NBC's Pitch: One of New York's most beloved news anchors, Mike Henry (Michael J. Fox), put his career on hold to spend more time with his family and focus on his health after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. But now five years later, with the kids busy growing up and Mike growing restless, it just might be time for him to get back to work. Having never wanted Mike to leave in the first place, his old boss Harris Green jumped at the chance to get him back on TV. The trick, as it's always been, was to make Mike think it was his idea. After several - okay, many - failed attempts, Mike's family, anxious to see him out of the house, finally succeeded in getting him to "run into" Green. Now their plan is in motion. He'll be back to juggling home, family and career, just like the old days - only better.
My Thoughts: While heart-warming and boasting a solid cast, unfortunately this looks too painful to watch based on the amount of jokes made at Fox's expense, overall it's a little too self-deprecating.
Sean Saves The World
NBC's Pitch: Sean's a divorced dad who's trying to juggle it all. From his overbearing boss and offbeat employees at work - to his pushy mom and weekends with his teenage daughter at home - handling it all is no easy task. So when Ellie, his 14-year-old bundle of joy, moves in full-time, it's a whole new challenge. From keeping his boss happy, his employees motivated and enduring his mother's tactless "advice" to raising a smart, grounded and healthy kid, it's going to be a growing experience, to say the least. But if anyone can swing it, it's Sean.
My Thoughts: There's not too much going on here, but the cast and the basic plot has potential. I might watch.
Welcome To The Family
NBC's Pitch: After four years of barely getting by in school, Dan and Katrina Yoder are thrilled when their daughter Molly is handed her high school diploma. Now it's off to Arizona State for Molly, and a mid-life renaissance for the Yoders (which includes turning Molly's room into their dream fitness center). At the same time in East LA, Junior Hernandez is delivering his valedictorian address. As the first of his family to go to college (Stanford!), Junior's the pride and joy of parents Miguel and Lisette. But Junior's barely into his speech before he gets an unexpected text: "i'm pregnant." The sender? Miss Molly Yoder. OMG/Dios Mio! When Molly and Junior decide to get hitched, they bring two very different families together in a way they never imagined. Dan and Miguel, who already have a history, do NOT see eye to eye. But more importantly, what about Stanford? Arizona State? Who's going to raise the baby? And oh no - what about the fitness center?! For the sake of their kids (and the one on the way) they'll have to somehow make it all work... like it or not.
My Thoughts: The culture clash of the two families and undoubtedly their ability to grow and learn from each other with also grow old fast. I won't be watching.
Fox's Pitch: From Emmy Award-winning writer/producers Dan Goor and Michael Schur ("Parks and Recreation"), and starring Emmy Award winners Andy Samberg ("Saturday Night Live") and Andre Braugher ("Men of a Certain Age," "Homicide: Life on the Street"), Brooklyn Nine Nine is a new single-camera ensemble comedy about what happens when a talented, but carefree, detective gets a new captain with a lot to prove. Detective Jake Peral (Samberg) is a good enough cop that he's never had to work that hard or follow the rules too closely. Perhaps because he has the best arrest record among his colleagues, he's been enabled - if not indulged - throughout his entire career. That is, until the precinct gets a new commanding officer, Captain Ray Holt (Braugher), who reminds this hotshot cop to respect the badge. Together, these tightly knit - or is it tightly wound? - cops interrogate suspects, arrest perps and solve murders. But, ultimately, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a workplace comedy that's not really about the job. It's about the men and women behind the badge - singing karaoke, grabbing a beer and hitting on each other - all while protecting the fine people of Brooklyn.
My Thoughts: This has a good vibe, from a strong ensemble cast. I might watch.
