Tag: ABC

Spring TV 2016: Try ‘Crowded,’ ‘Heartbeat,’ skip ‘The Real O’Neals’

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on March 29, 2016.

TV networks premier shows year-round now — or so it seems.

While many shows premiered in January, another crop has premiered.

ABC’s Biblical drama “Of Kings and Prophets” has already been cancelled (it was hard to follow, but definitely had the drama), but here are my thoughts after watching the pilot of these other shows:

‘THE FAMILY’

9 p.m. Sundays on ABC

What’s true? Do you trust anyone?

These questions have been asked before on TV, but at this drama’s core is a family who reunite with their once-missing son…or whomever he is.

This show reminds me a bit of 2014’s “Gracepoint,” especially with its use of flashbacks.

Cliché elements pop in, but the show has the potential to reel viewers in with its mix of crime, family values and truth.

But I also can’t imagine the show lasting more than one season since the mystery will have to be solved by the end of this season.

Grade: B

‘THE REAL O’NEALS’

8:30 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC

Remember how shows are supposed to be better now about stereotypes? Well, this show isn’t one of them.

The comedy centers around an Irish Catholic family, whose “perfect image” falls apart in the pilot for myriad reasons (sons are gay and anorexic; divorce; daughter is a thief). The show tries to poke some fun at the stereotype, but it comes off mean.

Also, one of the sons narrates the show, which makes the show overwrought with voices.

Grade: C+

‘PARTY OVER HERE’

11 p.m. Saturdays on Fox

If you want to watch a sketch show that’s not “SNL,” then “Party Over Here” is for you.

Too bad The Lonely Island-produced show doesn’t have much party to it.

While I applaud Fox for bringing an all-female comedy troupe to TV — and the sketches poking fun at women’s roles were poignant, it wasn’t enjoyable to watch.

It felt a little slow, and it’s only half-hour. And when you sing the end credits to end your show (for about two minutes), do you have enough material to keep going?

Grade: C

‘CROWDED’

9:30 p.m. Sundays on NBC 

Cross-generational takes on a new meaning with this sitcom.

On this NBC show, the eldest generation is nosy and decides against moving to Florida, the youngest generation moves back in after jobs/relationships fall apart, and the parents are stuck.

This show has some laughs, more than some other comedies as of late, and it seems more relevant and real. It’s not kitschy, and moving back home happens so much more now that I’m glad it’s seeing some TV light.

Plus, it’s humorous to see parents deal with adult children … when all of them have some growing up to do.

Grade: A-

‘HEARTBEAT’

8 p.m. Wednesdays on NBC 

Another medical show hits the small screen. And one of the cast members was on another medical show in the 2014 season (Dave Annable, formerly of “The Red Band Society”).

I love seeing women at the forefront, and the NBC drama makes a point to mention how rare it is to see a woman that high up in the medical field. But other than that, this show is pretty run-of-the-mill.

It could have mass appeal with its mix of drama, romance, family and the law, but it all seems a bit too already-done-before.

Grade: B

‘THE CATCH’

10 p.m. Thursdays on ABC

Another show hits the TGIT lineup on ABC.

But for a show that’s called “The Catch” and is advertised as a drama with a cat-and-mouse game, I didn’t see a lot of that in the pilot.

The first hour of the show was boiled down into the previews, so it took a bit to get going. The preview for what’s to come made the show, starring Mireille Enos and Peter Krause, seem more thrilling than its premier episode.

Like “The Family,” I’m not sure it’ll last more than one season due to its plot, but it could be entertaining to watch the game play out.

Grade: B

Have you watched any of these shows? What do you think?

Fall TV 2016: Watch ‘This is Us,’ ‘Notorious,’ skip ‘Kevin Can Wait’

Fall TV is back in full force.

In case you’ve missed some of the new shows of 2016, here are some short reviews of shows that have premiered:

8:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS

Kevin James returns to TV, but “The King of Queens” star’s new comedy isn’t worth your time.

James is a writer and a producer on the show, but the plot is run-of-the-mill.

