Andrew Rannells, "The New Normal" (NBC)(01 of13)
Open Image ModalAfter a hilarious stint on HBO's "Girls" (which he'll also return to for Season 2), we're thrilled that Rannells ended his Tony-nominated run starring in "The Book of Mormon" on Broadway to play one-half of Ryan Murphy's new comedic leading gay couple on "The New Normal." His scene-stealing skills are still very much intact -- he goes head-to-head with co-stars NeNe Leakes and Ellen Barkin and still manages to get the last laugh. (credit:NBC)
Clare Bowen, "Nashville" (ABC)(02 of13)
Open Image ModalYes, "Nashville's" big draw is the rivalry between Connie Britton's one-time queen of country music and Hayden Panettiere's up-and-coming starlet; but the real gem here is Bowen's Scarlett O'Connor, a sweet girl with an even sweeter singing voice. This Australian native might not be a big name in the States just yet, but it's only a matter of time. (credit:ABC)
Ed Weeks, "The Mindy Project" (Fox)(03 of13)
Open Image ModalBritish actor Weeks plays Jeremy Reed, the devilish doctor who tempts Mindy Kaling's title character to the dark side on "The Mindy Project." This is his first US TV role, and we're already expecting great things. (credit:Fox)
Danai Gurira, "The Walking Dead" (AMC)(04 of13)
Open Image ModalWe only caught a glimpse of katana-wielding Michonne in the "Walking Dead" Season 2 finale, but it was enough to get fans excited for more. As our survivors seek shelter in the prison and meet The Governor (David Morrissey), they're gonna need someone who knows how to wrangle up zombies right, and Michonne's their girl. (credit:AMC)
Jacob Artist, "Glee" (Fox)(05 of13)
Open Image ModalNow that Puck (Mark Salling) has graduated from McKinley, there's a new generation of Puckerman in town -- Artist is signed on to play Jake, Noah Puckerman's half-brother, in Season 4. If he's even half as talented, sweet and prone to causing trouble, we'll happily have a slushie or two waiting in the wings with his name on it. (credit:Fox)
Laura Benanti, "Go On" (NBC)(06 of13)
Open Image ModalBenanti was a bright spot in NBC's drama flop "The Playboy Club" last season, but while the Broadway vet got to sing and shake her tail feather (literally), we didn't get to see her show off her comedy chops there or on her "Law & Order: SVU" stint. Now playing opposite Matthew Perry, there's great comedic potential and some sexual tension to mine. (credit:NBC)
Rob Evans, "America's Next Top Model" (The CW)(07 of13)
Open Image ModalJanet Montgomery, "Made In Jersey" (CBS)(08 of13)
Open Image ModalMontgomery made the final season reboot of Fox's "Human Target" bearable, popped up on "Entourage" and even danced around the company in "Black Swan," but this starring role is her true US TV breakout, and her convincing Jersey accent and go-get-'em attitude will make you forget she's actually a Brit. (credit:CBS)
Nat Faxon, "Ben and Kate" (Fox)(09 of13)
Open Image ModalThere aren't many Oscar winners that could come to TV without fanfare ... but that's the case with Faxon, who brings all his funny sidekick experience up a notch to take on one of the lead roles (he's Ben) in this quirky family comedy. He's been around for a while, is a Groundlings member and, yes, even took home an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for George Clooney's "The Descendants" last year, which he co-wrote with director Alexander Payne and his writing partner Jim Rash, a.k.a. "Community's" Dean Pelton. TV is lucky to have him. (credit:Fox)
Tracy Spiridakos, "Revolution" (NBC)(10 of13)
Open Image ModalSpiridakos has done TV guest spots here and there (including a stint on Syfy's "Being Human" last season), but this is the show that should make her a star. "Revolution" has its issues, for sure, but even surrounded by more established stars, Spiridakos shines playing an emotional and gun-toting badass. (credit:NBC)
Camilla Luddington, "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC)(11 of13)
Open Image ModalStephen Amell, "Arrow" (The CW)(12 of13)
Open Image ModalAmell's most memorable TV role to date might be as Jason, the rival male prostitute on the last season of HBO's "Hung," but his new superpowers really suit him. As Oliver Queen, aka The Green Arrow, Amell has some big leather hoodies to slip into ... but we guarantee no one will complain about the way he fills them out. (credit:The CW)
Mercedes Masöhn, "666 Park Avenue" (ABC)(13 of13)
Open Image ModalSwedish-born Masöhn was a bright spot on Fox's ill-fated "Bones" spinoff "The Finder" -- and she's got quite the sense of humor -- but we're loving her in this darker role as one of the residents of a very haunted building. Cast alongside Terry O'Quinn, Vanessa Williams, Dave Annable and Rachael Taylor, she still manages to stand out as a Park Ave. resident to watch. (credit:ABC)