Category: New TV

Fall TV 2024: Broadcast shows are lackluster

The rest of the fall shows have premiered, but I’m not overly impressed.

Joan

Miniseries on the CW

There is way too much going on in the pilot of this show, but it’s only six episodes, so that’s by design I guess.

It’s so dark…literally. The crime thriller is so muted in greens and blacks, it’s almost muddy.

Unless you love the 80s, England, or Sophie Turner, don’t waste your time.

Skip it

George and Mandy’s first marriage

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

The tango intro for this spinoff sitcom is so ridiculous, and it has literally nothing to do with the show.

It falls a tad flat, and while it feels very 90s, which is the time period, there’s nothing new.

Skip it

Happy’s Place

8 p.m. Fridays on NBC

I didn’t watch “Reba,” but it feels a little bit of a rehash slightly updated for 2024. It does have two of that series’ cast members.

This sitcom feels a little feel “Cheers,” but with more family drama and ethnicities.

It’s kinda funny, but with it airing on Fridays, I’m not holding my breath.

Try it

Poppa’s house

8:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS

There are two pretty distinct storylines, and in a 30-minute show, neither is served well.

Again it falls flat, which is a bummer with two Wayans family members on screen. You’ll probably recognize a lot of other cast members but have zero idea why.

This sitcom is so old school, they put bloopers at the end.

Skip it

St. Denis Medical

8 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC

This new sitcom with lots of heavy hitters is “Abbott Elementary” in a hospital.

I get people like “Parks and Recreation” and such, but this, unfortunately, falls flat, even with all the talented comedians.

Skip it

Fall TV 2024: Watch ‘Matlock,’ Skip Fox shows

Fall TV is back! Too bad the fall weather isn’t quite yet…

We’ve got a new batch of new shows, so here’s my latest edition of skip, watch or try.

Universal Basic Guys

8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

As part of Fox’s animation domination, this show fits right in.

I just can’t decide if it knows it’s ridiculous or just terrible.

Three minutes in, I was disgusted. It’s all irrelevant dumb “humor” that’s full of misogyny and anti-PC language. And the accents are terrible.

Skip it

High Potential

10 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC

This series has a great cast and a good concept, focusing on a smart woman who is a tad flippant as she navigates being a police crime consultant.

It is still a procedural but with some spunk.

My biggest complaint is the music is cliche and overpowering.

Try it

Matlock

9 p.m. Thursdays on CBS (starting Oct. 10)

Kathy Bates is so good. That’s what you need to know.

While this legal drama doesn’t seem much like the original (it’s a gender swap even), the pilot took its shots at the name and generational divide of those who know the original show and today’s young adults.

The twist in the pilot, involving a crime mystery, got me very interested.

Watch it

Rescue hi surf

9 p.m. Mondays on Fox

This hacky drama is “Baywatch” meets “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Fire Country” with surfers.

It’s nothing special, and it’s hard to imagine it’ll get interesting.

Skip it

Brilliant Minds

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

If you miss “The Good Doctor,” this could be the replacement for you.

The medical drama focuses on what is alluded to as a cool, rebellious doctor (he has a motorcycle) played by Zachary Quinto. While he is the show’s focus, he falls a bit flat.

Greg Berlanti and Andy Serkis are among the 21 producers, but the show wasn’t marketed well. Quinto’s character has face blindness, and it’s a tough concept to grasp quickly.

They are trying for something different than just a medical show, but it still comes off a little too hokey.

Skip it

Murder in a small town

9 p.m. Tuesdays on Fox

A guy moves back home, becomes the police chief, and starts dating a librarian. Oh, and there are crimes to be solved.

That’s about it for this Canadian crossover crime procedural.

The show felt like it could’ve been a movie, especially with the longer-than-a-hour pilot, and it wasn’t interesting enough to press on.

