After years of chasing gritty realism with shows like the terror thriller “24″ and the various iterations of “CSI,” broadcast networks are changing course this fall. This fall’s new shows offer supernatural premises (time travel), surreal storytelling devices (characters breaking into song) or impossible situations (cavemen living among modern-day humans). Patmore-Gibbs sought out shows on magical and escapist topics — from impossible love to time travel. Her network is airing the sardonic comedy “Reaper,” in which the main character’s parents sell his soul to the devil, who condemns him to return escaped souls to hell through a portal Satan describes as “Hell on earth” — the Department of Motor Vehicles. Such series can be costly and TV executives are careful to say they are guessing that escapist shows will lure a depressed public. Melanie Griffith has a recurring — and singing — role as a wealthy housewife, and Hugh Jackman appears, and sings, in the premiere as a flamboyant competitor. read more

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