When COVID-19 shut down pretty much everything, TV was no exception.
However, now that we’re in 2021, a new crop of shows have premiered, with more to come in February.
We’ll see how February’s new shows turn out, but currently you’ll see a lot of people you’ve seen on other broadcast TV shows the last few years.
Here’s the latest roundup (I’m not including game shows, which there seem to be a plethora of this year. I’m guessing that’s because they’re easy to film in a safe way, or because they’re a mindlessly entertaining escape):
Call me kat
9 p.m. Thursdays on Fox
This cute, playful show allows its star, Mayim Bialik, to portray a new character, who’s still a little social inept but much more loving.
There’s not a ton of substance to this comedy about a girl who opens a cat cafe after her dad dies, but it’s light.
My biggest complaint is it breaks the fourth wall a lot, and it’s very unnecessary.
Watch it (with caution)
Mr. Mayor
8 p.m. Thursdays on NBC
For all the shows that added COVID-19 into their plots, “Mr. Mayor” did it best, in my opinion. They briefly mention it in the pilot and then move past it as if it’s over (yes, I know, wishful thinking).
Still, I’d rather watch this than another awkward moment of mask-wearing on TV.
In this comedy, Ted Danson plays the newly elected L.A. mayor. It’s a bit like his “The Good Place” character has continued to live on Earth for a few years and has learned quite a bit.
It’s set up pretty well in the pilot to go a few different directions, so we’ll see how the season pans out. It is from the creators of “30 Rock,” so it can’t be too terrible.
Try it (with caution)
The great north
8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox
There are a lot of stars in the cast of this animated comedy.
It stars Nick Offerman, who basically plays himself, or at least how he’s portrayed in real life. His family is navigating life in Alaska without his ex-wife/dead wife (watch the pilot).
It’s not as funny or stupid as other Fox animated shows, but I appreciate the voice cast.
Try it (with caution)
The Trickster
9 p.m. Wednesdays on the CW
It seems the CW is only interested in superhero shows, imported shows and reboots.
This is a Canadian import, and it’s basically “Breaking Bad” minus the cancer and with a teen instead of a teacher.
The show was advertised as a supernatural thriller, but there wasn’t much supernatural in the pilot. There were many characters tripping out, though.
Skip it
Call Your Mother
9:30 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC
This comedy was clearly written by older writers who think they know how 20-year-olds act. (They don’t…or people in their 20s are way more obnoxious than I realize.)
It’s such a boring, pedantic show that could’ve been a cheesy movie you watch on a Saturday afternoon.
Skip it
Walker
8 p.m. Thursdays on the CW
This reboot made the right decision in its leading man, Jared Padalecki. His a perfect choice to play a Texas ranger.
The drama is more family-oriented from the original from what I can tell. The pilot does a good job setting up the characters and conflicts.
Try it