Tag: Fox

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)

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: 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

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)

Fall TV 2019: ‘Unicorn,’ ‘Stumptown’ worth a watch

No one has time to watch all the new fall TV shows, so I’ll help you out.

Course, many of them weren’t worth watching.

Here are my quick takes.

Bob ❤️ ️Abishola

8:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS

The only part of this show that doesn’t feel outdated is the emoji in the title.

Skip

Prodigal Son

9 p.m. Mondays on Fox

“White Collar” meets “CSI” with a father/son version of “Bates Motel.”

Proceed with caution

All Rise

9 a.m. Mondays on CBS

It’s “Drop Dead Diva” without the soap-opera feel but with commentary on race and women in the workplace.

Proceed with caution

Bluff City Law

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

I would’ve rather wasted another half-hour on this father-daughter courtroom melodrama as part of a TBS Saturday movie marathon than watch an entire series.

Skip

mixed-ish

9 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC

This overdone spinoff basically mimics “black-ish” with B-list white actors (looking at you, Gary Cole).

Skip

Emergence

10 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC

While this sci-fi, crime and mystery show had a lot of hype around it, it would’ve been better as a limited series.

Skip

Stumptown

10 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

Clearly ABC wants this graphic novel-based show to succeed (its music budget alone must be huge with all the 80s hits), and it’s nice to see a woman leading the chase.

Try

The Unicorn

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

I’m not the right audience for this, but this new-phase-of-life comedy seems to have some heart.

Try

Perfect Harmony

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

A Simon Cowell type gets a glee club filled with so many archetypes you won’t care about many of them.

Proceed with caution

Carol’s Second Act

9:30 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

“Scrubs” meets the movie “Second Act” with a lot of stars you’ll recognize.

Skip

Sunnyside

9:30 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

This political comedy is supposed to be about immigration and citizenship, but it has nothing new to say, especially with its cast of caricatures.

Skip

Evil

10 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

The creators of “The Good Wife” thought they’d take a stab at religion, and all we got is a courtroom drama with a heavy dose of “The Exorcist.”

Skip

Bless the Harts

8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

Animation Domination gets another flop in this “The King of Queens” meets “The Simpsons” comedy.

Skip

Which shows have you watched?

Emmy Awards 2019: How ending shows fared during the boring telecast

Let’s be real, here, last night’s Emmys weren’t good.

The show took a risk with no host a la the 2019 Oscars. And while that worked at the Oscars, it bombed here.

I was so bored during the broadcast that I looked up the venue that my friend’s cover band is performing at this weekend, not that it really mattered, and bridesmaid dresses for my friend while texting her about the show’s lack of excitement.

Yes, there were upsets (hello, hi and hey to Phoebe Waller-Bridge). Yes, there were some funny moments (Bill Hader calling limited series canceled TV shows comes to mind). But overall, the cadence lagged and it wasn’t entertaining.

And seriously, who thought it was OK to make jokes about Roseanne and Bill Cosby? Yes, it was done in the vein of “Family Guy,” which isn’t PC per se, but still, too soon.

But since we said goodbye (assuming no reboots, which, let be real, is totally possible given our TV culture these days) to a few shows, let’s see how they fared.

GAMES OF THRONES

Number of nominations: 32

Number of wins: 12

As I predicted, the HBO drama won many creative Emmys, with only two during the telecast.

But it did win Best Drama, which I, again, stand by the idea that it’s more about the show as a whole, not the last season.

FLEABAG

Number of nominations: 11

Number of wins: 6

More than 50 percent of this Amazon show’s nominations pulled through for a win, which no one saw coming but many seemed happy for.

Waller-Bridge is still saying there will not be another season, but we’ll see with all the buzz since last night’s upsets.

VEEP

Number of nominations: 9

Number of wins: 0

This was the upset of the night. Everyone expected Julia Louis-Dreyfus to win since she has comedy prowess and personal triumph.

But “Fleabag” took the two seemingly guaranteed awards for “Veep.” It’s a bit sad for Louis-Dreyfus, but she has won other times (this is the first time she’s lost in this role).

SCHITT’S CREEK

Number of nominations: 4

Number of wins: 0

For this show, it was simply an honor to be nominated.

HOUSE OF CARDS

Number of nominations: 3

Number of wins: 0

As I mentioned before, most people forgot about this show.

And with all the scandal, it’s no surprise voters stayed away from the Netflix drama.

What did you think of the 2019 Emmys?

Fall TV 2018: Skip it, watch it or give it another chance

I’d say fall TV season is like Christmas for TV enthusiasts, but these shows aren’t that great, so if it does feel like Christmas, it’s disappointing.

Many new broadcast shows have premiered this month, so here’s my short take on each:

(Note: I didn’t include reboots or remakes since those feel like their own category.)

“Rel“

9:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

Verdict: Skip it

This show feels like a 90s sitcom, and not in a good way. Plus, its identity seems conflicted between the newly single dad main character’s friends and his children, who were unseen in the pilot.

“I Feel Bad“

9:30 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

Verdict: Give it another chance

While the workplace setting of this Amy-Poehler-produced sitcom is embarrassingly bad, the show has a funny, honest take on being a woman and wife in a time when we’re supposed to have everything at our disposal. It could develop into something funny.

“Manifest“

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

Verdict: Watch it

What could have been a cheesy take on the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 is actually a poignant look at family, relationships, grief and faith.

“FBI“

9 p.m. Tuesdays on CBS

Verdict: Skip it

Nothing is compelling about this procedural from producer Dick Wolf. While the pilot case was timely, the outcome was predictable.

“New Amsterdam“

10 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC

Verdict: Skip it

This drama, unfortunately, feels like it has a white-savior complex that’ll just make you roll your eyes through all the disjointed storylines. And if I heard Ryan Eggold’s hospital director character say “How can I help you?” one more time during the pilot, I might have thrown something at the TV.

“Single Parents“

9:30 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

Verdict: Skip it

This poorly conceived show filled with stereotypes gives the stars (including Leighton Meester, Brad Garrett and Taran Killam) nothing to work with, except for one scene featuring a “Moana” song. Don’t waste your time.

“A Million Little Things“

10 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

Verdict: Skip it

ABC’s answer to “This is Us” misses the mark with unlikable characters stuck in a sad story without any uplifting spirit.

“God Friended Me“

Sundays on CBS

Verdict: Give it a chance

It’s too bad Violett Beane picked this show over playing Jesse Quick on “The Flash,” because her earnestness is the only thing that carries this cheesy show that would’ve been better executed as a movie.

“The Cool Kids“

8:30 p.m. Fridays on Fox

Verdict: Skip it

Nothing is cool about this retirement-home-set show, especially with it’s anti-female and homophobic jokes.

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.