Tag: new TV

Winter TV 2022: 3 new shows premiere

OK, more than three shows have premiered, but I’ve got some ideas in the works because new TV shows tend to come in themes.

In the meantime, here are three new shows and my quick takes.

Promised land

10 p.m. Mondays on ABC (now it’s on Hulu)

This ABC drama is nothing like how it was advertised. Bellamy Young, massively advertised because of her work on “Scandal,” is only in two scenes of the pilot.

The show centers on a blended family and its vineyard business; it feels very soap opera-y. There was also a subplot about people crossing the border that made no sense at first until it became a “This Is Us” style flashback.

It’s a lot about family loyalty vs. staying ahead, and what secrets you’ll hide to stay that way.

Skip it

All American: Homecoming

9 p.m. Mondays on the CW 

The CW should just rename itself the Greg Berlanti network. He’s again an executive producer on this HBCU-set spinoff of the show “All American,” now in its fourth season.

The college sports drama has a good mix of characters, but they all seem rather catty.

But like “Katy Keene” for “Riverdale,” I doubt this spinoff will last long.

Skip it

Endgame

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

I’m all for a show that centers on two badass women, even if they unrealistically maintain perfect makeup throughout the day.

Starring Morena Baccarin and Ryan Michelle Bathé, these women are both after something. I wish it wasn’t so focused on love, but it’s nice to see female leads.

There’s a lot going on in the heist-crime drama — the flashback in the pilot seemed unnecessary, but the show has more glitz and punch than others like it.

Also, they probably should’ve picked a better name; “Avengers” took over this name on Google.

Try it

Upfronts 2018: Trends for broadcast TV

Making changes but rebooting favorites…that about sums up “new” TV in 2018.

Here are 3 trends from last week’s upfronts.

Reboots galore

The reboots trend will never die at this rate.

Coming off the success of ABC‘s reboot of “Roseanne,” more are coming.

First, “Murphy Brown” returns on CBS, with Candice Bergen bringing her strong newswoman character back to the screen. It’ll air on Thursdays, after CBS hits “The Big Bang Theory” and “Mom.”

Then, there’s “Charmed,” which the CW is bringing back to life. It’ll air alongside “Supergirl” on Sundays, a night that the network hasn’t aired new shows on before.

Lastly, “Last Man Standing” is coming back, on Fox. It’ll be paired with another comedy tailored for an older audience, “The Cool Kids.”

Switcheroos

Speaking of changing networks, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is going to NBC after being canceled by Fox.

“Lethal Weapon” replaced lead actor Clayne Crawford after he was accused of poor onset behavior.

And with Thursday Night Football shifting from CBS to Fox, there are many schedule shifts for that network, which, for a network that is known for comedy, only has two new comedies premiering in the fall (“Rel” and the aforementioned “The Cool Kids”)

Very few new shows

With so many networks vying for viewers’ attention, it seems networks are playing it safe by airing fewer new shows and saving some for midseason, when a series premier typically means half the number of episodes.

This fall, most broadcast networks are airing only 2-4 new shows, with the exception of CBS, which boasts six new fall shows.

Midseason, which used to have fewer premieres, now seems to have a similar number of new shows (though that could change before January).

However, the reboots start in the fall, no doubt because they’ll get the viewer’s interest more easily thanks to old and new fans watching.

It’s time to update our family comedies

“Modern Family” paved the way on TV, but it’s time to move on.

“Modern Family” is airing its ninth season this year, with the tenth season already promised (though that may be the end of the run). All the original kids are in college now, or at least adults. Overall, the comedy has lost its spark. Yes, there’s growth, but it’s the same rag-tag group of humans trying to make life work with semi-similar storylines.

It’s not that funny anymore, either. Sure there’s an occasional chuckle, but the laugh-out-loud jokes are gone.

When it premiered, “Modern Family” was filled with promise. And it’s had great moments. It didn’t when 5 Emmys for best comedy (in a row, by the way), though it hasn’t won best comedy since 2014.

