Every fall, Hollywood tries to capture our curiosity with new and intriguing stories for television. Writers and producers create strange worlds where superheroes and zombies are everywhere, How to Get Away with Murder is the goal, and even the Devil, himself, is finding life a little challenging.
But can you imagine a plotline more bizarre than the reality under which we are currently living? So this fall, Hollywood is jumping on the blockbuster success discovered last year in the mundane of everyday life on This is Us. Get ready folks. Television is coming back down to earth.
Given we’re all limited for time, I’ve put together some of my top picks for the new season. Like the sports gurus making their pre-game predictions, there is no science in this. I make these choices based on three things: 1) years of experience glued to the tube, 2) knowledge of an industry that makes little sense, and 3) a whole lot of wishful thinking.
My first pick, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, is a new comedy starring Jason Ritter – son of the late John Ritter – as a self-serving guy who has been chosen from “on high” for a very important job. Not only did Jason inherit his father’s sense of comedic timing and dramatic subtlety, but also who doesn’t love a reluctant hero? And seriously, couldn’t we use a little humour mixed with hope these days?
Of course, everyone who loves to laugh, breathe and look at a television screen knows that Will & Grace is returning. But will social media’s excessive political correctness put a damper on the laughs?
And Young Sheldon made headlines long before it had even been written or cast. Apparently, that promotional tease continues this fall with a special preview on Monday, September 25. Because after that, fans will have to wait until November for Episode Two.
Given the growing popularity of cable and online streaming, some of the networks have been moving away from the standard full-season “formula” shows. Consequently, ABC is bringing Kyra Sedgwick back to series television for 10 episodes as a single mother whose daughter goes missing in the middle of the night on 10 Days in the Valley.
Speaking of returning, I have been sorely missing my weekly dose of David Boreanaz. I may have fallen for him as a vampire with a soul on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, but my love matured with his role as FBI agent Seeley Booth on Bones. This fall, he’s taking the next heroic step up the ladder as an elite soldier on SEAL Team.
Speaking of lost loves, Shemar Moore certainly stirred things up by briefly dropping by his old haunt on Criminal Minds last season. Obviously, he’s still a hot commodity. Fortunately, he too is returning to series television in fine fashion on S.W.A.T. in November.
So enjoy a fall season of (relatively) real people and realistic heroes. And cross your fingers that your favourite is still there at Christmas.