Skip it

Doctor Odyssey

9 p.m. Thursdays on ABC

Joshua Jackson has aged quite well. But his newly appointed cruise ship doctor character is a bit flawed. Not quite antihero, but flawed.

Don Johnson and Phillipa Soo are also part of the cast, along with some other famous faces, and COVID is part of the pilot’s plot.

I give them credit; they worked on four patients in the pilot, which seems pretty fast-paced. It’s fun and frothy, but it might have been better to air in the summer.

Try it

I may be adding some of these shows to my weekly list, along with “The Golden Bachelorette.” What can I say, it’s so cute!

Catching up with Emmy-nominated shows

The Emmys have been postponed, but fortunately only once after the writer’s strike ended this week.

In the meantime, I took some time to watch some shows I’d missed. Here are my thoughts:

Tiny Beautiful Things

2 Emmy nominations

This Hulu limited series is very loosely based on the Cheryl Strayed book. The book is just a collection of advice columns, hence the loosely based part. The story that Kathryn Hahn’s character handles seems made up based on Strayed’s other memoir, “Wild,” and for TV.

Neither the book nor the series were particularly riveting, but really, it’s not the most adaptable work. I think Hahn is a great (and underrated) actress, but she’s not given that much in her Emmy-nominated role.

I actually thought her younger self counterpart should’ve been nominated because she had more to do, and it was more interesting plot-wise.

Jury Duty

4 Emmy nominations

I really didn’t get this show, or the hype, at first.

It took me till episode 3 to enjoy it; maybe I just got the concept by then?

It’s pretty ridiculous, and it’s probably lightning in a bottle, only works once kind of thing.

But hey, enjoy it while it works. It helps they got super lucky in casting Ronald Gladden, an attractive, affable guy, for this “Office”-like “documentary.”

Welcome to Chippendales

5 Emmy nominations

So many people got nominated for this limited series, but I thought the overall concept wasn’t great.

A lot of plotlines were glossed over (Dan Stevens is in episode 1 and dies, but it’s glossed over), and it wraps up quickly overall because it’s only 8 episodes.

It’s well-acted, but with so many things left undone, the writing needed some help.

Daisy Jones & the Six

9 Emmy nominations

I hated every character in this show, but I think that was intentional.

Showcasing the tribulations of fame, this book to show adaptation was done much better than Tiny Beautiful Things.

The music was stellar, the costumes on point, but it was hard to root for anyone, which didn’t make it my favorite show. But the artistry was amazing.

Fleishman Is in Trouble

7 nominations

This miniseries starts slow.

I didn’t read the book, but plot lines seemed to drop off in the show, and the second half of the show is way better than the first.

The show explores change and how to handle it in life.

It’s well-acted, but it came and went. I don’t recommend bingeing it, because it covers a lot of subjects that may have you squirming in your thoughts.

Ted Lasso

21 nominations (this year)

This is a super binge-able show. It’s definitely a nice show where the good people win and the bad people are few.

I think three seasons work for this show based on the original conceit. Plus, I think the third season was uneven and had too many extra plotlines that were dropped or wrapped up too quickly.

But unpopular opinion, I think this show majorly benefitted from premiering during the pandemic. It gave me something happy to watch.

Schmigadoon

3 nominations (this year)

I really wanted to like this show. It’s a musical with a huge cast of performers I like!

But I thought it fell flat. The chemistry of the leads in season 1 didn’t work, and season 2’s Schmicago was not my taste.

Shrinking

2 nominations

I’ve burned through this show so quickly, but I wouldn’t say it was good.

It’s a horrendous representation of psychotherapy, breaking so many ethical boundaries.

It also wasn’t what I thought it would be based on the ads, so it felt uneven.

The acting, which is what it’s nominated for, is decent. Harrison Ford is pretty boring minus one scene where he sings in the car.

Winter TV 2023: 3 new shows reviewed

Winter blues no more, there’s some new TV to watch. There’s some promise in these shows.

Also, fun fact: Two of these three new shows have a character named Charlie.

