Fall TV Roundup, Week 13


We’re into December now, and that means that the flow of new shows for 2025 is coming to an end. But there are still some new shows out there that you might be curious about. Which of them are worth your time? That’s where this weekly post comes in. I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Fridays:
Spartacus: House of Ashur, Fridays on Starz (Premiered December 5)
About: Once upon a time, Starz had a popular series Spartacus. One of the characters on that series, Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay), who died a gruesome death. But, through the magic of TV and story, his character is back to head this new spin-off series. That return is explained though an early sequence in the pilot. And then, we’re dumped back into the gladiatorial arena with plenty of action. There’s plenty of violence, plenty of sex, and plenty of nudity. It’s definitely an over-the-top exploration of the world, but if you were a fan of the original this will be right up your alley. I wasn’t a fan of the original, and this spin-off didn’t really work for me, either. It’s certainly a choice and feels in some ways like a throwback to a different era of Starz programming. If it’s in your niche, it’s for you. If not, this isn’t appointment television.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-

Streaming Series:
Sean Combs: The Reckoning, Now Streaming on Netflix (December 2)
About: By now, we’re all familiar with Sean Combs, his scandals, and the convictions that sent him to jail. It’s been covered by documentaries and news specials for years. But, if you still haven’t gotten enough, there’s this new, four-part Netflix series. It’s documentary-style, going back to show Sean Combs beginnings, and chronicling his life and career leading up to the recent legal struggles. The episodes are each about an hour, but it’s a short commitment if you’re a fan. I feel like I’ve seen enough about Combs, but to each his own. If you want to know more, check this out.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Ripple, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered December 3)
About: This new series follows a group of strangers whose lives intersect. Nate (Ian Harding) owns a local bar, is struggling in his marriage, and just got a cancer diagnosis. Walter (Frankie Faison) lost his wife and is struggling to move forward. Kris (Julia Chan) is a music executive who lost her job and is looking for purpose. And Aria (Sydney Agudong) is struggling with infertility while trying to launch her music career. They all end up coming together at Nate’s bar, which helps them lean on each other to get through their issues. It’s an interesting idea, and the season is only eight episodes, each about 40 minutes. It makes for a quick and easy binge with a nice set up and some interesting characters. It’s not incredible or ground-breaking, but it feels like a bit of comfort TV that’s worth checking out.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

The Abandons, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered December 4)
About: This is the latest big release for Netflix, a new Western with a strong cast from Kurt Sutter (Sons of Anarchy). But it had a fraught production. Sutter is the credited writer for the pilot and was originally the show-runner before departing over what seems like creative differences during filming. That makes it fair to wonder what the future is. What we have is a seven-episode season, with wildly varied lengths of episodes from nearly an hour to just 35 minutes. It’s focused on a battle in the wilds of Oregon in the 1850s between a woman (Lena Headey) who built a family out of local orphans and one (Gillian Anderson) who represents the wealthy elite. There is plenty of action and a solid supporting cast in the series, too. I liked the first two episodes and I’m interested enough to see where it goes. For fans of Westerns or a gritty drama, this will be a nice late-year binge option.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

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