Tag: NBC

Summer TV: We need to talk about ABC’s Summer Fun and Games

Summer: the time when shorts and flip-flops are everywhere, sangria is a drink of choice and TV hits a lull.

But ABC is hitting advertising hard with it’s Summer Fun & Games lineup. And it’s out of control.

Another networks are airing new reality competition shows (See Fox‘s “Beat Shazam” and NBC‘s “World of Dance“), too, but ABC has a plethora of them.

Returning this season are “Celebrity Family Feud,” “The $100,000 Pyramid” and “To Tell the Truth.” Additionally, new shows “The Gong Show,” “Boy Band,” “Steve Harvey’s FUNDERDOME” and “Battle of the Network Stars” will also premiere in June.

That’s seven reality competition shows. In theory, that’s one for every day of the week, but only Sunday and Thursday evening programming will center around these shows.

Is this really necessary?

All types of shows premiere almost year-round these days. Typically new summer shows are lighter, more soap-opera-style or a competition show.

Admittedly yes, this lineup includes all lighter shows. But they’re probably not interesting.

Maybe ABC is going for nostalgia. After all, “100,000 Pyramid” and “To Tell the Truth” are re-launches, as is new show “The Gong Show.” And “Boy Band” seems like a rip off of “Making the Band” made to fill the void One Direction’s hiatus made.

But substance is lacking immensely in these shows. It’s all about catching attention, especially with all the celebrities that’ll be on the shows, but not really keeping it. Yes, you get celebrities acting silly, but who really cares?

I’m always surprised when competition shows last more than a season. Something about “American Idol” worked for a time, but these shows usually don’t have it.

“The Search for Elle Woods,” a competition focused on finding Broadway’s next “Legally Blonde” star, was one season. “The Glee Project” lasted for only two seasons. One Directioners may watch the new show “Boy Band,” but they’ll probably lose interest too.

I’ll stick to “Hollywood Game Night.” And the “Bachelorette”…for the workouts (another blog for another time)

Upfronts 2017: 3 takeaways for upcoming TV season

The sun may be out, but I’m more excited to stay in and watch these new shows.

Networks hosted upfronts presentations over the last week, presenting all their new shows and lineups for the fall and midseason.

Here are three takeaways:

‘American Idol’ is back…on ABC

Apparently the singing reality shows aren’t dead yet.

It’s been only one year since “American Idol” went off the air, but it’s being revived on a new network after a reported bidding war among multiple networks.

This move is beyond me, because “AI” had been dwindling in popularity for years, with more focus on the judges than the winners.

If it can go back to its Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood days, great. Katy Perry was the first judge announced, and I can see her vibing with the other judges and singers. Simon Cowell will not be returning, however. He declined, plus he judges NBC‘s “America’s Got Talent.”

CW owns superhero shows

Does Greg Berlanti ever sleep? Or does he live at the CW office?

Berlanti produces multiple shows for the broadcast network, including all of the superhero shows.

CW will gain yet another superhero show in “Black Lightning.” The new action drama will not be part of the Arrowverse, so crossover episodes won’t extend to five.

But still, that’s a lot of superheroes on one network.

Reboots galore

“Roseanne.” “Dynasty.” “Will & Grace.”

After so-called success of “Fuller House” and “Gilmore Girls,” networks are clamoring for that nostalgia glory. I don’t either reboot was that successful, but I get the capture-the-old mentality (even if I also think it’s super risky).

I didn’t watch “Roseanne,” “Dynasty” or “Will & Grace” in their time, so I’m a bit behind. I’m hoping they’ll be on Netflix this summer.

Also, here are 3 new shows I’m excited to watch this fall:

  • “Young Sheldon” (CBS): I can’t deny my love for “The Big Bang Theory,” so count me excited for this prequel about your favorite physicist during his childhood.
  • “The Good Doctor” (ABC): I’m nervous how this show will handle itself since it focuses on a character with autism, but I think it could be a great conversation starter. My suggestion? Take notes from “Speechless.” Also, after his run on “Bates Motel,” I’m ready to see more Freddie Highmore on TV.
  • “Alex, Inc.” (ABC): If this show is three-quarters of what Zach Braff‘s other TV show, “Scrubs,” was in its early seasons, I’ll be happy.

‘Imaginary Mary’ and ‘Great News’: New-ish takes on family comedy

In a world of reboots, it’s nice to see some newer ideas.

Taking on the family comedy genre are ABC’s “Imaginary Mary” and NBC’s “Great News.”

“Imaginary Mary” focuses on Alice (Jenna Elfman), whose imaginary friend Mary (voiced by Rachel Dratch) comes back into Alice’s life when she starts seriously falling for a man with kids.

“Great News” focuses on a mother who becomes an intern at her daughter’s work after a friend dies.

Both shows are full of B-list stars, though “Great News” boasts that it’s produced by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock.

