‘Raising Hope’ returns to FOX for third season

With many new shows premiering this fall, it could be easy to forget about returning favorites.

"Raising Hope" is one of these veteran programs, and the series enters its third season Oct. 2 at 8 p.m.

For those of you who are not familiar with the show, "Raising Hope" follows the life of a 23-year-old single dad named Jimmy Chance (Lucas Neff) who is trying to "raise Hope" (his daughter) with the help of his parents, who are delighted that they have a second chance at raising a child.

Along the way the Chances’ face some interesting problems.

From the series’ onset, the Chance’s have their struggles in taking care of Jimmy’s eccentric great-grandmother, Maw Maw.

"I love [my character] very much, and it’s very far out," said Cloris Leachman, who plays Maw Maw. "I’m either sitting on the toilet saying, ‘It takes as long as it takes’ when people try to get me out of the bathroom, or I have no bra on at all, and I’m going out the front door and down the street."

Season three will bring these old favorites to the show along with new twists, including a guest appearance in the premiere episode from Golden Globe award-winner Melanie Griffith.

Griffith notes participating in the show is a grand opportunity, and her character’s personality is one that will have audiences hooked.

"I’m so honored to be on ‘Raising Hope,’" Griffith said. "Tamara is a complete narcissist. Everything is about her."

In the later episodes, things heat up when a family member moves out and the Chances’ prepare for the end of the world.

While these two events promise to provide a heavy dose of drama and sticky situations, no sitcom is complete without a love interest.

To accommodate where this is concerned, Shannon Woodward plays Sabrina Collins, Jimmy’s love interest.

Their relationship developed in season two of the series, but season three promises to show their dynamic and on-screen chemistry grow and progress even further.

Along with the impressive cast, "Rasing Hope" employs top-notch production, with Emmy Award-winning producer Greg Garcia contributing for season three.

While Garcia is most well-known for his creation of the popular sitcoms "My Name is Earl" and "Yes, Dear," he has also worked on classic comedy series like "Family Matters" and "Family Guy."

With Garcia’s impressive resume on board, it is clear "Raising Hope" will face no shortage of comedy in season three.

All the name power in the world cannot make a series successful unless the actors and actresses buy into their parts, though, and "Raising Hope" has this element well under control.

The entire cast is excited to be filming again, especially Woodward, who says the show is an ideal job for a television actress.

"This show is so much fun to do. I’m so lucky to be here," Woodward said. "I couldn’t think of a better job."

Combine the new cast members, the old cast members, the twists and the ever-expanding chemistry between characters, and there is plenty of potential waiting to propel "Raising Hope" to the top this season.

Don’t miss it!