Summer TV Premiers Roundup


Here's a look at some of the new shows that have premiered this summer.

The Fosters, Mondays at 10 p.m. on ABC Family Channel
About: This show is part "The O.C." and part "Seventh Heaven" it feels like, but somehow it works. I didn't know what to expect from this show, and there are elements of the show's political and social values I don't appreciate. However, this is an entertaining show that has family at the center. The pilot showed a lot of promise, and the second episode followed that up well. It's an ABC Family show, so it certainly has that kind of sensibility, but it's not a bad little summer drama.
Pilot Grade: B
Episode 2: B

King and Maxwell, Mondays at 10 p.m. on TNT
About: This is based on a series of books about two former Secret Service Agents that become private investigators. It's not a bad premise, but the pilot was a little dry and boring. Jon Tenney and Rebecca Romijn can be charismatic performers, and they seem to work well together here. Still, there was something that felt off about the pilot. It wasn't that compelling and didn't really hook my attention. Now, it's true that sometimes pilots can suffer from too much exposition and setting up the world, so we'll see where it goes. The show has some potential, but it wasn't great out of the box.
Pilot Grade: C

Graceland, Thursdays at 10 p.m. on USA
About: This show is based on a true story and has a lot of potential. The world of undercover officers trying to bring down criminals often veers toward a lot of shades of grey, and that can be interesting. This show has a strong cast, good location, and offers an interesting premise. That being said, I just wasn't sold. There wasn't anything dynamic about the pilot episode that would make you excited to come back. The second episode felt a little bit like more of the same. The show needs to develop these characters more and provide more of a compelling reason to come back week-to-week. This just doesn't feel like the most solid USA drama offering, despite all their hype.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

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