Tag: CBS

Upfronts 2018: Trends for broadcast TV

Making changes but rebooting favorites…that about sums up “new” TV in 2018.

Here are 3 trends from last week’s upfronts.

Reboots galore

The reboots trend will never die at this rate.

Coming off the success of ABC‘s reboot of “Roseanne,” more are coming.

First, “Murphy Brown” returns on CBS, with Candice Bergen bringing her strong newswoman character back to the screen. It’ll air on Thursdays, after CBS hits “The Big Bang Theory” and “Mom.”

Then, there’s “Charmed,” which the CW is bringing back to life. It’ll air alongside “Supergirl” on Sundays, a night that the network hasn’t aired new shows on before.

Lastly, “Last Man Standing” is coming back, on Fox. It’ll be paired with another comedy tailored for an older audience, “The Cool Kids.”

Switcheroos

Speaking of changing networks, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is going to NBC after being canceled by Fox.

“Lethal Weapon” replaced lead actor Clayne Crawford after he was accused of poor onset behavior.

And with Thursday Night Football shifting from CBS to Fox, there are many schedule shifts for that network, which, for a network that is known for comedy, only has two new comedies premiering in the fall (“Rel” and the aforementioned “The Cool Kids”)

Very few new shows

With so many networks vying for viewers’ attention, it seems networks are playing it safe by airing fewer new shows and saving some for midseason, when a series premier typically means half the number of episodes.

This fall, most broadcast networks are airing only 2-4 new shows, with the exception of CBS, which boasts six new fall shows.

Midseason, which used to have fewer premieres, now seems to have a similar number of new shows (though that could change before January).

However, the reboots start in the fall, no doubt because they’ll get the viewer’s interest more easily thanks to old and new fans watching.

Award shows 2018: Do network shows have a place anymore?

At the Golden Globes this year, only one out of 11 TV award winners was a network TV show representative (Sterling K. Brown won best actor in a drama series for NBC’s “This is Us.”)

Tomorrow’s SAG Awards only have five network TV show nominations among all the categories.

Do network shows even stand a chance anymore?

Now that Netflix consistently pulls out award-winning shows, with Amazon and Hulu reaching their stride in quality shows, is it time to separate out network shows from paid services shows?

The way people watch Netflix shows vs. a show on ABC, Fox, etc. is so different. You can binge a Netflix series in a weekend, while NBC draws out one season of “This is Us” from September to April or so (but maybe that’s so we can all take a sobbing break).

Plus, Hulu and those networks have advantages network shows don’t. On a network like CBS, you can’t swear, show nudity, depict graphic violence and other things. Rules must be followed. On online networks, the rules don’t apply. Anything can happen. And it usually does.

Another big difference is network shows play to commercial breaks. They place cliffhangers and plot points in just the right spot to keep you watching. On Netflix, it seems like most original drama episodes end on cliffhangers so you’ll continue watching. And Netflix doesn’t even ask the pesky question “Are you still watching?” when it’s an original show. It can play out like one long, continuous story, and viewers soak it right up.

Network shows just can’t play the same game online networks can. So is it fair to pit them against each other in award categories?

Plenty of quality shows still exist on ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and the CW. Should they be recognized in a different way? Or does that just further depict the difference in the TV formats?

It may be time to revisit how award shows handle TV shows.

Fall TV 2017: Try ABC’s ‘The Mayor,’ avoid CBS’ ‘9JKL’

And now we’re on a roll.

Another batch of fall TV shows have premiered, so here’s my take on each new regular series show:

‘Wisdom of the Crowd‘

8 p.m. Sundays on CBS

As much as I’d like to see this show is original, it’s not.

It’s “Bull” but with more with police and crime and less with the law. Even Michael Weatherly and Wisdom’s Jeremy Piven sport the same look in the shows. And they’re on the same network!

Jeffrey Tanner (Piven) believes everyone wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Very true, but it’s not as riveting to watch as one might expect, and there were two plot points that bothered me: the romance between Tanner and his associate was unnecessary, and the hacker issue was solved too quickly.

I appreciate the idea behind it, the idea that a social media network could crowdsource information to help solve crimes. It seems poignant and timely considering how many of us are on our phones 24/7.

Grade: B-

‘Ghosted‘

8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

Buddy comedy meets “The X-Files” in this comedy starring Adam Scott and Craig Robinson.

Fortunately for them, the dry humor works well in this sci-fi mystery comedy. Scott and Robinson play off each other while portraying an ex-professor and ex-cop both in low points of life.