The TV landscape has changed, and “Modern Family” isn’t the only show focused on a so-called modern family anymore.

On ABC alone, the same network on which “Modern Family” airs, you’ve got “blackish” and “Fresh Off the Boat,” which yes, show some amount of traditional family structure, but also showcase other culture in a positive way.

Then there’s “Transparent.” “Grace and Frankie.” Even “Mom” and “This is Us” in some ways. TV now portrays all different types of families…many types of sexualities, races, cultures…we’re getting to a great time when you can see way more than white people on TV, and it’s not all stereotypes.

We just need to keep moving. (AKA not another “The New Normal,” a terrible show that did more harm than good.)

It’s time to show what America looks like now, not 20 years ago. Let’s talk more about families who deal with cyberbullying, foster care, adoption and gender transition. Let’s talk about families who are struggling with the economy, land rights, hate crimes, police brutality, civil rights…you name it, it’s happening in our country.

And let’s show what American looks like in a true yet entertaining way. “Modern Family” gracefully showcases different families in a way that doesn’t shove issues down the viewers’ throats, but rather simply shows it’s a normal part of life in today’s world.

In a TV world where we got “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad” and even “Scream Queens” (while campy, it was at least different), let’s continue to show progression on the small screen.

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)

‘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?

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?

Fall TV 2016: Watch ‘This is Us,’ ‘Notorious,’ skip ‘Kevin Can Wait’

Fall TV is back in full force.

In case you’ve missed some of the new shows of 2016, here are some short reviews of shows that have premiered:

8:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS

Kevin James returns to TV, but “The King of Queens” star’s new comedy isn’t worth your time.

James is a writer and a producer on the show, but the plot is run-of-the-mill.

James plays a police officer preparing for retirement, but his plans change when his daughter comes home with a nerdy fiance and the announcement that she’s going back to diner work to support her fiance’s app development.

It’s nothing we have seen before on other family comedies, and it’s not funny.

Grade: C+

‘THE GOOD PLACE’

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

Ted Danson (“Cheers,” “CSI”) and Kristen Bell (“Frozen,” “House of Lies”) unite for this original comedy.

Eleanor (Bell) lands in “the good place,” and her neighborhood is the first Michael (Danson) has designed. The good place is supposed to be full of harmony, eternal happiness and frozen yogurt…until Eleanor shows up.

Turns out she shouldn’t be there; there’s been a mixup. She’s not good at all, and her soulmate (yes, everyone has one at the good place) is the only one who knows.

While Bell is a fantastic physical comedian, the bit about how she can’t swear got old pretty fast. But with all the punishments the neighborhood might endure and some other quirky characters, it’s worth watching.

Grade: B

‘BULL’

9 p.m. Tuesdays on CBS

The facts are not enough in court cases. With social media, technology and a little psychology, many factors contribute to proving the truth.

That’s the idea behind this drama, based on the early career of Dr. Phill McGraw.

Bull, played by Michael Weatherly (“NCIS”), is a psychologist who is hired as a “jury consultant.” He helps win cases by setting up a mirror jury to see what others are thinking, as well as using social media and more to find other sides of the story.

The pilot wasn’t clear if the featured will continue throughout the series or if a new one comes each week.

It’s more than just another courtroom drama, but not much more.

Grade: B-

‘THIS IS US’

10 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC

According to Wikipedia, you share a birthday with 18 million people, even though it’s unlikely you’ll have a connection with them.

The pilot of this show follows four people who are all turning 36.

The show follows a struggling actor, a women desperately trying to lose weight, a corporate man who finds his birth father, and a man (Milo Ventimiglia, “Gilmore Girls“) whose wife is about to have triplets.

It seems like a lot at first. While I’m still not sure all the storylines will stay strong enough, by then end of the pilot it makes sense. (I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t watched it.)

But I’ll keep watching. It’s the first new show during which I laughed and cried.

