This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on March 29, 2016.
TV networks premier shows year-round now — or so it seems.
While many shows premiered in January, another crop has premiered.
ABC’s Biblical drama “Of Kings and Prophets” has already been cancelled (it was hard to follow, but definitely had the drama), but here are my thoughts after watching the pilot of these other shows:
9 p.m. Sundays on ABC
What’s true? Do you trust anyone?
These questions have been asked before on TV, but at this drama’s core is a family who reunite with their once-missing son…or whomever he is.
This show reminds me a bit of 2014’s “Gracepoint,” especially with its use of flashbacks.
Cliché elements pop in, but the show has the potential to reel viewers in with its mix of crime, family values and truth.
But I also can’t imagine the show lasting more than one season since the mystery will have to be solved by the end of this season.
Grade: B
8:30 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC
Remember how shows are supposed to be better now about stereotypes? Well, this show isn’t one of them.
The comedy centers around an Irish Catholic family, whose “perfect image” falls apart in the pilot for myriad reasons (sons are gay and anorexic; divorce; daughter is a thief). The show tries to poke some fun at the stereotype, but it comes off mean.
Also, one of the sons narrates the show, which makes the show overwrought with voices.
Grade: C+
11 p.m. Saturdays on Fox
If you want to watch a sketch show that’s not “SNL,” then “Party Over Here” is for you.
Too bad The Lonely Island-produced show doesn’t have much party to it.
While I applaud Fox for bringing an all-female comedy troupe to TV — and the sketches poking fun at women’s roles were poignant, it wasn’t enjoyable to watch.
It felt a little slow, and it’s only half-hour. And when you sing the end credits to end your show (for about two minutes), do you have enough material to keep going?
Grade: C
‘CROWDED’
9:30 p.m. Sundays on NBC
Cross-generational takes on a new meaning with this sitcom.
On this NBC show, the eldest generation is nosy and decides against moving to Florida, the youngest generation moves back in after jobs/relationships fall apart, and the parents are stuck.
This show has some laughs, more than some other comedies as of late, and it seems more relevant and real. It’s not kitschy, and moving back home happens so much more now that I’m glad it’s seeing some TV light.
Plus, it’s humorous to see parents deal with adult children … when all of them have some growing up to do.
Grade: A-
8 p.m. Wednesdays on NBC
Another medical show hits the small screen. And one of the cast members was on another medical show in the 2014 season (Dave Annable, formerly of “The Red Band Society”).
I love seeing women at the forefront, and the NBC drama makes a point to mention how rare it is to see a woman that high up in the medical field. But other than that, this show is pretty run-of-the-mill.
It could have mass appeal with its mix of drama, romance, family and the law, but it all seems a bit too already-done-before.
Grade: B
10 p.m. Thursdays on ABC
Another show hits the TGIT lineup on ABC.
But for a show that’s called “The Catch” and is advertised as a drama with a cat-and-mouse game, I didn’t see a lot of that in the pilot.
The first hour of the show was boiled down into the previews, so it took a bit to get going. The preview for what’s to come made the show, starring Mireille Enos and Peter Krause, seem more thrilling than its premier episode.
Like “The Family,” I’m not sure it’ll last more than one season due to its plot, but it could be entertaining to watch the game play out.
Grade: B
Have you watched any of these shows? What do you think?