Unfortunately, the supporting characters are archetypes, and since they’re the behind-the-scenes brains of the mission, we’ll probably have to deal with the overdone antics and overplayed jokes.

Grade: B

‘9JKL‘

8:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS

By the time the opening credits started, I knew this show wouldn’t be good.

After toughing it out (and I mean that literally, most jokes were awkward or painful), I can safely say this show is terrible.

Full of has-beens and B-list actors (including Elliott Gould, David Walton and Liza Lapira), the premise of a family all living next door in the same New York apartment complex came off way too-over-the-top, and not in a good way.

Grade: D+

‘The Gifted‘

9 p.m. Mondays on Fox

This drama reminds me of “Heroes.”

The pilot focused on one family fleeing after their two children reveal they’re mutants by causing chaos at a school dance.

It keeps your interest as the family goes through many hoops, but the show was cheapened by Stephen Moyer‘s character.

The “True Blood” actor plays a prosecutor specializing in mutant cases, so he’s portrayed as a good-guy-gone-rogue. At the end of the episode, (spoiler) he’s shot, as if that wasn’t expected. His character is overall unsatisfying.

Grade: B-

‘The Mayor‘

9:30 Tuesdays on ABC

This comedy threw me by surprise.

The previews made it seem so chilly, but it’s a nice, actually funny, parallel to the last election cycle. Even David Spade makes a cameo looking a bit like our current president.

Lea Michele‘s campaign manager/chief of staff character is a bit too familiar — essentially a political version of Rachel Barry, her character on “Glee“— but this show has a heart that I’m interested in seeing more of.

Grade: A-

‘Kevin (Probably) Saves the World‘

10 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC

Kevin last of the righteous, but he’s not a good person.

Maybe Kevin, played by Jason Ritter with the right mix of confusion, lazy and heart, will learn with the help from Yvette (Kimberly Hebert Gregory), a gift from God who gave up paradise for Kevin.

The casting of JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Kevin’s Amy sister is off — they don’t look anything alike — but this movie-like show has potential.

Grade: B

Fall TV 2017: ‘Young Sheldon’ adorable, skip ‘SEAL Team’

Fall TV is finally here!

Usually a round of shows premiere in the beginning/middle of September, but this year, the only show that’s premiered before the latter half of the month was Fox‘s “The Orville.”

That show, created by and starring Seth MacFarlane, isn’t sure what type of show it wants to be. The pilot had a crazy mix of romantic comedy, science fiction and thriller. It was uneven and predictable. I’m not sure TV was the right medium for it.

But now that we’ve finally hit the first week of new shows, here is my short take on each new regular series show:

‘Star Trek: Discovery‘

8:30 p.m. Sundays streaming on CBS All Access

To boost the CBS version of Hulu, “Star Trek: Discovery” premiered Sunday on CBS. Episode 2 was available during the broadcast.

The sci-fi show definitely has a movie feel to it, including a long thematic opener.

I was definitely out of the loop since I have little knowledge of the world of Star Trek, but it kept my attention.

Compared to “The Orville,” this is true sci-fi. And I can appreciate that there are women in leadership on this show.

Grade: B+

‘Young Sheldon‘

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

While this show will regularly air starting in November, the spinoff of “The Big Bang Theory” had a special premiere.

This comedy is filled with BBT easter eggs, including a perfect opener with Jim Parsons narrating while a train went around.

The casting of young Sheldon and his mother was perfect (Zoe Perry, the daughter of Laurie Metcalf, who plays Mrs. Cooper in the original, plays her in this show, and she carries a spot-on accent and demeanor). The only casting that bothered me was Sheldon’s dad, only because he played a character on “The Big Bang Theory.”

For BBT fans, this show is not a letdown. For non-BBT fans, it’s still a pretty adorable show.

Grade: A-

‘Me, Myself and I‘

9:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS

Starring Bobby Moynihan, this show focuses on one person in three phases of his life: middle school after his mom gets remarried, post-divorce and raising a daughter, and a just-retired man who just had a heart attack and is figuring out what’s next.

It’s an interesting concept, but very disjointed, even with the small-world moments between the generations.

In one of the last moments, two of the generations crossed over. Not sure if there will be more, but I thought it played well.

Grade: B-

‘The Brave‘

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

Remember Anne Heche? It seems like she pops up on TV shows every year or so, and here she stars in a drama about of team of government officials trying to protect Americans.

From what I can tell, the team will be the focus, and there will be a new story/mission each week.

But what was supposed to be a nailbiter turned out pretty dull. As we learn more about the team, I expect to care more about the characters, but that wasn’t the case in the pilot.

