Winter TV Roundup, Week 1

 

Welcome to January. This winter will be unlike the past in that, post the resolution of strikes, we’re going to see some explosions on the small screen, including the return of the network season. But all that is to come. For now, let’s consider the early cable and streaming series we’ve gotten! What of these new shows are worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter.

Sundays:
Grimsburg, Sundays at 8 p.m. on FOX (Premiered January 7)
About: An animated detective series from Jon Hamm, who voices the lead—count me in. This had the typical Animation Domination visual style, but the story was a bit of fun. There were a lot of pop culture references and clever jokes. I enjoyed Hamm in the lead role, and I like the potential set up of this town and this role. The rest of the voice cast—including Rachel Dratch, Christina Hendricks, and Alan Tudyk, among others—does a nice job as well. The pilot moved at a good pace and was a bit of fun.
Pilot Grade: C+

Funny Woman, Sundays at 10 p.m. on PBS (Premiered January 7)
About: This new series for PBS sees Gemma Arterton as a woman seeking to break into the 1960s comedy scene in London. Specifically, the action picks up in 1964. Arterton plays Barbara, a fiercely independent woman trying to find her way in England. After winning a beauty contest in her small town, she moves to London. This series is based on the novel by Nick Hornby, with a six-episode first season that aired in the Spring of 2023 in England and is now making its American debut on PBS. The premise is sound and should rightly draw a comparison to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which wrapped up a five-season run on Prime Video last year. I like Arterton in the lead and the premise. The pilot was interesting enough and engaging. I’m curious to see where this one goes.
Pilot Grade: C+

Streaming Series:
Fool Me Once, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered January 1)
About: The first new show of 2024 dropped on New Year’s Day. This series is based on the book from Harlan Coben and set in England. Maya (Michelle Keegan) has just lost her husband. Not long ago she lost her sister. When it turns out the murders are related, it opens a mystery that goes back decades. Can Maya figure out what happened before it’s too late or will her own checkered past cause her to become the prime suspect. This is a mystery that unfolds in an interesting way. The series is eight episodes, each about 45 minutes, making for a quick binge. I enjoyed Keegan in the lead role and there was enough in this mystery to keep me engaged. That will be particularly true for Coben book fans!
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

The Brothers Sun, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered January 4)
About: The other new Netflix series this week is a family drama featuring Michelle Yeoh. It centers on Charles (Justin Chien), who is a skilled assassin working in the family crime business. When his father is shot, falling victim in an ongoing war, Charles travels to America to connect with his mother (Yeoh) and brother Bruce (Sam Song Li), who has been kept safely out of the family business. Now, they have to come together to defeat the imminent threat. There is great action, some good drama and some good comedy in this series. I liked the pacing and the performances. Chien and Yeoh in particular are fun. The series is just eight episodes, each about 45 minutes, making for another quick binge. This is worth checking out. I enjoyed the production and the story.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: C+

Echo, Streaming on. Disney+ (Premiered January 9)
About: Debuting today is the latest series from Marvel, Echo. This one is based on the titular character Maya (Alaqua Cox) who was introduced in Hawkeye. This is set apart for a few reasons. First, it’s the first Marvel Spotlight release, intended to be accessible for those who don’t watch all Marvel movies and shows. That means you’ll see some sequences in the first episode that were previously part of the other series. Second, it is more R-rated, especially with its action sequences than previous Marvel series. And finally, it drops all on one day, meaning you can binge the five-episode series quickly instead of waiting week-to-week. The first three episodes were made available to critics, and each is 45 minutes or less, indicating it will be a quick binge. The series also sees the return of Charlie Cox as Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin. This dives deep in Maya’s story and family, setting her at the center of the action. The available episodes moved at a good pace and I’m excited to see how this one wraps up. This is a good, quick binge early in the year.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: C+