of Dr. Mark Green (Anthony Edwards), her old flame, and his new bride Dr. Elizabeth Corday (Alex Kingston). It's likely she'll also factor into Green's departure midway through the season. Also leaving the show is Eriq LaSalle, who has decided he's done about everything he can do with his character, Dr. Peter Benton.

With the loss of these two original cast members, producers are fortunate to have Stringfield back. The loss also ensures that Noah Wyle's Dr. Carter will become the show's main focus, in particular his entangled romance with med student Abby Lockhart (Maura Tierney). The loss of so many central characters over the last few years has definitely caused the show to lose steam over the years. Perhaps the group should take a cue from the "Friends" cast, and close up the "ER" before it's too late.

"Survivor" CBS, 8:00 p.m.

Like Wednesday, Thursday is a tricky night forcing you to choose between you're old "Friends" and these new "Survivors." The next set of 16 competitors will find themselves completing challenges and forming alliances in Africa. The two tribes will outplay, outwit and outlast each other amidst the beautiful but dangerous Shaba National Reserve in Kenya. The landscape is sure to be gorgeous, and the cast will likely be younger and more beautiful than before. The reality genre may be losing its luster, however. Time will tell if viewers remain fascinated with the antics of the competing clans and their ensuing tribal councils, especially after getting such an overwhelming dose of reality during the past few weeks of constant news coverage.

Sunday

"The Simpsons" FOX, 8:00 p.m.

The longest running television show currently on the air begins its 13th season, and it is still as strong as day one. It amazes the show's loyal fans to hear some label it a silly cartoon or kids' show. Ironically, those who deem the program juvenile, miss out on the most smartly written show on television. With more references than a Woody Allen movie, only the most intelligent, well-read and culturally aware viewers will be able to truly appreciate the magic. This year's treats again include historical and literary allusions, as Bart imitates Hamlet, Lisa does Joan of Arc, and Homer stars, appropriately enough, in a tribute to Homer's "The Odyssey." Displaying knowledge of current pop culture as well, the annual Halloween "Treehouse of Horror" series will feature a parody of the Harry Potter books. As always many famous voices will pop up throughout the year, while the core characters will remain as fresh and amusing as ever.

"Malcolm in the Middle"

FOX, 9:00 p.m.

Here's another misunderstood show, often mislabeled as a live-action"Simpsons." This categorization does not give"Malcolm" the credit it truly deserves for its original writing and especially its amazing group of actors. One commits a grave error in simply lumping all dysfunctional families into one big bucket. Each idiosyncrasy is special and hilarious in its own unique way. The producers will continue to push the envelope with more outrageous behavior this season as Malcolm ages and begins dealing with girls, eldest brother Francis is discharged from military school, and the great antagonizer Reese obtains a learner's permit and immediately wreaks havoc. This show only has one danger: the dreaded puberty. Unfortunately little boys like Frankie Muiz cannot stay little forever. We all remember what happened to"The Wonder Years." When Fred Savage grew up, viewers lost interest. Let's hope"Malcolm" doesn't suffer the same fate.

Those are all the shows you really need to know, unless you have HBO. In that case,"Sex and the City" and"The Sopranos" will throw a kink into your Sunday night schedule. For the most part, though, you can stick with one network per evening with a few options on Wednesday and Thursday. Take your pick and enjoy.

• Television gets back to business