Summer TV Roundup, Week 11

We're in the middle of July. The temperatures are sweltering and the flow of blockbusters at the Cineplex is winding down. We're about two months from the Fall onslaught of the networks (and, of course, the return of the NFL). But that doesn't mean we're devoid of new options. In these weekly posts I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series (and the occasional unscripted one). Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Tuesday Nights:
The Disappearance, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on WGN (Premiered July 9)
About: WGN has re-made its original programming slate by bringing in original shows from foreign markets. "The Disappearance" is new to WGN, and America, but it was originally released in Canada in 2017. It centers on a family going through a trauma when a child disappears. It threatens to uncover all kinds of issues. I thought the pilot moved at a decent pace in introducing the characters and the world. The pilot was a slow build to the central conflict, which is the missing child. It boasts a strong cast that includes Peter Coyote as the grandpa, and retired judge, Aden Young and Camille Sullivan as the parents and Joanne Kelly as the boy's aunt. I'm curious to see where it goes and was pleased with the pilot presentation. And at six episodes, it's not much of a commitment this summer.
Pilot Grade: B-

Bring the Funny, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on NBC (Premiered July 9)
About: This latest reality competition show focuses on those trying to make us laugh. But it's not strictly about stand up comedians. Instead, this one is about all types of comedy. They all compete together to advance toward a title. They're judged by Chrissy Teigen, Jeff Foxworthy and Keenan Thompson. The pilot featured some traditional stand up, magic, slight of hand, and sketch comedy. Some of the performances were good, others weren't as good. That's the nature of these types of reality shows. Still, I like the idea and I like to laugh, so I'm hoping for some dynamic presentations moving forward.
Pilot Grade: C

Wednesday Nights:
Florida Girls, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on POP (Premiered July 10)
About: This original comedy is about four girls living in Florida who don't have a lot of great prospects. Not a lot of romantic prospects, job prospects or life prospects. While one of them, Shelby (Laura Chinn) seems moved to try and better herself after a fifth friend gets her GED, gets a real job and leaves the area. But through two episodes her best intentions have seemingly gone no where. Chinn was the creator of the series, and was the best performer in the first two episodes. There is a place for this kind of comedy, and it does feel very Florida. But it wasn't overly compelling, nor particularly my style. The first two episodes felt like they had a few too many cliches and too much repetition for me.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-

Streaming Series:
Family Reunion, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered July 10)
About: This latest comedy from Netflix centers on a football player, Moz (Anthony Alabi) and his wife Cocoa (Tia Mowry-Hardrict) who bring their kids from their Seattle home to the deep south for a family reunion. There they reunite with Moz's parents (Loretta Devine and Richard Roundtree) and experience a slower, more-family oriented pace of life. By the time the pilot ends, Moz and Cocoa decide to move the family back home so their kids can get the support and direction only extended family can provide. That sets the stage for this comedy. The second episode is about adjusting to their new lives and realizing the glow has come off the idea a bit. The episodes are about a half hour, and the season is 10 episodes long. The first two flowed at a decent pace, but the story and style weren't overly compelling for me.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C