'AMAZING' APP: CBS's "The Amazing Race" is getting into the game with its own Foursquare page featuring travel tips and information about the hit series.

As millions sink deeper and deeper into video game addictions and online obsessions, it appears fewer people have been hitting the books. Indeed, there are those who believe television has also been rotting the brains of North Americans for years.

A scene from "The War of 1812"

The global population is pretty balanced between males and females, but every household has its own dynamic.

Most TV series tend to balance the cast between guys and gals -- even big families like the Bradys had an even number of each. Families that have all girls seem to have guys tip the scale back. In "Full House," Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) had three daughters but he invited his (male) friends to come help him raise the kids.

Today's do-it-yourself television trend is one thing, but PBS's "This Old House" takes renovation to a whole other level. The classic series, which has been on the air since 1979, is itself historic in television terms. However,  the "This Old House" team gets a true taste of American history this season, as it takes on the 18th-century Nathaniel Page homestead beginning Thursday, Oct. 6, on PBS.

EDDIE'S READY: He's been a donkey, he's been a Little Rascal, and he's been an obese scientist and his trim counterpart. Now, he'll be a host.

Comedian Eddie Murphy will use his many personalities and impressions when he takes the stage at Kodak Theater to host the 84th Academy Awards.

Television's favorite crotchety diagnostician has pulled some unbelievable stunts in the past seven seasons, but viewers are about to find out if the one that capped off last season will be the last straw.

Sheldon, Charlotte, Cooper, Addison, Sam, Violet and Pete: the gang's all here when "Private Practice" returns with the Season 5 on Thursday, Sept. 29, on ABC. Our favorite doctors pick up right where they left off -- and where they left us hanging -- as Oceanside Wellness Centre closes its doors and a new practice opens.

HE WAS MADE FOR LOVIN' HER: It has been 26 years, and many thought it would never happen.

But on Oct. 1, rock legend Gene Simmons will tie the knot with his long-time girlfriend Shannon Tweed. The former Kiss frontman had often dismissed the idea of marriage, insisting that it wasn't necessary for the couple to be married in order for them to be happy.

The chips are down and the stakes are high for the ladies of Wisteria Lane. A murder, a cover up and a sexy new neighbor have the gal pals all in a tizzy, making for a season like none before. Sadly for fans, Sunday, Sept. 25, marks the beginning of the end for ABC's "Desperate Housewives."

Spring may be the season of renewal, but autumn brings many changes as well, especially in television. This fall, TV fans are bracing for a real doozey as one of the industry's most popular sitcoms brings in a new star.

Angus T. Jones, Ashton Kutcher and Jon Cryer in "Two and a Half Men"