Don't let the writers' strike get you down. While anxiously awaiting the Lost season opener or skimming through various marathons on VH1, it might be easy to forget that some shows are just hitting the airwaves. To keep you in the know, here are the synopses of a few midseason TV show premieres and some new seasons of old favorite reality shows as well.

'American Idol'

8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays on FOX. Premiered Jan. 16.

Plotline: Singers vie for their chance at stardom and a recording contract while enduring the criticism of celebrity judges and the votes of America.

Starring: Host Ryan Seacrest, judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Why it's worth watching: If you've enjoyed past seasons of the show and have watched this season's audition shows, the talent keeps on improving and the worst still makes you cringe.

Student reviews: Todd Zeliznik (junior-chemical-engineering) hasn't missed an episode since the first season.

"I used to like the beginning episodes, but now I like when [the show] gets into the top 12," he said, "I love the music, and Simon's awesome, too."

'Cashmere Mafia'

10 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC. Premiered Jan. 6.

Plotline: Four successful women living and working in New York City share their problems at home, the office and in the bedroom.

Starring: Lucy Liu, Frances O'Connor, Miranda Otto and Bonnie Somerville.

Similar to: HBO's Sex and the City

Why it's worth watching: If you miss Sex and the City, or even craved a different girl power twist, this show might be the perfect fit for you. Cashmere Mafia features characters determined to climb the corporate ladder and also lead fulfilling lives outside the office.

Student reviews: Morgan McCormick (sophomore-marketing) watched the pilot after ABC's Desperate Housewives.

"I loved it because it reminded me of my friends from home," she said. However, Sarah Walker (freshman-business) said she wasn't thrilled with the previews she saw.

"I would maybe watch it, but I wouldn't get hooked," she said.

'Rock of Love 2'

9 p.m. Sundays on VH1. Premiered Jan. 13.

Plotline: Rocker Bret Michaels didn't find his everlasting love connection in the first season, so 20 more girls will be competing for his heart again through various challenges using their looks, charm and personality.

Starring: Bret Michaels and contestants.

Similar to: VH1's I Love New York, Flavor of Love and ABC's The Bachelor

Why it's worth watching: If you loved the drama of I Love New York and the outrageousness of Flavor of Love, this show delivers the best dose of both worlds. The girls will go to any length to win his heart. And, it's just amusing to watch.

Student reviews: Kaitlyn Ackroyd (sophomore-telecommunications) said she obsessively watched the first season.

"It's crazy," she said. "It's entertaining because people are so ridiculous."

Nevertheless, David Hunsinger (junior-psychology) wasn't impressed.

"It's so fake," he said, "It's supposed to be reality, but it has to be scripted in some way."

'Eli Stone'

Set to premiere 10 p.m. Jan. 31 on ABC.

Plotline: Stone, a successful lawyer, suffers from hallucinations, which lead to a depressing diagnosis, causing him to reevaluate his career and life.

Starring: Jonny Lee Miller, Matt Letsher, and James Saito.

Why it's worth watching: It's interesting to see how a person comes back from a devastating diagnosis for the better.

'Lipstick Jungle'

Set to premiere 10 p.m. Feb. 7 on NBC.

Plotline: Three women in three different stages of their lives support each other through the ups and downs of living in New York City.

Starring: Brooke Shields, Kim Raver and Lindsay Price.

Why it's worth watching: This series is based on another novel by Sex and the City creator Candace Bushnell.