Grade: C+

‘The Good Doctor‘

10 p.m. Mondays on ABC

The pilot of this medical drama surrounds an interview for Dr. Shaun Murphy, a potential new surgical resident at a hospital. Oh, and Murphy (played by Freddie Highmore, who still looks so young even after his run in the sinister “Bates Motel“) is autistic, so his appointment is controversial.

While I think it’s great to show the challenges and misperceptions of the autism, as well as having the chance to discuss autism in a new way, the show seems unrealistic.

In flashbacks, it’s revealed that Murphy and his brother ran away after their father killed a pet bunny, but his brother also dies at a young age. So how the heck did Murphy go to school, especially medical school?

With other drama that’s sure to pan out in the show, I’m not sure we’ll find out.

Also, similarities abound between Murphy and Sheldon on “The Big Bang Theory,” and it was distracting.

Grade: B

‘SEAL Team‘

9 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS

This pilot had an eerily similar plot to “The Brave,” including the third-act twist. And it wasn’t well done.

Between poor audio (it’s like some actors were sick or not mic’ed properly for most of it), shaky camera work (which may have been a director’s choice, but it was hard to tell), and bad acting, it was tough to watch.

The drama focused mostly on the SEAL team, even though ads for the show mentioned that SEAL members have two families. I don’t know what the plan is, but it’s uninteresting.

David Boreanaz (“Bones“) should’ve waited another year before returning to TV; maybe he could’ve gotten a better show.

Grade: C-

What new shows are you enjoying?

Emmys 2017: 3 disappointments from the TV awards show

The 2017 Emmys have one leg up on the 2017 Oscars: There was no mixup.

But is it just me, or are these starting to get boring?

Maybe there are just too many shows to keep up with nowadays, but I felt much less invested in the winners this year.

Here are my 3 biggest gripes from the show:

Have award shows gotten too political lately?

It’s not news to say we live in a tumultuous political climate. Tensions have been running high for about two years, and it’s not ending anytime soon.

The Emmys, like other award shows this year, took time to make sly (or not-so-sly) jabs at the current political environment. Some were funny, some were poignant…but overall, I’m done.

Award shows are supposed to be a time of celebration. Is it really necessary to bring down the great spirits with divisive talking points?

It’s not that we need to be politically correct all the time, but I don’t believe award shows are the place for that commentary.

If it’s part of someone’s acceptance speech, fine. You can’t control that. But for a bit, let’s leave out the scripted bits.

Stop dividing awards into unique categories

While I appreciate that this year the show wasn’t one hour of comedy, one hour of limited series and one hour of drama, this format wasn’t much better.

They announced by award types by category (lead actress/actor in 3 categories, director/show in all categories, etc.). It felt so stale.

Mix it up. I hate how shows leave the top awards for the end of night just to keep up ratings. But it’s overdone and makes the show seem routine.

Where was Stephen Colbert?

Colbert hosted this year, right?

Admittedly I wasn’t paying attention the whole time, but I felt like I saw Jermaine Fowler from CBS’ “Superior Donuts” more.

Fowler was the show’s “announcer,” giving anecdotes and fun facts throughout the 3-hour show. But he doesn’t have the clout that Colbert does, so it was confusing to see him show much.

I’m not the biggest fan of Colbert, but I hope Fowler got paid as much. Doubtful.

I hope next year’s show is better.

Upfronts 2017: 3 takeaways for upcoming TV season

The sun may be out, but I’m more excited to stay in and watch these new shows.

Networks hosted upfronts presentations over the last week, presenting all their new shows and lineups for the fall and midseason.

Here are three takeaways:

‘American Idol’ is back…on ABC

Apparently the singing reality shows aren’t dead yet.

It’s been only one year since “American Idol” went off the air, but it’s being revived on a new network after a reported bidding war among multiple networks.

This move is beyond me, because “AI” had been dwindling in popularity for years, with more focus on the judges than the winners.

If it can go back to its Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood days, great. Katy Perry was the first judge announced, and I can see her vibing with the other judges and singers. Simon Cowell will not be returning, however. He declined, plus he judges NBC‘s “America’s Got Talent.”

CW owns superhero shows

Does Greg Berlanti ever sleep? Or does he live at the CW office?

Berlanti produces multiple shows for the broadcast network, including all of the superhero shows.

CW will gain yet another superhero show in “Black Lightning.” The new action drama will not be part of the Arrowverse, so crossover episodes won’t extend to five.

But still, that’s a lot of superheroes on one network.

Reboots galore

“Roseanne.” “Dynasty.” “Will & Grace.”

