Summer TV Roundup, Week 6
We're into summer and we're getting an interesting set of new shows. As we move through this part of the year, given the content deficit we will surely have, I would expect to start to see new series roll out at a slower pace. So let's enjoy what we have and try to find some good ones to enjoy. In these weekly posts I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this summer. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.
Tuesday Nights:
Stargirl, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on The CW (Premiered May 19)
About: This latest series is a D.C. Comic show, albeit one set in a different timeline from the Arrow Universe shows that dominate the network's schedule. It was created, originally, for the D.C. streaming site, and is airing there while also airing on The CW. This is a great tonic for those who enjoy the CW D.C. Shows and miss them during the summer. This picked up in the same time slot as "The Flash" just after the season ended, and should carry through much of the summer. Brec Bassinger does a good job in the lead role, and I think Luke Wilson and Amy Smart are good as her parents. This is a little lighter in tone than some of the other D.C. shows on the network, and I enjoyed the first two episodes, which set up the characters and the world. I think this will be a fun summer adventure.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: B-
Stargirl, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on The CW (Premiered May 19)
About: This latest series is a D.C. Comic show, albeit one set in a different timeline from the Arrow Universe shows that dominate the network's schedule. It was created, originally, for the D.C. streaming site, and is airing there while also airing on The CW. This is a great tonic for those who enjoy the CW D.C. Shows and miss them during the summer. This picked up in the same time slot as "The Flash" just after the season ended, and should carry through much of the summer. Brec Bassinger does a good job in the lead role, and I think Luke Wilson and Amy Smart are good as her parents. This is a little lighter in tone than some of the other D.C. shows on the network, and I enjoyed the first two episodes, which set up the characters and the world. I think this will be a fun summer adventure.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: B-
Sunday Nights:
Quiz, Sundays at 10 p.m. on AMC (Premiered May 31)
About: This latest mini-series, which runs three episodes, traces the origins of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" in England, and the cheating scandal that rocked the game. The first episode, which aired on Sunday, introduced the set up and characters, getting the feel for the drama. It moved at a decent pace and was somewhat interesting. Knowing it's just three episodes makes it a short commitment during a time when it is nice to have some original content. It was interesting enough that I'm curious to see where it goes.
Pilot Grade: C+
Quiz, Sundays at 10 p.m. on AMC (Premiered May 31)
About: This latest mini-series, which runs three episodes, traces the origins of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" in England, and the cheating scandal that rocked the game. The first episode, which aired on Sunday, introduced the set up and characters, getting the feel for the drama. It moved at a decent pace and was somewhat interesting. Knowing it's just three episodes makes it a short commitment during a time when it is nice to have some original content. It was interesting enough that I'm curious to see where it goes.
Pilot Grade: C+
Streaming Series:
Love Life, Now Streaming on HBO Max (Premiered May 27)
About: The new HBO Max launched last week, and like so many of the recent streaming platforms it will be more well known for its back catalog than original content. In fact, it didn't launch with much original scripted fare. The biggest series at launch is "Love Life," which stars Anna Kendrick as a young woman seeking love. In this anthology series we get some narration offering facts about romance and her journey, and it seems each episode will tackle another step in that journey. The first one is about a serious boyfriend named Augie (Jin Ha), and the second is about a year late, focusing on a relationship with her former boss (Scoot McNairy). Both were interesting, running a touch over a half hour, but neither was exceptional. I love Kendrick, and I was excited to see a potential starring vehicle for her, but so far this feels a bit tepid. It also seems like a tough to sustain concept.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C
Love Life, Now Streaming on HBO Max (Premiered May 27)
About: The new HBO Max launched last week, and like so many of the recent streaming platforms it will be more well known for its back catalog than original content. In fact, it didn't launch with much original scripted fare. The biggest series at launch is "Love Life," which stars Anna Kendrick as a young woman seeking love. In this anthology series we get some narration offering facts about romance and her journey, and it seems each episode will tackle another step in that journey. The first one is about a serious boyfriend named Augie (Jin Ha), and the second is about a year late, focusing on a relationship with her former boss (Scoot McNairy). Both were interesting, running a touch over a half hour, but neither was exceptional. I love Kendrick, and I was excited to see a potential starring vehicle for her, but so far this feels a bit tepid. It also seems like a tough to sustain concept.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C
Central Park, Now Streaming on Apple TV+ (Premiered May 29)
About: This latest Apple TV+ Series is an animated series from the creators of "Bob's Burgers" that features an exceptional voice cast that includes Leslie Odom, Jr., Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Tituss Burgess, Daveed Diggs, and Josh Gad, who co-created the series. The series is set in the titular park, and centers on the park caretaker and his family. There is music, of course, and a touch of humor. The first two episodes were made available at launch, with subsequent episodes coming out on following Fridays. It seems like a fun and entertaining summer diversion, and possibly a win for Apple TV+.
Pilot Grade: B-
About: This latest Apple TV+ Series is an animated series from the creators of "Bob's Burgers" that features an exceptional voice cast that includes Leslie Odom, Jr., Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Tituss Burgess, Daveed Diggs, and Josh Gad, who co-created the series. The series is set in the titular park, and centers on the park caretaker and his family. There is music, of course, and a touch of humor. The first two episodes were made available at launch, with subsequent episodes coming out on following Fridays. It seems like a fun and entertaining summer diversion, and possibly a win for Apple TV+.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: B-
Space Force, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered May 29)
About: In real life, we're getting a Space Force, though it remains somewhat unclear what that will mean. In our televised world, we got a version of "Space Force," led by Steve Carell, on Friday. The series, which comes from creator Greg Daniels ("The Office). This is a high profile release, and I wanted to like it. There are amusing moments, and there's still plenty of potential. But the first two episodes were a bit slow, despite the potential and talent involved. Hopefully it will get stronger as it moves forward, but only time will tell.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C
About: In real life, we're getting a Space Force, though it remains somewhat unclear what that will mean. In our televised world, we got a version of "Space Force," led by Steve Carell, on Friday. The series, which comes from creator Greg Daniels ("The Office). This is a high profile release, and I wanted to like it. There are amusing moments, and there's still plenty of potential. But the first two episodes were a bit slow, despite the potential and talent involved. Hopefully it will get stronger as it moves forward, but only time will tell.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C
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