fall tv – Page 2 – procrastinationchronicles.com

intriguing new fall tv

September 21, 2017 No Comments

So the critics overall aren’t noting a lot of intrigue in the new season but you sometimes find a few that fill some empty slots in your schedule, or just backlog your dvr queue. Comedies overall I give a longer leash to find themselves but generally I like to give a show two episodes to win me over to at least want to see more, though a few don’t make it that far. Here’s what’s on the horizon.

9JKL (CBS, 10/2) – Family living right next door in the same apartment building may be too close for comfort but though it includes Linda Lavin and Elliott Gould as Mark Feuerstein’s parents, early buzz makes me think it’s clunky.
Dynasty (CW, 10/11) – A return to soapy nighttime fun is the attempt, I’ll check this out but typically unless there’s something special going these don’t work and I haven’t heard anything special (if there is something special going on I might make it a season or two).
Ghosted (Fox, 10/1) – Who wouldn’t want to check out Craig Robinson and Adam Scott being amusing and investigating the paranormal?
The Gifted (Fox, 10/2) / Marvel’s Inhumans (ABC, 9/29) – The latest other-than-human intros, of the two The Gifted from the X-Men franchise focusing on teens/families dealing with nascent mutant abilities is supposed to be good and the other about inhuman royal family internal struggles that force them into the regular world is supposed to be a dud.
The Good Doctor (ABC, 9/25) – Another unlikely or unlikable Dr with pretty impressive skills, this one with Freddie Highmore, fresh off of Bates Motel, is supposed to be a little sweet as we see how his Asperger impacts his work.
Kevin (Probably) Saves the World (ABC, 10/3) – Jason Ritter in a sort of Joan of Arcadia type show, and he’s charming enough as an actor to hope this one finds a good stride.
L&O True Crime: The Menendez Murders (NBC, 9/26) – This is so completely capitalizing on American Crime but I trust them to take a turn at this, though I might have my fill of these retellings for a bit.
The Mayor (ABC, 10/3) – Hearing good buzz all around on this comedy showing hip hop artist as mayor, after running for a little self-promotion, but you know he’s got a heart of gold and a member of supporting staff to whip things into shape.
Me, Myself and I (CBS, 10/2) – Visiting a man at three different points in his life with actors picked less for resemblance, still curious for a look at Bobby Moynihan and John Larroquette.
The Orville (Fox, 9/10) – This slightly light but not comical Seth MacFarlane Star Trek-like show just didn’t hit any notes to make it worth tuning back into.
SWAT (CBS, 11/2) / SEAL Team (CBS, 9/27) / The Brave (NBC, 9/25) / Valor (CW, 10/9) – I’m lumping these altogether because they strike me as sort of the same people saving people, SWAT is the Shemar one that I’ve heard has some potential and SEAL Team is the David Boreanaz one that might have less but at least has him, I think the other two are a pass.
Ten Days in the Valley (ABC, 10/1) – Kyra Sedgwick returns to tv in a show about a woman working in tv and her daughter goes missing, and apparently there are secrets, worth a look.
Wisdom of the Crowd (CBS, 10/1) – This strikes me a bit like last season’s APB from Fox where a single guy uses his weird vendetta technique to try to help the greater good, only this one is Jeremy Piven and crowd sourcing and getting terrible reviews.
Young Sheldon (CBS, 9/25) – I’m dubious about this BBT spinoff but I think it will end up being just a totally different tone so while I’ll try not to worry about continuity I’m not sure the sweeter Wonder Years take will hit the sweet spot for me.

And I’m just starting to scratch the surface on some of the additional cable and streaming offerings: American Vandal (Net, 9/15), The Deuce (HBO, 9/10), Future Man (hulu, 11/14), Hit the Road (ATTAud, 10/17), Hot Date (Pop, 11/8), The Last O.G. (TBS, 10/24), Liar (Sund, 9/27), Mindhunter (Net, 10/13), Riviera (SundNow, 9/14), Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television (YT Red, 10/25), SMILF (Show, 11/5), Star Trek: Discovery (CBSAA, 9/24), Tin Star (Am, 9/29), White Famous (Show, 10/15)

Premiere dates are subject to change so stay tuned for “next week”s and check your local listings.

returning fall favorites

September 13, 2017 No Comments

The fall season doesn’t have quite the weight it once did but the shows are coming back. So here’s a look at some of the things that I’m looking forward to.