After so-called success of “Fuller House” and “Gilmore Girls,” networks are clamoring for that nostalgia glory. I don’t either reboot was that successful, but I get the capture-the-old mentality (even if I also think it’s super risky).

I didn’t watch “Roseanne,” “Dynasty” or “Will & Grace” in their time, so I’m a bit behind. I’m hoping they’ll be on Netflix this summer.

Also, here are 3 new shows I’m excited to watch this fall:

  • “Young Sheldon” (CBS): I can’t deny my love for “The Big Bang Theory,” so count me excited for this prequel about your favorite physicist during his childhood.
  • “The Good Doctor” (ABC): I’m nervous how this show will handle itself since it focuses on a character with autism, but I think it could be a great conversation starter. My suggestion? Take notes from “Speechless.” Also, after his run on “Bates Motel,” I’m ready to see more Freddie Highmore on TV.
  • “Alex, Inc.” (ABC): If this show is three-quarters of what Zach Braff‘s other TV show, “Scrubs,” was in its early seasons, I’ll be happy.

Top 10 episodes of CBS’ ‘The Big Bang Theory’

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Aug. 11, 2015.

I’m a fan of comedies, so after picking the best episodes of “How I Met Your Mother” and “Friends,” it’s time to pick the top 10 episodes of “The Big Bang Theory.”

Of course, the CBS show still has many episodes to go, so this list could change, but here are my current picks (spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen every episode):

10. “The Proton Resurgence,” season 6

Bob Newhart won an Emmy for his guest-starring role as Sheldon’s beloved childhood idol Professor Proton in this episode.

It’s one of the few times that Sheldon (Jim Parsons) shows genuine affection for another human being. But that doesn’t mean conversation isn’t sometimes awkward.

9. “The Spaghetti Catalyst,” season 3

Sheldon going behind Leonard’s back? Uh-oh.

When Sheldon and Penny (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) have dinner together, Sheldon feels a lot of guilt but doesn’t know how to handle the friendship after Penny and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) break up.

And at one point he gets chased by a dog.

8. “The Maternal Capacitance,” season 2

What could go wrong when Leonard’s mother, Beverly (Christine Baranski), comes to visit? Quite a lot.

Penny and Leonard end up drinking in excess, leading to a revelation that angers Penny.

Sheldon and Beverly, who are quite similar in personality, grow closer and bond … over the game “Rock Band.”

7. “The Countdown Reflection,” season 5

Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Howard (Simon Helberg) rush to get married when his space trip gets moved.

Exemplifying the nerdiness of the show, the gang hatches a plan to have the wedding on the roof so it can be seen by a satellite. And they all officiate the ceremony, with a little Klingon thrown in by Sheldon.

It’s also the one time we “see” Howard’s mom (voiced by the late Carol Ann Susi) … her figure is seen as the camera zooms out over the wedding near the episode’s end.

6. “The Romance Resonance,” season 7

Howard sings to Bernadette for the anniversary of their first date. And it’s the nerdiest, cutest song you’ll hear.

5. “The Pants Alternative,” season 3

Sheldon doesn’t know social norms, which causes a massive problem when he has to give a speech to receive an award.

He doesn’t want to give the speech, but he does want the award, so his friends try to coach him. Which would’ve worked, maybe, until he drinks too much and gets slightly out of control.

4. “The Locomotive Manipulation,” season 7

After many years together, Sheldon and Amy (Mayim Bialik) kiss! And Sheldon doesn’t mind … he might even like it.

3. “The Prom Equivalency,” season 8

Since most of the characters were bullied and/or went stag to prom, they decide to have a do-over.

Leonard and Penny talk about their past. Howard can’t deal with comic book store owner/friend Stuart’s (Kevin Sussman) relationship with Howard’s mother, which ends in a fight in a limo.

Most importantly, Sheldon tells Amy he loves her. (I’m a huge Shamy fan.)

2. “The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis,” season 2

I chose this episode in my great Christmas episodes list.

But the holiday theme doesn’t matter; it’s a humorous, heart-warming episode with one of many awww-inducing moments from Sheldon and Penny.

1. “The Adhesive Duck Deficiency,” season 3

Leave it to Leonard, Howard and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) to get accidentally stoned. They may be scientists, but their street smarts are lacking.

At least the results are hilarious to watch.

Elsewhere, Penny needs Sheldon’s help, which doesn’t go well. If only she had put adhesive ducks in her bathtub …

This is also an episode that features “Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty,” the song Sheldon needs to hear when he’s sick.

