Spring TV Roundup, Week 3


We’re into April now and getting closer to the end of the Emmy window. There are plenty of shows out now, including many returning options. So, what of the new series are worth the time investment? That’s where this column comes in. I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Spring. Don’t see a new show below? Check previous weeks.

Fridays:
Your Friends and Neighbors, Streaming Fridays on Apple TV+ (Premiered April 11)
About: The latest from Apple TV+ is a dramedy of sorts featuring Jon Hamm. He stars as Andrew Cooper, a man who is going through it. In the introduction, we learn that he built a nice life. He was married with two kids and built his career in the financial markets. But he discovered his wife (Amanda Peet) was cheating on him. That led to a divorce. Now, he has an icy relationship with his kids and lives alone in a much smaller, more depressing place. Then, he loses his job after his boss (Corbin Bernsen) pulls some shady stuff. So, Coop is alone, struggling, and facing some desperate financial circumstances. But he still moves in an affluent world and soon realizes he can use that to his advantage. This is an interesting concept for a show with some great production and a strong cast. In addition to those mentioned, the series features Olivia Munn, as a fellow divorcee in a relationship with Coop, and Hoon Lee, as Coop’s business manager. The voiceovers provide a rich narrative and insight into Coop’s life. I enjoyed the first two episodes and I think this has the bones of something compelling. The first two episodes are now streaming on Apple TV+ with subsequent episodes of the nine-episode first season dropping weekly. Episodes run about an hour.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: B-

Streaming Series:
North of North, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered April 10)
About: This new comedy is set up North—way up north. It follows an Inuk woman, Siaja (Anne Lambe), in her tiny artic village. She is a wife and a mother, something that happened quickly for her. But was it the life she wanted? That’s where we find her when things pick up. She’s looking for a job for more independence, feels compelled to move on from her husband, and meets her father for the first time. This is a comedy that has some heart. Episodes are about 25 minutes, and the whole eight-episode series is available to stream. That makes for a quick binge, and this one is light-hearted and engaging. I had fun with the first two episodes and I’m curious to see where this is going. It’s a fun comedy with a unique hook and premise that’s worth checking out.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: C+

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