Dads
Fox's Pitch: Honour thy father. Way easier said than done. Especially when your dad's broke, living in your house and ruining your life. From Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild, the creatively outrageous minds behind last year's highest-grossing feature comedy, "Ted," and FOX's hit animated series Family Guy, Dads explores the often treacherous terrain of the father-son landscape. This new multi-camera comedy series follows two successful guys - and childhood best friends - now in their mid-30s whose relatively stable lives get turned upside down when their pain-in-the-neck patriarchs move in. The invasion of the Dads will give these friends and business partners their biggest challenge yet. Between dubious schemes, passive-aggressive busy-bodying and light kissing-on-the-lips, will these beleaguered sons be able to hold the line in the face of two massive game-changers?
My Thoughts: The premise seems a bit tired, and the characters un-relatable. I won't be watching.
Enlisted
Fox's Pitch: Three brothers, one Army, but absolutely no fighting! Enlisted is an irreverent but heartfelt single-camera comedy about three brothers on a small Florida Army base and the group of misfits who surround them. Charming, funny and a natural-born leader, Sergeant Pete Hill (Geoff Stults, "Ben and Kate," "The Finder") was on a path for a huge military career until one mistake overseas got him booted stateside to Fort McGee, the base in Florida where his two younger brothers are stationed. Now, as head of their platoon, Pete must serve both as big brother and military boss. Corporal Derrick Hill (Chris Lowell, "Private Practice," "Veronica Mars") is the middle brother - smart and sarcastic, he likes to stir up trouble and doesn't really care about being a soldier. Private Randy Hill (Parker Young, "Suburgatory"), on the other hand, loves it. He's the hyper-enthusiastic, hyper-goofy - just hyper - youngest brother who wants to be the gung-ho "GI Joe" military ideal. A military-set family comedy, Enlisted centers on three brothers who, when the best of the best are sent overseas, stay behind to try to keep the base in order. Between hijacking tanks, inventing new drinking games and accidentally blowing up a fuel truck, they will inadvertently discover the key to strengthening their long-lost childhood bonds.
My Thoughts: The basis for the show is very weak, but it could work welled if presented as an ensemble comedy. I won't be watching.
Us & Them
Fox's Pitch: When two people finally come together, they never come together alone. Us & Them is an outrageous but authentic ensemble single-camera comedy about a pair of young lovers, whose path to happily-ever-after is complicated by the screwed-up circus of people closest to them. New York pharmaceutical copywriter Gavin (Emmy Award nominee Jason Ritter, “Parenthood,” “The Event”) is a neurotic Woody Allen-ish personality with indie-rock looks, who has never been in love. On the other hand, pretty Pennsylvania-based printing press employee Stacey (Alexis Bledel, “Mad Men,” “Gilmore Girls”) has a subtle wit and has been engaged before. For the past six months, they have been flirting online and finally agree to meet…with their best friends in tow for double-date safety. When all of these characters collide to create a salty but sweet romantic comedy, we wonder not if the two leads will get together, but how they ever will stay together. After all, it’s complicated enough trying to make a relationship work. But the biggest complications of all are the friends and family who are part of the package deal.
My Thoughts: A strong cast with a heart-warming romance, but it comes off as a little too cutesy for my taste.
CBS's Pitch: Oscar®-winner Robin Williams heads a powerful advertising agency with the biggest clients and brands in the world. The office is staffed with an eclectic group intent on keeping his antics in check, including his daughter, who often questions her father's sanity while trying to make a name for herself in the advertising world.
My Thoughts: It has a strong cast, but Williams' brand of humour is very specific, and Sarah Michelle Gellar seems wasted as the straight one. I might watch.
The Millers
CBS's Pitch: Will Arnett stars in this comedy about a recently divorced local news reporter who is looking forward to living the single life again. That is, until his parents' marital problems derail his plans for a freewheeling bachelorhood.
My Thoughts: An interesting twist to the normal family dynamic you see in sitcoms, and a solid cast too. I won't be watching.
Mom
CBS's Pitch: Newly sober single mom Christy struggles to raise two children in a world full of temptations and pitfalls. Testing her sobriety is her formerly estranged mother, now back in Christy's life and eager to share passive-aggressive insights into her daughter's many mistakes.