James plays a police officer preparing for retirement, but his plans change when his daughter comes home with a nerdy fiance and the announcement that she’s going back to diner work to support her fiance’s app development.

It’s nothing we have seen before on other family comedies, and it’s not funny.

Grade: C+

‘THE GOOD PLACE’

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

Ted Danson (“Cheers,” “CSI”) and Kristen Bell (“Frozen,” “House of Lies”) unite for this original comedy.

Eleanor (Bell) lands in “the good place,” and her neighborhood is the first Michael (Danson) has designed. The good place is supposed to be full of harmony, eternal happiness and frozen yogurt…until Eleanor shows up.

Turns out she shouldn’t be there; there’s been a mixup. She’s not good at all, and her soulmate (yes, everyone has one at the good place) is the only one who knows.

While Bell is a fantastic physical comedian, the bit about how she can’t swear got old pretty fast. But with all the punishments the neighborhood might endure and some other quirky characters, it’s worth watching.

Grade: B

‘BULL’

9 p.m. Tuesdays on CBS

The facts are not enough in court cases. With social media, technology and a little psychology, many factors contribute to proving the truth.

That’s the idea behind this drama, based on the early career of Dr. Phill McGraw.

Bull, played by Michael Weatherly (“NCIS”), is a psychologist who is hired as a “jury consultant.” He helps win cases by setting up a mirror jury to see what others are thinking, as well as using social media and more to find other sides of the story.

The pilot wasn’t clear if the featured will continue throughout the series or if a new one comes each week.

It’s more than just another courtroom drama, but not much more.

Grade: B-

‘THIS IS US’

10 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC

According to Wikipedia, you share a birthday with 18 million people, even though it’s unlikely you’ll have a connection with them.

The pilot of this show follows four people who are all turning 36.

The show follows a struggling actor, a women desperately trying to lose weight, a corporate man who finds his birth father, and a man (Milo Ventimiglia, “Gilmore Girls“) whose wife is about to have triplets.

It seems like a lot at first. While I’m still not sure all the storylines will stay strong enough, by then end of the pilot it makes sense. (I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t watched it.)

But I’ll keep watching. It’s the first new show during which I laughed and cried.

Grade: A-

‘LETHAL WEAPON’

8 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox

Hey, look, another movie to TV show…

Murtaugh and Riggs are both coming back from something difficult, and they both were at the top of their game in the police force.

Riggs is a bit of an outlaw, and he’s OK with dying after his wife and unborn child die in a car accident. Murtaugh (Damon Wayans) is returning after surgery and wants to be there for his wife and kids. It’s a buddy comedy that resembles the movie in some ways.

The crime drama makes light of suicide in my opinion, but fans of the movie will most likely enjoy the show.

Grade: B

‘SPEECHLESS’

8:30 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

Now here’s a family comedy with heart.

Minnie Driver plays a semi-aggressive mom who always has a purpose: her family, specifically her son.

Her oldest son has cerebral palsy, though I only know that because the show’s description mentioned it. The pilot never explicitly states what he has, which I appreciate. To help give him a “voice,” she’s moved her family six times in two years.

The comedy talks about discrimination, human dignity and taking care of every family member in a progressive way that’ll still make you laugh.

Grade: A

‘DESIGNATED SURVIVOR’

10 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

In case of any attack, one cabinet member is not present during the State of the Union. He’s deemed the “designated survivor.”

And in this ABC drama, that designated survivor (Kiefer Sutherland) becomes the president.

According to the Washington Post, the designated survivor is a real thing, which makes the show all the more interesting – and scary – to watch.

Viewers see Tom Kirkman, an academic who was about to be shuffled out of his Secretary of Housing and Development position (one White House staffer calls him a”glorified real estate agent”) into an ambassador role, assume one of the highest stakes jobs in the world.

Fortunately the previews gave away only the first 15 minutes, so there was still plenty of plot to watch unfold in the pilot.

A few other storylines peeked out in the pilot, but Sutherland is the key to the show.