The comedies are not as revolutionary as “Modern Family,” but at least they tried for something different.

When was the last time you saw an imaginary friend on TV?  And it’s nice to see an older female starring in a TV show about something that is slightly relevant (baby boomers in the workforce)

Yes, there are still some usual tropes: “Imaginary Mary”  has the I-don’t-know-how-to-handle-children mentality and “Great News” yet again focuses on the world of journalism. And yes, neither show is laugh-out-loud funny.

But with all these reboots, I’d give these a shot.

“Imaginary Mary” airs 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC. “Great News”airs 9 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC.

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?

In support of TV’s supporting characters: Why ‘Manhattan Love Story’ and ‘A to Z’ were doomed TV shows

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Dec. 28, 2014.

After watching all the new fall TV shows and then seeing a lot of comedies, I came to a conclusion:

If the supporting characters on a TV show are less than desirable, not even good leads can save it.

Cases in point: “A to Z” and “Manhattan Love Story.”

These two comedies were among the first of the 2014 season to be axed (Though “A to Z” is still airing new episodes, production will most likely not continue). And I was not too surprised.

I thought the leads for the shows were endearing. But their friends on the shows were awful.

The lead actress in “Manhattan Love Story” roomed with her college friend and her husband.

And boy, were they obnoxious. The college friend, Amy, was always talking like she knew everything, with a whiny voice, might I add. And her husband, David, was just stupid and loud.

Same sort of problem in “A to Z.” Cristin Milioti (“How I Met Your Mother”) and Ben Feldman (“Mad Men,” “Drop Dead Diva”), the leads, were quirky and entertaining.

But both characters had best friends who were archetypes. The girl friend was desperate for love and the guy friend was a player.

It’s 2014, almost 2015. TV viewers are smart — they are beyond watching stereotyped characters. It’s boring, uninteresting and a waste of time.

Not every show can be an ensemble show like “Friends” or “Modern Family,” where every character has enough of a story line each episode to give them purpose.

But shows should not have useless characters that only add frustration instead of enjoyment to a TV program.

Think “Breaking Bad” or “The Big Bang Theory.” Those shows have obvious lead and supporting actors. But you’re invested in every character no matter how many minutes they are on your TV screen.

A smart show needs smart characters. And only smart shows will survive.

I get that comedies are hard to write because it’s difficult to be funny. But it can be done. And we don’t need to bog down with dramas. We need to laugh, too.

Winter TV 2017: Another spinoff, another movie reboot

Violence and behind-the-scenes crime-solving seems to be a trend this winter TV season.

Two of these three shows make you think about what strangers may know about you…and one has already seen better days.

Here are my reviews, based on the pilot only.

 

‘THE BLACKLIST: REDEMPTION’

10 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

This spinoff focuses on a set of characters whom all appeared on the original “Blacklist,” but it’s not necessary to know the original to understand this show.

It might help with backstories, but a new mystery fuels this drama.

The show is a little run-of-the-mill, with the usual elements of technology, crime, backstabbing…but there is a twist of family and betrayal that may hook some viewers.

Grade: B-

 

‘DOUBT’

10 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS

I thought this show somhow managed to make law interesting, but I may be alone in that sentiment.

Despite a cast of heavy-hitters( Judith Light, Katherine Heigl, Laverne Cox Elliott Gould and Dule Hill), the CBS show has already been pulled from the schedule.

Centered around the concept of “beyond reasonable doubt,” I appreciated the high stakes without being over the top.

The love story wasn’t necessary, but there were some interesting relationships.

Grade: B

 

‘TAKEN’

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

This NBC drama barely resembles the original 2008 movie with Liam Neeson.

Yes, the main character wants to protect his family, but (spoiler alert) his sister dies within the first five minutes, unlike in the movie when the lead saves his daughter.

I don’t think the show is as interesting as the movie; it doesn’t have the heart or pace.

Grade: B-

 

What’s your favorite new TV show?

Winter TV 2017: ’24: Legacy’ feels stale, ‘Superior Donuts’ could do better

The new shows keep coming this winter TV season.

Unfortunately, they aren’t all good. Here are my latest reviews of the winter TV season, after watching only the pilot:

 

‘24: LEGACY’

8 p.m. Mondays on Fox

“24” may have been an exciting show, but without Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland is starring in ABC‘s “Designated Survivor“), “24: Legacy” seems dated.

This reboot/spinoff follows the same real-time, hour-by-hour drama, but you don’t have to have watched any of the original to understand this show.

The plot revolves around terrorism and back-door knowledge, but it’s not as exciting as it might sound.

Grade: B-

 

‘APB’

9 p.m. Mondays on Fox

How technology can change our world seems to be a trend in TV shows this season, and with “APB,” it’s technology meets the police force.