Better Things (FX, 9/14) – This Pamela Adlon series was the half hour show that I most looked forward to in what I sort of think of as the Louie vein of comedy.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/25) – I’m always happy to see what the gang is getting up to.
Bojack Horseman (Net, 9/8) – It’s odd but it’s good on so many layers.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 9/26) – Since the original they’ve really found a way to bring out great qualities in each character and pairings.
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (BBCA, 10/14) – This was such an wacky series but I was won over by the conspiracies and time travel and the relationships that formed.
Elementary (CBS, 10/2) – Still invested in the pair of crime fighters if not always the crime and whatever the overarching drama is.
Fresh Off the Boat (ABC, 10/3) – The backdrop of immigrant family in the 90s adds a nice layer to the family hijinks.
Good Behavior (TNT, 10/15) – Intrigued to see what our con woman and hit man get up to this season.
The Good Place (NBC, 9/20) – This was a great intro last season and I’m excited to see where Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, and the gang take us this season.
Lethal Weapon (Fox, 9/26) – Light and fluffy this new duo of Riggs and Murtaugh have a good groove.
Madam Secretary (CBS, 10/8) – This is my hopeful political show where just enough magically gets resolved that I can ignore the real world for a bit.
The Middle (ABC, 10/3) – This show has done a surprisingly good job of keeping the family comedic beats as the kids age.
Mom (CBS, 11/2) – Allison Janney, Ana Faris, and their mostly recovering cohorts bring it in a great balance of real and unreal ways.
Mr Robot (USA, 10/11) – Also a little uneven but the wins on this show are strong enough for me to dive back in.
New Girl (Fox, 9/20) – One more season before the roomies and romances take their full stride into the tv afterlife.
Queen Sugar (OWN, 10/3) – This is my first Oprah drama and I like the way the location is as much of a character as the fragmented family of sugar farmers.
Speechless (ABC, 9/27) – I actually dropped this show last season but after hearing continued good things went back and picked it up and was rewarded enough to season pass it.
Stranger Things (Net, 10/27) – I wasn’t as enamored of this show as everyone else, maybe much due to my Winona disdain, but it’s definitely a fun bingeable what I’ll call summer show.
Superstore (NBC, 9/28) – The characters in this show have developed enough to make me keep tuning back into this work place comedy.
This is Us (NBC, 9/26) – This one is on everyone’s radar, and while I find it a bit uneven the drama on here fills my missing sort of Parenthood slot.
Transparent (Am, 9/22) – I’ve binged this since finally getting onboard with Prime and as reported it’s well worth a watch for the Pfefferman drama.
Will & Grace (NBC, 9/28) – I guess I’m calling this returning, and while I’m actually curious to see how it goes I remember the early series less dramatic moments fondly enough that I can’t imaging not sticking with it.
You’re the Worst (Fxx, 9/6) – I really enjoy the risks this show takes in regard to characters and storytelling and will keep tuning back in.

With a few others that I’ll check back in on: Gotham (Fox, 9/21), Life in Pieces (CBS, 11/2), Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD (ABC, 9/20), Search Party (TBS, 11/19), Z Nation (Syfy, 9/29)

Note: Premiere dates subject to change always check your local listings.

my schedule

October 28, 2016 No Comments

There’s always room for tinkering but as it stands here’s what I’ve got on the plan, or at least the TiVo queue.

Monday

8pm – Gotham (Fox)
10pm – Timeless (NBC)

Wacky time travel is the new addition to this timeslot, it’s a rompy fun show and we seem to get a new historical event each week plus of course some sort of overarching conspiracy. And I’m hanging in with this slant on the Batman world with the characters and cases still providing enough interest.

