With the start of the fall TV season, we grade which geek shows are delivering the goods for sci-fi fans

By Eric Trautmann
Special to MSN TV

The 2009-2010 TV season has a surprising number of science fiction, horror and fantasy shows, which provide a refreshing break from the endless parade of reality TV and celebrity gossip fodder.

With the abundance of shows on the horizon (or just starting to air), here's our look at which new series (and old standbys) look promising, which look like train wrecks, and which deserve a season pass for your DVR.

"The Big Bang Theory"

What is it?: "The Big Bang Theory" follows the exploits of two Caltech geniuses, Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons),alpha-übernerds who live in an apartment across the hall from the gorgeous and considerably-less-socially-awkward Penny (Kaley Cuoco).

The show pokes gentle fun at all manner of "geek stuff" with comic book, sci-fi movie, and video game references flying fast and furious. But the show never loses sight of the fact that Sheldon and Leonard are good, well-meaning people, and the humor is rarely condescending or judgmental.

The ensemble cast is very effective: sitcom veteran Galecki is no stranger to excelling in large ensemble casts (managing to shine next to superstars like Roseanne Barr and John Goodman); Cuoco brings a nice blend of charm, intelligence, and charisma to a part that could easily have fallen into "dumb blonde" jokes; but the real star of the show is Parsons, who essays such a spot-on, funny, deadpan performance as Sheldon that it's impossible to watch without thinking, "I know a guy just like that."

Grade: A-minus. Fans of movies like "The 40 Year Old Virgin," "Free Enterprise" or "Fanboys" (or older-school fare like "Real Genius") will likely enjoy "The Big Bang Theory."

"The Big Bang Theory" airs Mondays at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

(CBS)