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