My Thoughts: Looks like another strong comedy from Chuck Lorre. I might watch.
We Are Men
CBS's Pitch: Starting over has never been so funny when, left at the altar, Carter moves into a short-term rental complex until he can put his life back together. He finds camaraderie there with three men who, combined, are six-time losers in the marriage department.
My Thoughts: The premise isn't really appealing, and the characters unrelatable, despite the star power.
ABC's Pitch: Terry Gannon Jr. (Maggie Lawson) was an All Star softball player until life threw her a couple curve balls: a baby, a lost college scholarship and a loser for a husband. After striking out on her own, Terry and her son Danny (Griffin Gluck) move in with her estranged father, Terry Sr. aka “The Cannon” (James Caan). The Cannon is an opinionated, beer-guzzling, ex-athlete who never quite made the cut as a single father or professional baseball player. As hard as Terry tries to keep Danny away from the sports-driven lifestyle of her youth, Tommy wants to play Little League. His stunning lack of baseball skills (he doesn’t even know which hand the mitt goes on) makes him the laughing stock of the baseball field and his grandfather’s living room. When Danny and a group of other athletically-challenged hopefuls fail to make the team, Danny’s disappointment forces Terry to face her past. So when a wealthy neighbor volunteers to finance a team for the rejected kids, Terry reluctantly offers to coach the team of misfits.
My Thoughts: Looks to have a fun family dynamic, and the overall story is uplifting, plus it could be a strong ensemble if the child characters are used properly. Not sure if I'll be watching or not.
The Goldbergs
ABC's Pitch: Before there were parenting blogs, trophies for showing up, and peanut allergies, there was a simpler time called the ‘80s. For geeky 11-year old Adam (Sean Giambrone) these were hiswonder years and he faced them armed with a video camera to capture all the crazy. The Goldbergs are a loving family like any other, just with a lot more yelling. Mom Beverly (Wendi McClendon-Covey) is a classic “smother;” an overbearing, overprotective matriarch who rules this brood with 100% authority and zero sense of boundaries. Dad Murray (Jeff Garlin) is gruff, hot-tempered and trying to parent without screaming. Sister Erica (Hayley Orrantia) is 17, hot, terrifying and not one to mess with. Barry (Troy Gentile) is 16, with classic middle child syndrome. Adam (Sam Giambrone) is the youngest, a camera-wielding future director who’s crushing on an older woman. Rounding out the family is beloved grandfather Al “Pops” Solomon (George Segal), the wild man of the clan, a shameless Don Juan who’s schooling Adam in the ways of love. When Pops buys a new sports car and offers his Caddy to middle child Barry, it’s enough to drive this already high-strung family to the brink of chaos.
My Thoughts: It's interesting to not only have one, but two gimmicks in the vise of the 80's setting and the found camera footage. The family looks relatable enough, but also quite generic if took away everything else. I won't be watching.
Mixology
ABC's Pitch: One bar. One night. Ten single people. Welcome to Union, a high-end bar in Manhattan’s trendy meat-packing district. Recently dumped by his fiancé, Tom (Blake Lee) hasn’t been out on the town in a decade. His best friends, handsome, confident Cal (Craig Frank) and fast-talking Bruce (Andrew Santino), are throwing Tom back into the dating pool whether he likes it or not. Tom’s first encounter is with Maya (Ginger Gonzaga), an attorney who’s as beautiful as she is brutal. Before long, Tom is in tears. After that, it only gets worse. Rounding out Union’s chic crowd is Maya’s engaged-for-now friend Liv (Kate Simses); aggressive single mom Jessica (Alexis Carra); her younger, naive sister Janey (Sarah Bolger); bubbly cocktail waitress Kacey (Vanessa Lengies); dark, mysterious bartender Dominic (Adan Canto); and failed internet entrepreneur Ron (Adam Campbell), who’s having the worst night of his life.
