New Fall TV Shows

New Shows for the 20-13-2014 Television Season

Contributor: Allie

I have a confession to make.  I’m a TV junkie.  I know it’s not cool to admit this in literary circles, especially if you’re a lover of writing and books.  The arrival of fall signals that the new television season is upon us (most premiers are airing the week of September 23^rd, after the Emmys).  In this year’s new crop of shows, there are many choices to ponder!  Here’s the scoop based on my recon, and I must say, I’m very grateful for my DVR.

Betrayal on ABC Sundays, 10p.m. EST.  The trailer for this one is hot and it looks like a perfect companion to its lead-in, Revenge.  The show is about an unhappily married woman who starts an affair with a man after a “chance” encounter at a party.  They initially try to resist, but the attraction proves to be too much.  The catch?  Turns out the woman’s lovah is non-other than the defense attorney for the criminal her husband is prosecuting in a high profile murder trial.  Uh-oh.  I think this sounds awesome, but I’m a bit nervous because some critics don’t seem as excited as I am.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC Tuesdays, 8p.m. EST.  This one has received unanimous approval from critics, frequently heralded as the best new drama of the season. The series is a spinoff of The Avengers movie, taking place in the aftermath of the epic Battle of New York.  I’m not much of a comic book fan, so I was skeptical until I saw the trailer.  I’m intrigued, because I got a Mission Impossible vibe and I didn’t see one superhero costume.

The Goldbergs on ABC, Tuesdays at 9p.m. EST.  There isn’t much buzz around this show, but I’m a fan of George Segal and I’m betting the show will benefit from airing right after Marvel’s Agents.  It’s also a nostalgia piece, set in the 1980s, addressing family dynamics before the internet, cell phones and satellite TV.  I think it sounds cute.  I hope I can watch with my kids and reminisce about the good ole days.

Trophy Wife on ABC, Tuesdays at 9:30p.m. EST.  This show has been touted as the “new” Modern Family, since it’s a family sit com without the traditional family unit.  Malin Ackerman is the trophy wife, who marries an older man played by Bradley Witford (Josh from the West Wing, be still my heart!).  Along with two ex-wives, there are also three children she must win over.  I’m relieved to report that the reviews are good, because the trailer rocks!  Added bonus:  Oscar winner Marcia Gay Hardin is one of the ex-wives.  Great cast.

Hostages on CBS, Mondays at 10p.m. EST.  Toni Collette, Dylan McDermott and Tate Donavon are just three standouts in the cast of this intense new drama.  Collette plays a surgeon who is scheduled to operate on the President of the United States.  Her home is invaded by terrorists who take her family hostage.  In order to save the lives of her family, she must kill the President.  See?  Intense!  I can’t wait, but I’m not looking forward to seeing the dreamy McDermott play a mean guy (he’s the terrorist and an FBI agent).  There is one possible problem.  Mondays at 10 p.m. may prove to be a tough time slot.  Hostages’ competition includes ABC’s popular Castle the new James Spader drama, The Blacklist.

The Crazy Ones on CBS, Thursday at 9p.m. EST.  This show brings Robin “Mork” Williams back to television and I know the Happy Days generation will be thrilled.  However, we also can excite the Buffy the Vampire crowd, because Sarah Michele Geller plays his daughter.  Together they run an advertising agency.  Williams’ character is the kooky genius and Geller plays the level headed one, who holds the agency together.   This looks like a funny, modern version of Mad Men – maybe.  The first episode features a fabulous cameo by Kelly Clarkson, so be sure to watch.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine on FOX, Tuesdays at 8p.m. EST.  This is being called a modern day Barney Miller (1970’s cop show).  It’s a half hour sit-com set in, you guessed it, Brooklyn.  SNL’s Andy Samberg stars as an immature detective under the command of a tough-as-nails, by-the-book captain played by Andre Brugher.  It doesn’t sound like my thing, but the show has made every must-see list for the new season.  If you like your cops funny, you should check it out.  Plus, Samberg’s smile and charm are somewhat irresistible.

The Blacklist on NBC, Mondays at 10p.m. EST.  This is Marvel’s fiercest competition for the title of the season’s best new drama.  I think it looks kind of scary.  James Spader plays a most-wanted fugitive who ends up striking a deal with the FBI to help them catch other most-wanted (and often unknown) fugitives.  However, for reasons known only to him, he will only play ball if he can work with the agency’s rookie agent, Elizabeth Keene, who hasn’t a clue as to why she’s his chosen one.  Spader’s twisted Hannibal Lecter like performance makes this a must-see program.

The Michael J Fox Show on NBC, Thursdays at 9p.m. EST.  Another TV comeback, this time by the beloved Michael J. Fox.  He plays Mike Henry, a former newscaster who has Parkinson’s Disease.   When Mike was first diagnosed, he decided to stay home and devote his energy to his family.  Problem is, he’s driving his family crazy!  So it’s back to work he goes.  Obviously, the story-line mirrors real-life.  NBC has so much confidence in this show that they’ve already ordered a full 22 episodes.  Who doesn’t love a well-deserved comeback?  And hot off the presses – Fox’s parents are going to be played by Candice Bergman and Charles Grodin!  I’m tuning in for sure.

There are so many other shows hitting the small screen, but the ones listed here have captured the attention of the entertainment media (or yours truly) leading up to the premiers.   Not all shows have been celebrated.   In contrast to the Best New Show, there’s the dreaded “First Show Axed” booby prize.  Some predicted losers are Sean Saves the World, We Are Men, Dads, Back in the Game, and Super Fun Night.  So proceed with caution – you’ve been warned!

What shows are you excited about?  Do you care about the opinions of TV critics? Do any of these look good to you?  How long do you give a show before you bail?