HOUSE, Mondays, 8 p.m. ET, Global/Fox

Returns: Sept. 21

Where we left off: Chase (Jesse Spencer) and Cameron (Jennifer Morrison) got married, and House (Hugh Laurie) headed to a mental hospital.

Backstage buzz: Creator David Shore says the two-hour season première will play out “like a movie,” and will take place almost completely inside the mental institution. Hugh Laurie was nominated for a best actor in a drama Emmy.

Upcoming guest stars: Andre Braugher (Homicide: Life on the Street) will play House’s doc in the mental hospital, and Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda will play a fellow patient of the good doctor’s.

Predictions: A hearty “YAY” to the writing cast for making Season 5 so utterly watchable. Look for House to battle his newest demons all season long, while the hospital team gets used to working without him for a few weeks at least. Will House and Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) kiss for real this year? We’re hoping not.

Our bubble buzz:

Amber: There may be many medical dramas on the schedule this fall, but here’s one I’m sure will be there next fall, as well. Laurie is a force to be reckoned with, and Fox recognizes it.
Shot at cancellation:
Denette: House’s colleagues may grow weary of his antics, but viewers aren’t tired of this show.
Shot at cancellation:
Diana: Dr. Crankypants will no doubt be bothering his co-workers and patients for many more moons. House was, after all, the most-watched program of 2008.
Shot at cancellation:
Greg: House is just what the doctor ordered for Fox. It’s not going anywhere.
Shot at cancellation:
Melissa: Consistently high in the ratings with a reliable formula, House doesn’t look like it’s crumbling anytime soon.
Shot at cancellation:

 

Follow TV Guide Canada on Facebook