Still mourning the loss of last year's cancelled or wrapped sitcoms? We're trying to get over it, too (we miss you, 30 Rock!), but we must soldier on. Fortunately, there are some intriguing new shows in the fall tv lineup to console us and fill the entertainment void as we bask in the warm glow of our living room sets this season. Here are the most promising new television sitcom picks we hope will heal our crozzled hearts.
New Sitcoms
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Michael J. Fox Show
Network: NBC
Premieres: Thursday, Sept 26 at 9PM ESTSynopsis: After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Mike Henry (Michael J. Fox) left his job as one of New York’s most beloved news anchors to spend time with his family. After five years, he’s ready to return to the air, much to the relief of his wife Annie (Betsey Brandt) and their family.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: It may be Family Ties-nostalgia talking here, but who doesn’t want to see Michael J. Fox back on TV? The trailer has some good moments, wringing laughs out of Parkinson’s in a way that is neither cruel nor exploitative—a nice reminder of the importance of maintaining your sense of humor in the face of adversity.
Watch the trailer here.
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The Goldbergs
Network: ABC
Premieres: Tuesday, Sept 24 at 9pm estSynopsis: The Goldbergs are your typical weird, rambunctious family experiencing a few growing pains during a period of transition—the middle child is learning to drive, the grandfather is losing his ability to live independently—as the youngest of the bunch, 11-year-old Adam, captures it all on his video camera.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: We have some doubts about the 80s setting, but judging by the trailer, it doesn’t look like the show will get too bogged down in cheesy nostalgia. It will definitely get a lot of comparisons to The Wonder Years, which could either help or hurt it. The cast alone makes it worth checking out: Jeff Garlin, Wendi McLendon-Covey and George Segal are terrific performers who seem perfectly cast.
Watch the trailer here.
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Brooklyn Nine Nine
Network: FOX
Premieres: Tuesday, Sept 17 at 830PM ESTSynopsis: This new workplace comedy from Parks and Recreation’s Michael Schur and Dan Goor explores what happens when a tough new captain with a lot to prove takes over the undisciplined, but talented 99th precinct.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: This show seems to have all the right stuff: an interesting setting, a strong ensemble cast, and talented showrunners. There have been successful cop comedies in the past but it’s been a while since we’ve seen one, particularly one that isn’t a parody. Andy Samberg looks strong as a puerile but gifted detective, and he should complement Andre Braugher’s trademark sternness very well. This is easily one of the most promising of all the new sitcoms.
Watch the trailer here.
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Enlisted
Network: FOX
Premieres: Friday, Nov 8 at 930PM ESTSynopsis: After his promising military career is derailed by a single mistake in Afghanistan, Sergeant Pete Hill (Geoff Stults, Ben and Kate) is sent to Fort McGee in Florida, where he finds himself in charge of a platoon of misfits—including his two brothers. Keith David costars as Command Sergeant Major Donald Cody, who runs the base and promised to look after the brothers after serving with their late father.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: An Army base is an interesting twist on the traditional workplace comedy. The setting provides ample opportunity for physical comedy and the family angle should give the show some heart. And if it’s half as funny as Stripes (greatest Bill Murray comedy of all time? Discuss.), then it’ll be in good shape.
Watch the trailer here.
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Mom
Network: CBS
Premieres: Monday, Sept 23 at 930PM ESTSynopsis: Christy (Anna Faris) is a single mother of two struggling to navigate her newly sober life and reconnect with her estranged mother, Bonnie (Allison Janney). Nate Corddry (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) and French Stewart (3rd Rock from the Sun) co-star as Christy’s coworkers in an upscale restaurant.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: A cocaine reference in the trailer? That is edgy for CBS. And we love love love Anna Faris. She’s a brilliant comedic actress; unfortunately, her movie choices rarely do her talents justice. Hopefully she’ll find her niche in TV. Between the uninspired title, the obnoxious laugh track and the fact that this is from the man who brought us Two and a Half Men, we’re trying to remain cautiously optimistic.
Watch the trailer here.
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Super Fun Night
Network: ABC
Premieres: Wednesday, Oct 2 at 930PM ESTSynopsis: For best friends Kimmie, Helen-Alice and Marika, Friday nights mean one thing: Friday Night Fun Night (“Always together! Always inside!”). But when Kimmie (Rebel Wilson) gets a promotion at her law firm, she tries to lure her friends out of their comfort zones and into the nightlife.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: The premise seems a little flimsy—it sounds better suited for a movie. But Rebel Wilson is not your typical leading lady, and she was a delight in Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect. We’re not sure she can carry a show—there’s a risk of her overstaying her welcome—but we love her so much, we’re more than willing to give her a shot. The show should get a boost from its post Modern Family time slot, which may give it a chance to find its footing.