My Thoughts: I foind the conept very intriguing, and a larger ensemble provides the oppurtunity for several compelling storylines. I'll think I'll watch.
Super Fun Night
ABC's Pitch: Junior attorney Kimmie Boubier (Rebel Wilson) and her two best friends Helen-Alice (Liza Lapira) and Marika (Lauren Ash) have had a standing date every Friday night for the last 13 years. They even have a motto for what they call “Friday Night Fun Night”: “Always together! Always Inside!” However, Kimmie’s recent promotion throws a monkey wrench into the tradition. Not only is she now working with her idol, “Lady Lawyer of the Year” Felicity Vanderstone (Kelen Coleman), but she meets a dashingly handsome British attorney, Richard Lovell (Kevin Bishop), who invites her to his party at a trendy club. Determined to spend time with Richard and heed Felicity’s advice to network, Kimmie sets out to convince her friends to take Super Fun Night on the road.
My Thoughts: I'm glad to see that Australian actress Rebel Wilson is doing so well for herlself, but her style of comedy is possibly more suited to a scene-stealing secondary character, not a main one. I won't be watching.
Trophy Wife
ABC's Pitch: They say the third time’s the charm and reformed party girl Kate (Malin Akerman) is hoping that’s true when she becomes Pete’s (Bradley Whitford) third wife. She fell into his arms (literally) at a karaoke bar and a year later, Kate’s got an insta-family complete with three stepchildren and two ex-wives. Diane (Marcia Gay Harden) is ex-wife number one, an intense, over-achieving doctor and the mother of twin teenagers Hillary (Gianna LePera) and Warren (Ryan Scott Lee). Diane is quick to convey her withering disapproval of Kate’s barely tapped maternal instinct. Ex-wife number two, Jackie (Michaela Watkins), is mother to adopted son, Bert (Albert Tsai), and can pull Pete’s strings with her special blend of neurotic, new-ageyness. Juggling all this baggage is uncharted territory for Kate who finds support with her best friend Meg (Natalie Morales) a party-hearty singleton and the only woman Kate knows who has less experience with kids than she has.
My Thoughts: Again, an imteresting family dyanmic for sure, but it's hard to say what is usually a stereotypical character having a whole show based around her will actually be like. I won't be watching.
Fox's pitch:Ben and Kate, the heartwarming new sibling comedy created by Dana Fox (What Happens In Vegas) and directed by Jake Kasdan (Bad Teacher), debuts this fall. Starring newcomer Dakota Johnson and Nat Faxon (Bad Teacher, Academy Award-winning co-screenwriter of The Descendants), the comedy follows a pair of odd-couple siblings—one, an overly responsible single mom; the other, an exuberant kid-at-heart—and their friends as they push each other out of their comfort zones and into real life.
My Thoughts: Faxon's lovable-buffoon is overplayed, and I don't much care having to watch him get into funny situations each week while his forever embarrassed sister helps him out of them. I won't be watching.
The Goodwin Games
Fox's pitch:The Goodwin Games, the inventive new comedy from the executive producers of How I Met Your Mother, Carter Bays, Craig Thomas, and Chris Harris, is slated for midseason. Starring Scott Foley (Grey's Anatomy, Felicity), Becki Newton (Ugly Betty) and Jake Lacy (Better With You), the family comedy tells the story of three estranged siblings who return home after the loss of their beloved father (guest-star Beau Bridges, The Descendants), and unexpectedly find themselves poised to inherit more than $20 million—if, and only if, they can adhere to their late father's trivial wishes.
My Thoughts: While the premise seems a little far-fetched, there's enough entertaining characters here too overshadow that. I'll check it out.
