We begin our look at the Fall television season by looking at ABC's offerings.
Story by Sue Lukenbaugh
Just as the regular television season begins to wrap up, and summer approaches television networks release their schedules for the upcoming television season. This year is no different. After a huge slew of cancellations, many surprised pick-ups were made. The trailers have been released, and I've watched them all with varying levels of excitement. Here's a full list of what's coming, and what I'm excited for.ABC said goodbye to Cristela, Forever, Manhattan Love Story, Members Only, Resurrection, Revenge, Selfie, and The Taste. None of which were surprises.
The Catch – Release Date TBD
From Shondaland’s Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers, this thriller centers on the strong, successful Alice Martin (Mireille Enos). She’s a fraud investigator who’s about to be the victim of fraud by her fiancé. Between her cases, she is determined to find him before it ruins her career.
My Verdict: It's sleek and sexy. The first season will be a terrific game of cat and mouse, but the longevity of the show is put into question since the premise is around finding the man who wronged her. Two of the leads has already been recast the fiance and his wife (Damon Dayoub and Bethany Joy Lenz), which could spell trouble, but it's by Shonda Rhimes, and that always spells runaway hit.
Dr. Ken – FRIDAYS 8:30|7:30c THIS FALL
Plot:Doctor turned actor/comedian Ken Jeong plays Dr. Ken, a brilliant physician with no bedside manner. He is always trying to be a good doctor, as well as a good husband and dad to his two kids. Luckily, his therapist wife Allison is just the right partner to keep things sane.
My Verdict:Ken Jeong hasn't worn out his welcome. He's not as zany as his Hangover character Mr. Chow, but instead is a father trying to get things right, and the results are pretty hilarious. A Friday timeslot could be the death of this show or make the night TGIF again.
The Family – Release Date TBD
Plot:This thriller follows the return of a politician’s young son who was presumed dead after disappearing over a decade earlier. As the mysterious young man is welcomed back into his family, suspicions emerge—is he really who he says he is?
My Verdict: With a stellar cast lead by Joan Allen, this thriller is sure to draw a crowd, initially, but I don't see the show lasting past the first season. With the mother doing everything that she can to further her career, with a family falling apart and a recently returned son that may not be who he seems, casual watchers will quickly be lost, and it feels like a story line that's going to be drawn out longer than it should be.
The Muppets – TUESDAYS 8|7c THIS FALL
Plot:The Muppets return to primetime with a contemporary, documentary-style show. For the first time ever, a series will explore the Muppets’ personal lives and relationships, both at home and at work, as well as romances, breakups, achievements, disappointments, wants and desires.
My Verdict: It's not the variety show of years past, its more mockumentary, but no less fun. Bill Prady is the executive producer, and he has the same love and understanding that Jason Segel did when he brought the Muppets back to the big-screen in 2011. But the focus for the show is clearly adults, which may cut-down its viewership.
Of Kings and Prophets – SUNDAYS 10|9c THIS FALL
Plot:An epic Biblical saga of faith, ambition and betrayal as told through the eyes of a battle-weary king, a powerful and resentful prophet and a resourceful young shepherd on a collision course with destiny.
My Verdict: God sells, and Sunday is a great day for this show to premiere. The costumes, and sets are gorgeously done, but the Story of David is more fitting for a mini-series rather than a 13 episode run for the first season, and producer Reza Aslan does see it extending past the first season. The project is said to be more mainstream so that not just the faithful will watch it, and it has the look of a soap opera without the cable-based edge.
Blood & Oil – SUNDAYS 9|8c THIS FALL
Plot:Billy and Cody Lefever dream of a new life and move to "The Bakken" in North Dakota, booming after the biggest oil discovery in American history. They’re soon pitted against a ruthless tycoon who forces them to put everything on the line, including their marriage.
My Verdict: Dallas has its fingerprints all over this one. Pitting the handsome Chace Crawford against the cunning Don Johnson seems like a potential win, and its a good fit to take over the Revenge time slot, but it's gone through several name changes and casting changes which always has me worried.
Quantico – TUESDAYS 10|9c THIS FALL
Plot:A diverse group of recruits has arrived at the FBI Quantico Base for training. They are the best, the brightest and the most vetted, so it seems impossible that one of them is suspected of masterminding the biggest attack on New York City since 9/11.
My Verdict: The story is compelling, and the cast is very diverse, but lasting for more than a season is where the worries for Quantico lie. The who dunnit of a government conspiracy has to be answered by the end of the first season, and while there may be a deeper conspiracy that they could delve into, it'll really need something more to make itself memorable and worth watching.
The Real O'Neals – Release Date TBD
Plot:A fresh take on a seemingly perfect Catholic family whose lives take an unexpected turn when surprising truths are revealed. Instead of ruining their family, the honesty triggers a new, messier chapter where everyone stops pretending to be perfect and actually starts being real.
My Verdict: It has the same zany feel as the Goldbergs without the nostalgia. If fitted with the other comedies that reside on Wednesday, it would be in good company. But to stick around it really needs to show that it has heart.
Uncle Buck – Release Date TBD
Plot:Based on the hit movie of the same name, Uncle Buck (Mike Epps) is a fun-loving but irresponsible guy who needs a job and a place to stay. His brother and sister-in-law need some help around the house. And they just might be the answer to each other's problems.
My Verdict: So much no. It's based off a fondly remembered movie, but it lacks the laughs, and the heart.
Wicked City – Release Date TBD
Plot:“Wicked City” follows a unique case set in a noteworthy era of L.A. history, starting with a murder case from 1982 centered on the rock ’n’ roll, cocaine-infused revelry of the Sunset Strip. Alliances are formed to solve a serial murder case.
My Verdict: I want to love it, I really like it, but with its cat and mouse format centering on a serial killer its longevity is in question. Three roles have been recast for Wicked City, which can be worrisome, but Penn Bagley, Erika Christensen and Taissa Farmiga are the big draws. Plus it captures that rebellious feel of the eighties and there's nothing to not love about that.
Look for our article on CBS' offerings on Tuesday!
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