Atticus Shaffer: He’s more than just adorable. Shaffer, 11, plays Brick, the scene-stealing youngest son on ABC’s “The Middle.” Lots of good child actors have earned roles in prime time, but this kid is hilarious.
Katie Cassidy: Maybe you caught her on “Harper’s Island” or “Supernatural.” She’s not exactly new, but this is her breakout role. As conniving Ella Simms on CW’s new “Melrose Place,” she’s the bisexual center of the steamy action.
Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele: They’re known to fans of Broadway, but “Glee” should bring them a wider audience. Morrison plays teacher and glee-club leader Will Schuster. Michele plays overachieving wannabe star Rachel Berry. Both make the most of solo moments.
LL Cool J: OK, not exactly a fresh face. Bald and beautiful, you saw him on an old sitcom and in forgettable film roles. Finally, on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” he attains a lead role that allows him to prove his acting chops.
Ken Jeong: He plays Spanish professor Señor Chang on “Community.” He’s more than a punch line due to the character name. Get this: In addition to being a stand- up comic, Jeong happens to be a medical doctor.
Joanne Ostrow
