NBC Fall Lineup

Normally, I review the new shows in alphabetical order by network, but jump back! NBC pulled a doozie.  Instead of putting all of its new shows into premier week like the rest of the networks (which is, by tradition, the last week of September), it released two new shows on September 10.  I’ve been hard on NBC for the past few years, but I gotta say that this move was genius.  There is nothing on the tube at this time of year anyway, and oh, how I long for non-reality t.v.  Thank you NBC for making a bold move.  If the network execs walked into my office, I would start the slow clap for them. Because of this, I'm going out of order to review NBC ahead of Fox.

So not only has NBC made a very smart move by releasing two new shows, it also has some shows that are worth watching this year.

Revolution (Monday at 9) I like it.  This is a “what if all the power went out world wide?” type of show.  In this scenario, everyone puts their own small civilizations back together again, the militia rules the world, and a band of rebels try to find family members and get the power back on.  This show really reminds me of The Hunger Games.  It looks cool and creative, but unfortunately, I don’t think it’s going to last.  I hate that, because Billy Burke (A.K.A. Charlie Swan/Bella’s dad) is one of the stars, and I would like to see him be a Hollywood A-lister.  This is one of those shows that I’m going to watch on Hulu during lunch to see if I like it. 

Go On (Tuesday at 8) Matthew Perry is back!  This is one of the shows that I had to watch the pilot episode before I could watch the preview, but it was worth it.  Matthew Perry plays a radio show host that just got out of a relationship and doesn’t like his life.  So, he joins a support group with a bunch of other misfits.  I love Matthew Perry and will give any of his shows a shot.  I really liked Mr. Sunshine, but apparently no one else did.  This show seems a little different and has better momentum and a more talented cast.  I’m excited to see what happens.

The New Normal (Tuesday at 830) I wasn’t going to like it. But then I watched an extended trailer, and then I watched the pilot, and now I'm a fan.  NBC did a Jedi mind trick last week by premiering two new shows, and since I am judgmental and had already made up my mind without all of the information, I did not record this show. Shame on me.  I watched it on Hulu, and this show is hilarious.  Ellen Barkin plays the insane bigot grandma, the little girl is named Shania, Justin Bartha from the Hangover plays a gay dad, and NeNe Leakes from the Real Housewives of Atlanta and Glee plays a sassy secretary.  It’s awesome; I love it!

Animal Practice (Wednesday at 7) I’m shocked that I’m about to say this, but I think this looks funny.  It’s something different, and I like that.  Instead of yet another hospital drama, this is set in a vet hospital.  There’s a funny monkey that is a nice reminder of Marcell from friends.  I’m not completely convinced that this is going to work out, so this is going to be one that I watch on Hulu during my lunch breaks. 

Guys With Kids (Wednesday at 7:30) Meh.  Doesn’t look that funny. The trailer looked like forced acting.  I give it two weeks until cancellation.

Chicago Fire (Wednesday at 9) This one looks okay.  I’m afraid it’s going to be one of those shows that I say won’t make it, and then it’s a huge hit (i.e. Grimm.) The show is set in a Chicago fire house, and follows the fire and rescue crews. It kind of has a similar feel to ER.  I’m not adding this to the DVR, but it wouldn’t surprise me if this one makes it.

NBC has some other mid-season shows that look really interesting, and I see that Smash doesn’t return until later, which makes me want to cry. I love that show.

In summation, way to go NBC. This just  might be your season to shine.  Here’s our list of NBC shows by night and time:

Sunday:  Nothing

Monday:  Nothing

Tuesday:  Go On and The New Normal

Wednesday:  Animal Practice maybe

Thursday:  Nothing—The Office got cut from the DVR

Friday:  Nothing