Fall TV Roundup, Week 10

We’re getting deeper in November. The tide of new network shows is slowing, but the pace of shows on cable and streaming remains strong. Still, which of these new shows is worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Tuesdays:
All’s Fair, Streaming Tuesdays on Hulu (Premiered November 4)
About: Ryan Murphy is still a big name in TV. He’s also still capable of bringing in big names for his series. That’s about all that All’s Fair, a new legal drama on Hulu, has going for it. It has some big names attached, like Kim Kardasian, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, and Nicey Nash. It’s about divorce attorney’s and their wealthy and sometimes strange clients. That brings in even more familiar names as guest stars. And yet, to describe this show as a train wreck would be kind. It’s not well constructed. It’s Over-the-top in a campy way that doesn’t really work. The performances are all kind of too over-the-top to be believed, too. All of it adds up to something that’s practically unwatchable. The first three episodes dropped on Tuesday. Mercifully they are only about 45 minutes each. The rest of the episodes air weekly on Tuesdays through a nine-episode first season. I’m not sure who this series is for, but you won’t miss much if you safely skip it.
Pilot Grade: D
Second Episode: D

Fridays:
Pluribus, Streaming Fridays on Apple TV (Premiered November 7)
About: This one also comes from a creator with big name value—Vince Gilligan. Unlike All’s Fair, though, this is more than worth your time. The plot was mysterious and kept mostly hush-hush. There is no great way to describe it, and since this series is a mystery box, I won’t even try to spoil it for those who haven’t checked it out yet. I will just say the series is well made and the two-episode premier does a lot to hook you in the early going. It’s built around Rhea Seehorn, who worked with Gilligan on Better Call Saul and plays an author named Carol whose world is greatly altered by some crazy world events. Seehorn is great, and the supporting actors who pop up are great, too. This is a heck of a ride and one of the better pilots of the year. There’s plenty of potential for this to be something special, making it another strong hit for Apple TV. You should check this out.
Pilot Grade: A-
Second Episode: B+

Stumble, Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC (Premiered November 7)
About: This new documentary-style sitcom comes from Jeff and Liz Astrof, who previously teamed on Trial & Error. It centers on a cheerleading coach, Courteney Potter (Jenn Lyon), who has won many championship for her small community college. When a scandalous video costs her a job, she’s determined to restore her legacy by winning again at an even smaller neighboring college. Meanwhile her former assistant coach (Kristen Chenoweth) is trying to win with her former team. A documentary crew is following the process and pitfalls for both. Hilarity ensues… The documentary-style sitcom has long been a staple for NBC and there is potential in the premise. The pilot was OK but not spectacular. Still, I like Lyon in the lead, and I like the potential in this premise. This deserves time to find itself.
Pilot Grade: C+

Sundays:
I Love LA, Sundays at 10:30 p.m. on HBO (Premiered November 2)
About: This new comedy for HBO is about a group of friends living their lives in Los Angeles. It comes from Rachel Sennott, who stars as a young woman who is trying to make a move at a PR firm. Her old friend, a Social Media influencer (Odessa A’zion), comes back to town and needs a manager, recruiting her old friend. But this won’t be easy. The pilot was about establishing the players and the world, while this second episode was about some of the hijinks and struggles of the group. The leads are charismatic and fun—including Josh Hutcherson and Sennott’s put upon boyfriend. But the story felt a little thin. If the group hangout show is your jam—and it’s been a staple on HBO—this will work better for you. For me, it didn’t feel like essential viewing.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Streaming Series:
All Her Fault, Now Streaming on Peacock (Premiered November 6)
About: This new series is based on the novel from Andrea Mara. It centers on a working mother (Sarah Snook) who shows up to pick up her son from a playdate. It turns out the playdate was a scam, and her son is missing. Now she and her husband (Jake Lacy) are scrambling to figure out what happened and who took their son. This is a mystery box series based on a novel that hews close to the plot of another series based on a different novel released earlier this year. This one is an eight-episode limited event, with all episodes now streaming. All episodes are about an hour, making it a decent commitment. This is especially true because of the dense story, the darker nature of the subject matter, and the red herrings offered in each episode. The cast includes Dakota Fanning, Michael Pena, Jay Ellis, and Abby Elliott, among others. For those looking for a contained mystery they can binge, this is a decent offering. But the first two episodes felt loosely constructed and like they needed a tighter focus.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Death by Lightning, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered November 6)
About: What do you know about James Garfield? He was the 20th President of the United States, and he was the victim of an assassination attempt that took his life a couple months later. All told, he didn’t even get six months in office. He was also something of a surprise nominee from the Republicans and a surprise winner as President who has been largely lost to history. This new, four-part mini-series focuses on Garfield (Michael Shannon), his relationship with his wife (Betty Gilpin), his relationship with running-mate Chester A. Arthur (Nick Offerman) and the story of Charles Guiteau (Matthew MacFayden), his assassin. The series comes from Mike Makowsky, directed by Matt Ross and based on the book from Candice Millard. The cast is strong and the story in interesting, especially as it covers an era of history most aren’t too familiar with. It’s only four episodes, most 50 minutes or less, which makes for a quick binge. I enjoyed the episodes and found the series oddly compelling.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+