To the surprise of almost nobody – since this info pretty much leaked out last week – Fox and NBC have announced the new series that they’ve officially picked up for the fall and later next year. Here’s a look at the fall shows that are most likely to be worth your time, based purely on the trailers for the shows that the networks have released.
“Ben & Kate” (Fox): Reasons to watch this “heartwarming” comedy about a grown up sister (Dakota Johnson) and reluctant to mature brother (Nat Faxon) include the amazing comedic ability of co-star Lucy Punch, Kate’s uber sweet daughter (played by Maggie Jones) and comedy bits like a botched three-point turn and tripping over a drumset.
“The Goodwin Games”
(Fox): The main reason to watch this single-camera comedy is Amanda’s – aka “Ugly Betty’s” Becki Newton – to series TV. She is pretty much perfect as the super smart middle child who’s thrown it all away to be a cocktail waitress. Scott Foley, as the over-achieving, bratty older brother is spot on, too.
Fox’s “The Following” isn’t going to premiere until midseason (thanks to star Kevin Bacon’s apparent refusal to shoot more than 16 episodes), but this is going to be a definite must watch. It’s from Kevin Williamson, who knows how to create suspense if you give him a chance, and Bacon is spot-on as an FBI agent on a mission. Plus, serial killer! See for yourself.
“Revolution” (NBC): This apocalyptic drama feels like “The Matrix”-meets-“The Hunger Games.” So, unless something goes terribly, terribly wrong, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be awesome. Added incentive to watch include what’s likely to be impressive fight scenes and the fact that “Supernatural” creator Eric Kripke and (feels like) every show on TV creator JJ Abrams collaborated on this.
“Guys with Kids” (NBC): Thirty-something dudes, messing around, trying to take care of their babies and talking about it, is just funny. (Please see the trailer for “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” for proof – the dudes in the park are what sell the movie.) Anthony Anderson is a solid bet for comedy gold and he’s already made this type of character work in “The Backup Plan.”
“Animal Practice” (NBC): Some people have described this as being “House” with animals. Some people might be very close to being right.