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