Celebrity billionaire Gideon (Justin Kirk) wants to avenge his friend’s death, so he convinces the mayor of Chicago (Nestor Serrano) to let him buy a whole police district to make it better.

He creates an app to help bring efficiency to the force, but the character doesn’t have much of a heart yet. He comes off as a bored man who knows money talks…and the mayor isn’t happy about having Gideon messing with the system.

Grade: B

 

‘POWERLESS’

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

For a show about superheroes, this one is super boring.

The first TV comedy about superheroes is over-the-top cheesy, and predictable without any sort of high stakes.

All the material should be there. So should the acting, with Vanessa Hudgens, Danny Pudi and Alan Tudyk all starring.

But wow was I uninterested. They need the real Bruce Wayne, but I doubt even that would help.

Grade: C-

 

‘SUPERIOR DONUTS’ 

9 p.m. Mondays on CBS

I didn’t laugh once during this new CBS comedy.

For a half-hour show, they covered a lot of issues: race, police, gentrification, terrorism. But none of it was done well.

Sure there were some touching moments, but it was predictable and slow.

This show may be Jermaine Fowler‘s brand, but it didn’t work on CBS.

Grade: C

 

‘TRAINING DAY’

10 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

If you want to see yet another movie reboot, here you go.

This drama is based on a 2001 movie starring Denzel Washington, but this iteration stars Bill Paxton.

It reminded me a bit of “Rush Hour” without the comedy.

It focuses on undercover police/detective work, but the real reason for going undercover is a little to-be-determined.

I can’t say I’ve seen the movie, but I bet it’s better.

Grade: B-

 

What are your favorites?

Winter TV 2017: Try CW’s ‘Riverdale,’ skip Fox’s ‘The Mick’

It’s cold out, so it’s the perfect time to curl up in front of the TV.

Here are my reviews of the winter TV season, after watching only the pilot:

‘STAR’

9 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox

“Star” is another music-focused drama/soap opera from the creators of “Empire.”

Two sisters find each other and run away (and leave the foster care system) to meet their godmother in Atlanta. Oh, by the way, the running away includes a crime.

The two girls form a group with another (rich) girl who’s dad is a musician.

In the pilot alone there was violence, crime, back-door deals, fashion, church, drugs, cat fights…and a snazzy musical number.

Fans of “Empire” will appreciate this side product, but for many it’ll probably feel too much like a soap opera.

Grade: B

‘THE MICK’

8:30 p.m. Tuesdays on Fox

This comedy is a vehicle for “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star Kaitlin Olson.

She plays Mackenzie Murphy, a barely-getting-by woman who’s coerced into taking care of her sister’s three kids when the sister and her husband are taken away by the FBI after being accused of an unnamed white collar crime.

Mackenzie doesn’t care a lot, nor does she have a clue about taking care of children, but these three are a handful.

The Fox show is unfortunately full of stereotypes, and the pilot set up only exposition, so I don’t have interest in continuing.

Grade: C+

‘EMERALD CITY’

9 p.m. Fridays on NBC

Viewers, we’re not watching the Judy Garland version of “The Wizard of Oz” anymore.

This dramatic take on the classic tale is much darker. It leaves the musical numbers and adds violence and torture.

It feels more intimate in its storytelling, but the setting feels medieval or old world in style.

If you like darker dramas with some mystery, I’d check it out. But I’ll stick to the movie.

Grade: C+

‘RANSOM’

8 p.m. Saturdays on CBS

If you combine CBS shows “Bull” and “Pure Genius,” you’ll get its new show “Ransom.”

The show centers around a team that solves crises without police by using negotiation, psychology, police logic, technology and knowledge tactics.

There’s a small subplot about the newest member’s mother being involved with the leader of the group, , but other than that, it’s a technology and crime show.

It’s relatively run-of-the-mill, and a bit tense at times, but it piqued some of my interest.

Grade: B-

‘RIVERDALE’

9 p.m. Thursdays on CW

A teen drama mixed with a murder mystery…sounds a little cliche, right?

Maybe so, but this new CW show feels surprisingly fresh.

Yes, the classic plot points of a love triangle, cheerleader backstabbing and parties gone wrong are all in the pilot, but at least this drama feels more real and with the times (“Mad Men” is referenced; so is James Franco.)

Produced by Greg Berlanti (does the man behind all of CW’s superhero shows ever sleep?), this dark take on Archie has enough twists and high stakes to keep viewers interested.

Grade: B+

What new shows are looking forward to watching?

Golden Globes 2016: How will ‘Empire,’ ‘Transparent,’ Jon Hamm, Viola Davis and others fare?

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 8, 2016.  The 2017 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 8, on NBC.

Just because Tina Fey and Amy Poehler aren’t hosting the 2016 Golden Globes doesn’t mean the show won’t be unpredictable.

With older heavyweights such as “Modern Family” and “Breaking Bad” out of the picture, many new entries have hit the awards stage.