The Mindy Project
Fox's pitch: Created by Emmy-nominated writer/producer and New York Times best-selling author Mindy Kaling (The Office) and starring Kaling, Chris Messina (Damages), Anna Camp (The Good Wife) and newcomer Ed Weeks, The Mindy Project features Kaling as a skilled OB/GYN navigating the tricky waters of both her personal and professional life, as she pursues her dreams of becoming the perfect woman, finding the perfect man, and getting her perfect romantic comedy ending.
My Thoughts: Mindy's not necessarily a likable lead, but in this case it seems its because she's more of a three-dimensional character. I could do without the medical backdrop. I might check it out.
NBC's pitch: The Gilchrists are just the average American family dealing with all the everyday issues—like a grown kid who's forced to move back home, children who are smarter than their teachers and a stepmom (Jenna Elfman, Dharma and Greg) desperately trying to win over the kids. They're loving, fun, and a little crazy. In other words, just like everybody else. With one exception: They live in a very special house. The White House! Whether it's entertaining foreign dignitaries, sneaking away for a night out, dealing with middle school crushes or putting out fires—figuratively and sometimes literally—there's never a dull moment in the Gilchrist White House. For example, the First Son (Josh Gad, star of Broadway sensation The Book of Mormon) is one of the administration's biggest liabilities, but also the glue that holds this family together. The President (Bill Pullman, Independence Day, While You Were Sleeping) knows too well that the only thing harder than being Head of State is being head of the family. Also starring are Martha MacIsaac (Superbad), Andre Holland (Friends with Benefits), Amara Miller (The Descendants) and Benjamin Stockham (Sons of Tucson). Modern Family meets The West Wing in this election-year comedy from Emmy-winning executive producer/director Jason Winer (Modern Family). The executive producers are Winer, Gad, and Jon Lovett (former White House speechwriter).
My Thoughts: Gad seems genuinely funny in this clip, but looks like his character could tire easily, plus it's hard to see him fitting in to the White House. I'll watch, initially.
Animal Practice
NBC's pitch: Meet Dr. George Coleman (Justin Kirk, Weeds), a top-dog New York veterinarian. With an unorthodox style of operating, George's success comes from his undeniable gift with animals of all kinds. That is, all but the human kind. Dorothy Crane once held the key to George's heart, but today she also holds the key to the family business as she takes over Crane Animal Hospital. Not only is she George's new boss, but her romantic history with him and her lack of experience with animals is seriously cramping his style. Dorothy is whip-smart and ambitious, and she's going to make George pay for the past. Needless to say, he's determined not to make any changes in his (animal) kingdom—which includes poker games with a resident Capuchin monkey. Also starring are Tyler Labine (Reaper, Sons of Tucson) as Dr. Doug Jackson, a vet who's great with animals but hapless in matters of the heart, Bobby Lee (Harold & Kumar) as Dr. Yamamoto, and newcomer Betsy Sodaro as Angela. The executive producers are Scot Armstrong (The Hangover Part II, Old School) and Ravi Nandan (Best Friends Forever) of American Work Inc. (Best Friends Forever) along with Emmy Award winners Joe and Anthony Russo (Community, Arrested Development). Animal Practice was written by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka (The Sitter), who also serve as executive producers. Gail Lerner (Happy Endings) also is an executive producer. Directed by the Emmy-winning Russo brothers, Animal Practice is a comedy where the animals are running the asylum.
My Thoughts: This looks charming, and could be mildly amusing while having a bit of heart, but I imagine the animal gags getting old fast. I won't be watching.