Not Dead Yet

9:30 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

Gina Rodriguez leads this sitcom, and she leads it with power.

She’s the best part of this newspaper-set comedy. The pilot includes some good setups, and while some characters are a bit cliche, they have hearts, too. I could live without the roommate dynamic; we saw it on “The Big Bang Theory.”

It’s a little sappy, and the premise is a little silly, but as an unmarried 30-something, I find it relatable.

Try it

Animal Control

8 p.m. Thursdays on Fox

Joel McHale is back on TV, playing another acerbic longer-type character.

It’s an office comedy but without the mockumentary bits. It seemed to be striving for a “Parks & Recreation” feel, but it missed the mark.

The opening credits are surprisingly long, which is unusual these days. But as usual these days, I didn’t find the sitcom that funny, especially with a cast of stock characters.

Skip it

The Company you Keep

10 p.m. Sundays on ABC

I’m always OK with having Milo Ventimiglia back on my TV screen. But I’m not sure this time will last long.

The premise reminds me of “The Catch” from a few years ago, and it’s the same network.

There’s a family element, which feels more like a watered-down “Sopranos,” with cat-and-mouse plotlines.

I think this could’ve been a better movie; I doubt the premise can keep up week after week.

Skip it

Winter TV 2023 includes a lot of procedurals

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)

Can we reinvent IP successfully?

Last night, I watched “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration.”

I was more of a Cinderella than Belle kid, but I have some special memories associated with various iterations of the 1991 Disney film.

“Beauty and the Beast” was the first Disney animated feature nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, and it won two (song and score). The Broadway musical ran for 13 years; the live-action 2017 remake was nominated for two Oscars. It’s a big deal.

So it made sense to celebrate the anniversary of the Disney classic with a movie on ABC (it’s now streaming on Disney+). And Disney brought the star power, with H.E.R. starring as Belle, Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts, Martin Short as Lumiere, David Alan Grier as Cogsworth and Josh Groban as Beast. Not to mention Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians,” the upcoming “Wicked” movies) was a producer on the hybrid animated and live-action special.

But did it work? Yes and no.

Rita Moreno introduced segments and revealed behind-the-scenes tidbits. The back and forth between animated and live was mostly seamless. The costumes were beautiful and just enough over the top to be fun but not crazy.

On the flip side, it had a lot of live-theater work that just doesn’t translate on a TV screen. H.E.R. and Twain do not have the vocal range to pull off the more significant songs, though they did their best.

My biggest complaint was it tried too hard. There were some segments that were avant-garde, which doesn’t work in an anniversary celebration of a classic.

All this to say, is it worth trying to reimagine IP?

It feels like everything entertainment is a franchise or re-imagination. Original ideas fall by the wayside.

Yet people crave original ideas. Look at the success of “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” We want something new and exciting, where we can’t know what will happen.

Franchises, sequels, etc., make money, no question. They have a built-in audience. It doesn’t matter if people don’t like it, so many others will flock to screens to stay in the loop. There’s a reason why the MCU has multiple phases in the works. (I’m not an MCU person, and with all the movies and TV shows, there’s zero chance I will catch up.)

So what are execs to do? Follow money or creativity? Of course, they’ll follow the money!

I give the producers credit for the 30th anniversary special. They tried to keep the classic feel while providing new views. It just didn’t always work, and ultimately it went too far to truly bring in the nostalgia it was aiming for.

As viewers, we must try to promote and view original content often. Because I’m not sure I want to watch a 50th-anniversary celebration of “Beauty and the Beast,” even though I’m sure execs will do something for it.

Fall TV 2022: CW finally adds more new shows

We’re rounding out the new fall broadcast shows, but nothing will make you run for the couch.

The Winchesters

8 p.m. Tuesdays on the CW

Look, I didn’t watch “Supernatural,” so this prequel series may be a little lost on me.

But the CW knows its brand, and this show fits right in with demons, magic, chasing and more.