So who will win? We’ll find out Sunday. But for now, here are my picks for frontrunners and underdogs in the TV categories this year.

 

DRAMA

Frontrunner: “Empire”

The Fox drama was snubbed by the Emmys, but it’s one of most-watched shows of last winter.

It’s different because of the music, so it has a good shot of taking the win.

Underdog: “Narcos”

Have you heard of this Netflix show? I hadn’t until I saw the nominations. The other dramas are more known, so I doubt “Narcos” can pull an upset.

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA

Frontrunner: Viola Davis, “How to Get Away with Murder”

She won the Emmy and had a magnificent speech about equality to follow.

Her character isn’t a class act, but Davis is on stage. Her star power is key to this ABC drama.

Underdog: Caitriona Balfe, “Outlander”

Balfe is a first-time nominee, but this Starz show has only a niche audience.

While some love this drama, it won’t have enough votes to win any big categories.

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA

Frontrunner: Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”

I’m sure many people will root for Rami Malek from USA’s “Mr. Robot,” but since AMC’s “Mad Men” finished its run this year and Hamm already won the Emmy, I predict another win during his swan song for this role.

Underdog: Liev Schreiber, “Ray Donovan”

Schreiber has been nominated before for this role, but he seems like a perennial nominee, not a winner.

BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY

Frontrunner: Jamie Lee Curtis, “Scream Queens”

I have to admit, this category is tough to decide. But Curtis is the big star on this list, and “Scream Queens” is her return to the horror genre.

Sometimes Emmys go to bigger celebrity names, so Curtis could pull out the win.

Underdog: Rachel Bloom, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”

Like I said, this category is tough to choose, but Bloom doesn’t have enough meat to her name yet.

Her CW show is hit or miss with critics, even though it spent some time in development.

Her nomination brings attention to the show, but don’t expect her to get a chance to sing a speech on stage.

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY

Frontrunner: Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”

Tambor won last year for bringing a transitioning character to life on the small screen. The second season recently premiered, and critics still like the show.

Because the Amazon comedy brings to light a current topic, expect it, and Tambor, to get attention.

Underdog: Rob Lowe, “The Grinder”

I’m not a fan. But others love the silliness of this Fox show about family, law and finding your way.

But out of all the nominees, Lowe’s work isn’t strong enough to carry a win.

BEST COMEDY

Frontrunner: “Transparent”

Again, it brings to light a current topic. It won last year. Expect a repeat.

Underdog: “Casual”

Hulu is making a showing for its original programming this year. But being a newcomer in a category that includes “Transparent” and “Veep” makes it an unlikely contender.

Ricky Gervais hosts the Golden Globes at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 on NBC.

Golden Globes 2017: TV nominations by the numbers

Here’s some sparkle for your winter blues.

The 2017 Golden Globes nominees were announced Monday, Dec. 12, so some show runners, actors and more get to celebrate.

To paint a picture, here are some by the numbers:

56: Number of TV nominations (There are 6 in the best TV actress comedy/musical category.)

15: Number of actors and actresses with at least one previous Golden Globe win (Billy Bob Thorton, Keri Russell, Winona Ryder, Gael Garcia Bernal, Jeffrey Tambor, Rachel Bloom, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gina Rodriguez, Bryan Cranston, Felicity Huffman, Hugh Laurie, John Lithgow, Christian Slater, John Travolta)

14: Shows with only one nomination this year (“Better Call Saul,” “Ray Donovan,” “Goliath,” “Outlander,” “Graves,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Divorce,” “Insecure,” “Jane the Virgin,” “All the Way,” “The Girlfriend Experience,” “London Spy,” “Confirmation,” and “The Dresser“)

11: Number of shows with nominations this year and in previous years in any category (“American Crime [the previous installment had 3 nominations],” “Jane the Virgin,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Veep,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” “Outlander,” “Ray Donovan,” “Better Call Saul,” “Mr. Robot,” “Transparent,” and “Game of Thrones“)

5: Highest number of nominations for one show (“The People v. O.J. Simpson,” which has nominations for actor, actress, supporting actor (2 nominations), and limited series/TV movie)

3: Number of shows with two nominations in the same category: “This is Us” has two supporting actress nominations for Mandy Moore and Chrissy Metz; “The Night Of” has two actor nominations for John Turturro and Riz Ahmed; and “The People v. O.J. Simpson” has two supporting actor nominations in Sterling K. Brown and John Travolta.

2: Number of nominations for the CW, both in the best actress comedy/musical category. (Gina Rodriguez for “Jane the Virgin” and Rachel Bloom for “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”)

2: Number of shows who received multiple nominations without receiving nomination top award in its category (“The Americans” and “Mr. Robot” each received 2 acting formations, but neither are up for best TV drama.)

The Golden Globes air Jan. 8 on NBC.