Tuesday

8pm – The Middle (ABC) / Brooklyn Nine-Nine/New Girl (Fox)
9pm – Fresh Off the Boat (ABC) / No Tomorrow (CW) / This is Us (NBC)
10pm – SHIELD (ABC)

New additions this this night include two hours that have been engaging so far. One a ridiculous rom-com where they keep playing with whether the dude is crazy (he is predicting the apocalypse, but you know citing science) and whether crazy matters if he’s good in the meantime. And the second the natural family drama fill in for Parenthood which so far has some members of the family more well-rounded than others but it’s keeping me in. And sticking with some of the amusing and riding out the ups and downs of the Marvel tv incarnation.

Wednesday

8pm – Lethal Weapon (Fox)

As long as you don’t pretend it’s a remake the new buddy cop drama is fun. Note I almost stuck with Speechless, the kid in the wheelchair and his aide are great but the show doesn’t end up bringing enough comedy for me.

Thursday

8pm – The Big Bang Theory (CBS) / Superstore/The Good Place (NBC)
9pm – Pitch (Fox) / Mom/Life in Pieces (CBS)

New additions here are the afterlife mix up which I find amusing with the plot so far moving quickly into new territory each week and the girl baseball player which isn’t revolutionary but so far I find the main characters engaging. I did watch one episode of The Great Outdoors and will check out another but don’t imagine sticking around. And I am holding on to some other amusements.

Sunday

9pm – Madam Secretary (CBS)
10pm – Elementary (CBS)

Neither of these are the most amazing for me but I like enough about them and the roles that they play in my schedule so am going to stick them out.

And lest we forget about other random cable channels that I tend to watch less on schedule: Atlanta (FX), Better Things (Fx), Queen Sugar (OWN), Younger (TVL), You’re the Worst (Fxx), and Z Nation (Syfy). I was also intrigued enough by the first Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (BBCA) to take it for another spin, though it is admittedly so odd I don’t know whether that’s going to be enough or too much.

Plus there’s still midseason! What’s in your schedule?

intriguing new fall tv

September 22, 2016 No Comments

The season is starting to roll so we’ve gotten a taste of some new stuff. Here’s what I’m either enjoying or looking forward to so far:

Atlanta (Fx, 9/6) – This latest foray into tv by Donald Glover gives an offbeat and somehow engaging look at his life with his rapper cousin, already picked up for Season 2.
Better Things (Fx. 9/8) – The other FX show already returning, Pamela Adlon arrives in another semi-autobiographical series as single mom/actress and somewhat irregular personality, also produced by Louis CK so has a similar sensibility.
Designated Survivor (ABC, 9/21) – Keifer Sutherland deals with terrorists again but this time it looks like he’s more Clark Kent less Superman as he’s thrust into a presidential role.
Frequency (CW, 10/5) – Yet another based on an existing, in this case movie, where the police protagonist talks to her dead father on a ham radio.
The Good Place (NBC, 9/19) – I’m always game to see what Kristen Bell is up to and this take on a heavenly arena that looks like it’s heading into disarray because she’s not supposed to be there is actually looking like a fun premise with good characters.
Lethal Weapon (Fox, 9/21) – So if you forget what this is based on it actually starts off as a pretty good buddy cop show held up by Damon Wayans and the other dude from Rectify.
No Tomorrow (CW, 10/4) – Offbeat romantic comedy where the dude in the couple is readying for the imminent apocalypse but they’re supposed to be endearing enough.
Pitch (Fox, 9/22) – First female pitcher, that’ll all be smooth sailing right?
Queen Sugar (Own, 9/6) – I almost didn’t even dabble with this latest sudsy Oprah offering but found the characters and setting to be interesting and charming.
Speechless (ABC, 9/21) – Minnie Driver heads another family comedy, in this the unique slant is their special needs son, the first episode had some charm and laughs.
This Is Us (NBC. 9/20) – I listened to the critics who told me this could fill the dramedy hole left by Parenthood and after the first I’m interested enough to give this one a go.
Timeless (NBC, 10/3) – Time travel always makes me dubious but I’ve heard enough good things about the premise and I’m all about Abigail Spencer these days who is a part of the team sent to stop a dude who goes back in time wreaking havoc.