The pilot is a little bumpy as it tries to explain a lot in 43 minutes, but I’m guessing it’ll keep course over time.

Try it (with caution)

Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars

8 p.m. Saturdays on the CW

I doubt this competition show will last since it’s airing on Saturday nights, but good for Criss Angel for getting a TV deal?

But he looks so bored, and the other two judges are uninterested for the most part as well.

It’s another boring, repetitive competition show, just with magic.

Skip it

Lopez vs. Lopez

8 p.m. Fridays on NBC

George Lopez is back on TV…he’s aged a bit, but the jokes are the same.

This hacky comedy is like taking “The George Lopez Show” with 2020s generational differences and jokes, racial conflicts, and way better lighting. They even makes nods to the original theme song.

It’s simple and predictable, but there are some laughable moments (most were in the previews though).

Skip it

Fall TV 2022: October shows

Fall is here, and new broadcast shows are hitting your TV screen.

Just not with a bang, but with a dull roar.

East New York

9 p.m. Sundays on CBS

It’s another cop show, what can I say?

Look, it’s not my type of show, but I can appreciate its efforts on cop-citizen relations, diversity, race and other issues.

Plus the romance so far is very minimal, which I’m hoping stays that way. Not every show needs a romance.

The music could use an update. I get they’re going for different voices to represent East New York, but it feels very out of place on a CBS show with a mostly 40-50+ cast.

Try it (with caution)

The Real Love Boat

10 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS

This reality show is giving major “Celebrity Dating Game” vibes. Hosts Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell are clearly reading a teleprompter. Romijn has a look of “what am I doing here?” and O’Connell has it dialed to 11.

It’s too bad this show was probably filmed before the latest Bachelorette season, which also took place on a cruise ship. It’s also a total rip on “Bachelor in Paradise” with a bit of “Amazing Race” or “Big Brother” pulled in.

It should’ve at least aired in the summer for the light, fluffy TV season.

Skip it

Alaska Daily

10 p.m. Thursdays on ABC

Hillary Swank and Jeff Perry are definitely holding the star power in this drama, though it’s not either of their best work.

But the pacing is off. It speeds up and slows down, which was jarring.

There is a lot to throw into one pilot episode, but I’m not sure the drama can gain enough momentum in any of them.

Skip it

Walker Independence

9 p.m. Thursdays on the CW

I didn’t mind the original version of this drama, mainly because of Jared Padalecki’s charm.

But this prequel spinoff is terrible. I was so distracted immediately by the 2020s hair and makeup on lead Katherine McNamara (the drama takes place in the 1800s), it was hard to focus on much else.

The show can’t decide whether it’s a period piece or a sexy love and crime show, and neither option is good. It’s so overall dramatic it’s borderline cheesy.

Skip it

Fire Country

9 p.m. Fridays on CBS

To save some head scratching, this show stars the young boy in “The Pacifier.”

This drama kept my attention, even though the character connections are a little too neatly tied.

The pilot presented a lot of plotlines, but it wasn’t heavy-handed.

Try it (with caution)

Fall TV 2022: Here we go again

Fall is here, and it’s time to get cozy.

Though I don’t think these new shows are your next comfort watch, especially if you’re not a procedural fan.

Monarch

9 p.m. Tuesdays on Fox

This drama reminds me of “Filthy Rich,” only this time we get Susan Saradon instead of Kim Cattrall and it’s country music instead of a Christian TV empire.

The music is fun, but at its core it’s a dark family drama. It’s a bit “Succession” lite with more attention to beauty and age standards.

The pilot sets up a “Bunheads” style twist and a murder mystery, which is nothing we haven’t seen before, but it could go somewhere.

Try it

Quantum Leap

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

This is a reboot of a late 80s/early 90s show. The pilot leaps to the 80s, and they definitely want you to watch live (episodes are streaming only on Peacock, but you can find them on the NBC website).

