Spring TV Roundup, Week 6

We’re quickly approach May. While the traditional Network season will wrap up, the content flows year-round. We even saw several new series drop last week. So, what of these new shows are worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Wednesdays:
Under the Bridge, Streaming Wednesdays on Hulu (Premiered April 17)
About: This series hits at a good time for Hulu. It co-stars Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone, fresh off an Academy Award run. It’s based on a true story—which chronicled the murder of 14-year-old Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta). The book comes from Rebecca Godfrey, who was on the ground during the events and investigation. In the series, Godfrey is played by Keough, while Gladstone plays one of the primary investigators. The first two episodes, each about 45 minutes, dropped Wednesday, with subsequent episodes dropping weekly. I enjoyed the introduction to the world and the set up for the investigation and the background here. Keough and Gladstone are solid in these roles, and this seems like an engaging tale to follow through its eight episodes.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Thursdays:
Dinner With the Parents, Now Streaming on Freevee (Premiered April 18)
About: Freevee, the free streaming service from Prime Video, has an interesting set of original series. That includes this new comedy, which dropped on Thursday. The first four episodes dropped, with subsequent episodes in the 10-episode season dropping in pairs weekly. The series is based on a British series, Friday Night Dinners, which has had a number of failed adaptations. It centers on two 20-something brothers and their weekly family dinners with their parents (Michaela Watkins and Dan Bakkedahl) and grandmother (Carol Kane). The episodes are about 30 minutes, but they feel longer. This is a traditional sitcom set up that feels stiff. There have been a number of attempts to adapt the series that have flamed out before they aired. This made it to air, but it’s not really worth your time to seek out.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-

Sundays:
The Sympathizer, Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered April 14)
About: This series is also based on a novel. It’s set in the immediate aftermath of the Vietnam War, adapted by Park Chan-Wook and Don McKellar. The pilot followed The Captain (Hoa Xuande), who was playing for the Viet Kong, the South Vietnamese and the CIA. It sets the stage for what’s to come. The series also features Robert Downey, Jr., playing various parts as different Americans—including a CIA agent in the pilot. The second episode took the action to America, adding Sandra Oh in the supporting cast. I enjoyed her performance and had some fun with the second Downey character. The show has a good pace and a good style, and I enjoyed the second episode a bit more than even the pilot. This will be a fun limited series.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: B-

Streaming Series:
Conan O’Brien Must Go, Now Streaming on Max (Premiered April 18)
About: The latest series from O’Brien is a spin-off of his podcast, where the comedian travels to different locations to learn customs and meet with fans and guest. It’s a clever set up and it allows O’Brien to have some fun. The episodes run about an hour, with all four of the episodes available to stream now. It sees him go to places like Norway, Argentina, Thailand, and Ireland. The episodes move at a decent pace and are some fun if you like this style. There are worse ways to binge your way through an afternoon.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Big Mood, Now Streaming on Tubi (Premiered April 19)
About: We’re in a big age for content, and part of it comes from having so many places that need original content. One of those is the free service Tubi, who has brought a couple British series to American audiences. That’s the case with Big Mood, a comedy about two long-time friends, Maggie (Nicola Coughlin) and Eddie (Lydia West), who are struggling with adulthood. Maggie suffers from bipolar disorder, which further strains the friendship as they try to embrace adulthood. The episodes run about 25 minutes, with all six now available to stream. Coughlin and West are fine in the lead roles and the episodes move at a decent enough pace, but it’s a tough sell. If you’re a big fan of British series, this might appeal. But if you’re not, there’s likely not enough here to hook you.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C