Boston Legal (Sundays, 9 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4) isn't exactly a new show, it's a continuation of "The Practice," sort of. James Spader, who joined the parent show last season as oddball Alan Shore, is joined by William Shatner, who was introduced last year as the even odder ball Denny Crane, in a legal drama set in a high-priced law firm.

In addition to Rhona Mitra, another "Practice" alumni, the cast includes Monica Potter, Mark Valley and Lake Bell.

No pilot has been shown to critics yet, so where exactly this is going is impossible to say at this point.

"Boston Legal" premieres Sunday, Oct. 3.

Listen Up (Mondays, 7:30 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2) may not be a victim of the "Seinfeld" curse, it may just be another lame sitcom.

Actually, Jason Alexander's second post-"Seinfeld" attempt at sitcom success is better than "Michael Richards." Or Julia Louis-Dreyfus' "Watching Ellie." Or Alexander's own ill-fated "Bob Patterson." And it may be better than "Yes, Dear," which it's replacing. Which also isn't saying much.

Alexander stars as Tony Klineman, the sitcom alter-ego of Washington Post writer/ESPN personality Tony Kornheiser. Fictional Tony is a loudmouth, opinionated schlub who co-hosts a successful cable sports-talk show with his ex-jock buddy (Malcolm-Jamal Warner of "Cosby"). When he's home, however, he's overmatched by his wife and teenage children.

There are some laughs in the pilot episode, but it starts to wear thin before the half hour is out. Which isn't a good sign.

"Listen Up" premieres Monday, Sept. 20.

The Benefactor (Mondays/early Tuesdays, 2 a.m., ABC/Ch. 4) is the Mark Cuban-hosted "reality" show that wants to be "The Apprentice" but isn't. Not worth staying up late to see (and the late time slot is because, in the Mountain Time Zone, ABC affiliates have nowhere else to put the show.

"The Benefactor" premiered earlier this week.

Rodney (Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4) is the latest attempt to turn a stand-up comedian's act into a sitcom. Rodney Carrington stars as Rodney Hamilton, a good ol' boy who really wants to be a (you guessed it!) standup comedian. His wife (Jennifer Aspen) isn't sure it's such a good idea — they've got two young sons to support — but is generally onboard.

Carrington has a good deal of charm and is a genuinely funny stand-up comic. The show, however, is more likable than it is funny. Given a chance, however, it might find its way.

"Rodney" premieres Tuesday, Sept. 21.