Fall TV Roundup, Week 16

This is it, we've reached the end of our new slate this Fall. I'll be reviewing a couple streaming shows that kicked off, but that marks the end of the new roll out among the busiest season. It's because we're close to the holidays, and things are winding down before the big kick-off for the Winter. But we're not there yet. In 2018 there were 495 scripted shows that aired, many of them new. And I've chronicled a lot here. I hope you found some favorites, or at least some you liked. Stay tuned next week, during the final week of the year, as I start to roll out my Best of 2018, including my favorite shows, episodes and performances. For now, it's time to look at these last two new shows. In these weekly recaps I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Streaming Series:
Champaign Ill, Now Streaming on YouTube Red (Premiered December 12)
About: This new comedy series comes from David Caspe ("Happy Endings") and stars Adam Pally and Sam Richardson as a pair of life-long friends that are dealt a blow on their path to living the rock star life. Specifically, they're part of the entourage for their other best friend, Lou (Jay Pharoah), who is a superstar rapper. Fifteen years earlier Ronnie (Pally) was headed to Yale and Alf (Richardson) had a clear path in front of him. But they deferred those dreams to hit the road with their friend and, really, just never returned to their lives. When Lou dies in a freak accident, Ronnie and Alf are suddenly confronted with the lives they left behind and the lack of opportunities they have now 15 years later after essentially doing nothing with their talent and promise. It makes for an interesting set up, and since Pally and Richardson are gifted comedians, they work well off each other. There is some interesting aspects to this series, and it feels like it could be the first YouTube series that had a hook that intrigued me. But I'm not sure it was quite enough to get me to pony up for the service. Still, they've had a big year building an original content library and it's clear YouTube Red is here to stay.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Tidelands, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered December 14)
About: Netflix continues to pull in anything and everything to build the biggest content library it can, adding value for subscribers and trying to win the content wars. That means pulling in new series every week, whether original productions in the U.S. or international shows getting distribution for U.S. audiences. "Tidelands" falls into the latter category, a production from Australia that is making its domestic debut. The series is a crime drama with a twist. The Tidelanders, as they're called, are half human, half siren beings that exert power and control over the world thanks to their unique skill set. The show is around 40 minutes an episode, and follows some standard tropes for the genre. It features a few faces familiar to American audiences, led by Elsa Pataky ("Fast and Furious" franchise), and it won't be hard to spot the twists coming. I found it a little bland, but for those who just crave new content, at least this foreign co-production is in English, so no subtitles.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-