New TV shows Fall 2011 - Reviews Revisited
Fall TV 2011 has been in full swing now with most networks shuttling out the new shows (I believe only NBC's Grimm is left to premiere - This Friday!), SO I wanted to revisit my reviews and tell you which shows I've tapped into and whether or not America's behind me...
2 Broke Girls - CBS, Mondays @ 8:30 - They've got a killer time slot craddled between the solid How I Met Your Mother and they "highest rated sitcom" Two and a Half Men. After the pilot I gave it a "Hopeful Call Back" that's turned into a "Faithful Watcher". I think it still has it's rough spots, but I like the girls banter and that it has a definitive overall story arch (hello, cupcake shop!). Apparently America and the TV gods agreed, because it's been picked up for a full season and has the bragging rights for the Number 1 new comedy.
New Girl - FOX, Tuesdays at 9PM (returning Nov. 1st) - Although, it's been pushed back a few weeks because of FOX's coverage of the Baseball Playoffs/World Series and their decision to run X-Factor instead... I gave this show a "Thumbs Up!" and after just a few episodes, I'm a total "Faithful Watcher". Tuesdays are my FOX-ONLY nights since it's dedicated to Glee, New Girl and Raising Hope... it's the perfect fit. Apparently FOX agreed, being the first network to pick up a new show for a full season.
The X-Factor - FOX, Wednesdays & Thursdays - The ratings for the return of Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul weren't exactly American Idol numbers, but they're pretty respectable. After torturously watching some auditions, I decided that there was wayyyy too much good scripted television in the Fall to dedicate so much time to a singing competition show. I threw in the towel, but I think X-Factor will stick around.
Once Upon a Time - ABC, Sundays at 8PM - The storybook fantasy show just premiered last Sunday, but I must say I'm intrigued. I'm looking forward to see where they can take the classic stories we all know and entangle them with their own story. It was the highest-rated new drama series to premiere this season at 12.8 million viewers, so I'm guessing we'll hear some good news after a few more episodes.
Suburgatory - ABC, Wednesdays at 830PM - They have a very decent timeslot, craddled between The Middle and Modern Family, but that only got Better With You one full season before being dropped and apparently, ABC is willing to give this the same shot. They've gotten a full-season pick-up. I liked Better With You and I like Suburgatory. I think it's a good mix between the sarcasm of The Middle and the ridiculousness of Modern Family and could see it bridging the two nicely. I'll be tuning in and keeping my fingers crossed that they found something that'll stick.
Person of Interest - CBS, Thursdays at 9PM - I was looking forward to this one for one reason: Michael Emerson. I think it fits well with CBS's tried and true crime dramas (think NCIS and CSI), but with a new twist. It's another show my hubby and I can watch together (BONUS!) and I've heard it's gonna be around for at least one full season.
Revenge - ABC - I haven't watched this one, nor do I have the desire too. I left my soap-opera days behind long ago, and couldn't quite latch on to a night-time version. But apparently enough of America has. It's gotten a full-season pick-up
Whitney - NBC - The commercial clips are promising but, I've never DVR'd or watched an episode. It must be a timing issue, yet I have no real pull to try and figure out why I'm not watching... ANYWHO, it's got a full season pick-up.
Up All Night - NBC - Christina Applegate, Will Arnett, Maya Rudolph... this show should be a mega-hit, yet it's more like a rollercoaster. Some episodes I've loved, some I haven't... After the pilot I said it was on it's "Last Chance Call Back" and I feel like that's still the case for me... I keep calling it back hoping to fall in love, but I just haven't yet... but I'm also not willing to let it go either. Apparently, NBC/America are in the same boat, it's modest ratings really don't warrant a full-season pick-up at this point, but the stars have made it impossible to give up on this soon.
Secret Circle - CW Thursdays at 9PM - I gave this supernatural CW show a "Skeptical Call Back" after the pilot, but I have to say the witches have won me over. It's definitely tailor made for the CW crowd, but it does seem to have decent writing (ala the Vampire Diaries). It's got a full season pick-up and I'll gladly watch it.
Ringer - CW, Tuesdays at 8PM - Sarah Michelle Gellar back on television as twin sisters in a thriller-type drama series. I gave it a try, but found it too campy. CW disagreed though and gave it a full season pick-up.
Hart of Dixie - CW - Rachel Bilson as a city-doctor in a small town, didn't really appeal to me and thusly I never watched. I have to admit I even roll my eyes at the promos. But CW is giving it a full season.
Last Man Standing - ABC, Tuesdays at 830PM - I reluctantly watched this (I told you my Tuesdays are dedicated to the FOX line-up), but decided to since FOX was airing baseball instead of their go-to line-up. I was pleasantly surprised at the return of Tim Allen. I'll probably DVR the upcoming episodes and see where it goes. It had a strong opening, but has lost numbers... I'm guessing America's with me and isn't quite sure yet.
