Fall is in the air

There’s always something new these days so I tend to focus a little less on ‘fall tv’ but why not point out what’s happening network-side? Things tend to shift so check your local listings and stay tuned for weekly New & Noteworthy from me for a fuller list of what’s happening.

  • Universal Basic Guys (Fox, 9/8) – An addition to Fox’s Animation Domination block, I usually watch at least one of everything but seem to have skipped this.
  • High Potential (ABC, 9/17) – Based on the French series, Kaitlin Olson stars as a single mom who is a smarty who notices stuff and starts to help the police, the first one was a cute variation of the very standard person with some expertise in a weekly procedural with a hint of overarching drama and some insight into her personal life, I’ll likely stick with it.
  • Rescue: Hi-Surf (Fox, 9/22) – Baywatch Hawaii kind of thing but you know, serious, by John Wells of ER, The West Wing, etc.
  • Matlock (CBS, 9/22) – Kathy Bates takes the Andy Griffith role in this latest redo, I feel like this should be a fun and charming procedural so fingers crossed.
  • Brilliant Minds (NBC, 9/23) – Zachary Quinto takes the lead in this latest medical procedural as a neurologist with a team looking at brain stuff, I might be mostly over the physician’s unique approach to treating patients but I’ll check it out.
  • Murder in a Small Town (Fox, 9/24) – Big city detective finds murders in a quiet coastal town, this looks quaint but maybe not compelling with Kristin Kreuk who seems to always be doing some Canadian tv show, and Rossif Sutherland (a not well-known to me son of Donald Sutherland).
  • Doctor Odyssey (ABC, 9/26) – Joshua Jackson and Don Johnson dealing with medical issues on a luxury cruise ship, I’m not sure what tone they’re going for with this but assume it’s a light frothy and as one of Ryan Murphy’s expecting some extreme cases, the preview got record views so I guess this will be a success.
  • Joan (CW, 10/3) – Jewel thief fighting to get her daughter back, I love a thief show though technically I think this is a miniseries, Sophie Turner plays the lead based on a true story.
  • NCIS: Origins (CBS, 10/14) – I have yet to get into any of the NCIS shows but this goes back to young Gibbs.
  • George & Mandy’s First Marriage (CBS, 10/17) – I was a Big Bag fan but didn’t get into Young Sheldon, this is the universe continuing.
  • Happy’s Place (NBC, 10/18) – There is something endearing about Reba McEntire so hope her return to sitcoms is a good one as she inherits her father’s bar along with a half-sister she didn’t know about.
  • St. Denis Medical (NBC, 11/12) – Allison Tolman is always welcome this time in a hospital comedy

And a few of the returning shows I’ll have my eye on: 9-1-1: Lone Star (Fox, 9/23), Sullivan’s Crossing (CW, 10/2), Found (NBC, 10/3), The Irrational (NBC, 10/8), Accused (Fox, 10/8) Abbott Elementary (ABC, 10/9), Tracker (CBS, 10/13), The Equalizer (CBS, 10/20), Children Ruin Everything (CW, 11/13), Ghosts (CBS, 10/17), Elsbeth (CBS, 10/17), Night Court (NBC, 11/19).

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new and noteworthy tv: 9/9-9/22

With my month of Peacock, I mostly was catching a few movies but I also wanted the second season of We Are Lady Parts. I admittedly had forgotten most of the first season so I just rewatched those as well and am glad I did, very fun again and setting up the most recent. I also started in on Only Murders In the Building (Hulu) and have to admit the one a week is kind of killing me. I tried the first two of English Teacher (Fx/Hulu) which definitely has some funny potential. Kite Man (HBO) isn’t as good as Harley Quinn but it’s still mildly amusing and worth it for Bane alone.

Fall tv is officially starting and I realize I normally do a roundup of network tv so depending on the week I might do that. Also, keep your eye out for another dose of Presidential debates on 9/10 and the Emmys on 9/15, should those be of interest to you.

