Tag: FX

3 new streaming shows to try

Spring TV doesn’t run the same anymore. I miss the pomp and circumstance of upfronts; now they’re just a random announcement in May.

So instead, I caught up on three buzzy streaming shows:

Running Point

My favorite of the three, this Netflix comedy is loosely based on the Lakers and Jeanie Buss.

It’s perfectly cast. From Chet Hanks as the pompous star athlete with a problem to Max Greenfield as a Jewish dentist, it works.

Kate Hudson is a gem, and I like seeing Brenda Song back on TV.

It was a quick, easy binge, and I’m ready for season 2.

Mid-century Modern

The basic concept of this Hulu comedy is “Golden Girls” meets gay guys in Palm Springs.

Starring Nathan Lane, Nathan Lee Graham, and Matt Bomer, plus the last role for Linda Lavin as Lane’s mother, the three bond in a home as they celebrate their found family.

Bomer is playing a bit too dumb for my taste, but it’s the light, cheesy sitcom you might need.

Dying for Sex

I wanted to like this show more. Based on a true story that was first done on a podcast, the FX show stars Michelle Williams as a woman exploring her desires after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

It’s a serious subject, and it doesn’t shy away too much from the content. There’s no shaming either, so be ready.

But it dragged a bit in parts. And sometimes it felt like they were adding drama to prove a point instead of celebrating life.

Jenny Slate is the best part as the supportive best friend; I hope she gets attention for playing slightly against type.

Did you watch any of these shows? What did you think?

Winter/Spring TV 2017: Time, law common themes this season

The new shows keep rolling in.
It seems that more and more networks are constantly airing new shows.
Here’s the latest crop of show reviews, based on the pilot. I also watched “FEUD” thanks to a preview pass on FX’s website, and as much as I’d like to continue watching it, I don’t want to pay another site. So I’m eagerly waiting for it to come to Netflix. The acting is superb, and its take on aging women in the industry is so relevant.
9 p.m. Sundays on ABC
The 2016-2017 TV season is the year for shows about time travel. In this drama, Freddie Stroma (“UnREAL“) plays H.G. Wells, and Josh Bowman (“Revenge“) plays Jack the Ripper.
The two travel from 1893 to present day, and they both navigate the (disappointingly to Wells) distopia that is today’s world (which included references to ISIS and Trump).
A bit of romance with a museum curator and Wells blossomed, and the end was a cliffhanger twist related to time travel.
It’s all a bit cliche, and there’s not really any concern for how traveling in time could affect the past and future (like “The Flash“).
If you want a show about history and time travel, I think “Timeless” is the better option.
Grade: B

“MAKING HISTORY“

8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

For real, these time-travel shows may have seemed ingenious, but they all somehow premiered at same time, which makes them seem less inventive and a lot more repetitive. It’s unfortunate.

This version of the time-travel concept is a comedy that’s infused with pop culture references such as Celine Dion, Starbucks and more.

Starring Adam Pally and Leighton Meester, Pally’s character Dan messes up the Revolutionary War during one of his weekend-1700-travel trips.

Minus all the pop culture references, it’s a pretty predictable show. It probably would’ve been better had it been a new concept like it probably planned to be.

Grade: B-

‘CHICAGO JUSTICE’

9 p.m. Sundays on NBC

Out of so many reboots and spinoffs, this one hit pretty middle of the road.

It felt like I was dropped into this Chicago world without any prior knowledge, so I felt a bit lost. Characters from its other shows came into play, but it faded away to its own show fairly quickly.

Unfortunately, its own show is standard to other courtroom shows. But a few characters popped in briefly, and it may be interesting to see them appear again on the drama.

Grade: B

‘TRIAL & ERROR’

9 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC

It wouldn’t be unwelcome to have a show poking fun and making light of lawyers and courtrooms…unless most of it is in poor taste.

This documentary-style show is the bad courtroom version of shows like “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation.”

Breaking the fourth wall isn’t new. Plotting “gotcha” twists isn’t either. This comedy isn’t worth your time.

Grade: D+

What shows are you enjoying?