I know it looks like some new shows are premiering tonight, but don’t be fooled. Some of those are only “previews.” Of full pilot episodes. Yeah, doesn’t make sense to me either.
NBC:
“Up All Night,” 10 P.M. (Airs next Wednesday at its regular time, 8 P.M.)
What Is It?: A sitcom about a married couple entering into parenthood a little later in life, and the talk-show host that complicates their lives even further.
Why To Watch: Christina Applegate and Will Arnett play the new parents, and Maya Rudolph is the high-maintenance talk show host Applegate’s character works for.
So, in a word: casting. These are some talented comedic mofos. Also, it’s produced by Lorne Michaels (which, yeah, is both good and bad).
Why To Turn the Channel: What if it’s nothing but baby poop and pee jokes, and the usual “Oh my god, we never get to sleep or have sex anymore” comedic fodder found in most comedies about new parents? Also, there were some changes made to the pilot: Originally, Rudolph ran a PR firm (which makes the above trailer make more sense), but they decided to change her character to an Oprah-esque talk show host, a change Rudolph will no doubt run with, but still, last minute changes can be worrisome.
“Free Agents,” 10:30 P.M. (Airs next week at it’s regular time, 8:30 P.M.)
What Is It?: A comedy based on the UK show of the same name, about a two people who work in the same office, and start to sleep together.
Why To Watch: Hank Azaria is in it, and he has his moments, but more importantly, Giles is in it! And he looks to be hilarious! (That’s Anthony Stewart Head to non-Buffy nerds. He also played the same role in the UK version.)
Why To Turn the Channel: I’ve read the summaries, and I’ve watched the previews, and I still don’t really get what the show is about. If the only part of it that works is Head’s crass boss character, it’s gonna be tough to maintain the funny.
The CW:
“H8R,” 8 P.M.
What Is It?: A reality series, hosted by Mario Lopez, in which celebrities come fact-to-face with people who hate them.
Why To Watch: You’re a hater.
Why To Turn the Channel: I really don’t think I need to give a reason, do I?
Returning Shows:
CBS:
“Survivor” continues to, well, survive, with another damn season, and the return of some more past players: Benjamin “Coach” Wade (lord help us), and Ozzy Lusth (again). 8 P.M.
The CW:
Speaking of returning players, this season of “America’s Next Top Model” is an all-star one, although we must use the term “star” loosely here. And this time those models are going to have to do more than mere posing to win the prize, including writing songs (!) and shooting videos. 8 P.M.
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