And a few other shows that have gotten at least some new buzz on networks I don’t get: Divorced (HBO, 10/9), Fleabag (Am, 9/16), High Maintenance (HBO, 9/16), Insecure (HBO, 10/9), One Mississippi (Am, 9/9), Quarry (Cin, 9/9).

returning fall favorites

September 14, 2016 No Comments

This year fall sort of snuck up on me but as usual as much as it’s upon us it’s a slow roll. A few of the shows that I’ve got on season pass ready to return:

The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/19) – This show might not be revolutionary but still makes me laugh enough to look forward to it for the fun mix of personalities.
The Blacklist (NBC, 9/22) – I would be happy never to see Elizabeth again and Red may not be enough to keep me tuning in for another season but my interest is still greater than my annoyance, for now at least.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 9/20) – Another one I find funny, the characters have all grown in nice ways and create interesting complementary relationships.
Elementary (CBS, 10/2) – I found I was paying less attention to this last year but still like the main characters enough, and enjoy having a good procedural to be available so for now I’ll tune in for more than Joan’s outfit.
Empire (Fox, 9/21) – There was a bit of a sophomore slump on this one but I love a good fast moving soapy show and the musical accompaniment adds a nice touch.
Fresh Off the Boat (ABC, 10/11) – The mix of cultures and generations in our 80s era setting are well explored with a nice ensemble of well-drawn characters.
Gotham (Fox, 9/19) – I never love this reinvention of the early years of the dawn of Batman as much as I want to but I find that I always enjoy the villains and the complexity of the ‘good’ guys more than I think I’m going to.
Life in Pieces (CBS, 10/27) – I spent every episode last season deciding whether I was going to keep watching this show but I made it through the year so we’ll see if this extended family laugher keeps me laughing.
Madam Secretary (CBS, 10/2) – I am keeping this show in the lineup as basically a poor man’s The Good Wife but this politics meets family show will do for now.
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, 9/20) – Repeat Gotham description here.
The Middle (ABC, 10/11) – This comedy has help up to the test of time and continues to bring amusement even as college is taking them away.
Mom (CBS, 10/27) – This show has grown into a nice comedy while still keeping the drama of the darker moments of their lives.
New Girl (Fox, 9/20) – Repeat The Big Bang Theory description here.
Superstore (NBC, 9/22) – There was enough intriguing and amusing in this workplace comedy to keep me coming back.

And of course a few cable fare: Longmire (Net, 9/23), Project Runway (Life, 9/15), Rectify (Sund, 10/26). The Walking Dead (AMC, 10/23), Younger (TVL, 9/28), You’re the Worst (Fxx, 8/31), Z Nation (Syfy, 9/16)

Though as I read my reccos I realized most aren’t that strong, here’s hoping the new crop of shows offers some new faves. Stay tuned for my look at what I’m looking forward to.

intriguing new fall tv

September 27, 2015 No Comments

Well there’s not a ton that seems to be sticking out as a new breakout hit but there are a few shows that look like they could end up being added to the repertoire. Other than those already aired I don’t see these ahead of time so most of my intrigue is developed by cast, creators, and critics’ tips as to what looks good. Like each season the pilot is often only a nominal indicator of what’s to come but when one neither can nor wants to watch a full season of everything cuts come quick.