Go On
NBC's pitch: Misery loves company. Unless you're sportscaster Ryan King (Matthew Perry), who thinks misery should just be left alone. After taking some time off, Ryan—who recently lost his wife in a car accident—is now ready to get back to work. And while he seems like his same old charming, cocky self, his boss won't let him back on the air until he seeks counseling. So, Ryan reluctantly joins a support group with one goal in mind: Get in, get out and get back on the radio as quickly as possible. Played by the fast-talking, sarcastic, and charismatic Perry, Ryan gives grief a real run for its money. Within one day of group therapy, he hijacks the meeting and suddenly the downtrodden are cajoled into playing a game of "who's got the best sob story?" And in no time all of them are battling it out, trying to one-up each other's despair. Now, this is fun! Ryan's total lack of interest in healing might be just what this group needs—and maybe, exactly what he needs to move on with his life. Also starring Laura Benanti (The Playboy Club), Julie White (Transformers), Suzy Nakamura (Dodgeball), Khary Payton (General Hospital) and Allison Miller (Terra Nova).
My Thoughts: This looks funny, but Matthew Perry playing straight with a bunch of weirdos in therapy could get old fast. Plus, it looks like the show has a more serious side, which could be a good or a bad thing depending on the viewer. I might watch.
Guys With Kids
NBC's pitch: From Emmy winner and executive producer Jimmy Fallon comes a new comedy about three thirty-something dads trying to hold on to their youth, while holding onto their new babies' hands. Easy, right? Thankfully, Chris (Jesse Bradford, The West Wing), Nick (Zach Cregger, Friends with Benefits) and Gary (Anthony Anderson, Law & Order) have each other to help navigate their survival as new dads, while still trying desperately to remain dudes. Balancing work or staying at home, painfully married or happily divorced, they know that taking care of the little ones while maintaining a social life is a daily challenge. Whether it's hosing the little squirt down in the kitchen sink or hitting the bar strapped with a Baby Björn, these guys are on a roller-coaster adventure—parenting like you (and they) have never seen before. Also starring are Jamie Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos) and Tempestt Bledsoe (The Cosby Show). Someone once said it is much easier to become a father than to be one. These three guys are about to find out just how true that is. Fallon (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) serves as executive producer/creator along with executive producer/creator/writer Charlie Grandy (NBC's The Office) and executive producer/creator Amy Ozols (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) as well as executive producers Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz (Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place, American Dad). Emmy-nominated director Scott Ellis (Modern Family, 30 Rock) is the director.
My Thoughts: Another recent sitcom trying to find a funny way to tell the stories of modern day men, and unfortunately this one doesn't seem all that funny, or appealing to men for that matter. I won't be watching.
Next Caller
NBC's pitch: What happens when a foulmouthed satellite radio DJ—played by the multi-platinum artist and outrageously charming Dane Cook (My Best Friend's Girl)—is forced to share the mic with a chipper NPR feminist? It's anyone's call in this sharp new comedy from producer Stephen Falk (Weeds) and Emmy-winning director Marc Buckland (Grimm, My Name Is Earl). It's her first day in New York City, and 26-year-old Stella Hoobler (Collette Wolfe, Young Adult) is ready to take on the world. After a stint on public radio, she's been hired to co-host the no-holds-barred show "Booty Calls with Cam Dunne." Smart, spunky and passionate, Stella is determined to elevate the show beyond its boy's-club-locker-room humor into a respected debate about men, women, and the state of human relationships. But there's a problem: Cam! She's going to find out the hard way that he's got no intention of sharing the spotlight, especially with someone like her. It's going to be a tense fight, but with the station's one rule being "make some noise," Cam and Stella could be a winning combination—as long as they don't knock each other out on their way to success. Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), Joy Osmanski (True Jackson, VP) and Wolé Parks (Premium Rush) also star. The series is created and executive-produced by Stephen Falk (Weeds) and directed by Emmy Award-winning director Marc Buckland (Grimm, My Name Is Earl).
My Thoughts: The concept is more interesting than most of the other new sitcoms this season, but Dane Cook could easily be an unlikable lead. I might watch.
