Winter TV Roundup, Week 12

We’re making our way to the end of March, with some Network series wrapping up and the offerings on cable and streaming heating up. But, which of these new shows is worth the investment of your time? 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.

Wednesdays:
Good American Family, Streaming Wednesdays on Hulu (Premiered March 19)
About: The latest for Hulu is a series ripped from the headlines. It involves the strange case of Natalia Grace, who was adopted by then abandoned by the Barnett family. Kristine (Ellen Pompeo) and Michael (Mark Duplass) believed her to be a liar. Over the years, there have been a lot of different theories. The series picks up in 2010, when the Barnett’s adopted Natalia, and follows her time with the family, her parting, and the investigation that followed. The first two episodes of the eight-episode series dropped Wednesday, with subsequent episodes dropping weekly. The first two episodes seemed to be from the point-of-view of Kristine, who believed Natalia to be a dangerous liar. Given the complexity of the real case, presumably we’ll see different points-of-view in subsequent episodes. As is, I like the cast, but the story isn’t as interesting as it could be. For those drawn to the case, this might be engaging. But, given that there are other news and documentary series that cover the same ground, this hasn’t yet offered enough to be appointment viewing.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C

Thursdays:
Happy Face, Streaming Thursdays on Paramount+ (Premiered March 20)
About: Another series based on true events, this is a crime saga of sorts. We meet Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford), a mom who is happily married to Ben (James Wolk) and living a quiet life working for a talk show devoted to true crime. Except, she has a secret. She’s the daughter of the notorious serial killer the Happy Face Killer (Dennis Quaid). And when he reaches out to the host of her show, her secret is forced out and she’s drawn into a quest to find out if he has more than the eight victims for whom he’s been convicted. This revelation turns Melissa’s life upside down and throws her children for a loop. This is based on a true story, which was previously covered in Melissa’s book and Podcast, Happy Face. The first two episodes dropped Thursday with subsequent episodes streaming weekly on Paramount+. I really like Ashford, and I like her a lot in this role. The story is engaging, and the narrative draws you in. The supporting cast, including Wolk and Quaid, are also quite good. It’s an interesting idea that is put together well. Paramount+ and Showtime have experience with serial killer series, and this feels like a solid new addition. I’m curious to see where it goes.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: B-

Streaming Series:
The Residence, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered March 20)
About: What would happen if there was a murder at the White House? Well, if you’re Shonda Rhimes, it turns out a bit like The Residence, a new series that dropped Thursday. Rhimes produces the show, which is based on the novel from Kate Anderson Brower and is adapted for television by Paul William Davies, a writer on other Rhimes’ series like Scandal and For the People. The series focuses on a Congressional hearing into the investigation of the death of the Chief Usher (Giancarlo Esposito) at the White House. At first, it looks like a suicide. But the Metro Police call in consulting detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), who finds evidence it was something more. She works with the new Chief Usher (Susan Kelechi Watson) and an FBI Agent (Randall Park) to find out whodunnit. The writing here is crisp and the story is interesting. The cast is also strong, including Isiah Whitlock, Jr., Al Franken, Eliza Coupe, Julian McMahon, Jason Lee, Jane Curtin, and Ken Marino, among others. I like the premise and the execution. Each of the eight episodes is available to stream with most running less than an hour. This is a bit of fun that is worth checking out and makes for a quick weekend binge.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: C+