CAN ELLEN DEGENERES and Simon Cowell make beautiful music together? Will the last season of "Lost" leave us stranded? Can Jack Bauer take Manhattan?

These and other tantalizing questions dangle in the airwaves as television begins a highly eventful midseason. Once again, programmers are rolling out a barrage of new wares to tempt the masses, but several returning favorites should hog much of our attention.

"American Idol," for example, begins life without Paula Abdul, and fans are antsy to see how her replacement, DeGeneres, fits into the judges' mix.

Meanwhile, "Lost" goes time-tripping through its breathlessly awaited final episodes, and "24 dvd set" relocates to New York, where our time-tested action hero (Kiefer Sutherland) gives a beat-down to more bad guys.

Among the fresh offerings are "The Pacific," an epic 10-part World War II miniseries from HBO, and "Life Unexpected," a charming family saga from The CW. Also, reality maestro Mark Burnett has a new series — "Undercover Boss" — that will debut on CBS in the coveted post-Super Bowl time slot.

Nearly a dozen new dramas are scheduled to appear between now and the end of March. But can they hope to trump the real-life drama delivered by the Winter Olympics (Feb. 12-28, NBC)?

Here's a rundown of midseason highlights, beginning with new shows:

Oh, the drama "Human Target": Private detective (Mark Valley) puts himself in the line of fire by impersonating his clients. 8 p.m. Jan. 17, Fox (Moves to regular time slot at 9 p.m. Jan. 20)

"Life Unexpected": A teen who was abandoned at birth reconnects with her parents. 9 p.m. Jan. 18, The CW

"The Deep End": Five first-year associates fight to stay afloat in a prestigious L.A. law firm. 8 p.m. Jan. 21, ABC

"Caprica": Esai Morales and Eric Stoltz star in a prequel to "Battlestar Galactica." 9 p.m. Jan. 22, Syfy.

"Spartacus: Blood and Sand": A new take on the Roman Republic's most infamous rebel (Andy Whitfield). 9 p.m. Jan. 22, Starz

"Past Life": A team of detectives uses past-life regression to solve crimes. 8 p.m. Feb. 11, Fox

"Parenthood": Peter Krause and Lauren Graham star in a family drama based on the 1989 film. 9 p.m. March 1, NBC

"The Pacific": Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg deliver a follow-up to "Band of Brothers." 9 p.m. March 14, HBO

"Justified": Timothy Olyphant ("Deadwood") is a brazen modern-day marshal who enforces old-school style justice. TBA, FX

"Miami Medical": An elite team of surgeons treats patients with life-threatening injuries. TBA, CBS

"Treme": Musicians, artists regroup in post-Katrina New Orleans. TBA, HBO

Keeping it real

"Fantasia for Real": Reality series catches up with former "American Idol" star. 10 p.m. Jan. 11, VH1

"Our Little Genius": Kids ages 6 to 12 compete to see who's the biggest little brainiac. 9 p.m. Jan. 13, Fox

"Carnie Wilson: Unstapled": A look at the life and career of singer/game-show host. 8 p.m. Jan. 14, GSN

"The Buried Life": Four guys hit the road with lists of things they'd like to do before they die. 10 p.m. Jan. 18, MTV

"Undercover Boss": Top CEOs leave their corner offices to slip into the rank and file of their companies. 7 p.m. Feb. 7, CBS (Moves to regular time slot at 9 p.m. Feb. 14)

"The Marriage Ref": Celebrities serve as judges for couples in the midst of disputes. 8 p.m. March 14, NBC

Going for laughs

"Archer": Animated series follows dysfunctional employees of an international spy agency. 10 p.m. Jan. 14, FX

"The Ricky Gervais Show": Animated show inspired by popular series of podcasts. 9 p.m. Feb. 19, HBO.

"Sons of Tucson": Teen brothers hire a dad when their real father lands in prison. 8:30 p.m. March 14, Fox

"Louie": Louis C.K. stars in this autobiographical tale of the stand-up comedian and single father. (TBA, FX).

Returning favorites

"Big Love": Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton) continues to juggle three wives in Season 4 of the polygamist drama. 9 p.m. Jan. 10, HBO

"Chuck": World's nerdiest secret agent is back in action. 9 p.m., Jan. 10, NBC (Moves to regular time slot 8 p.m. Jan. 11).

"Ax Men": More from the series that spends its time sawing logs. 9 p.m. Jan. 10, History Channel

"American Idol": The search is on for another chart-topping star. 8 p.m. Jan. 12, Fox

"High School Reunion": Old campus romances and rivalries are rekindled. 10 p.m. Jan. 13, TV Land

"Southland": Cop drama canceled by NBC finds new life on cable. 10 p.m. Jan. 12, TNT

"Leverage": Jeri Ryan guest stars as the action drama returns with six new episodes. 10 p.m. Jan. 13, TNT

"Little Miss Perfect": Reality series further explores the world of junior beauty pageants. 10 p.m. Jan. 13, WE

"Project Runway": Designers are on pins and needles as they head back to New York. 10 p.m. Jan. 14, Lifetime

"24": Freddie Prinze Jr. and Katee Sackhoff join the cast for Season 8. 9 p.m. Jan. 17, Fox

"Burn Notice": The action — and romantic tension — heats up in Miami. 10 p.m. Jan. 21, USA

"Damages": Glenn Close legal drama cranks up the suspense in Season 3. 10 p.m. Jan. 25, FX

"Greek": More secrets and betrayals are on the syllabus at Cyprus-Rhodes University. 10 p.m. Jan. 25, ABC Family.

"Secret Diary of a Call Girl": High-class tart (Billie Piper) doesn't miss a trick. 10 p.m. Jan. 25, Showtime

"Lost": If we don't get some answers, we'll be angrier than a smoke monster. 9 p.m. Feb. 2, ABC

"Shear Genius": Stylists try to prove their talent is a cut about the rest. 11 p.m. Feb. 3, Bravo

"Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains": Some of the game's most memorable and controversial castaways face off in the 20th edition. 8 p.m. Feb. 11, CBS

"The Amazing Race": Ready, set, go. Series does yet another lap around the globe. 8 p.m. Feb. 14, CBS

"Celebrity Apprentice": Donald Trump finds 14 more sort-of famous people desperate to be on TV. 9 p.m. March 14, NBC

"Nurse Jackie": Can caustic caregiver (Edie Falco) mend her own life? 10 p.m. March 22, Showtime

"Breaking Bad": Walt White (Bryan Cranston) deals with the consequences of his criminal actions. TBA, FX

Note: "The Bachelor" (ABC), "The Biggest Loser" (NBC) and "Nip/Tuck" (FX) launched their seasons earlier this week.

buydvdezy.com

24 dvd boxset

Series Classfied: Action/Adventure