Summer TV Roundup, Week 9

The Summer Olympics are coming to an end, which should free up some more time. But it was another quiet week as we launched into August. Still, of the new shows released, what is worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted, and select unscripted, series this Summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Tuesdays:
Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered August 6)
About: This annual anthology series keeps expanding. Earlier this summer we saw an off-season version with the Giants. Now, we return to the original version that showcases a team getting ready for the season by following them through Training Camp. This year, we get the Chicago Bears and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Williams and coach Matt Eberflus. Both had a good personality and made for an interesting first episode. The pilot also followed new Bears’ safety Jonathan Owens, whose wife, Simone Biles, just happened to be the in the Olympics. Overall, I always enjoy the yearly journey with a team preparing for the new season. I was pleasantly surprised by the first episode for the Bears and the cast of characters and stories. I think it could end up being one of the better seasons!
Pilot Grade: B

Streaming Series:
Mr. Throwback, Now Streaming on Peacock (Premiered August 8)
About: NBC used the Olympic platform to launch a new streaming series. This one comes from David Caspe, who created Happy Endings, and features episodes directed by David Wain. The series is six episodes, each about a half an hour. The series is shot documentary-style, following the story of Danny (Adam Pally) who used to be a heck of a basketball player—in middle school. But a scandal ended his playing days and caused a rift with his father and coach (Tracy Letts). Now, years later, Danny is in trouble and needs money. He turns to his former friend and teammate—Steph Curry. Yes, that Steph Curry, who plays a version of himself. Danny spins a yarn to get Curry’s jersey to sell for cash, but his lie takes on a life of its own. Soon, Danny finds himself running in the big leagues with Curry, all while trying to balance the lie. This is an interesting premise and I’ve long enjoyed Pally as a performer. There are some fun moments here and a strong cast, which also includes Ego Nwodim and Ayden Mayeri. But the concept wears thin quickly. The episodes are amusing but don’t feel essential. It’s a short commitment and a quick binge but it will depend on your interest in the set up and seeing it through.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Now Streaming on Paramount+ (Premiered August 9)
About: Last summer we got a new take on the world of the Turtles. While a sequel is coming in 2026, in the meantime we get this 12-part animated series, streaming on Paramount+. The series features the main voice actors from the film, including Brady Noon, Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown, Jr., and Nicholas Cantu as the turtles and Ayo Edebiri as April O’Neil. The animated style isn’t quite as sharp as the film, but it’s still a fun expansion of the world. The episodes run about half an hour and move at a good pace. The series has a fun sensibility that matches the film as well. For fans of the film or fans of the franchise, this will be a fun and quick binge before the turtles return to the big screen.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+