It’s a very run-of-the-mill reboot. Nothing super exciting, just a mission of saving someone in each time the main character leaps to.

Skip it

The Rookie Feds

Tuesdays 10 p.m. on ABC

This spinoff of “The Rookie” stars Niecy Nash-Betts plus a lot of other TV actors you may or may not recognize.

The premiere had a Nathan Fillion cameo to tie the shows together after Nash-Betts guest-starred on the original earlier this year. Plus, it’s great for marketing the ABC show that’s lasted more than two seasons.

It’s another procedural with a strong female lead, but the characters are cliche.

Skip it

So Help Me Todd

9 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

I know Marcia Gay Harden isn’t super A-list anymore, but wow, her character is this drama is awful.

It’s such a bad boomer stereotype, it ruined the affable character of her son, played by Skylar Astin.

Both deserve better than this predictable courtroom plus family drama.

Skip it

Hulu’s three true-life stories examined

Truth can set you free…if you can handle it.

Hulu has dropped three miniseries, eight episodes each, based on true events.

Is this OK? Is this good TV? Is this informative in a harmful way? Let’s take a look.

Pam & Tommy

Casting/styling for realistic looks: Amazing

When first-look pictures came out, I was shocked at how Sebastian Stan and Lily James looked.

Accuracy: Iffy

Look, this is about a celebrity couple and their sex tape. It seems like some parts are accurate, like their whirlwind beach wedding, but some things happened but not in the order portrayed.

The show is based on an article (and bits of Tommy Lee’s biography), but this is the type of show where we’ll never know the whole truth, especially without the consent of Pam or Tommy.

Pamela has spoken out on her approval of the show, Lily James seems to have gotten her voice right.

Rating: C

This is a super-stylized show (#iykyk), and it’s not for everyone. The saga of Pam & Tommy is a lot about sex, but they still should have some privacy for their own items.

This was a private tape, and it feels wrong to capitalize on it, even if it’s for cultural context.

The Dropout

Casting/styling for realistic looks: Only the styling

Amanda Seyfried has a unique look, so it’s hard not to see her as herself, and she only has a slight resemblance to Elizabeth Holmes.

But they’ve got the look of her down. The red lips, the messy hair, the black outfits? Check.

Accuracy: Good

This is based on the podcast of the same name, so it has more research behind it. Plus, the story has been in the news for a while.

The imagery of Seyfried as Holmes for her 2017 testimony looks accurate.

The facts are there, from what we know. You’ll never know private conversations, just like we’re still unsure how real the deep voice of Holmes is.

Rating: B-

To help interpret the different years, music is used. But it’s so incredibly distracting, especially in the first two episodes, which cover roughly 2001 to 2007. We get it, the music was different then; it’s fine.

In my opinion, Holmes is a narcissist, and I have more questions about her than answers, even after watching a few episodes.

It’s an interesting story of ambition, technology and capitalism, but it could be harmful for the trust in healthcare.

The Girl from Plainville

Casting/styling for realistic looks: Great for the lead, OK for everyone else

Elle Fanning looks like Michelle Carter for the most part, especially in the later years.

But the supporting characters don’t look like their real-life counterparts at all.

Accuracy: Mixed

There’s fact and fiction in this miniseries based on an Esquire article.

She liked “Glee,” and talked about it often. But the couple didn’t see each other that much before he died.

The key, though, is the text messages are real. They’re part of court record, so they’re detailed exactly as they were typed.

Rating: B+

As much as I found Elle Fanning’s portrayal gritting (probably because she’s playing a vapid 15-year-old at the start), it’s such an intriguing story.

I zipped through the first few episodes and haven’t stopped thinking about it.

It’s a little scary to focus on something dubbed the “texting suicide case,” but I think we see something beyond glamorizing suicide by instead focusing on grief and social media’s influence on society.

All of the episodes for all three series are on Hulu. It’s a lot of true-life stories, but remember TV isn’t real.