Terra Nova - FOX, Mondays at 8PM - I had high hopes, but also high skeptism for this blast to the past fantasy show. And for me, it's delivered. It's another show my husband and I can agree to watch together, which is always a plus in my book and I think it's been fun to watch so far in terms of fantasy and story-telling. But that might not be enough for FOX execs. They've confirmed that the show will only have 13 episodes this season, but they haven't ruled out a second season. Maybe, they'll follow some cable networks and do shorter seasons to make the the high costs of producing more manageable.
Unforgettable - CBS - I haven't watched this one (I can only do so many crime-dramas, and I have a pretty low tolerance for them as it is, plus I might be one of the few that think's Poppy Montegomery's red hair is awful...), but it looks like it's sticking around.
Man Up! - ABC - It premiered last week, and the pilot was just okay in my opinion. It was another show I wasn't planning on catching (but got the chance to because of FOX's baseball coverage). The ratings weren't the best, and I'm thinking it's gonna be hard to bolister viewers this late in the game.
Pam Am - ABC - The concept of flight attendants circa 1960s never really appealed to me. Christina Ricci almost had enough pull for me to check it out, but then I didn't... America seems to be with me, since the show's struggling with ratings, but it seems to have network execs behind it for now and hasn't been cancelled (or given a full-season pickup) yet.
Prime Suspect - NBC - Another crime drama? No thanks. I never caught an episode, and many other Americans agreed. It's been struggling in ratings, but got the go-ahead for 6 more scripts... it's still undetermined if they'll every see the airs...
A Gifted Man - CBS - A doctor that sees his dead wife... or something. Never really piqued my interest. It's doing okay for a Friday night show, and may be able to last a season. But I'd say don't get too attached.
American Horror Story - FX - I'm still not sure how I feel about this show. I've watched all aired episodes thus far and can't tell if I actually like it. It's so different than most other shows on television, and it's so morbid and creepy that I can't seem to turn away. I'll keep watching til I decide.
The Playboy Club - Trying to cash in on Mad Men fame, this 1960s nod to Playboy just didn't excite fans and angered parental groups. Low expectations weren't met, and the show was the first one to be canned.
Free Agents - I gave the Hank Azaria and Kathryn Hahn comedy a "Thumbs Down" after barely getting to the first commercial break of the pilot. It was the second fall show to get axed.
How to be a Gentleman - CBS - This show had the giant lead-in of The Big Bang Theory and failed to get numbers. I tried to watch, but could only stand about 5 minutes. It was like watching the uncool Barney Stinson (How I Met You Mother) and who wants to watch that? Apparently no one; CBS moved it to Saturdays before giving it the ax.
Charlie's Angels - One of the most promoted new fall shows, seemingly fell flat to viewers in comparison to the original 1970's version and even the newer movies of the same name. Sorry gals.
THE GOOD
2 Broke Girls - CBS, Mondays @ 8:30 - They've got a killer time slot craddled between the solid How I Met Your Mother and they "highest rated sitcom" Two and a Half Men. After the pilot I gave it a "Hopeful Call Back" that's turned into a "Faithful Watcher". I think it still has it's rough spots, but I like the girls banter and that it has a definitive overall story arch (hello, cupcake shop!). Apparently America and the TV gods agreed, because it's been picked up for a full season and has the bragging rights for the Number 1 new comedy.
New Girl - FOX, Tuesdays at 9PM (returning Nov. 1st) - Although, it's been pushed back a few weeks because of FOX's coverage of the Baseball Playoffs/World Series and their decision to run X-Factor instead... I gave this show a "Thumbs Up!" and after just a few episodes, I'm a total "Faithful Watcher". Tuesdays are my FOX-ONLY nights since it's dedicated to Glee, New Girl and Raising Hope... it's the perfect fit. Apparently FOX agreed, being the first network to pick up a new show for a full season.
The X-Factor - FOX, Wednesdays & Thursdays - The ratings for the return of Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul weren't exactly American Idol numbers, but they're pretty respectable. After torturously watching some auditions, I decided that there was wayyyy too much good scripted television in the Fall to dedicate so much time to a singing competition show. I threw in the towel, but I think X-Factor will stick around.
Once Upon a Time - ABC, Sundays at 8PM - The storybook fantasy show just premiered last Sunday, but I must say I'm intrigued. I'm looking forward to see where they can take the classic stories we all know and entangle them with their own story. It was the highest-rated new drama series to premiere this season at 12.8 million viewers, so I'm guessing we'll hear some good news after a few more episodes.
Suburgatory - ABC, Wednesdays at 830PM - They have a very decent timeslot, craddled between The Middle and Modern Family, but that only got Better With You one full season before being dropped and apparently, ABC is willing to give this the same shot. They've gotten a full-season pick-up. I liked Better With You and I like Suburgatory. I think it's a good mix between the sarcasm of The Middle and the ridiculousness of Modern Family and could see it bridging the two nicely. I'll be tuning in and keeping my fingers crossed that they found something that'll stick.
Person of Interest - CBS, Thursdays at 9PM - I was looking forward to this one for one reason: Michael Emerson. I think it fits well with CBS's tried and true crime dramas (think NCIS and CSI), but with a new twist. It's another show my hubby and I can watch together (BONUS!) and I've heard it's gonna be around for at least one full season.