Grade: B+

‘NOTORIOUS’

9 p.m. Thursdays on ABC

This is one of those who-do-you-trust shows. But in a setting of cable news, it works so well.

Julia (Piper Perabo) is a producer of the No. 1 cable news show, Louise Herrick Live, who’s not afraid to stand up for herself. Jake (Daniel Sunjata) is a high-powered attorney who sometimes lets emotions seep into his work. They use each other to manipulate the public and make people look sympathetic. And they never lie to each other…for now.

I’m guessing it’s inevitable that the pair will get involved with each other, but viewers will enjoy the wait. And it’s not like there aren’t other flirtations and relationships to see.

This drama is so fast-paced, it’s like watching the behind-the-scenes work of a news show. And you won’t want to stop watching.

Grade: A-

‘PITCH’

9 p.m. Thursdays on Fox

For a show that’s not about crime, there are some high stakes.

The drama follows Ginny Baker, the first woman in the majors. As the pressure mounts, she has to decide why she’s doing this.

While you may not know Kylie Bunbury, the actress who plays Ginny, yet, many of the supporting actors are recognizable. Ali Larter, Mark Consuelos, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and more all make appearances.

In a time when gender roles are a hot topic, this show seems prepared to tackle the issue head-on.

Grade: B

‘MACGYVER’

8 p.m. Fridays on CBS

Another reboot is on this fall, but this one is of the late 1980s TV series of the same name.

Lucas Till stars in the title role. He also narrates the show, which, along with the writing over the shots, gets heavy-headed.

It’s pretty cliche, and although the problems reflect current issues such as biological weapons, it doesn’t feel fresh at all.

Grade: C

‘THE EXORCIST’

9 p.m. Fridays on Fox

Are demons real? Are they imagined? How do you get rid of them? Those questions are the heart of this drama, based on the novel of the same name.

If you want a scare every week, watch this show.

The plot is slightly predictable, but it’s still a creepy story about demons in a house, in dreams and in the world.

Grade: C+

‘SON OF ZORN’

8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

This Fox comedy presents an interesting concept for television: real-life actors along with animation.

Zorn, a mighty leader in an animated world akin to a video game/90s TV show, goes to another world to visit his ex-wife (Cheryl Hines) and his son.

After doing his usual I’ll-stay-for-barely-a-week bit, he decides to stay to get to know his son. For an animated show, it seems to have some heart.

That’s not to say it’s not also a bit silly…I mean, Zorn never goes anywhere without his sword…but the first episode shows promise.

Grade: B

What new shows are you watching?

2015 Emmys: Surprises, more from Emmy nominations

In preparation for Sunday’s 2016 Emmys, here is a blog about the 2015 Emmys, originally published on elkharttruth.com on July 16, 2015.

Is it September yet?

Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance”) and Uzo Aduba (“Orange is the New Black”) announced the 2015 Emmy nominations Thursday, July 16, and as usual, it’ll be an interesting race.

While numerous expected nominations filled out the list, there were some surprises, as there are every year.

SURPRISES

It’s not a miniseries anymore, it’s a limited series. Not sure why the name change happened, but my best guess is it has to do with the plethora of shows that run for only a few episodes.

Jeff Daniels received a nomination for “The Newsroom.” It’s not that the HBO show isn’t good, but it was short-lived, and other actors such as Terrence Howard of “Empire” or James Spader of NBC’s “The Blacklist” could’ve been in Daniels’ spot.

Tatiana Maslany finally got an Emmy nomination. “Orphan Black” has been on the air for three seasons, and considering she plays multiple characters, it’s about time she got nominated.

SNUBS

“Empire” was practically shut out. Taraji P. Henson was nominated, but considering the show’s popularity and crazy amount of guest stars, it’s strange not see the drama more represented.

Also surprised “black-ish” didn’t receive more nominations. I didn’t enjoy the ABC show but many others did. I thought Tracee Ellis Ross would’ve gotten an actress nomination.

