Mirror News Columnist

It's January, which means the weather outside is frightful but the warm glow of our TVs are oh, so delightful.

For a select few January means having fun frolicking around in near arctic temperatures, making snowmen and ice angels, and skating. For the rest of us it means having our hands glued to the remote. As long as you're watching and waiting for the outside to thaw, take a look at five (okay, four) promising TV shows that here premiered so far this year.

The Cape
Ready for another superhero drama from NBC? Well, you should be! The Cape follows Vince Faraday (David Lyons), a police detective who's fed up with the increase of corruption in the fictional Palm City. Several events lead Faraday to adopt an alias, The Cape, a butt-kicking action hero who vows to erase all the corruption and framing in his beloved city. Not the most original premise but I'd give it a try, especially those who are still going through Heros withdrawal.

The Cape airs every Monday at 9:00 p.m. on NBC.

Shameless
Dysfunctional families have long been the amoeba under our telescopic view on television, but Shameless is aptly titled and is sure to make you laugh, cringe and maybe even get a little teary-eyed. The brilliant William H. Macy portrays Frank Gallagher, a forever intoxicated father of six who contributes little more to the household than periodically waking up in a drunken stupor to provide his offspring with useless advice. It goes without saying that the kids take care of themselves and their ill father. Although one episode has aired, its fast becoming my favorite show.

Shameless airs every Sunday at 10 p.m. on Showtime.

Off the Map
If you're a fan of Grey's Anatomy, you'll enjoy watching ABC's newest edition to their "dramedy" line-up. Off the Map centers on six doctors who struggle with personal issues and romantic tension while attempting to maintain a level of professionalism. They also happen to be in the South American jungle, work in an under-staffed clinic with overly-harsh weather conditions. See? It's not another Grey's clone! They're in the jungle!

Off the Map airs every Wednesday at 10:00 p.m. on ABC.

Our America with Lisa Ling
For those of you who prefer to watch education television in lieu of the more low-brow programming out there, check out Our America, hosted by journalist Lisa Ling. Long takes on several controversial topics each week, including online marriages and religious movements. The show is one of several on Oprah Winfrey's newly launched Oprah Winfrey Network.

Our America with Lisa Ling debuts on Wednesday, February 16 at 10 p.m. on OWN.

Jersey Shore
I can't make a list about TV shows without adding at least one reality show. Why not add the most addicting, guilty-pleasure reality show of them all?

That's right- a whole new season of your favorite fist-pumpers are back. Snooki, JWoow, Pauly D, Vinny, The Situation, Ronnie, Sammi and... Deena? There's a new girl at Seaside this season, described as "Snooki's twin" and "a blast in a glass." Oh, and of course it wouldn't be JS without GTL, fights and T-shirt time! As Pauly D would say: "Oh yeah! New season of Jersey Shore, yeah!"

Jersey Shore airs every Monday at 10:00pm on MTV.