You know how usually The CW is the first network to begin airing new episodes each fall? That’s not the case for the fall of 2012. Instead, fans of CW programming will have to wait until October to watch their favorites. Keep reading for details and exact premiere dates.

The CW has decided to hold off on its fall 2012 premieres until the first two weeks of October. During that two(ish)-week period from Tuesday, October 2 until Friday, October 19, all of the network’s fall programming will begin.

What’s the reasoning behind this change? CW network president Mark Pedowitz explained at the CW upfront presentation in May that he wanted to wait until viewers had had the chance to sample the programming on other networks. It might work. Or it might not — NBC and FOX will both be premiering new programming on a staggered schedule that runs from August through October.

Fans of Supernatural and Hart of Dixie will have the shortest waits. Those two shows premiere in the first week of October. Most of the rest of The CW’s schedule comes in the following week, with Emily Owens, M.D. and Nikita holding off until the third week of the month.

Let’s take a look at exactly when you can expect to see your favorites return.

(New shows are underlined.)

Tuesday, October 2
Hart of Dixie: 8-9pm

Wednesday, October 3
Supernatural: 9-10pm

Monday, October 8
90210: 8-9pm
Gossip Girl: 9-10pm

Wednesday, October 10
Arrow: 8-9pm

Thursday, October 11

The Vampire Diaries: 8-9pm
Beauty and the Beast: 9-10pm

Tuesday, October 16

Emily Owens, M.D.: 9-10pm

Friday, October 19
America’s Next Top Model: College Edition: 8-9pm
Nikita: 9-10pm

Two other new shows — Cult and The Carrie Diaries — will premiere at midseason.

What do you think of The CW’s new fall 2012 schedule? Do you think it’s a good idea for the network to delay its programming until October? Which shows are you planning to watch this fall? Leave your comments below!

(Images courtesy of The CW)

Laurel Brown

Senior Writer, BuddyTV

Laurel grew up in Mamaroneck, NY, Grosse Pointe, MI and Bellevue WA. She then went on to live in places like Boston, Tucson, Houston, Wales, Tanzania, Prince Edward Island and New York City before heading back to Seattle. Ever since early childhood, when she became addicted to The Muppet Show, Laurel has watched far too much TV. Current favorites include ChuckModern FamilySupernaturalMad Men and Community. Laurel received a BA in Astrophysics (yes, that is possible) from Colgate University and a PhD in Middle Eastern Studies and History of Science from Columbia University before she realized that television is much better than studying.