Tag: Zach Braff

Spring TV 2018: Stars return to TV to mediocre shows

If you want to make a comeback, make sure you pick a good project.

Unfortunately, for 3 TV stars this season, they didn’t pick good projects.

These three stars were on shows that are iconic and still binge-watched today. I don’t think we’ll be saying the same things about their new shows.

Jenna Fischer (“The Office“) stars on ABC‘s “Splitting Up Together,” Zach Braff (“Scrubs“) stars on ABC’s “Alex, Inc.” and Josh Radnor (“How I Met Your Mother“) stars on NBC‘s “Rise.”

It’s partly how the new shows are set up. Fischer’s character trades fourth-wall-breaking narration for text messaging shown onscreen, so she had at least has a small upgrade. But Braff’s character still narrates the show in the exact manner he did on “Scrubs,” and Radnor’s character is fighting for something sometimes only he truly believes in.

As I watched these shows, all I could think was “Are we just watching these actors as if their characters grew up 10 years?”

The new shows’ characters are all older, with young kids and significant others and couples friends. And the focus is centered more on families and school than bars and workplaces.

None of these shows allow these fine actors to shine in the way they could; they’re incredibly predictable. I called every plot point in the pilot of “Splitting Up Together,” which is just a divorce rom-com on TV. Same with Alex, Inc.; it felt like “Scrubs,” with a family for a medical staff and news podcasting instead of a hospital setting. But it had a similar comedic vibe.

And then there was “Rise,” which is just “Glee” without the comedic breaks and a touch of “Friday Night Lights” small-town family drama.

I wouldn’t be surprised if these shows are on air solely because of the actors. The only commercials that didn’t prominently mention the actor’s names for these shows were for “Rise,” which is more of an ensemble show (and also features other known actors such as Auliʻi Cravalho from “Moana” and Rosie Perez).

While I was excited to see these stars return to television, and I’m sure some people will still watch these shows because of the stars, I’m just not that interested because I’ve seen better shows from these same actors.

It’s partly the curse of being a star on a popular show, of course, but I’d suggest bingeing the old shows before watching these new ones.

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.