Fall TV Roundup, Week 17

 


This is the final TV Roundup of 2020, and what a year it's been. We've seen some good shows, some great shows and some lousy shows. And with most of us trapped in our homes for long stretches, the shows we've gotten have been more valuable than ever. The flow of new show options has dwindled as we hit the holidays, but there is still some stuff out there. And, never fear, I'll be back to start the Winter TV Roundup next week! But for now, as always, let these posts be your guide to new scripted content. I review the pilot and the second episode of new scripted series. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Thursday Nights:
The Stand, Now Streaming on CBS All Access (Premiered December 17)
About: This one is technically a streaming series, but it's airing weekly on CBS All Access. I was pumped for it to arrive, having waited on it for more than a year. I am a fan of Stephen King and this iconic novel, and I loved the 1994 TV movie on ABC. This series, however, has left me a bit cold. It's following a non-linear path, seemingly picking and choosing who to follow in each episode and how to tell the story of how they got to Boulder, where it all picks up. It's minimized the build up and seemingly eliminated the dream sequences that were integral to the story. I like some of the casting, and some of it doesn't work. Mostly, I'm not excited about how this story is being told. Perhaps it will grow on me, but so far this feels like a pretty big disappointment, albeit one that wants to make the most of being on streaming and having the content shackles removed.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-

Streaming Series:
Bridgerton, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered December 25)
About: Over the past few years Netflix has made a move to lure content creators from the world of TV and film. One of the bigger names is Shonda Rhimes, who produced a number of hits over a number of years for ABC, including "Grey's Anatomy." On Christmas Day, she finally made her debut on Netflix with "Bridgerton," a new period drama based on the books from Julia Quinn. I haven't read the books, but the story was described as a cross between "Gossip Girl" and "Downton Abbey," and through two episodes that seems apt. There's high society courtship rituals and nobility stories, but it's all with a bit more sexy action and flare, all coupled with some narration to guide you through the world. Much has been made of the amped up sex, but in the first two episodes I saw it didn't seem like that much, especially compared to productions on premium cable networks. It has a fine look and style, but I wasn't incredibly attached to the characters through a couple episodes. It's an interesting swing for Netflix, and has some potential, but it doesn't have the "Wow" factor that was part of the sales pitch. We'll see if that develops as we go.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

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