TV's Fresh Faces of 2010

James Wolk

Show: FOX's "Lone Star" How we know him: Wolk's past acting experience includes a few small TV parts, so "Lone Star" marks his breakthrough role. Why he's fresh: Wolk's charismatic turn as a Texas con man living a double life is a standout of the new fall TV season. Coincidentally, he is also co-starring in the comedy "You Again."

Melissa McCarthy

Show: CBS' "Mike & Molly" How we know her: This comedian isn't new to television. She's probably best known for her portrayal of Sookie St. James on "The Gilmore Girls" and Dena on "Samantha Who?" She also starred in the film "The Back-Up Plan" with Jennifer Lopez. Why she's fresh: Although she's been a hilarious supporting character, "Mike & Molly" is her first TV series on her shoulders. She gives a funny and sweet performance as grade school teacher Molly Flynn, who finds love with Mike ("My Name Is Earl's" Billy Gardell).

Will Estes

Show: CBS' "Blue Bloods" How we know him: Early in Estes' career, he did many commercials and numerous guest-starring roles in shows like "Highway to Heaven" and the soap "Santa Barbara." Then he was chosen out of 700 other kids for the series "The New Lassie" in 1989. His first breakout film role was in the war film "U-571." Why he's fresh: Estes plays Jamie, the youngest son of a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. As the family's "golden boy" — and now a newly-minted cop — Jamie's life takes an abrupt turn when he's asked to become part of a clandestine police investigation even his father knows nothing about, and one that could impact the family's legacy.

Grace Park

Show: CBS "Hawaii Five-0" How we know her: This Canadian actress starred in a few Canadian TV series, but is best known as humanoid Cylon Number Eight on "Battlestar Galactica." She also co-starred with Benjamin Bratt in A&E's "The Cleaner." Why she's fresh: As the Kona Kalakaua — a role originally played by a male in the '70s "Hawaii Five-0" — Park shows her mettle opposite the all-male cast, including Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan and Daniel Dae Kim.

Maggie Q

Show: The CW's "Nikita" How we know her: This Hawaii-born actress got her film start working with Jackie Chan in Hong Kong. But American audiences probably know her best from her turns in the actioners "Mission: Impossible III" and "Live Free or Die Hard." Why she's fresh: Holding her own with the likes of Tom Cruise and Bruce Willis, it's pretty clear Maggie knows how to kick ass, so starring as a female assassin out for blood in "Nikita" is a no-brainer.

Alyson Michalka

Show: The CW's "Hellcats" How we know her: As an actress, singer-songwriter, guitarist and pianist, Michalka did a few Disney Channel series and starred in the film "Bandslam" with "High School Musical's" Vanessa Hudgens, and "Easy A," with Emma Stone. She is also one-half of the musical duo 78violet (formerly Aly & AJ) with her sister Amanda Michalka. Why she's fresh: The multi-talented Michalka is a perfect fit as a college student forced to join the cheerleading squad in order to keep her scholarship. Seeing her go toe-to-toe with that other "High School Musical" alum Ashley Tisdale is fun.

Lucas Neff

Show: FOX's "Raising Hope" Why he's fresh: "Raising Hope" is newcomer Neff's first major acting role. As Jimmy, he gives a unique take on a 25-year-old who finds himself taking care of his infant daughter when her mother, who Jimmy had a one-night stand with, ends up on death row. How his caring but dysfunctional family deals with the situation makes this hilarious sitcom a standout of the season.

Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Show: NBC's "Undercovers" How we know them: Kodjoe is best known for his role in the TV series "Soul Food" and in the Bruce Willis sci-fi thriller "Surrogates." Mbatha-Raw got her start in British television and starred in the Broadway production of "Hamlet," playing Ophelia to Jude Law's Hamlet. She'll also be seen in the upcoming Tom Hanks film "Larry Crowne." Why they are fresh: These two gorgeous actors really makes "Undercovers" zing, playing the married Blooms — former CIA agents who try to go straight but are dragged back into the spy business.

Kelly MacDonald

Show; HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" How we know her: This Scottish actress saw her breakout role in Danny Boyle's "Trainspotting" in 1996. Since then, she has appeared in several films, including "No Country for Old Men," "Gosford Park" and "Elizabeth." She won an Emmy for her role in the HBO movie "A Girl in the Cafe." Why she's fresh: MacDonald gives a stellar performance as a 1920s battered woman who turns to a gangster for help in "Boardwalk Empire." Watch for her storyline to get more convoluted.

Jaime King

Show: ABC's "My Generation" How we know her: King's first major role was in the 2001 WWII epic romance "Pearl Harbor," and she's appeared in choice indies such as "Bulletproof Monk," "Pretty Persuasion" and "Sin City." She also starred in the short-lived TV series "Kitchen Confidential" with Bradley Cooper. Why she's fresh: King plays a former Texas high school cheerleader who comes back to her hometown after 10 years. She rediscovers that just because she's not where she planned to be doesn't mean she's not right where she needs to be.

Sarah Roemer

Show: NBC's "The Event" How we know her: You might remember this lovely actress as Shia LaBeouf's girl-next-door love interest in the thriller "Disturbia." She also played a cheerleader in the comedy "Fired Up!" Why she's fresh: In "The Event's" twisty opening episode, Roemer's Leila mysteriously disappears while on a Hawaiian vacation with her boyfriend, played by Jason Ritter. Guess you'll have to tune in to find out what happens to her.

Kelli Giddish

Show: NBC's "Chase" How we know her: The actress got her start on the soap opera "All My Children" and has gone on to star in a few short-lived TV series such as "The Burg" and "Past Life." Why she's fresh: Giddish stars as U.S. Marshal Annie Frost, who likes to stay one step ahead of the outlaws. As far as this cowboy boot-wearing girl is concerned, they can run, but they can't hide from her forever. It's all about the thrill of the chase.