Save Me
NBC's pitch: Welcome to the Midwestern suburbs, where exciting things never happen. Well, almost never. After a near-death experience (choking on a hero sandwich), Beth is revived only to realize she now has a direct line to God. Of course, her husband Tom is skeptical and dismissive - and his mistress is all but hostile that her lover's wife is now a prophet! But when inexplicable things begin to happen, everyone's beliefs are tested. Beth starts to say and do things that shock her family and entrance her friends, but she isn't going to be your typical "fire and brimstone" prophet. Let's just say if God had a desperate housewife as His mouthpiece, Beth would be it! She is the absolute last person on Earth who would be chosen. Then again, they say He works in mysterious ways. And this one is a real mystery! Emmy nominee Anne Heche stars in this uniquely spirited new comedy from John Scott Shepherd ("Nurse Jackie") and Emmy-winning director Scott Winant ("Breaking Bad," "True Blood," "Californication").
My Thoughts: Certainly an interesting concept, but could be too preachy. I don't think I'll be watching.
The New Normal
NBC's pitch: These days, families come in all forms—single dads, double moms, sperm donors, egg donors, one-night-stand donors... It's 2012 and anything goes. Bryan (Andrew Rannells, Girls, The Book of Mormon) and David (Justin Bartha, The Hangover) are a Beverly Hills couple and they have it all. Well, almost. With successful careers and a committed and loving partnership, the one thing missing is a baby. And just when they think the stars will never align, enter Goldie (Georgia King, One Day), an extraordinary young woman with a checkered past. A Midwestern waitress and single mother looking to escape her dead-end life and small-minded grandmother (Ellen Barkin, Ocean's Thirteen), Goldie decides to change everything and move to L.A. with her precocious 8-year-old daughter. Desperate and broke—but also fertile—Goldie quickly becomes the guys' surrogate and quite possibly the girl of their dreams. Surrogate mother, surrogate family. Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, Glee) serves as creator/executive producer and director along with executive producer/creator/writer Ali Adler (Glee, Chuck) and executive producer Dante Di Loreto (Glee, American Horror Story).
My Thoughts: Other than Goldie's cut-away gag, nothing really stood out in the trailer, and some of the secondary characters seem annoying already. Again, the show looks more like a dramedy. I won't be watching.
Like CBS, the presentation of quite a few of NBC's trailers was very off-putting. You're not going to give viewers an idea of what the entire show is about with a one minute clip.
CBS's pitch:Partners is a comedy based on the lives of creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, about two life-long best friends and business partners whose "bromance" is tested when one of them is engaged to be married. Joe (David Krumholtz) is an accomplished architect who leads with his head and not his heart, especially in his love life. That's in stark contrast to his gay co-worker, Louis (Michael Urie), who is spontaneous, emotional and prone to exaggeration. Both have found joy in their love lives: Joe is newly engaged to Ali (Sophia Bush), a beautiful and sophisticated jewelry designer, while Louis is dating Wyatt (Brandon Routh), a vegan nurse who Louis insists is just a promotion away from becoming a doctor. As news of Joe's engagement settles, time will tell if their business and personal bond can adapt to the addition of two other important relationships.
My Thoughts: From the creators of Will & Grace comes a show that looks exactly like Will & Grace, if Grace were a straight man, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? I'll be watching, at least initially.
When CBS releases a trailer for its other comedy, Friend Me, which is set to debut mid season, I will post my thoughts here.
Also, did anyone else find the 'Behind The Scenes' trailers a bizarre advertising campaign on CBS's part? A trailer with what actually happens on the show will get me to watch it, not the cast and crew telling me how much fun they have on set. I found it all very distracting and unnecessary.
ABC's pitch: Mixing family with business is never easy, and Jack Shea (Kyle Bornheimer) is about to learn that lesson the hard way. When Jack's father, Tony (J.K. Simmons), has a heart attack and is forced to hand over the keys to his beloved handyman business, Jack is eager to finally step up and make his father proud. Unfortunately Jack's past career efforts have been less than stellar, so everyone seems to be waiting for him to fail. His new job isn't made any easier by Tony's rebellious, troublemaker assistant, Darren (Edi Gathegi), and Darren's flirtatious sister, Liz (Danielle Nicolet), who works at the local hardware store. Yet with the support of his Aunt Terry (Leah Remini) and his oddball yet endearing cousin Mason (Johnny Pemberton), Jack Shea may just find his true calling right at home.