Grade: A-

‘LETHAL WEAPON’

8 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox

Hey, look, another movie to TV show…

Murtaugh and Riggs are both coming back from something difficult, and they both were at the top of their game in the police force.

Riggs is a bit of an outlaw, and he’s OK with dying after his wife and unborn child die in a car accident. Murtaugh (Damon Wayans) is returning after surgery and wants to be there for his wife and kids. It’s a buddy comedy that resembles the movie in some ways.

The crime drama makes light of suicide in my opinion, but fans of the movie will most likely enjoy the show.

Grade: B

‘SPEECHLESS’

8:30 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

Now here’s a family comedy with heart.

Minnie Driver plays a semi-aggressive mom who always has a purpose: her family, specifically her son.

Her oldest son has cerebral palsy, though I only know that because the show’s description mentioned it. The pilot never explicitly states what he has, which I appreciate. To help give him a “voice,” she’s moved her family six times in two years.

The comedy talks about discrimination, human dignity and taking care of every family member in a progressive way that’ll still make you laugh.

Grade: A

‘DESIGNATED SURVIVOR’

10 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

In case of any attack, one cabinet member is not present during the State of the Union. He’s deemed the “designated survivor.”

And in this ABC drama, that designated survivor (Kiefer Sutherland) becomes the president.

According to the Washington Post, the designated survivor is a real thing, which makes the show all the more interesting – and scary – to watch.

Viewers see Tom Kirkman, an academic who was about to be shuffled out of his Secretary of Housing and Development position (one White House staffer calls him a”glorified real estate agent”) into an ambassador role, assume one of the highest stakes jobs in the world.

Fortunately the previews gave away only the first 15 minutes, so there was still plenty of plot to watch unfold in the pilot.

A few other storylines peeked out in the pilot, but Sutherland is the key to the show.

Grade: B+

‘NOTORIOUS’

9 p.m. Thursdays on ABC

This is one of those who-do-you-trust shows. But in a setting of cable news, it works so well.

Julia (Piper Perabo) is a producer of the No. 1 cable news show, Louise Herrick Live, who’s not afraid to stand up for herself. Jake (Daniel Sunjata) is a high-powered attorney who sometimes lets emotions seep into his work. They use each other to manipulate the public and make people look sympathetic. And they never lie to each other…for now.

I’m guessing it’s inevitable that the pair will get involved with each other, but viewers will enjoy the wait. And it’s not like there aren’t other flirtations and relationships to see.

This drama is so fast-paced, it’s like watching the behind-the-scenes work of a news show. And you won’t want to stop watching.

Grade: A-

‘PITCH’

9 p.m. Thursdays on Fox

For a show that’s not about crime, there are some high stakes.

The drama follows Ginny Baker, the first woman in the majors. As the pressure mounts, she has to decide why she’s doing this.

While you may not know Kylie Bunbury, the actress who plays Ginny, yet, many of the supporting actors are recognizable. Ali Larter, Mark Consuelos, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and more all make appearances.

In a time when gender roles are a hot topic, this show seems prepared to tackle the issue head-on.

Grade: B

‘MACGYVER’

8 p.m. Fridays on CBS

Another reboot is on this fall, but this one is of the late 1980s TV series of the same name.

Lucas Till stars in the title role. He also narrates the show, which, along with the writing over the shots, gets heavy-headed.

It’s pretty cliche, and although the problems reflect current issues such as biological weapons, it doesn’t feel fresh at all.

Grade: C

‘THE EXORCIST’

9 p.m. Fridays on Fox

Are demons real? Are they imagined? How do you get rid of them? Those questions are the heart of this drama, based on the novel of the same name.

If you want a scare every week, watch this show.

The plot is slightly predictable, but it’s still a creepy story about demons in a house, in dreams and in the world.

Grade: C+

‘SON OF ZORN’

8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

This Fox comedy presents an interesting concept for television: real-life actors along with animation.

Zorn, a mighty leader in an animated world akin to a video game/90s TV show, goes to another world to visit his ex-wife (Cheryl Hines) and his son.