 

“The Big Bang Theory” returns Sept. 21 for its ninth season, which can’t come soon enough after last season’s cliffhanger finale.

What are your favorite “Big Bang Theory” episodes?

Stephen Colbert is no David Letterman

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Sept. 9, 2015.

Can a Comedy Central guy hack it on CBS?

After watching only one episode, I’d have to say … no.

CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” premiered Tuesday night, and Colbert brought his brand of satirical humor to late-night TV.

I get the feeling people will either love or hate this new talk show, based on how they feel about Colbert and his previous show, “The Colbert Report.”

Colbert has an ego; there’s no doubt about it. Unlike James Corden, his CBS late-night counterpart, he’s not humble or gracious about his new gig.

He almost seemed to be poking fun at his job, even making a joke about how he had nine months to make one hour of TV.

The episode felt like a news show, which is not what the show was when David Letterman hosted. That might have had something to do with his first-night guests, actor and activist George Clooney and presidential candidate Jeb Bush.

Late-night talk shows are supposed to be entertaining, but all the political talk may be too polarizing for viewers.

I’m not sure Colbert has broad appeal, and I definitely think there were better options to replace Letterman.

But Colbert did have some funny moments.

There was a bit about Trump and Oreos which was funny for a bit, but like some of his other jokes, it ran too long.

At least Colbert admitted early in the show that you can’t replace Letterman. Because Colbert can’t.

Not right now, anyway. It’s an adjustment, and viewers will have to wait and see how Colbert molds into his new gig.

But I probably won’t be watching.

What do you think of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”?

Winter TV 2017: Another spinoff, another movie reboot

Violence and behind-the-scenes crime-solving seems to be a trend this winter TV season.

Two of these three shows make you think about what strangers may know about you…and one has already seen better days.

Here are my reviews, based on the pilot only.

 

‘THE BLACKLIST: REDEMPTION’

10 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

This spinoff focuses on a set of characters whom all appeared on the original “Blacklist,” but it’s not necessary to know the original to understand this show.

It might help with backstories, but a new mystery fuels this drama.

The show is a little run-of-the-mill, with the usual elements of technology, crime, backstabbing…but there is a twist of family and betrayal that may hook some viewers.

Grade: B-

 

‘DOUBT’

10 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS

I thought this show somhow managed to make law interesting, but I may be alone in that sentiment.

Despite a cast of heavy-hitters( Judith Light, Katherine Heigl, Laverne Cox Elliott Gould and Dule Hill), the CBS show has already been pulled from the schedule.

Centered around the concept of “beyond reasonable doubt,” I appreciated the high stakes without being over the top.

The love story wasn’t necessary, but there were some interesting relationships.

Grade: B

 

‘TAKEN’

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

This NBC drama barely resembles the original 2008 movie with Liam Neeson.

Yes, the main character wants to protect his family, but (spoiler alert) his sister dies within the first five minutes, unlike in the movie when the lead saves his daughter.

I don’t think the show is as interesting as the movie; it doesn’t have the heart or pace.

Grade: B-

 

What’s your favorite new TV show?

Colbert, Letterman: Late-night talk show shuffleboard

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on May 4, 2014.

Jimmy Fallon. Seth Meyers. Jimmy Kimmel. Conan O’Brien. Chelsea Handler.

All of these people are late-night talk show hosts.

Anyone else notice they are all men, except for Handler? And her late-night show isn’t even on a big network. It’s on E! And it’s only half an hour.

On April 3, David Letterman (who, in case you didn’t know, is a Ball State alumnus) announced he would retire from the late-night talk show circuit in 2015.

On April 10, it was announced that Stephen Colbert would replace Letterman.

Really? Why?

I personally find Colbert a bit intolerable. I don’t enjoy his show, and it really annoys me when people call it a news show. It’s news satire.

And what about Craig Ferguson? You would think the person who has a talk show after Letterman’s would be next in line.

To me, it wasn’t a surprise when Ferguson announced his departure from CBS on April 28.

And what about women in late night?

There are plenty of women in the talk show world. But most are featured during the day, and many of them are in groups (Ex: The View, The Talk).

A woman could easily hold her own on a talk show. Rachael Ray does it. Ellen DeGeneres does it. Handler does it.

And, in case anyone forgot, Oprah did it with flair. Her show had heart, but it tackled tough issues, too.

Woman like talking, so what’s holding major networks from throwing a woman in the late-night ring? Is it too risky?

If it is, it’s 2014, so get over it.

According to news reports, Ferguson’s departure had been in the works for some time. But since he doesn’t step down till December, I say it’s time to give a woman a chance.