  • The Chicken Sisters (Hall+) Series Premiere, Tuesday 9/10 – I don’t normally pay much attention to Hallmark shows but small-town dueling fried chicken families run by Lea Thomson and Wendie Malick could prove to be sweet.
  • Emily in Paris (Net) Part 2, Thursday 9/12 – I delayed this season’s binge until this chunk came out, I mean this show is super dumb but fun.
  • The Old Man (Fx) Season Premiere, Thursday 9/12, 10pm – Season one of Jeff Bridges as an off-the-grid former CIA dude gets complicated when folks try to take him out, continues and I’m curious where it will go (not that I remember where we left off).
  • How to Die Alone (Hulu) Series Premiere, Friday 9/13 – A “broke, fat, Black JFK employee” starts living after a near-death experience in this new comedy.
  • Wynona Earp: Vengeance (Tubi) Special Presentation, Friday 9/13 – A movie based on the syfy series catches up with our characters, this was a fun show assuming I don’t have to remember what happened in 2021, I think Tubi is free and available.
  • Three Women (Starz) Series Premiere, Friday 9/13, 10pm – A drama based on the book, Shailene Woodley plays a writer who gets three women to tell their stories, early reviews are mixed.
  • Ridley/Van Der Valk (PBS) Season Premiere, Sunday 9/15, 8/10pm – A retired DI with his own issues goes another round of consulting with detectives then detectives Amsterdam style, I’ve enjoyed each of these enough but feel like they’re better for me in the off-season.
  • High Potential (ABC) Series Premiere, Tuesday 9/17, 10pm – This is fall tv happening, with a new procedural (based on the French series) starring Kaitlin Olson (who really should land a good show) as a smarty who helps detectives notice things while raising some kids.
  • Agatha All Along (Dis+) Series Premiere, Wednesday 9/18, 9pm – Kathryn Hahn is back with her character from WandaVision who is broken free of the spell that holds her, what next?
  • Frasier (Para+) Season Premiere, Thursday 9/19 – This reboot did a new job of picking up with a fun character and evolving in a way that works well enough.
  • Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 9/19 – The latest Ryan Murphy, I think I’ll pass.
  • The Penguin (HBO) Series Premiere, Thursday 9/19, 9pm – Colin Farrell is pretty unrecognizable let’s see where this version goes, in general, I’m a Gotham ecosystem fan but this takes place after The Batman which I think I hated.
  • Matlock (CBS) Series Premiere, Sunday 9/22, 8pm – More fall tv, I’m looking forward to seeing Kathy Bates take the title role.
  • Rescue: Hi-Surf (Fox) Series Premiere, Sunday 9/22, 9pm – Fall tv is happening, this one is about North Shore lifeguards.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 8/26-9/8

I have finally finished the marathon that is catching up on Marvel! Minus a skipped What If? Loki was a super fun one with a good show and also a good balance of nodding to the universe and but feeling like a good standalone. Followed by Echo which was pretty meh, appreciate them pulling the character out but the story didn’t quite work. Heading back to some HBO backlog and then probably picking up Peacock (a bunch of new movies) or Paramount+ (the latest season of Evil) for a bit to some catch up there. I’ll also catch the next OMITB and hold out for Emily in Paris until part 2 drops 9/12.

  • Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) Season Premiere, Tuesday 8/27 – I’ve been enjoying this and hoping for more funny intrigue.
  • Kaos (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/29 – Jeff Goldblum stars in this offbeat British comedy with a look at Zeus and some mortals reshaping things.
  • English Teacher (Fx) Series Premiere, Monday 9/2, 10pm – Created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez as a high school teacher in this new comedy.
  • Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Pea) Series Premiere, Thursday 9/5 – This drama is based on the podcast about a robbery the night of Ali’s big fight, starring Keving Hart, Don Cheadle, Tarraji P. Henson, and Samuel L Jackson among others.
  • The Perfect Couple (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 9/5 – Nicole Kidman and Liev Schriber start in a look at a planned wealthy wedding derailed by death.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 8/12-8/25

I’ve been continuing my Marvel journey. Ms Marvel, She Hulk, Werewolf by Night, Secret Invasion, and I Am Groot. Nothing really stands out that much but all relatively entertaining. I feel like I’m in the final stretch of a marathon.

  • Bad Monkey (App+) Series Premiere, Wednesday 8/14 – Based on the Carl Hiaasen book with Vince Vaughn, ex-detective and Florida hijinks you bet!
  • Emily in Paris (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/14 – Are we ready for another round of ridiculous relationships and fashion? After the Olympics, I think we’re all things Paris.
  • Evil (Para+) Series Finale, Thursday 8/22 – I need to catch up on this final season, I was holding on a month of Para+ but I don’t see a new season of InkMaster coming up, this show is fun and creepy.
  • Fifteen Love (SundN) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/22 – Tennis drama anyone? I still need to pickup Challengers move.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 7/29-8/11

Things are relatively quiet with the Olympics going on. I don’t watch a ton during the week but enjoy the weekend dabble, mostly just whatever they put on NBC but a little exploring. Putting my Hulu Live through the paces to figure it out and think I’m starting to enjoy the interface once I found the sort by live sports channels.

