In the cold of winter, we’d hope TV could provide some comfort.
This season, not so much.
Here’s a quick summary of the new broadcast shows in 2022.
The Cleaning Lady
9 p.m. Mondays on Fox
In Las Vegas, two sisters are trying to make ends meet by cleaning. What path will they take to secure help for their kids?
They’re both undocumented, but the main character is called an illegal at one point, which doesn’t seem like a good look, especially since there’s also a lot of back alley business going on in this drama. Not to mention an insinuation that the FBI is following them.
It’s based on an Argentine series, but I’m not sure the show has anything good or helpful to say.
Skip it
Pivoting
9:30 p.m. Thursdays on Fox
Eliza Coupe, Gennifer Goodwin and Maggie Q star in this half-hour dramedy, which starts off with the vibe of “A Million Little Things” and “First Wives Club.”
I laughed a bit, but the emotional heart of this story, centering around three friends who pivot (get it?) after their friend dies, is a little forced. The three actresses deserve better, but maybe it’ll pick up a bit.
Besides, if anything is relatable, it’s a character trying desperately to fit into her skinny jeans…though in today’s world that’s probably because we’ve worked from home for two years, not just because.
On a funny note, I hope Dave, one of the woman’s husbands, never actually appears, like Vera on “Cheers” or Maris on “Frasier.”
Try it (with caution)
Naomi
9 p.m. Tuesdays on the CW
The CW should really just rebrand as SuperheroTV. In yet another superhero drama, a girl named Naomi is an adopted high school student who runs a Superman blog.
Her adoptive parents and the townspeople may be hiding the truth about who she is and what her capabilities are, but the pilot telegraphs she has some power…once she takes her glasses off.
The special effects are pretty blah for a new show, but I give them credit for putting a Black female hero on the screen.
Skip it (unless superhero shows are your thing)
American Auto
8 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC
The pilot for this comedy is so expositional, it’s hard to believe any of it is realistic. It makes no sense that the company would still be surviving after a CEO with zero automotive experience comes in and the executives unveil a new car concept that’s made up in six hours.
Sure, there’s only one white American guy in the main cast, but he’s a complete (choose your swear word here), and the actor is basically playing the same role he did on “Superstore” but with arrogance instead of stupidity.
Skip it
Grand Crew
8:30 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC
So two roommates, a married couple, and a brother and sister all hang out together at a wine bar…sound familiar? This comedy is basically “Friends” set in LA.
Everyone feels a little too caricatured, and the narrator concept is overdone, tedious and pointless.
The pilot only sets up the series, and it takes the full episode to do so. I wish this show was better given its cast, which includes Nicole Byer.
Skip it
That’s my Jam
9 p.m. Mondays on NBC
This “new” game show is just “Hollywood Game Night” but with mostly music-focused games, no regular-people contestants and Jimmy Fallon as host.
It’s so silly and not in a fun, hate-watch kind of way.
Can we bring back “Hollywood Game Night”?
Skip it
Abbott elementary
9 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC
This comedy/mockumentary is just “The Office” in an elementary school setting.
It can be a funny take on real issues schools and teachers are facing, but that might be oft-putting for some, especially teachers who have really gone through a lot the last two years.
A romance is heavy-handedly foreshadowed, which is probably unnecessary for plot but necessary for a broadcast show.
Try it (with caution)
Good Sam
10 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS
This drama has a bit of a “Scrubs,” but with family instead of friends, in it.
Sophia Bush holds the show, and the pilot does a good job of setting up the show without being all exposition.
It’s still a medical procedural, a concept we already have enough of. There is one plot point that seems a bit too soap opera for my taste, but we’ll see where it goes.
Try it (with caution)
What shows are you enjoying this season?