This fall, television viewers will be introduced to new series involving everything from aliens as neighbors to shirtless firefighters from Chicago. Time will tell which shows become a hit and which ones will be short lived, but until then here are some predictions and suggestions:
“Beauty and the Beast” (CW)- This modern take on the classic fairy tale differs in the fact that the beast starts out with only a scar on his face and grows wilder and “beastlier” as the series continues. Fairy tales have had a big presence in the film and television industry recently, so it seems there is an audience for this kind of show. Curious viewers can tune in to see how the beast is progressing and to reminisce on the timeless fairy tale, but the show may catch more viewers if it addressed the issue of domestic violence that Belle’s mistreatment has raised since the Disney film was released.
Premieres Oct. 11 at 8 p.m.
“Elementary” (CBS)- Another show that puts a modern twist on a classic story; viewers can get their Sherlock Holmes fix with this new TV series. Sherlock is an NYPD consultant and recovering addict with a sober female companion. This series could combine classic Sherlock details with romance storylines to appeal to a wide variety of viewers. TV audiences already approve of crime shows with love interests, so incorporating Sherlock into the mix should be a recipe for success.
Premieres Sept. 25 at 9 p.m.
“Emily Owens, M.D.” (CW)- An earnest medical school graduate finds out that hospital drama is surprisingly similar to the headaches of high school. The main character sounds likeable and relatable, good for keeping an audience interested. Also, Meryl Streep’s oldest daughter plays this character, which is a selling point. The hospital drama show format is tried and true, so CW can expect audiences to sit through the pilot at the very least.
Premieres Oct. 16 at 8 p.m.
“Go On” (NBC)- Matthew Perry (“Friends”) stars in this show as a sportscaster who loses his wife and joins a support group. This show is supposed to be a comedy because the support group is an eclectic bunch, but grief support isn’t the funniest of topics. A better angle might have been a drama, showing how different people can come together to overcome tragedy and support one another and inspire the viewer. The commercials aired during the Olympics did not look promising in the comedy department.
Premieres Sept. 11 at 8 p.m.
“Guys With Kids” (NBC)- The title is pretty self explanatory, but what’s not so obvious is if this series will be funny or not. Jimmy Fallon (“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”) created it, which is promising, but is men parenting laugh-out-loud funny? This show needs a killer premiere to lock in viewers. Hopefully other actors will be able to deliver Fallon’s jokes with the same comedic styling and timing.
Premiers Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
“Made in Jersey” (CBS)- This show is about the life of a Jersey girl who is a smart attorney trying to survive in a Manhattan law firm, a refreshing character compared to the countless TV shows about the crazy Jersey lifestyle. Hopefully this show doesn’t devolve into the Jersey Shore stereotype too much. Law drama always draws an audience and the main character seems likeable, so if CBS can keep the storyline from falling flat it will probably have a winner.
Premieres Sept. 28 at 8 p.m.
“The Mindy Project” (Fox)- This show has already gotten a lot of publicity and rave reviews, which is bound to bring in viewers from the hype alone. The show is about Mindy Kaling’s (“The Office”) work and love life. With a likeable and relatable main character and broad subject area, the show could go in any number of directions with countless storylines. The series has the potential to apply to a wide audience with females and potentially even males old and young entertained by Mindy’s antics.
Premiers Sept. 25 at 8:30 p.m.
“Nashville” (ABC)- A country singer in her 40s is asked to open for a younger singing sensation, which does not go over well with the faded star. Politics, love interests and the music industry all play a part in this show, so there will be plenty of drama. But who doesn’t love some good old glam country drama?
Premiers Oct. 10 at 9 p.m.
