Tag: ABC

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)

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)

Winter TV 2022: 3 new shows premiere

OK, more than three shows have premiered, but I’ve got some ideas in the works because new TV shows tend to come in themes.

In the meantime, here are three new shows and my quick takes.

Promised land

10 p.m. Mondays on ABC (now it’s on Hulu)

This ABC drama is nothing like how it was advertised. Bellamy Young, massively advertised because of her work on “Scandal,” is only in two scenes of the pilot.

The show centers on a blended family and its vineyard business; it feels very soap opera-y. There was also a subplot about people crossing the border that made no sense at first until it became a “This Is Us” style flashback.

It’s a lot about family loyalty vs. staying ahead, and what secrets you’ll hide to stay that way.

Skip it

All American: Homecoming

9 p.m. Mondays on the CW

The CW should just rename itself the Greg Berlanti network. He’s again an executive producer on this HBCU-set spinoff of the show “All American,” now in its fourth season.

The college sports drama has a good mix of characters, but they all seem rather catty.

But like “Katy Keene” for “Riverdale,” I doubt this spinoff will last long.

Skip it

Endgame

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

I’m all for a show that centers on two badass women, even if they unrealistically maintain perfect makeup throughout the day.

Starring Morena Baccarin and Ryan Michelle Bathé, these women are both after something. I wish it wasn’t so focused on love, but it’s nice to see female leads.

There’s a lot going on in the heist-crime drama — the flashback in the pilot seemed unnecessary, but the show has more glitz and punch than others like it.

Also, they probably should’ve picked a better name; “Avengers” took over this name on Google.

Try it

Winter TV 2022: As drab as the weather

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?

Fall TV 2021: Some shows show promise

New shows are coming, and some may be worth watching.

Here are my quick takes (side note: “Killer Camp” and “The Activists” have been pulled from the air):

Legends of the Hidden Temple

8 p.m. Sundays on the CW

This game show is a remake, and boy can you tell. It feels so 90s, even the prizes (one team got a Razor scooter).

The main differences are it’s adults competing not kids, and it’s an hour instead of a half-hour.

The adults competing is fine, but an hour for a show with only a handful of challenges is pointless.

The tradition of the game feels really forced, and poor Cristela Alonzo feels like she’s gritting her teeth through her hosting duties.

They should’ve aired this show in the summer when people are more inclined to watch pointless game shows.

Skip it (unless you have nostalgia for the original)

4400

9 p.m. Tuesdays on the CW

This reboot of a show from the 2000s has an intriguing presence.

People from all ages, races and time periods end up on Belle Isle in Detroit with no idea what’s happened and unsure of what year it is.

It feels a bit like “Lost” or “X Files” with a strong overtone of government-police-community relations, but while it’s a lot to follow, it could be interesting.

The original ran for four seasons, but I hope they make this remake more of a mini-series. I don’t think the mystery needs to be dragged out for years.

Try it

Queens

10 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC

This fiery show is so fun.

The pilot sets up what could’ve been a cute movie about a girl group reuniting, but I’m excited to see it dive deeper in upcoming episodes.

Each girl group member has issues to deal with, but you still believe they can be friends and love each other even in disagreements. And the music performances are full of energy.

Watch it

Home Sweet Home

8 p.m. Fridays on NBC

I really thought this Ava DuVernay produced show would be so cheesy, forced and sappy. And while there are slow-motion shots and pingy, cheesy music, it’s a heartwarming show.

In each episode, two families exchange houses and try one another’s traditions and activities for four days before meeting up for a meal. There are so many lessons to learn from one another, but taking it down to the family level really brings home some of the important discussions.

I can’t imagine it’ll last too long, and I’m guessing they’ll choose families that are very different from each other, but hopefully it’s for learning, not drama.

Try it

Ghosts

9 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

You may recognize some of the actors in this comedy that’s based on a UK series.

A group of ghosts is stuck living in a mansion, but when a new couple comes in, hijinks ensue.

I feel badly for the actors who play ghosts since they’ll always be in the same costume, and one person isn’t wearing pants.

It’s a bit of a soap opera plot that’s set up in the pilot, so it may have potential, but I’m not sure it’s that funny.

Skip it

Fall TV 2021: Reboots and more

For the first time in a while, I’m cautiously optimistic about fall TV’s new shows.

It’s not that I think these broadcast shows will win Emmys (let’s be real, broadcast doesn’t really make a play at awards these days), but there are some compelling storylines.