I’m also continuing my Marvel Catchup on Dis+ with Hawkeye and Moon Knight. Very different takes on the universe, Hawkeye was very much tied to characters and things that had happened in ‘the world,’ which I still find annoying since who can remember all of that, but liked the interplay between the characters. While Moon Knight was pretty origin story standalone and a little bit on the wackadoodle side but a glimpse into Egyptian Gods. I will say that Marvel overall seems to be covering different kinds of protagonists and dealing with social issues better than I would have thought.

I also finished up what is now the final season of Reginald the Vampire which was a fun show. Time to add a vampire option back in.

  • Batman: Caped Crusader (Am) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/1 – No idea if this animated take is supposed to be worthwhile but for me, it feels like there is a lot going on in this universe with different character takes between Harley Quinn/Kite Man and the new Joker movie, the new Penguin series and whatever else.
  • A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/1 – A student is looking into a murder from 5 years ago.
  • Mr. Throwback (Pea) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/8 – A memorabilia dealer reunites with his sixth-grade teammate Steph Curry, with the actual Steph Curry along with Adam Pally who I like (from Happy Endings/The Mindy Project).
  • The Umbrella Academy (Net) Season premiere/series finale, Thursday 8/8 – I lost this show after season 2, I remember it starting strong but not sure if my interest waned or just a timing thing but could go back and pick up 3 and 4 to finish it out.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 7/15-7/28

I finally made my way through the rest of Ripley and 3 Body Problem on Netflix, both were good but I didn’t find myself that compelled to watch between episodes, Though I will return when another season arrives of 3 Body. I’m also still making my way through the Marvel backlog and am finally to sort the current universe on Disney+ with WandaVision and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, both entertaining in a Marvel way. Hulu really seemed to be promoting Kevin From Work which was a meh workplace/romance/comedy. I also did That ’90s Show on Netflix having enjoyed That ’70s Show, unfortunately, most of the characters weren’t that well-defined but fun to see some of the old cast. And I finished The Bear on Hulu which still had some great episodes but this season’s story felt stuck as was Carmy.

Clearly I’m keeping myself busy, a few more things to take a look at before the Olympics hit.

  • The Ark (Syfy) Season Premiere, Wednesday 7/17, 10pm – I enjoyed the first season of this tough decisions in trying to start a new world when all goes awry though it’s probably not great.
  • Kite Man: Hell Yeah! (Max) Series Premiere, Thursday 7/18 – A spinoff of Harley Quinn which I enjoyed.
  • Those About to Die (Pea) Series Premiere, Thursday 7/18 – An epic drama set in the world of Roman gladiators with Anthony Hopkins as the Emperor.
  • Lady in the Lake (App+) Series Premiere, Friday 7/19 – A noir thriller with Natalie Portman as a Jewish housewife trying to shed a secret past and become an investigative journalist, she connects with another mother on a dangerous path.
  • Dress My Tour (Hulu) Series Premiere, Tuesday 7/23 – I might be ready for a new reality show and this caught my eye, a competition to design outfits for real touring artists.
  • Time Bandits (App+) Series Premiere, Wednesday 7/24 – A take on the movie from Taika Wititi+ and starring Lisa Kurdrow+, a ‘ragtag’ group of time-traveling thieves.
  • The Decameron (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 7/25 – A soapy period drama with some elites trying to get away from the plague at a lavish retreat by Jenji Kohan+ with Zosia Mamet and Tony Hale among others.
  • Olympics (NBC/Various) – Let the games begin opening ceremonies on Friday 7/26.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 7/1-7/14

Not a lot of new series for a bit. 4th of July you can find some fireworks. Shark Week starts on Discovery 7/7. And Wimbledon kicks off on 7/1. I’ve been continuing with my Marvel backlog I jammed through the one season of Helstrom (Hulu), it clearly didn’t get renewed but I thought it was kind of mindless fun. I’m also chugging through True Detective (almost done with s3) and finally decided to try out The Boys (Amazon) again, in general, I fell out of love with this but the spinoff Gen V got me back into it. And of course, I’ve started The Bear (Hulu) I’m trying to pace myself with 2 episodes a night.

  • Sunny (App+) Series Premiere, Wednesday 7/10 – A woman living in Kyoto received a domestic robot after her son and husband are killed in a ‘mysterious’ place crash in this mystery thriller.
  • The Emperor of Ocean Park (MGM+) Series Premiere, Sunday 7/14 – Is a judge’s death a heart attack or foul play?

