Winter TV Roundup, Week 6

We’re cruising through February and seeing a few different new series pop up. But what of them are worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Thursdays:
The Z-Suite, Streaming Thursdays on Tubi (Premiered February 6)
About: This is a new comedy that comes to Tubi, not a place you typically look for new content. The first two episodes dropped Thursday, with subsequent episodes dropping weekly. It is set at an ad agency where Monica (Lauren Graham) is the queen, assisted by her right-hand Doug (Nico Santos). But she constantly overlooks her Gen Z Social Media Team, led by Kriska (Madison Shamoun). When a shift at the company happens, that pits the top star against the younger employees. And hilarity ensues. At least that’s the plan. The episodes are just about 23 minutes, feeling like a typical network sitcom. But it feels stiff. I like Graham and Santos, but this feels like something of a stretch. That combined with it being in a relatively obscure streaming site makes it more likely you might let this one slide right on by. I wouldn’t blame you.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C-

Streaming Series:
Apple Cider Vinegar, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered February 6)
About: Based on a true story, this new drama follows an Australian Social Media influencer, Belle (Kaitlyn Dever). She has used a growing fanbase to push some alternative medicine to convince those suffering from cancer they can heal themselves through natural means, like she did. But did she really? The series moves through a present, where a successful Belle is being challenged by Milla (Alicia Debnam-Carey), a cancer patient whose use of alternative therapies is failing. The series also back tracks to show Belle’s rise, and how she first became connected to Milla before it all started to fall apart. This is a strong cast, but it’s probably a story that most aren’t familiar with. The first two episodes moved at a decent pace but didn’t really get me invested in the people or the story. It’s only a six-episode series, so it’s a quick binge, but the episodes are mostly at an hour or longer. That may be a turn off for some. I like Dever, but this didn’t feel like the best use of her talents.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Clean Slate, Now Streaming on Prime Video (Premiered February 6)
About: Thursday was a big day for new series. The next is comedy Clean Slate, co-created by Laverne Cox, George Wallace, and Dan Ewen. The series is set in Alabama where Harry (Wallace) lives a quiet life, running his car wash. That changes as his child comes home for the first time in more than 20 years. He’s expecting to see his son, Desmond. Instead, he’s greeted by his daughter, Desiree (Cox). Turns out she needs a bit of a break, too, after a relationship and a business venture blew up. But, after all this time, can they find some common ground in a place not known for its tolerance? That is an interesting set up here. The season is eight episodes, each about a half hour and all now available. That makes for a somewhat quick binge. Cox and Wallace work well off each other, too. This show had a long, winding road to the screen after nearly five years of development. It’s unclear what its future will be dropping in total on Prime Video. Those interested in the story and the actors should enjoy it. Otherwise, I thought it was just OK.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C