The Bastard Executioner (Fx, 9/15) – I still haven’t cracked this one open but with my appreciation for most of Sons of Anarchy it will definitely get a watch.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (CW, 10/12) – A musical comedy about a stalker seems like a tough sell but folks are saying it works.
Grandfathered (Fox, 9/29) – John Stamos is back and willing to give him a chance with his new found family.
The Grinder (Fox, 9/29) – Rob Lowe and Fred Savage’s latest step into comedy is supposed to be a great fit and format.
Heroes Reborn (NBC, 9/24) – I enjoyed the start of this original series, will the return in limited format recapture the magic or the demise.
The Player (NBC, 9/24) – The first episode was fun and promises some good campy event of the week with a lot of over the top action, I don’t see real quality but we’ll see if it lives up to the promise.
Quantico (ABC, 9/27) – Dubbed as sort of a Greys Academy we’ve got a fresh batch of recruits and some sexy romance and political intrigue?
Supergirl (CBS, 10/26) – I’m due for another good superhero show and this is getting enough good buzz.

And the others to dabble or drop:

Angel from Hell (CBS, 11/5) – I’ll give the new Jane Lynch vehicle a shot but the commentary indicates Jane is the only good thing about it.
Best Time Ever (NBC, 9/15) – I love NPH as much as anyone but the format of the show doesn’t quite shine.
Blindspot (NBC, 9/21) – The first episode introduced the stupid premise with talent without much chemistry but another episode could be more promising.
Blood & Oil (ABC, 9/27) – The latest entrant to the evening soap, though seems as if Don Johnson is the only high point.
Chicago Med (NBC, 11/17) – If you like Chicago Fire or Chicago PD…
Code Black (CBS, 9/30) – This looks like it will hit all the standard medical drama but perhaps not much more.
Dr Ken (ABC, 10/2) – Ken Jeong’s latest is getting pretty bad buzz though rumor has it there is improvement post pilot.
Fear the Walking Dead (AMC, 8/23) – I’ve only caught the first and the look at a life before dragged but I’ll wait to see a little more of the world.
Life in Pieces (CBS, 9/21) – The premiere didn’t win me over but the cast has enough potential to give it another shot.
Limitless (CBS, 9/22) – Another case of not being enamored enough by the leads or the premise, I’m tempted to give it one more shot to see what the weekly feels like after the pilot of introductions.
Minority Report (Fox, 9/21) – The future of crimes doesn’t have any future in my book.
The Muppets (ABC, 9/22) – I enjoy a muppet but am yet to be sure of the new tone and humor of the show week to week.
Rosewood (Fox, 9/23) – The ‘charming’ lead just came across as smarmy, though there’s room for him to be likable, I’m not sure the private pathologist in Miami premise is worth it.
Scream Queens (Fox, 9/22) – I didn’t find enough humor, suspense, or originality in this latest killer endeavor.
Truth Be Told (NBC, 10/16) – I can’t imagine Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Vanessa Lachey having frank conversations will be all that amusing but who knows.
Wicked City (ABC, 10/27) – Ed Westwick gets extra wicked as serial killer, perhaps.

And then of course there’s cable, and mid-season, and… What are you most excited about?

Shows mostly listed in alphabetical order and premiere dates subject to change so stay tuned to ‘next week’s for more info.

returning fall favorites

September 20, 2015 No Comments

It’s that time of year again. And while the new shows trickle in here’s a look at some of the returning fall shows I’m excited about.

The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/21) – This show has done a pretty good job of keeping things going and evolving with the genius misfits and their pals.
The Blacklist (NBC, 10/1) – It’s still only worth it for James Spader but we’ll see whether Liz on the run works.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 9/27) – They’ve gotten a good rhythm with Samberg’s foolishness and fleshing out the other characters, makes me laugh.
Elementary (CBS, 11/5) – My current fave standard procedural, I enjoy the reinvention of the modern day crime fighting duo and think some of the less successful asides are wrapped.
Empire (Fox, 9/23) – The funnest reentry into last season’s schedule the campy family and music drama is irresistible.
Fargo (Fx, 10/12) – Last season’s odd crime ensemble captured the spirit of the flick but brought out a new slant, and this season attempts to do the same in a new tale.
Fresh Off the Boat (ABC, 9/22) – This immigrant family embracing suburbia in the ’90s has enough anticipated humor and enough unanticipated that it was refreshing.
The Good Wife (CBS, 10/4) – They haven’t all been home runs but they’ve managed to reinvent this show in a compelling way after so many seasons, excited to see the latest not so good Alicia.
iZombie (CW, 10/6) – This show is less zombie more of a Veronica Mars-esque girl getting in over her head detective show and she happens to eat brains which give her a little dead person insight.
The League/You’re the Worst (Fxx, 9/9) – Worst was a fave from last season which grew into more than just a coupe of snarky people, but the ensemble remains snarky with another season of people who actually are the worst in fantasy football and in life.
Longmire (Net, 9/10) – Glad this show got picked up on Netflix and happy to spend another season with the laconic lawman and the latest troubles.
The Royals (E!, 11/15) – Season one of a look behind the scenes of a fake royal family was fantastically trashy and fun, can’t wait to see what comes of them next season.
The Walking Dead/Z Nation (AMC, 10/11; Syfy, 9/11) – I enjoy a little post apocalypse world and these two shows give a totally different tone of voice.