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 6/17-6/30

Things have been light so I’ve been able to do some backlog. The Comeback (HBO) which was well done but a little too cringe for my taste. Baby Reindeer (Net) and Swarm (Am) both also too uncomfortable for me to really enjoy. And then the light Runaways in my Marvel catchup and Peacemaker, which was actually pretty fun, in my DC catchup. I also cranked through the second season of True Detective and may need a break before starting season 3.

  • Orphan Black: Echoes (AMC) Series Premiere, Sunday 6/23, 10pm – I loved the original Orphan Black and am a fan of Krysten Ritter, unfortunately, I think I lost AMC in this shift from cable to Hulu Live so may need to add this to the temporary catch up list.
  • Land of Women (App+) Series Premiere, Wednesday 6/26 – Adramady starring Eva Longoria a woman who gets out of the city with her mother and daughter when the hubs disappears around big financial scandal.
  • The Bear (Fx/Hulu) Season Premiere, Thursday 6/27 – I was nervous the second season wouldn’t live up to the first but it might have been even better, I’m nervous again but very excited for a new season of this great show.
  • My Lady Jane (Am) Series Premiere, Thursday 6/27 – Alt fantasy Tudor world romance?
  • Suicide Squad Isekai (Hulu) Series Premiere, Thursday 6/27 – A new animated take on the criminals are gathered and in this one sent into an otherworldly realm, I think this is a new anime and not Harley Quinn related.
  • Domino Day (SundN/AMC) Series Premiere, Thursday 6/27 – A supernatural drama where a woman/witch is hunting on the dating apps and a coven is trying to track her down.
  • Supacell (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 6/27 – Ordinary Black Londoners get superpowers and come together to save someone.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 6/3-6/16

I realized I don’t actually subscribe to Peacock so have yet to check out the second season of We Are Lady Parts but I have been keeping myself busy. I am also not watching Bridgerton, I enjoyed the first season enough but the second season felt a little been there done that. I enjoyed though not as much as the book, The Sympathizer. Really enjoyed the third season of Hacks, those two are so great. And in the just fine category I found How I Met Your Father when I was looking for some easy laughs, easy just not so funny. Also in my Marvel catch up I did Cloak & Dagger which again was entertaining enough.

  • Clipped (Fx/Hulu) Series Premiere, Tuesday 6/4 – A good quality cast in this look at a troubling time for the LA Clippers.
  • Becoming Karl Lagerfeld (Hulu) Series Premiere, Friday 6/7 – A dramatic telling of 1972 Lagerfeld before he becomes the designer you likely know him as.
  • Queenie (Hulu) Series Premiere, Friday 6/7 – Based on the novel, a 25-year-old woman living in south London has a messy breakup and after some missteps tries to face the past to move forward.
  • Fantasmas (HBO) Series Premiere, Friday 6/7, 11pm – I am not sure how to describe what looks like a very weird show but basically a search for a lost gold earring and many tales along the way.
  • Presumed Innocent (App+) Series Premiere, Wednesday 6/12 – A new take on the novel/movie this time with Jake Gyllenhaal as an attorney accused of murdering a woman he had an affair with.
  • Professor T (PBS) Season Premiere, Sunday 6/16, 8pm – I watched the original and this version kind of simultaneously so I can’t really remember what’s what but enjoy this series.
  • Hotel Cocaine (MGM+) Series Premiere, Sunday 6/16, 10pm – Danny Pino stars as Roman Campte the hotel manager in the center of the Miami cocaine scene

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 5/20-6/2

I’m getting more used to watching regular tv via Hulu Live though I do miss some of the functionality of my TiVo. I couldn’t quite bring myself to get rid of my it when I did some electronic recycling including my DVR. If I stick with Hulu or something else I don’t need it but now I’m wondering if an antenna would give me regular network channels. That way I could still do the rounds on streaming but wouldn’t be beholden for regular stuff. Television has really gotten too complicated, and expensive, let me know any suggestions.

As for new tv we’re mostly finishing out seasons so I can continue with my Marvel and HBO backlogs.

  • Evil (Para+) Season Premiere, Thursday 5/23 – This show has been weird and fun, and I will enjoy this final season even if it means subscribing to Paramount+ again.
  • Tires (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 5/23 – A family auto repair shop is in trouble, can these quirky folks turn it around?
  • Eric (Net) Series Premiere, 5/30 – Benedict Cumberbatch stars as a puppeteer father looking for his missing son in ’80s New York by way of a puppet that his son drew.
  • Geek Girl (Net) Series Premiere, 5/30 – Awkward teen gets scouted by a modeling agency in this quirky family drama
  • We Are Lady Parts (Pea) Season Premiere, 5/30 – This all-female Muslim punk band had a lot of good going on, curious about the next season though it means a Peacock subscription.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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