Summer TV Roundup, Week 5


 As we round out June, the number of new shows has shrunk. But your free time, heading to a holiday weekend, might be increasing. So, what 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 summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Fridays:
Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: an Almost History of America, Fridays at 10 p.m. on HBO (Premiered June 26)
About: Larry David is back with a new comedy for HBO. The co-creator of Seinfeld, who gave us Curb Your Enthusiasm, knows his way around comedy. And this new series certainly demonstrates that. Larry is back with a sketch comedy series, exploring key points in American history. The pilot had moments ranging from the Declaration of Independence and creation of the telephone to Rosa Parks. All of them featuring Larry in a new character bringing his trademark humor and view of the world. And it was outstanding. The whole project begins with a fun opening from former President Barack Obama no less. If you have been a fan of Larry’s unique voice and sense of the world in the past, this will be a treat. I LOVED the pilot and I can’t wait to take this journey with him throughout the summer. This is worth seeking out!
Pilot Grade: A-

Streaming Series:
The American Experiment, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered June 24)
About: If Larry David’s show is about skewering America, this Netflix documentary series is an earnest celebration of the founding of our nation as we turn 250. It’s a five-part documentary tracing the origins of America and the key players in the nation’s founding. It’s also got some recreations, including Martin Sheen providing the voice of George Washington. The episodes run about an hour and will provide a deep dive into the details of the nation’s founding for those that are looking for more of a historical celebration for the Fourth of July. I enjoyed the idea, and the first two episodes moved at a decent pace. It’s not a terribly long commitment, but it also didn’t feel like brand new information. It’s a decent watch and a patriotic one for the time of year that likely appeals to the history buff in us all.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Wild Cherry, Now Streaming on Paramount+ (Premiered June 24)
About: This latest series for Paramount+ is an import from the United Kingdom, a six-episode series that focuses on mothers and daughters from a wealthy private school embroiled in scandal. The stars are Eve Best and Carmen Ejogo, who play successful women and mothers whose daughters are at the heart of the scandal. The episodes run more than 50 minutes, but at six episodes it’s still a relatively short commitment for a binge. That’s if you’re into the story and into the characters and world. This feels a little too familiar, falling into the genre of rich people doing wild things and trying to cover it up and get away with it. We’ve seen it a number of times in different series and films. While I like Best and Ejogo, this series didn’t grab my attention. The first two episodes are a little too restrictive when it comes to laying out what happens and don’t really do much to build out compelling characters. We get glimpses of what’s to come, but it doesn’t feel compelling. For fans of the genre, this will be a nice little summer binge. But there are better options out there.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

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