Fall not only hails the start of a new school year for the Bruins, but also the arrival of a brand new television lineup. While there are many familiar faces returning to each of the primetime networks, there are also some newbies – many of whom seem poised to become fan favorites. If you need a break from cracking the books or want to know which new shows are worth checking out, now is the time to get prepped for fall TV. Daily Bruin’s Andrea Seikaly takes a look at some of the new shows that have premiered, as well as which programs are back for more this season.
NBC
It’s hard not to root for Michael J. Fox as he makes his television comeback in this self-titled “dramedy.” Playing a version of himself, a former award-winning New York NBC News anchor who prepares to return to the world of reporting while coping with the effects of Parkinson’s disease, Fox not only draws attention to his character’s struggle but is also relatable to anyone who has ever had to start over or overcome an obstacle. The show explores how Matthew Henry’s (Fox) family is affected by his disease and how they must cope together in order to move forward.
The show centers on Matthew and his family, which includes his wife, three kids and sister, as they also adjust to their new life. Many moments of the show’s pilot were heartwarming, such as a scene in which Matthew thanks his wife for helping him return to his old job, or when his family surprises him with a home-cooked breakfast after his first time back on the air. Fox’s acting and his ease for comedy are what really make this show stand out and bear promise for episodes to come.
He is quick to poke fun at himself and the side effects of his illness (though he is probably the only one who can get away with it without coming across as insensitive), and endears the audience to a reality faced by many, discussing things like his shakiness and other limitations. He also introduces a comical rivalry between his character and “Today” anchor Matt Lauer, who makes a cameo in the pilot along with co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
If the rest of the season continues along a similar vein, Fox will show his viewers how to embrace the difficulties in life and do the best they can.
Back For More:
NBC has a strong lineup this fall, including the return of some of its most popular shows like the number one-rated singing competition “The Voice.” With Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green rejoining Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, the gang is back together again and doesn’t seem to have lost a step at all.
Despite heavy competition on other networks, the drama “Parenthood” returns on a new night (Thursday) this season with the Braverman clan facing a new set of challenges. Sarah (Lauren Graham) finds herself with both kids out of the house, Crosby (Dax Shepard) and Jasmine (Joy Bryant) experience the joys and trials of a new baby, and Adam (Peter Krause) and Kristina (Monica Potter) adjust to their new lives now that Kristina is cancer-free.
ABC
The pilot for “The Goldbergs” takes viewers back to the days of big hair, oversized camcorders and REO Speedwagon – the ’80s. But regardless of the show’s “back in the day” approach, the Goldbergs, based on creator Adam Goldberg’s family, are still subject to some of the same situations faced by families today, such as teaching their oldest son how to drive and having to take the keys away from Grandpa.
Told from the point of view of the family’s youngest son Adam (Sean Giambrone), “The Goldbergs” is his reflection on family memories and interactions. The retro references to Brooke Shields, Sam Goody and Burt Reynolds as the “Sexiest Man Alive” also provide a comical look at what was popular during the decade, as do the characters’ costumes and hairdos.
“Bridesmaids” star Wendi McLendon-Covey gives the strongest performance in the pilot, giving life to Beverly, a protective mother who is in control of her family and doesn’t want her kids to grow up too fast. Jeff Garlin’s role as Beverly’s husband Murray is spot-on as he conveys the confused and sometimes bewildered state of a dad who doesn’t always know what’s going on but errs on the side of caution by supporting his wife.
This show can definitely hold its own, but its strongest competition might even be on its own network. One of its major downfalls is that it seems a bit too similar to ABC’s “The Middle,” given that both shows feature an overbearing mom, aloof dad, two sons and one daughter trying to make it work. McLendon-Covey is no Patricia Heaton, but it will take more creativity and compelling plot lines for this show to succeed long term.
Back For More:
ABC has one of the strongest overall lineups this season. From “Dancing with the Stars” to “Revenge,” there seems to be something for everyone. “Modern Family” made its triumphant fall return with a two-part season premiere (complete with a Cam and Mitchell engagement), as did Shonda Rhimes’s fan favorite “Grey’s Anatomy.” Also ready to be welcomed back is Rhimes’s other hit drama “Scandal,” which returns this Thursday.
The solid comedy block of “The Middle” and “Modern Family” on Wednesday followed by back-to-back “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” on Thursday is likely to prove a winning combination.
Fox
Featured New Show: “Dads”
With its pilot and first episode already aired, “Dads” has not yet proven itself to be a comedy that can hold its own against its counterparts on ABC and NBC. The show centers on the lives of two men in their 30s, Eli (Seth Green) and Warner (Giovanni Ribisi) whose dads move in with them.
Despite the promising prospect of having Seth MacFarlane as an executive producer, this comedy tends to fall flat and pales in comparison to its competition. Whereas other shows seem to get away with slightly off color remarks or jokes, similar antics stand out more on “Dads” and come across as more inappropriate than funny. On the bright side, other new shows like “Sleepy Hollow” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” look like they’ll have more staying power.
Back For More:
While “The X Factor” doesn’t quite measure up to the standards of NBC’s “The Voice,” the additon of new judges Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio has helped keep things fresh. For comedies, “New Girl” and “The Mindy Project” return with their strong, yet charming leading ladies Zooey Deschanel and Mindy Kaling. And, on a much sadder note, “Glee” begins its fifth season with the sorrowful task of bidding farewell to the late Cory Monteith, and his send-off is sure to be one to remember.
CBS
The combination of a great comedic actor like Robin Williams and an experienced TV actress like Sarah Michelle Gellar (let’s not forget those seven seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) gives “The Crazy Ones” a lot of potential.
With his performance in the pilot, it is clear that Williams will be the one who holds this show together in his role as Simon Roberts, an advertising executive. Gellar, who plays Simon’s daughter Sydney, balances out her eccentric father with her more serious portrayal of a daughter who trusts Simon, but is still unsettled by his unconventional methods. A cameo by original American Idol Kelly Clarkson allows Williams to use some of his best comedy bits and lets audiences see Clarkson, who plays herself, try her hand at acting alongside one of the best.
While “The Crazy Ones” is still just getting started, Williams’s ease should help move the show along and keep audiences laughing. It’s as if he’s just being himself, and we’re along for the ride.
Back For More:
“The Amazing Race” is now back in full swing after the premiere of season 23, proving that racing around the world never gets old. And apparently neither does “Survivor,” back for season 27, “Blood vs. Water.” But perhaps the most highly anticipated return is “How I Met Your Mother,” which just began its final season. For those mourning the end of “Breaking Bad,” there is still something to look forward to – Bryan Cranston will return as a guest star on “How I Met Your Mother” later this season.