The Big Leap

9 p.m. Mondays on Fox

You know how “UnReal” was a dramatic, behind-the-scenes look of “The Bachelor”? “The Big Leap” is basically that but for “So You Think You Can Dance.”

“The Big Leap” is the show within the show that a hotshot producer, who has problems of his own, is trying to make. Everyone is supposed to get a second chance through the show, and we’ve got three storylines to prove it.

It’s probably one too many on top of the producer (Is he good or bad? It’s unclear from the pilot.) and the judges/coaches, one of whom is Billy Porter-esque and the other is some British villainess type.

Try it with caution

Ordinary Joe

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

Like NBC’s soon-to-be-ending show, “This Is Us,” “Ordinary Joe” has multiple timelines. The difference? It’s alternate timelines based on one man’s choice at his college graduation. Each timeline has a different color palette to help distinguish them since it’s the same actors but with very different outcomes.

I assume it’s an acting challenge for the core cast to play a slightly different character across the timelines, but it’s hard to root for Joe when his character is just different enough in each timeline.

Plus, I have two major flaws to point out from the pilot: 1. You can’t have an outdoor concert during a hailstorm, and 2. not that many people come to a school reunion, especially for someone Joe’s age (30s).

Skip it

Our Kind of People

9 p.m. Tuesdays on Fox

You may recognize some people in this soapy drama (even Olivia Pope’s dad plays a role). Yaya DaCosta is owning her role, and she’s a delight to watch.

Everyone in this Martha’s Vineyard town has a secret, so it could be interesting to see how it’ll play out since we know secrets don’t stay that way. Unfortunately, most of the characters are unlikeable, so it’s hard to root for them.

What confused me is this show is clearly set in summertime, so why didn’t Fox air it during the summer months?

Try it with caution

Alter Ego

9 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox

This competition show is “The Voice” plus “The Masked Singer.” Each contestant performs as a motion capture, AI alter ego avatar, so the judges don’t see them, only their movements through the avatar.

Unfortunately for the contestants, you don’t get a recording contract (they win $100,000), and the celebrity judges are way more interested in the technology than the contestants.

Skip it

La Brea

9 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC

This show had me on the edge of my seat.

A sinkhole decimates La Brea, an area of L.A., but the people who fell in aren’t dead … at least, for now. The question of where and when they are now is to be determined. Hopefully, it’s determined quickly, since they may not survive the extinct animals that also exist in this land.

The pilot does a great job setting up the two dynamic worlds as the military and a father tries to figure out what happened and if they can reach the people who fell in.

Try it

The wonder years

8:30 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

There is so much nostalgia in this reboot, but I’m here for it.

The pilot takes place on the day Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, but the show balances touching on history without overdoing it.

The cast equally performs to bring the charm of the original, and with Fred Savage as an executive producer, I think this reboot could be more fun (and better) than others.

Try it

The Ultimate Surfer: ABC’s gives viewers more paradise?

I guess when you miss a year of paradise, you have to make up for it with double the water waves?

“The Ultimate Surfer” is like the Olympics, “Big Brother,” “Survivor,” “Wipeout” and “Bachelor in Paradise” rolled into one.

The reality competition show has the same bad dramatic music and rumors from “Bachelor” shows to hype up drama, challenges and a host who’s kind of notable like “Big Brother,” eliminations and alliances like “Survivor” and Olympic-level sports commentary.

In COVID, there’s been a lot more mindless TV, especially in beautiful locations. Kelly Slater’s Surfer Ranch is about half and half. His wave machine is an engineering marvel, but it’s still a ranch in the middle of farmland. And the competitors are sharing airstreams. It’s not that majestic.

For all the stupidity, “Bachelor in Paradise” knows what it is. “The Ultimate Surfer” is maybe a better follow than “Celebrity Dating Game,” which aired after Katie Thurston’s season of “The Bachelorette,” or at least they’re a better pairing, but viewers don’t know these people unless they follow surfing.

At the Olympics, we get commentary from experts that’s easy to follow, for teh most part. But many people watch the Olympics every time it’s available. But with surfing, it’s a small community, so the commentary and scoring didn’t make sense. The scores are out of 10 and are combined between the teammates, and after two episodes, I have no idea what the criteria is….besides not falling.

There are some “experts” coming in for challenges, but again, we don’t know who these people are because surfing isn’t popular in the U.S. Jesse Palmer is the host, and he’s got a small amount of fame (and is part of Bachelor nation), but that’s about it for notable people.

There are already alliances in the first episodes, but it’s difficult to be invested because we don’t know why these alliances are happening; the drama surrounding them was prior to the show and not explained beyond “I don’t like their energy.”