A few other items that I’ll check back in on and see whether I want to keep them in the queue: Bones (Fox, 10/1), Gotham (Fox, 9/21), Grimm (NBC, 10/30), The Last Man on Earth (Fox, 9/27), Madam Secretary (CBS, 10/4), The Middle (ABC, 9/23), The Mindy Project (Hulu), Mom (CBS, 11/5), SHIELD (ABC, 9/29), Sleepy Hollow (Fox. 10/1), Undateable (NBC, 10/9)

my schedule

November 7, 2014 No Comments

A pretty dismal season for television so far though one or two options still might make the cut. Still waiting for State of Affairs but until then, here’s where I’m at:

Monday

8pm – Gotham (Fox)
9pm – Sleepy Hollow (Fox)
10pm – Blacklist (NBC)

The jury is still somewhat out on Gotham but there’s enough interesting about it that it’s still sticking for now. And returning series remind me that there were better shows last year, Hollow is still bonkers but super fun, Spader still makes it.

Tuesday

8pm – ~~Selfie~~ (ABC)
9pm – SHIELD (ABC) / New Girl/Mindy Project (Fox) / Marry Me/About a Boy (NBC)

Happy to keep some of these comedies around, actors are likable enough for me to keep for now, and Shield has been finding some new rhythms though I oppose a triple booking I am deferring a cut with On Demand.

Wednesday

8pm – The Middle (ABC) / The Mysteries of Laura (NBC)
9pm – The 100 (CW)

Ok, I’m not totally sold on Laura but it’s a decent enough filler for now while Middle and 100 are still keeping me in.

Thursday

8pm – Bones (Fox) / Big Bang Theory/Mom (CBS)
10pm – Elementary (CBS) / Parenthood (NBC)

I really am almost done with Bones but it’s still a decent procedural and keeping up with the rest of the regulars.

Friday

9pm – Grimm (NBC) / ANTM (CW)
10pm – ~~Constantine~~ (NBC)

After two Constantines I’m not sold but still don’t feel like I have a feel for the week to week, it’s a good pair with the solid freak of the week on Grimm and yes the models, last year’s addition of boys was a welcome one.

Sunday

8pm – Madam Secretary (CBS) / Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox)
9pm – The Good Wife (CBS)

Secretary still sort of comes across like the poor man’s version of West Wing crossed with Good Wife (which is still fantastic) but even a poor man’s version keeps me in so far and Brooklyn still keeps me amused.

And for the cable fodder: Benched (USA), Ink Master (Spike), The League (Fxx), Project Runway (Life), Sons of Anarchy (Fx), Z Nation (Syfy)

What’s in your queue?

Update: Selfie is cancelled and Constantine no longer made the cut.

intriguing new fall tv

September 18, 2014 No Comments

Standard caveats apply, unless otherwise noted I haven’t seen the pilots ahead of time, and as we all know a pilot can be a clunky introduction that evolves into something far better, worse, or just different. Here’s what I’m most intrigued by.

