Top 5 must-see new series

‘2 Broke Girls’

Premise: Working gal (Kat Dennings) meets fallen socialite (Beth Behrs) in hipsterville, Brooklyn. Two girls from completely different economic and social worlds join forces to open a cupcake shop — one day, if they can save enough money from their current waitressing gig.

Why we’re watching: This totally enjoyable odd couple trades more hilariously crude one-liners than we would have ever expected on CBS. As hardscrabble Max, Dennings in particular is fiercely funny — especially when she’s chewing out the fauxhemian types who are becoming her beloved greasy spoon’s new clientele. (Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on CBS)

‘New Girl’

Premise: A socially awkward girl (Zooey Deschanel) who just got dumped moves in with three guys for a fresh start.

Why we’re watching: As Jess, Deschanel embodies the everywoman — well, minus those adorable saucer eyes, killer bangs and gorgeous voice, maybe. She admits she’s “not good at hiding her crazy” — she makes up songs on the spot and sings them out loud, often — and sees the good in most everything. We can’t help but root for her and this quirky-smart sitcom. (Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Fox)

‘Person of Interest’

Premise: A mysterious billionaire (Michael Emerson) has built a machine that, using surveillance technology, can predict crimes before they happen. He enlists an ex-CIA agent (Jim Caviezel) to help him enact vigilante justice.

Why we’re watching: When executive producer J.J. Abrams does mystery and paranoia, we pay attention. Not that we always know what’s going on, mind you, but this commentary on Big Brother’s watchful eye has us intrigued. Plus, we want to find out if Caviezel can take down a man by simply throwing him one of those intense death stares. (Thursdays at 9 p.m. on CBS)

‘Pan Am’

Premise: The 1960s take flight through the eyes of the crew on a new Pan Am jet.

Why we’re watching: Style gets top billing here — from the luxurious flight cabin to the gorgeous retro costumes — but there’s substance to back it up, too, as the series delves into the cultural and political revolutions of the ’60s. Why wouldn’t you want to climb aboard? (Premieres Sunday at 10 p.m. on ABC.)

‘Suburgatory’

Premise: A single dad (Jeremy Sisto) moves his teen daughter (Jane Levy) out of New York City for a shot at a “better life” in the ’burbs.

Why we’re watching: There’s a sweet “Gilmore Girls” vibe to the single parent-daughter relationship in “Suburgatory” — in this case, dad is the young, hip parent making sacrifices to do what’s best for his kid. We forgot how charming Sisto can be in a comedy; actress Levy, full of snark and heart, is our favorite newcomer of the fall. (Premieres Sept. 28 at 8:30 p.m. on ABC.)