The new year brings with it many exciting new things, especially when it comes to television. Though many highly anticipated new shows will be making their debut this month, that is not to say the old ones should be forgotten. This season, Thursday night seems to be especially hot when it comes to returning favorites. For those who love a great laugh, NBC has an all-star lineup starting with “Community,” followed by “The Office,” and finishing off with “30 Rock.” CBS has an equally giggle-worthy playlist with “The Big Bang Theory” and “S#*! My Dad Says,” then turning mysterious with “CSI” and “The Mentalist.” For the drama queens, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice” offer plenty of thrills on ABC. MTV will provide a different kind of drama (and an opportunity for those who would like to get a head start on their weekend fist pumping) with “Jersey Shore.” So this Thursday, whether you’re getting ready to go out or are in search of a reason to procrastinate, turn the TV on and keep some of the following shows in mind:

“Desperate Housewives”

• Day:Sunday
• Time: 9 p.m.
• Station: ABC

Watch if: You have a thing for hot moms.

Where we left off: Susan needed a kidney, but her mom went on vacation instead of handing over one of her own. The girls invite Beth Young to a party, where Bree gets flowers delivered. Soon enough, Beth finds a gun behind a pillow on the couch, and it is revealed that the deliveryman was Zach Young in disguise, and he was the one who planted the gun there.

Future outlook: Lynette will stop trying to get revenge on Tom in her sick and twisted ways, so their relationship can only improve. Zach Young’s return leaves the audience in fear of what will happen next and wondering why he is back. Gaby will continue in her struggle to get over Grace, but how it will be resolved is a mystery.

“House”

• Day: Monday
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Station: Fox

Watch if: You need a little blood and guts in your day.

Where we left off: The doctor is faced with a patient who had started spewing blood while being crucified in a procession exactly like that of Jesus. It is revealed that he did this because he promised God he would nail himself to a cross for every year he kept his daughter alive. Wilson plans to ask Sam to marry him and she leaves him once again. House patches things up with Cuddy, but his sincerity is seemingly superficial.

Future outlook: House will continue to solve unconventional medical cases with his unorthodox ways. The next episode will feature a man throwing himself in front of a train to save a stranger, but they find out the hero is truthfully not the best person. The saga between House and Cuddy will go on because House can’t seem to fathom sharing Caddy’s birthday dinner with her mom. Despite the apology, it looks like he won’t be changing.

“Glee”

• Day: Tuesday
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Station: Fox

Watch if: You’re in the mood to sing along.

Where we left off: Emma finds out that Will is spending Christmas alone. The students are feeling pretty down on themselves, too, because they have won sectionals twice and are still considered losers. Brittany asks Santa to allow her boyfriend to walk for Christmas, while a not so kind-hearted Sue steals it and turns into the Grinch. Rachel tries to win Finn back and fails miserably.

Future outlook: Though the club helps Will with his loneliness on Christmas, he is still alone when it comes to the ladies, so maybe a new girl is in store for him. Rachel and Finn have been broken up for a while now, so it’s only a matter of time before they reunite. Coach Beiste will continue to show her nice side after posing as Santa and getting Artie a high tech apparatus that enables him to walk, granting Brittany’s wish. Since it ended with such high spirits, drama is sure to return.

“The Good Wife”

• Day: Tuesday
• Time: 10 p.m.
• Station: CBS

Watch if: You’re looking for something a little more serious than “Glee.”

Where we left off: The firm has been dealing with some very high profile cases, such as the DUI and attempted murder of a teen pop star, political ties with an Islamic extremist group and having only eight hours to free an innocent man from death row.

Future outlook: Caroline’s life is in the hands of Alicia, so whether or not she makes it will be shown within the next few episodes. Peter, Alicia’s husband, seems to have killed his political campaign when he has a fit of rage on stage and storms off during a debate after a question is brought up about Alicia’s alleged affair with his opponent. The question is, will he be more respected for it or is his campaign a lost cause? Diane is plotting to start a firm of her own, but will she really go through with it?

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”

• Day: Wednesday
• Time: 10 p.m.
• Station: NBC

Watch if: You believe in Mariska Hargitay.

Where we left off: Detective Olivia Benson is “playing mom” (according to Stabler) when she becomes full guardian of Calvin, the son of her possible half-sister and drug addict. Stabler and the guys took down an EMT that doubled as a rapist to unconscious victims as well as his partner in crime. They are also faced with sick pedophiles who are fighting over who gets to rape a former child porn star. The overabundance of sexual predators constantly keeps the SVU on high alert.

Future outlook: The last episode ended badly. Stabler and Fin are investigating the death of a boy who was beaten to death, when the main suspect is killed. The son admits to shooting, and the mother does too; however, evidence suggests that they are both lying. The episode has no conclusion, simply that they’ll never know. This is a disappointing ending for SVU fans that are so used to their heroes cracking the case. Does this mean they are losing their touch? Hopefully Olivia will figure out what to do with Calvin and the detectives will be back on their A-game.

“The Big Bang Theory”

• Day: Thursday
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Station: CBS

Watch if: You thoroughly appreciate geeks and their true beauty or just enjoy laughing at them.

Where we left off: The guys didn’t get to see the extra 21 seconds of “Indiana Jones,” and they settled their dispute over who gets to be the hero and who gets to be the sidekick with the most dorky wrestling match in television history. Penny is dating Zack again and the boys are thrilled when they use him to win their costume bookstore’s costume competition for New Year’s.

Future outlook: The year started back up with the guys creating an application for a smartphone that almost tears Leonard and Sheldon apart. Those two will most likely to continue butting heads, while Penny’s dating life is still a major point of interest. As far as predictions go, it is hard to say considering each show has its own plot (so if you miss a show or two, you’ll be fine). However, it is a fact that their antics and quirkiness will keep it funny and light.

“Grey’s Anatomy”

• Day: Thursday
• Time: 9 p.m.
• Station: ABC

Watch if: You want to ignore the drama in your life and immerse yourself in theirs.

Where we left off: Seattle Grace is still recovering from a gunman who opened fire on the hospital. Derek is trying to be a friend to Christina because she won’t return to surgery, while Christina still avoids Meredith. Arizona goes to Africa, so Callie ends their relationship.

Future outlook: Teddy marries a patient to save his life by giving him full medical insurance. He is rumored to be “the next Denny”, so a romance is expected to bud between them. Gossip is still circulating about the return of Izzie, because Shonda Rhimes (the creator) admitted that Alex and Izzie’s story is definitely not over. Arizona returns, but will she be welcomed? ABC told us that both Arizona and the chief have big news to share. Overall, season seven will probably include baby news and (obviously) plenty of relationship drama.

“Jersey Shore”

• Day: Thursday
• Time: 10 p.m.
• Station: MTV

Watch if: You want your IQ to momentarily plummet.

Where we left off: Snooki had a stroke of genius and decided to get the girls to write an “anonymous” letter to Sammi about Ronnie’s exploits with other girls. Angelina finally realized that everyone hates her and left yet again. Jenny continually instigates the M and P of MVP (Mike, Vinny, Pauly), when really all they care about are girls and GTL.

Future outlook:The crew reports back to their motherland, whether Seaside is ready for them or not. Angelina is replaced by Deena, who is ready to go “guy shopping” with Snooks (who still has a thing for Vinny). We know there will be laughing, fighting and tanning, but many questions remain for this season. Will Sammi survive being despised? Will The Situation mature to make life easier for the house? Will Deena accidentally get naked again? Only time will tell.