This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 27, 2016.
It’s winter, also known as hibernation time, especially in the Midwest.
But this winter, it might be better to catch up on old series than watching the latest crop of TV shows.
Here is my roundup on some of TV’s winter 2016 shows:
‘COOPER BARRETT’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING LIFE’
8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox
Cooper Barrett is 26. And doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. But that’s normal, right?
As someone in their 20s, I’d say yes. But that doesn’t mean I found this comedy relatable.
I use comedy loosely, as I laughed out loud only once. At a pig.
The pilot seems far-fetched and boring, but maybe there’s hope for this comedy. Maybe.
Grade: B
8:30 p.m. Mondays on NBC
I think my expectations are too high for this show.
It’s a mostly Latino cast, which broadcast networks haven’t seen in awhile. And it’s Eva Longoria’s return to acting on TV (she’s a producer on Lifetime’s “Devious Maids”).
But the premise, a group of people surviving life while working on a telenovela, seems cliche.
It’s funny and over-the-top, but it’s not the best comedy I’ve watched.
Grade: B+
Mondays at 8 p.m. on NBC
This comedy focuses on employees of a superstore. You know, the one-stop shop.
The actors, led by America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”) and Ben Feldman (“A to Z”) carry the show. For now.
But the writing isn’t strong. Episode 2 has a storyline that some might find offensive. It’s quirky but not in an exciting way.
I think this show has promise, but the plots may not keep viewers interested.
Grade: B
9:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox
How can a hot topic become a farce? Put it in the hands of Seth MacFarlane.
The “Family Guy” creator is an executive producer on this Fox comedy, and its humor is in the same vein as his other shows.
Which is too bad. The show focuses on issues such as immigration and racism, but for many people, the stupidity of the jokes won’t allow this show to give an enlightening look to these issues.
Grade: C
9:30 p.m. on Thursdays on CBS
Jane Lynch (“Glee,” “Hollywood Game Night”) is back acting on TV. And she makes the show worth a tune-in.
Lynch plays Allison’s (Maggie Lawson) guardian angel. As silly as it may sound, it doesn’t come off cheesy.
I’m not sure there’s enough plot to carry this show past season 1, but the actors make the comedy endearing.
Grade: B+
10 p.m. Thursdays on NBC
Who can you trust? It seems like no one on this drama.
The show stars Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta as cops, but it’s a step above regular police/crime procedurals.
It’s a bit more complicated as characters attempt to do what’s right for them, the city, their families …
It could be hard to follow over time, but Lopez is compelling enough to keep watching.
Grade: A-
9 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox
What if you had a second chance? Jeff Pritchard gets one, but it comes with strings.
The disgraced sheriff is brought back to life by scientists to help save a life, and to test something.
The plot of this Fox drama plays out in a heavy-handed matter, over stressing the ideas of life vs. death and what you would do for your family.
Grade: C+
8 p.m. Thursdays on The CW
Another superhero show! Yeah?!?
Building off of “Arrow” and “The Flash,” this sci-fi/comic book show follows such a similar plot structure to “The Flash” that it’s boring.
Yes, there’s plenty of action, and I didn’t feel lost watching it without having seen all of the previously mentioned shows, but it seems rather predictable. And frankly, it’s a pain to keep up with that many TV shows to get the full effect.
Grade: B-