“Jane the Virgin” is out. An Emmy nod would have been huge for the CW, and many adore Gina Rodriguez. She did win the Golden Globe but failed to receive an Emmy nomination.

EARLY PREDICTIONS

“Mad Men” will finally win an acting Emmy. It’s the show’s swan song, and it’s not like the AMC drama isn’t deserving.

“Modern Family” will finally fall. The ABC show has won a record-tying five consecutive Emmys, but it’s far time for another show to win.

David Letterman will be recognized in some capacity. His show is nominated, and again, it’s a swan song, which seems to go over well with voters, but maybe he’ll even get a tribute during the show.

Andy Samberg (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) will host the 67th Emmy Awards at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, on Fox.

Emmy nominations 2014: ‘Modern Family’ up for fifth win, ‘Orphan Black’ snubbed

In preparation for Sunday’s 2016 Emmys, here is a blog about the 2014 Emmys, originally published on elkharttruth.com on July 10, 2014.

It’s summer TV time, but it’s also Emmys time.

The Emmy nominations for 2014 were announced Thursday, July 10, and as usual, there were obvious choices and total snubs.

Here’s my breakdown of this year’s nominations:

Surprise nominations

While “Mad Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Breaking Bad” and this year’s season of “American Horror Story” are obvious returning nominations, there were a few unexpected twists.

“Bonnie and Clyde” was nominated for best miniseries. Considering many critics didn’t love the A&E, History and Lifetime show, which was plagued with historical inaccuracies, it was a shock to see it receive a nomination. It won’t win, though. The race will be between “American Horror Story: Coven,” and Billy Bob Thornton’s “Fargo.”

Melissa McCarthy is nominated for her work on “Mike & Molly.” Out of all the comedic actresses, I think there were other choices from shows more people are watching.

Biggest snubs

Andy Samberg, who (surprisingly) won the Golden Globe for his role on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” was left out of the Emmy race. The Fox comedy wasn’t nominated either.

“The Good Wife” received many deserved acting nominations, including Julianna Margulies 10th overall Emmy nomination — she had won once for “ER” in 1995 and once for “The Good Wife” in 2011, but the CBS show was left off the best drama category. Considering its rise to Sunday TV gold this season, I figured it would be a shoo-in for a nomination.

But perhaps the biggest snub of all was the omission of “Orphan Black.” It’s a show that may not appeal to everyone, but Tatiana Maslany plays multiple clones. Multiple! How does that not deserve a lead actress nomination?

“Modern Family” again?

The ABC comedy is up for outstanding comedy series for the fifth year in a row.

It’s been nominated every year it’s been eligible, and it’s won every year so far.

Will the show take the win again? It could happen. “Modern Family” showcased touching moments that still turn out a laugh, including Cam and Mitchell’s (played by Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson) wedding in the season 5 finale.

But I think a new show could take over, and with “Orange is the New Black” and “Silicon Valley” being first-time nominees, I expect the reign of “Modern Family” to end.

The conundrum of “Orange is the New Black” nominations

In its first year of eligibility, “Orange is the New Black,” the hit Netflix prison dramedy, snagged a decent amount of nominations. That’s no surprise, considering how popular and acclaimed the show is.

But what is surprising is what categories in which the actresses were nominated. Taylor Schilling (Piper) is in the lead actress category, with Kate Mulgrew (Red) is the supporting actress category.

Three actresses, however, are nominated in the guest actress category. Natasha Lyonne, Uzo Aduba and Laverne Cox have been lumped together with Tina Fey (“Saturday Night Live”), Melissa McCarthy (“SNL”) and Joan Cusack (“Shameless”).

The last three are guest actresses for those shows. But the OITNB stars, while not the leading actresses, are certainly more than guest actresses. Aduba is credited with being in 37 of the show’s 39 episodes, and Lyonne is credited with being in every episode on IMDb. They had standout and background moments. The characters are key to the story, so to only put them in the guest actress seems a bit strange.

The Emmys will air at 8 p.m. Aug. 25 on NBC. The show will be hosted by Seth Meyers.

What do you think? What were your surprises and snubs?