Summer TV Roundup, Week 8

 We’re halfway through July and have officially entered the slow season. While things will pick up in the Fall, we’re seeking only a handful of new shows each week at this point. But you might be wondering which of those 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 shows this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Mondays:
Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC (Premiered July 13)
About: It’s fair to say if you’ve followed this site for a while, my partner Ricky is more of the go-to guy for reality shows. The exception, for me, has long been Dancing With the Stars, which is my kind of reality. That’s true of this spin-off, too. Reigning champion Robert Irwin serves as host, with judges Mark Ballas, a pro for the main show, and his mother Shirley. Each week, a new guest arrives to help teach the 12 prospective dancers a new routine to perform and serves as a judge. The pilot featured Derek Hough, a top pro turned judge on the OG show. The 12 dancers will live together as well, adding a bit of a new wrinkle. The pilot was a fun dive into these new pros, featuring fun dances and the kind of entertainment fans of the show have come to expect. It’s not as robust as the main series, but this makes for a nice summer snack heading into the next season this Fall!
Pilot Grade: B

Wednesdays:
Lucky, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV Plus (Premiered July 15)
About: This new crime drama follows a con woman (Anya Taylor-Joy) who herself is conned and forced to go on the run. She’s sought by the authorities and those less reputable who think she knows more than she does, setting her on the run. The series comes from Jonathan Tropper and is a seven-episode limited adventure. The first two episodes dropped Wednesday, with the rest of the limited series streaming weekly on Apple TV. In addition to Taylor-Joy, the cast includes Timothy Olyphant, Annette Bening, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Clifton Gonzales, Jr., among others. It’s an interesting enough story and production that offers plenty of promise. The first two episodes move at a good pace, and this will likely be a solid limited series and limited commitment for those interested.
Pilot Grade: B
Second Episode: B-

Thursdays:
The Man Will Burn, Thursdays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered July 9)
About: This four-part documentary series follows the organizers and participants of the annual Burning Man Festival. The filmmakers got unfettered access to the organizers over a five-year period, following the work that goes into making the festival happen. The series also contains never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with those who’ve long called the festival home. It’s meant to provide a well-rounded picture of an event that most only know about via the media. I was one of those who knew of the Burning Man Festival but didn’t really understand its scope or what it was about. The documentary draws you in, gives you a greater appreciation, and helps to understand why its endured so long, meaning so much to so many. It’s well worth seeking out.
Pilot Grade: B+
Second Episode: B+

Streaming Series:
Hawk, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered July 16)
About: Have you ever wanted to see an episodic comedy about a washed-up golfer making a comeback starring Will Ferrell? If you said yes, then The Hawk is your dream. Ferrell is Lonnie “Hawk” Hawkins, who was once a top pro and is now barely hanging on trying to make it back to the PGA Tour. He’s still in love with his estranged wife (Molly Shannon) and trying to connect with his son (Jimmy Tatro), himself a PGA Tour pro. He’s also dogged by his rival (Luke Wilson) and what might have been. A connection with an unorthodox new caddie and friend, Sam (Fortune Feimster), gives him the boost he needs. The series is 10 episodes, each about a half an hour. There are plenty of other people who play supporting roles or make cameos that will make you laugh. I enjoyed the pacing and the comedy, and I found this a very easy binge. If you’re looking for a little sports-related comedy, it will be an easy binge for you, too.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: B-

Ride or Die, Now Streaming on Prime Video (Premiered July 16)
About: Debbie (Octavia Spencer) and Judy (Hannah Waddingham) have been best friends for 20 years. They get each other, they’re in a book club, and they’re interwoven into the fabric of each other’s lives. But Judy has a secret—she’s a successful assassin. When Debbie and her husband are the target of an assassination, and Judy intercedes, it outs her secret, leaving her and Debbie on the run and forced to face a new paradigm in their relationship. This is an interesting approach for a series, that centers on a good set of performances from Spencer and Waddingham. The series has a solid cast, also including Ed Skrein and Bill Nighy, and moves at a good pace. It’s mostly about these women, their bond, and how it’s tested under the most strenuous of circumstances. There’s a good blend of humor and drama, making it an interesting binge. The series has eight episodes, all between 45-52 minutes, making for a short commitment for those who want to dive in.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: B-