Will I keep watching? Probably not unless I’m wide awake and think the waves will soothe me to sleep. After all, they are engineered to be consistent; it could be like counting sheep.

Winter TV 2020: Only one show worth watching

With broadcast TV seemingly waning, fewer and fewer new shows premiere.
Winter shows tend to be shows that weren’t good enough for the fall. With one exception, this rings true.

‘Zoey’s extraordinary playlist’

9 p.m. Sundays on NBC

As creative as this show seems to be, it’s basically “Glee” with “That’s So Raven” mixed in.

After a surge happens during her MRI, Zoey can hear and see song and dance around her, including people’s inner thoughts.

The show is full of stars (Lauren Graham, Peter Gallagher, Mary Steenburgen), but they don’t always sing. They’re smart enough to let Skylar Astin and Alex Newell (who was on “Glee”) sing in the pilot.

It’s a bit of a ridiculous concept, but the song and dance numbers are entertaining.

Watch it

‘Katy Keene’

8 p.m. Thursdays on the CW

Greg Berlanti can’t stop, won’t stop when it comes to producing shows for the CW. This “Riverdale” spinoff (Josie is on this show, moving in with Katy, a friend of Veronica’s, a few years after the timeline of when “Riverdale” is now) just shows a less gritty side. Think less “Arrow,” more “Love, Simon.”

Lucy Hale carries the teen soap well, but without a hair or rhinestone out of place, this NYC too pristine.

Try it

‘Indebted’

9:30 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

With a cast of B-list TV actors (Abby Elliott, Adam Pally, Steven Weber) and Fran Drescher, this show my blood boil.

It’s basically a suburban version of “Schitt’s Creek,” so I don’t know if Dan Levy is out of ideas or if NBC just really wanted The Nanny back on TV.

In either case, even though the pilot references Facebook campaigns and Drake, it feels dated and stale, especially with the Jewish and Indian stereotypes.

Skip it

‘For Life’

10 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC

What’s your method to a better life? Hard work and good will is how Aaron Wallace looks at it.

Wallace has a life sentence for a crime he didn’t commit, so he becomes a lawyer to help others overturn their wrongful sentences.

The courtroom drama is more than that; there’s family strain with Wallace’s family back home and possible back-door deals for political agendas.

Based (loosely, of course) on the real-life story of Isaac Wright, Jr., there is an obvious end to the story, but watching someone fight for justice for others is appealing.

Try it

‘Outmatched’

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on FOX

If Eric and Donna from “That 70s Show” had kids …would they still have a basement?

Because that’s how this show feels.

Jason Biggs and Maggie Lawson star as average parents who have four children, three of which are geniuses. And they retreat to the basement to chat and, in one instance, smoke.

Overall, the comedy is boring. The kids are over acting, and Biggs and Lawson recite lines like they’re just there to collect a paycheck.

Skip it

‘Tommy’

10 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

Racism, sexism, immigration, gangs, divorce, LGBT representation … how many issues can we stuff in one show?

Edie Falco carries it well, but it’s hard to keep straight what the point is of this cop drama.

Maybe the pilot just tried too hard, and it’ll focus its issues more in episodes to come. If that’s the case, it could have potential to be thought-provoking.

Skip it

‘Duncanville’

8:30 p.m. Sundays on FOX

This comedy was way more enjoyable for me than other Sunday Fox animated series.

It may be the plethora of pop culture references or hearing Amy Poehler and Ty Burrell again, but it’s a cute, irreverant comedy about family and growing up.

I just expect the references to continue.

Try it

Fall TV 2019: ‘Nancy Drew,’ ‘Almost Family’ disappointing

Broadcast TV really isn’t what it used to be.

Here are my quick takes on the lastest new fall TV shows (spoiler, it’s not great):

Kids say the darndest things

8 p.m. Sundays on ABC

You’d think this show would be cute, but it feels stale and even Tiffany Haddish can’t fully save it.

Proceed with caution

Almost family

9 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox

This dramedy seemed heartwarming, but the premise is so disgusting it ruined the potential sweet moments.

Skip it

Batwoman

8 p.m. Sundays on the CW

While the next in the CW superhero show in the lineup is formulaic, the pilot ends on a shocking (to me) twist that could make future episodes enjoyable.

Proceed with caution

Nancy Drew

9 p.m. Wednesdays on the CW

This show, based on the book series, is basically “Riverdale” but with a true mystery focus…and bad acting.

Skip it

Let’s hope the cable/streaming new shows are better (I’ll be checking out “The Politician” soon)