Summer is here, and usually there are no new shows except for game shows.
But with the pandemic, there are some non-game show options.
Not that they’re worth watching, but they can provide some mindless entertainment.
housebroken
9 p.m. Mondays on Fox
The animated comedy centers around animals who are in group therapy.
They’re led by Lisa Kudrow’s Honey, but there are plenty of other celebrity voice actors to keep you guessing what animal is voiced by which actor.
It’s nothing special, but it’s cute. There’s definitely some fun in it without being stupid.
Try it
Small Fortune
10 p.m. Mondays on NBC
A competition show with small objects and big stakes. You can win thousands, but if you practice more and more, the less and less you’ll win.
It can be entertaining, but the show feels so long. It’s five games with one trio of people, which feels excessive.
Lil Rel Howery hosts, and he tries, but it’s such a silly concept without being in on the joke.
Skip it
The Republic of Sarah
10 p.m. Mondays on the CW
I’ll give the CW credit; it knows its brand and it goes for it.
This show fits right in; it’s got the small town edge and family twists of “Riverdale” but without the soapy sex, for now anyway.
Every one has a secret; they are all just trying to survive. But the no-name actors aren’t doing anything spectacular.
Skip it
Celebrity Dating Game
10 p.m. Mondays on ABC
This first update from the 60s is so cringey and staged it’s almost funny…but it’s not.
How they got some of these C-level celebrities is beyond me, unless they were desperate during the pandemic.
The dating show is hosted by Michael Bolton and Zooey Deschanel. Bolton does nothing but look confused and sing a song giving clues about who the celebrity is. Deschanel is clearly reading a teleprompter.
It’s a terrible concept that didn’t need revived.
Skip it
Capital One College Bowl
10 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC
Hosted by Peyton Manning, and his brother Cooper (Was Eli unavailable?), this game show, again updated from the 60s, is basically “Jeopardy” lite with a college sports tournament bracket.
College students compete, but in a trio, only one of them answers, which seems strange. And the questions seem fairly easy.
Because it’s updated from the 60s, some elements feel out of date and almost cheesy. But the banter between the Manning brothers can be fun.
Try it (with caution)
When Nature Calls with Helen Mirren
8 p.m. Thursdays on ABC
I can’t decide how funny this documentary show is supposed to be.
Since it’s hosted by Helen Mirren, maybe it’s British humor I’m not getting.
The imagery is beautiful, but the show misses a chance to educate viewers while they laugh at the people-made commentary and parody bits.
Try it (with caution)