We continue our look at the Fall television season by focusing on CBS's offerings.
Story by Sue Lukenbaugh
CBS let go of Battle Creek, The McCarthy's, The Mentalist, The Millers, Reckless, Stalker, Two and a Half Men, and Unforgettable. They also canceled CSI, but the long running show will get a send off in the form of a movie event.
For the 2015 season, CBS has some good concepts for their shows this season, but either the execution is all wrong or the trailers are, with the exception of only one. There are a few stand outs though.
Angel From Hell – THURSDAYS 930|830c THIS FALL
Plot: Allison, a dermatologist, is organized and perfect, but her life is derailed when she meets brash, outspoken Amy, who claims to be her guardian angel in this irresistible comedy about an unlikely friendship.
My Verdict: It's interesting, and even draws a few laughs. Allison's disbelief and Amy's craziness became tiresome in the long 5 minute preview. Kevin Bornheimer may be the best part of the preview, but not enough to tune-in. This looks and sounds more like a made for TV movie that would be better off on Lifetime.
Code Black – WEDNESDAYS 10|9c THIS FALL
Plot: This intense medical drama is set in the busiest ER in the nation, where Code Black situations—when there are more patients than personnel or resources to treat them all—occur an unimaginable 300 days a year.
My Verdict: Probably the strongest trailer that we've seen. It's a very fast paced ER that is gonna tug on the heart strings. I probably teared up at least three times just watching the trailer. If there is one new medical drama to watch, this one is it.
Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders – Release Date TBD
Plot: Gary Sinise stars in this second Criminal Minds spinoff that centers on a unit of the FBI tasked with rescuing Americans who are in danger abroad. The cast is also set to include Breaking Bad's Anna Gunn, Tyler James Williams (Dear White People), and Daniel Henney. Borders will not debut until midseason, and additional cast members have yet to be announced.
My Verdict: The first spinoff didn't work, and I'm not sure the second will either, but I'll hold off full judgment until I've seen a trailer.
Life in Pieces – MONDAYS 830|730c THIS FALL
Plot: A smart, relatable and laugh-out-loud comedy about one family—uniquely told through four separate stories each week. This warm and lovable clan, spanning three generations, finds humor in life’s everyday absurdities.
My Verdict: It's genuinely funny, and the cast is outstanding. Josh Brolin, Dianne Wiest, Colin Hanks (Fargo), Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad), Thomas Sadoski (The Newsroom), and Dan Bakkedahl are among the stars. It'll certainly find an audience, I just won't be among them.
Limitless – TUESDAYS 10|9c THIS FALL
Plot: Inspired by the movie, LIMITLESS is a visually creative action thriller about a man who discovers a mysterious drug that allows him to access 100% of his brain and ends up using his new abilities for the greater good.
My Verdict: Based off the movie, it'll have Bradley Cooper showing up periodically. It's crime-solving with a spin. The movie wasn't wildly popular, and the series isn't likely to be either.
Rush Hour – Release Date TBD
Plot: Another film-to-TV adaptation in CBS's 2015-16 lineup,Rush Hour offers a new take on the action-comedy formula established in the 1998 movie(and its sequels) starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. Those stars are nowhere to be found here; instead, Jon Foo plays the by-the-book Hong Kong cop who teams with a wisecracking LAPD detective (Justin Hires). Wendie Malick and Aimee Garcia also star.
My Verdict: While the trailer isn't out yet, so far nothing in that description remotely screams watch me.
Supergirl – MONDAYS 8|7c THIS FALL
Plot: From DC Comics™ comes SUPERGIRL, a contemporary, action-packed adaptation of the timeless story of one of the greatest female superheroes.
My Verdict: The trailer is a bit of a disappointment, looking more like a SNL spoof then a good superhero show. It's far too Gilmore Girls for my taste, but I can see the potential. Although CBS has said that they don't want to do a cross-over with The Flash or any other superhero show yet, they should pay attention to the CW and their winning superhero formula. Also pitting it against the other DC favorite Gotham is almost asking for less than stellar numbers. Even though Supergirl's trailer isn't impressive, I've seen the pilot, and it's not all bad, so it's on my To Watch list as well as Code Black.
Look for our article on The CW's offerings on Wednesday!
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