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.