Blackish (ABC, 9/24) – Ensemble with potential, Tracee Ellis Ross, Anthony Anderson, and Laurence Fishburne, time will tell if they find a good ongoing POV in the ‘are we black enough?’ theme the title suggests.
Gotham (Fox, 9/22) – What the city was before Batman became Batman, I’m intrigued to see what’s up with the world they create and the back story they provide and by Ben McKenzie as pre-Commissioner Gordon partnered with fave Donal Logue.
How to Get Away With Murder (ABC, 9/25) – Shonda Rhimes brings in a new one and who can resist checking that out, not that I’ve stuck with the others, as Viola Davis teaches law school and has a class of people who are probably pretty and of course involved in some of their own murder cases and intrigue.
Madam Secretary (CBS, 9/21) – Tea Leoni as Secretary of State, but don’t expect her to follow in Hilary’s footsteps, though she may ‘play by her own rules’ with internal and external politics, Tea is supposed to be good though the series may need some time.
Marry Me (NBC, 10/14) – I’m willing to give the pedigree of Happy Endings creator giving Penny (Casey Wilson) another vehicle to create a funny world even if it is centered on a premise that sounds dumb, another couple who maybe can figure it out, we all know sitcoms don’t really need a premise.

And for a few other things that could be worth a watch:

A to Z (NBC, 10/2) – The pilot of this was available online early and after a meet-cute and the start of a romance I have to say that although I didn’t hate the two ‘sweet’ leads I wasn’t ready to spend a season with them, another ep may decide.
Bad Judge (NBC, 10/2) – The latest show housing Kate Walsh hasn’t gotten good critical buzz and heard the show runner just left so it’s either got potential for a revamp or a slow death.
Constantine (NBC, 10/24) – I’m remotely intrigued by this because it’s one of those comic book things that I don’t know anything about, guy with swagger fighting demons or something.
Cristela (ABC, 10/10) – Not a lot of interest in this woman eventually getting through law school and its pairing with Tim Allen’s Last Man Standing.
The Flash (CW, 10/7) – This show has gotten some good buzz if you enjoy shows like Arrow (me not so much) this latest superhero might be your bag.
Forever (ABC, 9/22) – Another early pilot with a coroner who keeps coming back from death and with his longevity comes Sherlock Holmes like observation and knowledge, cop partner, mystery of the week and some overarching intrigue, but neither he nor the supporting cast or case quite made it seem more than status quo.
Gracepoint (Fox, 10/2) – This is the remake of British Broadchurch season long mystery which I enjoyed but not sure this brings anything new to the tale and will suffer in comparison.
Jane the Virgin (CW, 10/13) – This show is actually getting good critical buzz and praise for the lead, and though I’ll check it out comparisons to Ugly Betty make me put it in the probably not column.
Manhattan Love Story (ABC, 9/30) – This just sounds and is said to be bad as we get to see what is reportedly totally stereotypical thoughts of a man and woman who meet, and then after some stumbles, romance undoubtedly ensues.
The McCarthys (CBS, 10/30) – Laurie Metcalf heads this New England family where one son is gay and the jokes appear stale.
The Mysteries of Laura (NBC, 9/17) – Critics agree this is mostly a mess but I was prepared for it to be so bad I didn’t hate it, curious if another ep could make for a passable fluffy no brainer of a procedural.
Mulaney (Fox, 10/5) – Word on the street is this comedian in a semi-autobiographical role is awkward and not so funny, but we’ll see.
NCIS: New Orleans (CBS, 9/23) – If you like NCIS, Scott Bakula, or New Orleans give it a go, all three and you’re probably golden.
Red Band Society (Fox, 9/17) – Cancer kids in the hospital is ridiculous in setting, characters, actions, and its humor to heartstrings potential and can we talk about the whole ‘show, don’t tell’ theory of storytelling.
Scorpion (CBS, 9/22) – Brainiacs with different expertise (computers, mechanics, math, psychology..) fight crime, or something, weekly procedural, no raves to date.
Selfie (ABC, 9/30) – This pilot was in the early viewing and really offered nothing of interest in this Pygmalion modernization, but it’s hard to see what the tone will be post intro.
Stalker (CBS, 10/1) – This latest procedural with Maggie Q and Dylan McDermott supposedly in the vein of Criminal Minds, you know, kind of yucky crimes, but you know this is about stalkers.
State of Affairs (NBC, 11/17) – Katherine Heigle and Alfre Woodard star as a CIA briefing agent and her president, but this sounds like it will be more bogged down with other dramas like how fiancée/first kid was killed.

