Upfronts Week — Highs and Lows


Over a furious five days, executives unveiled the fall schedules and touted new shows for the five broadcast networks. We haven't seen the new shows — only trailers and synopsis of each series — but you can already get a feel for what's exciting and what's not. The five networks will air 22 new shows in the fall. Below, see the five I think will be the best and the five that are the biggest dogs, based solely on trailer and feel. This is scientific, people.

The Best:
Blindspot, Mondays at 10 p.m. on NBC
Why: This might be too high concept to really work, and if that's the case then I won't be shocked. But "Blindspot" looked to have a good cast, had a slick trailer, and offered at least something different. I liked Jamie Alexander in the "Thor" films, and I'm curious to see what she does in a lead role on her own series. Can this hold up for the long haul? I'm not sure. But I'm excited to see the full pilot and to see how it develops.

Supergirl, Mondays at 8 p.m. on CBS beginning in November
Why: CBS needs a different kind of younger skewing show, and "Supergirl" seems to fit that bill. It's a superhero show, and superheroes are hot right now. Not to mention, if this series can nail a superhero property built around a female hero it will be big. I loved the trailer a lot, and I think this show has tremendous potential. It also looks to have a little lighter, more playful tone, which worked for "The Flash" really well.

The Muppets, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC
Why: I'm an unabashed "Muppets" fan, and I think this was a bold and brilliant stroke for ABC. "The Muppets" are a classic that appeals to multiple generations — as evidenced by their two recent returns to the big screen. Plus, this feels like the rare piece of family-friendly programming that is on at 8 p.m. on one of the big networks. This could be a boon to ABC and its companion shows, "Fresh Off the Boat" and "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

Code Black, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on CBS
Why: "Supergirl" and "Limitless" are getting more buzz at CBS, but I really enjoyed the trailer for "Code Black." I loved "ER," which was a medical series that focused as much — or more — on cases than the personal lives of the characters. This show has the same feel, and if it works it could do something for CBS and for medical shows.

The Grinder, Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. on FOX
Why: On paper I was skeptical about this show. But the trailer sort of won me over, and even had me chuckling. It's been a rough couple of years for network comedies, but this one gave me a glimmer of hope. Rob Lowe looked great, and it's fantastic to have Fred Savage back on TV. I could see this being a sneaky hit for FOX.

Waiting for Cancellation:
People Are Talking, Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC
Why: The title for this show is apt — since the trailer debuted on Sunday, many have referenced it and none have done so kindly. NBC, once a bastion for TV comedy, only has two sitcoms on in the fall, and this is one of them. The trailer is so poor and so ghastly one could logically wonder how it made in on the air at all. This might be a good bet for first cancellation of the Fall, depending on when NBC decides to have it premier.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriends, Mondays at 8 p.m. on the CW
Why: I'm not even sure what the point of this show is, or what it's supposed to be about. The description was strange, and the trailer seemed like a musical, drug fueled take on "Felicity." It could end up being charming and delightful, but I'm incredibly skeptical.

Angel From Hell, Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. on CBS beginning in November
Why: The description was awful and the trailer was possibly worse. CBS has better comedies than this waiting in the wings, but the bigger question is why take a chance on this series. Is it simply to keep Jane Lynch on the network's air?

Oil, Sundays at 9 p.m. on ABC
Why: Sunday nights in the fall are a brutal time period. You have to go big to carve out an audience. On paper, "Oil" might seem like a good idea. It's like Dallas, only set in North Dakota. It has a lead from "Gossip Girl" squaring off against Don Johnson. But the trailer was dull, and I think the series will be, too.

Of Kings and Prophets, Sundays at 10 p.m. on ABC
Why: This is a re-telling of the Biblical narrative around King Saul and David from the Old Testament. This is the worst thing to happen to the Bible in a long time. The trailer looked awful, and it appeared as though this show is trying to spice up the Bible. Yay, a show that's pathetic and blasphemous! Plus, given the performance of "A.D." this Spring for NBC, why would ABC want to take a chance on this.

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