After doing his usual I’ll-stay-for-barely-a-week bit, he decides to stay to get to know his son. For an animated show, it seems to have some heart.

That’s not to say it’s not also a bit silly…I mean, Zorn never goes anywhere without his sword…but the first episode shows promise.

Grade: B

What new shows are you watching?

Winter TV 2016: Try NBC’s ‘Superstore,’ skip Fox’s ‘Bordertown’

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 27, 2016.

It’s winter, also known as hibernation time, especially in the Midwest.

But this winter, it might be better to catch up on old series than watching the latest crop of TV shows.

Here is my roundup on some of TV’s winter 2016 shows:

 

‘COOPER BARRETT’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING LIFE’

8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

Cooper Barrett is 26. And doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. But that’s normal, right?

As someone in their 20s, I’d say yes. But that doesn’t mean I found this comedy relatable.

I use comedy loosely, as I laughed out loud only once. At a pig.

The pilot seems far-fetched and boring, but maybe there’s hope for this comedy. Maybe.

Grade: B

‘TELENOVELA’

8:30 p.m. Mondays on NBC

I think my expectations are too high for this show.

It’s a mostly Latino cast, which broadcast networks haven’t seen in awhile. And it’s Eva Longoria’s return to acting on TV (she’s a producer on Lifetime’s “Devious Maids”).

But the premise, a group of people surviving life while working on a telenovela, seems cliche.

It’s funny and over-the-top, but it’s not the best comedy I’ve watched.

Grade: B+

 

‘SUPERSTORE’

Mondays at 8 p.m. on NBC

This comedy focuses on employees of a superstore. You know, the one-stop shop.

The actors, led by America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”) and Ben Feldman (“A to Z”) carry the show. For now.

But the writing isn’t strong. Episode 2 has a storyline that some might find offensive. It’s quirky but not in an exciting way.

I think this show has promise, but the plots may not keep viewers interested.

Grade: B

 

‘BORDERTOWN’

9:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

How can a hot topic become a farce? Put it in the hands of Seth MacFarlane.

The “Family Guy” creator is an executive producer on this Fox comedy, and its humor is in the same vein as his other shows.

Which is too bad. The show focuses on issues such as immigration and racism, but for many people, the stupidity of the jokes won’t allow this show to give an enlightening look to these issues.

Grade: C

 

‘ANGEL FROM HELL’

9:30 p.m. on Thursdays on CBS 

Jane Lynch (“Glee,” “Hollywood Game Night”) is back acting on TV. And she makes the show worth a tune-in.

Lynch plays Allison’s (Maggie Lawson) guardian angel. As silly as it may sound, it doesn’t come off cheesy.

I’m not sure there’s enough plot to carry this show past season 1, but the actors make the comedy endearing.

Grade: B+

 

‘SHADES OF BLUE’

10 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

Who can you trust? It seems like no one on this drama.

The show stars Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta as cops, but it’s a step above regular police/crime procedurals.

It’s a bit more complicated as characters attempt to do what’s right for them, the city, their families …

It could be hard to follow over time, but Lopez is compelling enough to keep watching.

Grade: A- 

 

‘SECOND CHANCE’

9 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox

What if you had a second chance? Jeff Pritchard gets one, but it comes with strings.

The disgraced sheriff is brought back to life by scientists to help save a life, and to test something.

The plot of this Fox drama plays out in a heavy-handed matter, over stressing the ideas of life vs. death and what you would do for your family.

Grade: C+ 

 

‘DC’s LEGENDS OF TOMORROW’

8 p.m. Thursdays on The CW

Another superhero show! Yeah?!?

Building off of “Arrow” and “The Flash,” this sci-fi/comic book show follows such a similar plot structure to “The Flash” that it’s boring.

Yes, there’s plenty of action, and I didn’t feel lost watching it without having seen all of the previously mentioned shows, but it seems rather predictable. And frankly, it’s a pain to keep up with that many TV shows to get the full effect.

Grade: B-