I know crime shows are popular on broadcast TV, but this winter includes more procedurals than usual, and it’s a bit boring.
Here are my thoughts on new scripted TV shows:
That 90s show
All episodes streaming on Netflix
This reboot is one of the better ones, but it still has flaws.
The references to the old show and the 1990s are spot-on, along with the casting of Kelso’s kid.
But the kids’ ages are off in more ways than one, and frankly, they are not the best part of the show. Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith own it.
Try it
Will Trent
10 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC
This show really needed a better name. The police procedural features a lot of actors returning to TV.
You’re dropped right into the action in the pilot, but you’ll quickly find out there’s a lot of emotional baggage. It was a bit complicated to follow, and the pilot focuses on the wrong plot points (for example, the dog plot is useless).
I’d rather watch Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc, the better version of this character.
Skip it
Alert Missing Persons Unit
9 p.m. Mondays on Fox
On the flip side, this show had a lot of setup, which feels necessary for this crime procedural.
You’ve probably seen the actors before, too, so it makes sense they’re on network TV.
But the pilot’s end twist was so predictable; I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it on TV before.
Skip it
Night Court
8 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC
This is another reboot (verified via the opening credits sequence) starring Melissa Rauch and John Larouquette, who reprises his role from the original sitcom.
Rauch plays the new night court judge, stepping in her dad’s shoes. In real life, the original actor died, so this is a nice tribute.
There are other callbacks to the original without being confusing to new viewers.
It’s going for the emotional heart, but it’s still fairly predictable and not overly funny.
Try it (with caution)
Accused
9 p.m. Sundays on Fox
This anthology show started with an episode that seriously creeped me out.
This drama is based on an award-winning British show. Each episode focuses on a different story in a courtroom.
It’s a great way to get bigger-name actors into your show for one episode.
I found the first episode, focusing on a father and son, the latter of whom seems to have psychiatric issues, really freaked me out. It was terrifying to watch to unfold between the events leading up and the courtroom.
Try it (with caution)