Watch the trailer here.
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The Crazy Ones
Network: CBS
Premieres: Thursday, Sept 26 at 9PM ESTSynopsis: Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar star as Simon and Sydney, a father/daughter duo working at a prominent Chicago advertising agency. Simon is the unpredictable advertising genius who owns the agency, while Sydney futilely tries to keep her father in check.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: It’s a pretty good cast: Robin Williams, in his first TV series since Mork & Mindy, acting alongside Buffy the Vampire Slayer, herself! What could go wrong? Well, Robin Williams for starters. He looks very … Robin Williams-y, leaving Gellar in the belabored straight-woman role. This could be a hot mess, but totally entertaining for all the wrong reasons. (But for the record, we’d totally watch a Mork and Buffy spinoff any day.)
Watch the trailer here.
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Trophy Wife
Network: ABC
Premieres: Tuesday, Sept 24 at 930PM ESTSynopsis: Party girl Kate (Malin Ackerman) literally falls into the arms of twice-divorced Pete (Bradley Whitford) and within a year finds herself juggling a new marriage, two wary ex-wives (Marcia Gay Harden and Michaela Watkins) and three stepchildren.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: The premise is a bit worn, but the cast sells it. Malin Ackerman proved she had serious comedic chops in shows like Childrens Hospital and Burning Love, but we’re not sure this is the right sitcom to showcase that talent. We’re a bit concerned that Marcia Gay Harden will eat Ackerman alive (seriously, she looks formidable) but it should be fun to watch them go at each other—at least for a little while.
Watch the trailer here.
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The Millers
Network: CBS
Premieres: Thursday, Oct 3 at 830PM ESTSynopsis: Will Arnett stars as Nathan Miller, a local news reporter whose recent divorce inspires his father Tom (Beau Bridges) to leave his wife Carol (Margo Martindale) after 43 years of marriage. Carol moves in with Nathan, disrupting his plans to get back in the dating game.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: We should have saved the “edgy CBS” comment for this one. An extended riff on masturbating in the shower? Surely not! But the real reason we’re excited to see this is WILL ARNETT. Our unsung hero of comedy. Something needs to break his curse of TV cancellations (Arrested Development— obviously. And Running Wilde had loads of potential. Just sayin’) Fingers crossed.
Watch the trailer here.
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Us & Them
Network: FOX
Premieres: midseasonSynopsis: After months of flirting online, Gavin (Jason Ritter) and Stacey (Alexis Bledel) are finally set to meet in person. As they fall in love, they run into all sorts of obstacles: geography (he’s in NYC, she’s in PA), their meddling family, and the love-hate relationship developing between their bawdy, outspoken best friends.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: We are so fond of the British series on which this is based (Gavin & Stacey, available on Netflix. Rent it.) that we are simultaneously excited for and super apprehensive about this show. The key to a successful adaptation is retaining the spirit of the original while somehow making it it’s own. It’s a delicate balance but we’re looking forward to watching them try. Not to mention this show has one of the strongest ensembles of all the new sitcoms.
Watch the trailer here.
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About A Boy
Network: NBC
Premieres: midseasonSynopsis: This adaptation of the Nick Hornby book (and Hugh Grant movie) of the same name stars David Walton (Bent, New Girl) as Will, an unemployed bachelor coasting by on his charm and royalties from a hit song he wrote. When he discovers his 11-year-old neighbor Marcus is a chick magnet, Will lets him hang around his apartment in exchange for posing as his son. Minnie Driver costars as Marcus’ mother.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: The movie was charming enough. It’s hard to get too excited without seeing a trailer (which hasn't been released yet), but it’s written and produced by Jason Katims (Parenthood, Friday Night Lights), which is promising. We’re not sure David Walton has Hugh Grant-level charm, but we’re willing to give him a chance.
Learn more here.
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We are Men
Network: CBS
Premieres: Monday, Sept 30 at 830PM ESTSynopsis: This comedy centers around Stuart, Frank and Gil (Jerry O’Connell, Tony Shalhoub and Kal Penn, respectively), three guys living in a short-term rental complex in various stages of divorce. When Carter (Chris Smith) moves in after being left at the altar, they rally around him to help him get over it and get back in the game.
Why We Can't Wait to See It: Meh. We probably can. Apparently, being a man involves little more than lying to women and trying to get laid. We Are Men looks a bit like Charlie Sheen-lite, and don't we get enough of him already? At this point, casual sexism has become so commonplace, it’s hardly worth getting riled up about. Instead, why not turn it into a drinking game? One drink for every caddish comment. Stick to beer or wine; if the trailer is any indication, you may be drinking a lot. Cheers!
Watch the trailer here.