And then of course there’s cable, and mid-season, and… What are you most excited to see?

Shows mostly listed in alphabetical order and premiere dates subject to change so stay tuned to ‘next week’s for more info.

returning fall favorites

September 9, 2014 No Comments

the-good-wife

Well we’re easing into it but I think we can officially categorize post Labor Day September as fall. And while I’m still waiting for a little more info on new shows to see what I’m most excited about there are some returning favorites already queued up with a season pass.

The League (Fxx, 10/3) – This is one of those off color Fx (now Fxx) series that has sort of grown on me, people who are so wrong it’s right, no football appreciation required (if you like It’s Always Sunny this is a nice pairing).
Sons of Anarchy (Fx, 9/9) – This show has had some uneven spots but watching the interpersonal drama, and admittedly the significant violence, and who’s lying, Jax, makes it a can’t miss to see where our favorite motorcycle gang ends up.
New Girl/The Mindy Project (Fox, 9/16) – Both of these shows have improved with time and with fleshing out the ensemble, they make me laugh enough.
The Good Wife (CBS, 9/21) – Last season this show really demonstrated how to shake up a longer term series, and still hold on to what makes it special; still has the best balance of weekly cases with the personal and political drama where I’m interested in what everyone is doing.
Sleepy Hollow (Fox, 9/22) – One of the critics I read dubbed this show ‘bonkers awesome’ and she’s right, it’s a ridiculous premise but the fast pace and main character dynamics keep it oh so interesting and did I mention headless horseman ridiculous?
The Blacklist (NBC, 9/22) – This one is really all about James Spader and fortunately that’s enough to keep this criminal with unclear motives catching bad guys on his list interesting.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/22) – They’ve done a pretty good job keeping what could be a one note show going, adding to the ensemble and growing the characters a bit, but keeping the mockery in top form.
Parenthood (NBC, 9/25) – As we enter the final season we can assume that the Braverman family will not be drama free and while I haven’t loved every story arc I’ve come to be invested, plus I would follow Lauren Graham and Peter Krause anywhere.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 9/28) – The latest addition to funny, again finding the balance of the could be annoying main character Samberg has been key but it’s really the ensemble with the amazing Andre Braugher among others that makes it.
The Walking Dead (AMC, 10/12) – Each season has had a different feel based on where the cast is but I’m intrigued to see them back together and of course getting out of whatever fix they’re in since the live people are often more of a problem than the dead ones.
The 100 (CW, 10/22) – I keep giving these relatively cheesy CW shows a shot and this one, which is basically pretty people land on earth and so far run into pretty people who survived, but I’m often a sucker for that whole moralistic creating your own society and what’s really right, we’ll see if this season keeps me coming back.
Grimm (NBC, 10/24) – A procedural show of the not normal variety, in that there is a world of non humans among us, and while I wouldn’t say I love this show the characters and stories keep me coming back.
Elementary (CBS, 10/30) – I can’t watch this show at the same time as Sherlock because they’re so different in tone but I am down for seeing what our re-imagined Holmes and Watson get up to each week mostly because I like Miller and Liu.

Notable mention (those that are either a little uneven, a little passed their prime, or too fresh to see if I’m hooked): Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD (ABC, 9/23), The Middle (ABC, 9/24), Bones (Fox, 9/25), Mom (CBS, 9/29)

And keep your love for a few of these shows on the back-burner until mid-season and beyond: The Americans, Cougar Town, Hannibal, Hart of Dixie, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Justified, Lost Girl, Louie, The Mentalist, Orphan Black, Parks and Recreation

What are you most excited to see return?

« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next »