TC spotted some binge-ables using a new normal approach to studying up on the Fall TV season. Read on and then check out the clips below. – the editor
The magazine issue I always looked forward to in September was not the one edited by Anna Wintour, but it was the one edited by TV Guide. I am talking about the Fall Preview Issue. Entertainment Weekly was also reliable for this.
Print media in the 2020’s? Almost nonexistent.
Entertainment Weekly ended its print edition a few years ago, about a year after the “Weekly” became a monthly publication (LOL, right?). TV Guide eliminated local listings since most cable programming was national, and digital TV Guides were downloaded to Smart TV’s if we wanted to find a program. Your cable company will “guide” you as well.
Needless to say, it is not the same.
My Take on the 2024 Fall TV Season…
I have some ponderables on the subject starting with broadcast TV. In 2024, “broadcast TV” pretty much means local channels available via cable or streaming services. For example, if you were to subscribe to an upgraded plan on some streamers, like Paramount +, Peacock, or Hulu, you will have access to the “live “broadcasts of the local TV affiliates.
Note: Live vs. On Demand comes into play.
With my Paramount+/with Showtime subscription, I can get the Las Vegas CBS local news (the fabulous KLAS-TV channel 8), some syndicated programming, like Wheel of Fortune, and CBS primetime. Most streamers will show first run episodes of broadcast programming a day later (thus the clarification of “live”).
Living the Live…
So the other night, I missed the Pacific [time zone] feed of Dancing With The Stars (DWTS), which they simulcast on Disney+. If I watched the live feed, I would have known about other new shows on ABC, like High Potential, that followed DWTS Tuesday night.
[Editor’s note: DWTS is on its 33rd season.]
High Potential trailer
I ended up sampling this new show, via my Hulu account. For a procedural crime drama, the pilot was not bad. It stars Katlin Olson, from the ensemble of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. I lucked into (via promos) without the trusty TV Guide Fall Preview issue.
Return of an Old Friend…
An old friend came back for a second season, the revisit of Frasier, just dropped second season episodes on Paramount+. Last year, CBS was smart to preview on its home network. This time, just a promotion on my Paramount+ home page. The guest star list has increased, with Patricia Heaton as a possible love interest for Frasier Crane. Last season I found the updates very pleasant and touching, especially when they dealt with the passing of the patriarch of the Crane Family, Martin Crane, played by the late actor John Mahoney.
Back to Hulu and Pleasant Surprises…
Back to Hulu, after coming off of a very heavy win at this year’s Emmy awards, especially for its parent company Disney, they introduced two sitcoms that can be binged easily in a short afternoon.
English Teacher is a fast-paced vehicle for its creator and star Brian Jordan Alvarez. As a teacher in the Austin Texas public school system, he and his coworkers adjust to the ever-modulating atmosphere of the current teen zeitgeist and the effect of his coworkers. It is super funny and appointment television.
How To Die Alone is a vehicle for creator star Natasha Rothwell, and a promotional tip off from my brother Paul had me take a look. An airport based tv show. Also my former employer, Hudson News, is featured as the only brand name retailer at the airport. She plays a wheelchair/ADA assist rep who has a near death experience and is reflective on her life and lack of a solid friend to collect her after a hospital stay. It hits a lot of notes, and is tightly written, even though some of the airport operation is a little far-fetched and riddled with dramatic license. Something only a person who worked in an airport for 11 ½ years would know.
Both of these shows have an 8-episode run. Both deserve a second season.
That’s a Wrap…
Again, “a Wrap” with a strong “To Be Continued…” as there is more to come for the season. Plus, the new normal is for “seasons” to be spread out year-round. I’ll be your “TV Guide” if you let me. [LOL]
Anyway, thanks for reading and pondering with me. —TC
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