My Thoughts: Kyle Bornheimer doesn't seem particularly appealing as the lead, but Edi Gathegi looks like a standout supporting character. Will be interesting to see how they deal with it being both a family and workplace sitcom. Probably won't watch.
How to Live With Your Parents for the Rest of Your Life
ABC's pitch: Polly (Sarah Chalke) is a single mom who's been divorced for almost a year. The transition wasn't easy for her, especially in this economy. So, like a lot of young people living in this new reality, she and her daughter, Natalie (Rachel Eggleston), have moved back home with her eccentric parents, Elaine (Elizabeth Perkins) and Max (Brad Garrett). But Polly and her parents look at life through two different lenses. Polly's too uptight. Her parents are too laid back. Polly's conservative when it comes to dating (no action, whatsoever), while her parents are still sexually adventurous. They think Polly turned out okay, so what's the big deal? Well, they say it takes a village to raise a child...and in Polly's case, this village is on fire. But with help from her best friend Gregg (Orlando Jones), her lovable yet irresponsible ex-husband Julian (Jon Dore) and her cool and fun assistant Jenn (Rebecca Delgado Smith) Polly takes her first steps toward getting a life, starting with a social one.
My Thoughts: Despite playing the same character as always, Sarah Chalke is always lovable, and Brad Garrett and Elizabeth Perkins, especially, look like they good be fun characters. Probably won't watch.
Malibu Country
ABC's pitch: When Reba Gallagher (Reba) discovers that her husband, Bobby, (Jeffrey Nordling) a country music legend, has a cheatin' heart, her world is turned upside down. Reba dreamt of becoming a country star herself, but put her career on hold to raise a family. Now she's questioning all of that, big-time. With the ink on her divorce barely dry, Reba packs up her sharp-tongued mother, Lillie May (Lily Tomlin), her two kids and the U-Haul and heads for sunny California to begin a new chapter. Leaving Nashville in the rear view, they start over at their Malibu residence -- the last remaining asset they have. Reba gets to know her new open and loving neighbor Kim (Sara Rue) and her son, Sage, but also discovers that relocation to Southern California is going to be quite an adjustment for a traditional southern belle: the West Coast seems like the polar opposite of Music City, and Reba feels like an outsider. Still, with the support of her family she sets about finding her voice, jump-starting her music career with the help of her new music agent, Geoffrey (Jai Rodriguez), and embracing this chance to begin again.
My Thoughts: Reba and Lily Tomlin's characters seem grating, and the concept is nothing new. I won't be watching.
The Neighbors
ABC's pitch: Meet the Weavers, Debbie (Jami Gertz) and Marty (Lenny Venito). Marty, in hopes of providing a better life for his wife and three kids, recently bought a home in Hidden Hills, a gated New Jersey townhome community with its own golf course. Hidden Hills is so exclusive that a house hasn't come on the market in 10 years. But one finally did and the Weavers got it! It's clear from day one that the residents of Hidden Hills are a little different. For starters, their new neighbors all have pro-athlete names like Reggie Jackson (Tim Jo), Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Toks Olagundoye), Dick Butkis (Ian Patrick) and Larry Bird (Simon Templeman). Over dinner, Marty and his family discover that their neighbors receive nourishment through their eyes by reading books, rather than eating. The Weavers soon learn that the entire community is comprised of aliens from Zabvron, where the men bear children and everyone cries green goo from their ears.
I'm aware that this video will probably only work for users in the U.S. I apologise
and will try to find another one to link for you as soon as possible.
My Thoughts: Props for ingenuity, and Simon Templeman stands out in the trailer. I'll only watch this initially because it's different... and I hope and pray it's the good kind.
