MANILA, Philippines ? Some follow tested formulas, some are destined for cult viewing, while some are just out of the ordinary. What?s not to like in these 10 new TV series?

Kings

This one?s from the same creators of ?Heroes? and ?I am Legend.? Ian McShane (?Deadwood?) plays the royal hero of an imaginary monarchy set on Manhattan?s mean streets. It?s a strong premise with a good pedigree. Expect a lot of ruthless plotting in this David and Goliath retelling, only bolder and visually arresting.

The City

Teen starlet Whitney Port runs away from "The Hills" and moves into New York to start a new job. Better skip it if you're not a fan of her former series?a show that was really more risqué than risky.

Dollhouse

Creator Joss Whedon (?Buffy the Vampire Slayer,? ?Angel?) presents another mind-bending cuckoo series about a girl named Echo (?Buffy?s? Eliza Dushku), a doll who?s been programmed to act like different people, depending on her clients? requests. In between missions, she starts to regain her real self, with memories of the past coming back to her. Whedon?s stories normally hit their stride in season two, so will audiences have the patience to make this series regain the ?Buffy? glory?

Cupid

A guy claims to be the earthly manifestation of Cupid, the Roman god of love, and tries to match up random folks. The series stars ?Will & Grace?s? Bobby Cavanale and was created by Rob Thomas, the same mind behind ?Veronica Mars.? ?Cupid? is actually a remake of Thomas? 1998 series of the same name that no one cared to watch. Will it bomb again this time? Watch it for sheer escapism.

Sit Down, Shut Up

?Arrested Development? creator Mitchell Hurwitz?s skewers the States? public school system with his new animated series that focuses not on the students, but on the nutty teachers who run the high school. The cast features the voices of Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Kenan Thompson.

The Goode Family

From the same creator of "King of the Hill" comes this animated series featuring perhaps the most politically incorrect family on TV next to The Simpsons.

Flight of the Conchords

After what seemed like the longest hiatus in TV history, today's best sitcom is finally back for its second season. But is it worth the wait? Bret, Jemaine, and their "digi-folk" music remain hilarious, but the plots and songs have turned quite forgettable. Stillrecommended, though, for its beguiling nerdy humor.

Mumbai Calling

This new seven-part comedy series is about young call center agents in India, and the ambition and recklessness they possess. About time that the industry's story is told, and even better that it's HBO, the biggest cable network, that's telling us about it.

Lie to Me

"Pulp Fiction's" Tim Roth stars as a scientist who helps cops solve crime by reading people's faces and body language. This might be the big hit FOX has been waiting for.

Party Down

Some actor-wannabes move to Hollywood and end up working as caterers. Critics of the pilot episode (available online) are calling it the next "30 Rock."