Revenge - ABC - I haven't watched this one, nor do I have the desire too. I left my soap-opera days behind long ago, and couldn't quite latch on to a night-time version. But apparently enough of America has. It's gotten a full-season pick-up
Whitney - NBC - The commercial clips are promising but, I've never DVR'd or watched an episode. It must be a timing issue, yet I have no real pull to try and figure out why I'm not watching... ANYWHO, it's got a full season pick-up.
Up All Night - NBC - Christina Applegate, Will Arnett, Maya Rudolph... this show should be a mega-hit, yet it's more like a rollercoaster. Some episodes I've loved, some I haven't... After the pilot I said it was on it's "Last Chance Call Back" and I feel like that's still the case for me... I keep calling it back hoping to fall in love, but I just haven't yet... but I'm also not willing to let it go either. Apparently, NBC/America are in the same boat, it's modest ratings really don't warrant a full-season pick-up at this point, but the stars have made it impossible to give up on this soon.
Secret Circle - CW Thursdays at 9PM - I gave this supernatural CW show a "Skeptical Call Back" after the pilot, but I have to say the witches have won me over. It's definitely tailor made for the CW crowd, but it does seem to have decent writing (ala the Vampire Diaries). It's got a full season pick-up and I'll gladly watch it.
Ringer - CW, Tuesdays at 8PM - Sarah Michelle Gellar back on television as twin sisters in a thriller-type drama series. I gave it a try, but found it too campy. CW disagreed though and gave it a full season pick-up.
Hart of Dixie - CW - Rachel Bilson as a city-doctor in a small town, didn't really appeal to me and thusly I never watched. I have to admit I even roll my eyes at the promos. But CW is giving it a full season.
ON THE FENCE
Last Man Standing - ABC, Tuesdays at 830PM - I reluctantly watched this (I told you my Tuesdays are dedicated to the FOX line-up), but decided to since FOX was airing baseball instead of their go-to line-up. I was pleasantly surprised at the return of Tim Allen. I'll probably DVR the upcoming episodes and see where it goes. It had a strong opening, but has lost numbers... I'm guessing America's with me and isn't quite sure yet.
Terra Nova - FOX, Mondays at 8PM - I had high hopes, but also high skeptism for this blast to the past fantasy show. And for me, it's delivered. It's another show my husband and I can agree to watch together, which is always a plus in my book and I think it's been fun to watch so far in terms of fantasy and story-telling. But that might not be enough for FOX execs. They've confirmed that the show will only have 13 episodes this season, but they haven't ruled out a second season. Maybe, they'll follow some cable networks and do shorter seasons to make the the high costs of producing more manageable.
Unforgettable - CBS - I haven't watched this one (I can only do so many crime-dramas, and I have a pretty low tolerance for them as it is, plus I might be one of the few that think's Poppy Montegomery's red hair is awful...), but it looks like it's sticking around.
Man Up! - ABC - It premiered last week, and the pilot was just okay in my opinion. It was another show I wasn't planning on catching (but got the chance to because of FOX's baseball coverage). The ratings weren't the best, and I'm thinking it's gonna be hard to bolister viewers this late in the game.
Pam Am - ABC - The concept of flight attendants circa 1960s never really appealed to me. Christina Ricci almost had enough pull for me to check it out, but then I didn't... America seems to be with me, since the show's struggling with ratings, but it seems to have network execs behind it for now and hasn't been cancelled (or given a full-season pickup) yet.
Prime Suspect - NBC - Another crime drama? No thanks. I never caught an episode, and many other Americans agreed. It's been struggling in ratings, but got the go-ahead for 6 more scripts... it's still undetermined if they'll every see the airs...
A Gifted Man - CBS - A doctor that sees his dead wife... or something. Never really piqued my interest. It's doing okay for a Friday night show, and may be able to last a season. But I'd say don't get too attached.
American Horror Story - FX - I'm still not sure how I feel about this show. I've watched all aired episodes thus far and can't tell if I actually like it. It's so different than most other shows on television, and it's so morbid and creepy that I can't seem to turn away. I'll keep watching til I decide.
DEAD ALREADY
The Playboy Club - Trying to cash in on Mad Men fame, this 1960s nod to Playboy just didn't excite fans and angered parental groups. Low expectations weren't met, and the show was the first one to be canned.
Free Agents - I gave the Hank Azaria and Kathryn Hahn comedy a "Thumbs Down" after barely getting to the first commercial break of the pilot. It was the second fall show to get axed.
How to be a Gentleman - CBS - This show had the giant lead-in of The Big Bang Theory and failed to get numbers. I tried to watch, but could only stand about 5 minutes. It was like watching the uncool Barney Stinson (How I Met You Mother) and who wants to watch that? Apparently no one; CBS moved it to Saturdays before giving it the ax.
Charlie's Angels - One of the most promoted new fall shows, seemingly fell flat to viewers in comparison to the original 1970's version and even the newer movies of the same name. Sorry gals.
