Check out last year’s pilot reviews, and then read on for my views on this year’s fresh crop of dramas (click here for comedies). This post will be continuously updated as new shows make their debut.
Your enjoyment of Shades of Blue depends solely on how much you can stand Jennifer Lopez. I found her to be a terrifically charming and magnetic lead in the pilot, and I’m eager to see what the show can pull off next. The good news is that this isn’t your typical police procedural; it’s heavily serialized, with an intriguing take on police corruption. It’s also got a tremendous supporting turn by Ray Liotta, who capably straddles the line between villain and father figure. I’m hopeful.
Update: Already renewed. Will catch up eventually! Episode two is solid!
Nad Rating
B+
The Art Of More has one thing going for it: it’s set in a world that we’ve never really seen on television before. Exploring the cutthroat dealings of New York’s esteemed auction houses, More is different enough to warrant a look. As the lead, Christian Cooke isn’t too charismatic, but he’s surrounded by an intriguing supporting cast including Dennis Quaid and Kate Bosworth. I’m not exactly dying to watch a second episode, but given time, this could potentially evolve into something worthwhile.
Update: Not interested enough to watch episode two.
Nad Rating
B-
Agent X is most notable because it features Sharon Stone in a regular capacity, but the real star here is Jeff Hephner in his charismatic and kickass turn as the Vice President’s secret agent. The action is gripping, the villain is deviously awesome (Hello Olga Fonda in a star-making turn), and the show is just ridiculously charming across the board. It’s everything The Player wanted to be, and I’m certainly in for a couple of episodes. If you’re an action fan, give this a shot.
Update: Agent X has been canceled, and that’s no surprise because episode three showed a horrendous dip in quality. Oh well.
Nad Rating
B+
How many blowjobs can one character receive in the span of 40 minutes? To be fair, Wicked City’s definitely got some twisted potential, but the pilot doesn’t live up to expectations. I’ve never really understood all the hype about Ed Westwick, but he fits the perverted serial killer type, and Jeremy Sisto and a strong supporting cast provide some good ammo. Sadly, the script is just dull, and the show struggles to find momentum and become truly captivating. Also, necrophilia on network television? Can’t say this show doesn’t have guts!
Update: Wicked City has been canceled. Thank God!
Nad Rating
C-
Picture Grey’s Anatomy without all the sex and relationship turmoils, and you get Code Black. This is a dark (literally) and depressing medical drama with a whole lot of anxiety-inducing scenes. The cast is fine, but it’s Maria Gay Harden who owns the show with her driven and nuanced performance as a hardened doctor who runs the ER like a bonafide general. I have no idea if I’ll continue watching the show (one medical drama is more than enough for me), but there’s no denying that this is an effective and gut-wrenching pilot.
Update: The show has yet to be renewed or cancelled, but I wasn’t excited to watch any episode past the pilot.
Nad Rating
B+
It’s good to watch a new show with zero expectations. When I sat down to watch ABC’s soapy new creation, I was sure this would be a predictable, lame-brained production. Instead, I got a charming and well-acted little drama about one of the biggest oil discoveries in American history. I don’t know how long this will last, but with that superb cliffhanger, I’m definitely on board for a couple of episodes. Also, Don Johnson and Amber Valetta (of Revenge fame) make the most ruthless power couple in town. Pleasantly surprising.
Update: I stuck with the show for almost 8 episodes before losing interest. Cancelled so no use getting attached.
Nad Rating
B+
Enormously dull. It’s no secret that Heroes fizzled out quite quickly a few years back, and I see no reason why Heroes Reborn will be any better. The two-hour pilot is just plain boring – the pacing is slow, the dialogue is atrocious (it’s coming / something big is coming / you don’t know what’s coming), and the characters are not engaging in the slightest. Judging by the premiere’s ratings, it’s obvious that NO ONE was asking for a Heroes reboot, and I’m praying this horrid misfire dies a quick death. Tedious.
Update: Cancelled. Good riddance.
Nad Rating
D
I love action as much as the next guy, but don’t you need a strong hook to make the thrills worthwhile? I wasn’t exactly bored by The Player, but it could have been so much better. It’s high-octane and it’s adrenaline infused, but the premise with powerful people betting on crime is just too convoluted and unrealistic. Philip Winchester does what he can with the lead role, but his hero is the stereotypical tough-guy we’ve seen countless times before. I’ll probably give the show another episode (purely because I’m always up for some blockbuster thrills), but this is not an impressive pilot.
Update: Lost interest after episode two. Cancelled.
Nad Rating
C+
The Man In The High Castle has one heck of a premise: what if the Allies lost World War Two and the United States was then occupied by the Japs and the Nazis? Amazon’s pilot does a compelling job of bringing this intriguing world to life through astounding production design and impeccable details. However, I wasn’t exactly attached to the show’s characters after the first episode. Still, that emotional bond could take a few episodes. Let’s see where the show goes next.
Update: I can’t bring myself to continue and watch episode two although there’s definite potential.
Nad Rating
B
Full review here.
Update: I lost interest after a few episodes but the show is still going strong. Far too standalone-ish for my taste.
Nad Rating
B
Full review here.
Update: Episode two was atrocious. Gave up on the show.
Nad Rating
A-
Full review here.
Update: Rightfully cancelled. There is a God!
Nad Rating
C
Full review here.
Update: Lost interest after several episodes. Sadly, it’s the biggest hit of the season and already renewed.
Nad Rating
B+
Full review here.
Update: Finished season one. I’m cautiously optimistic about season two as I expected more from the debut year.
Nad Rating
B
Full review here.
Update: Lost interest after several episodes. It’s been renewed.
Nad Rating
B+
Full review here.
Update: Lost interest after several episodes. Already renewed for season two.
Nad Rating
B+
Full review here.
Update: Still watching. I have faith it will become a great show at some point.
Nad Rating
B-
Full review here.
Update: Episode two arrives soon.
Nad Rating
B
Full review here.
Update: The show has been renewed for season two.
Nad Rating
B
Full review here.
Update: Already renewed for season two. Still watching!
Nad Rating
A
Full review here.
Update: Will certainly get renewed for season two! Still watching!
Nad Rating
A
Hey Nad. Did you spend ur Sunday watching all these shows? :(. Go out my friend as there is a lot to see n experiences to live! It's none of my biz i know but thought I should tell you that. U dont have to publish my message btw.
Hahahaha no as I mentioned above, this article is the summary of ALL the new shows I've watched over the last couple of weeks 🙂
I enjoyed the first episode of Agent X. It had all the elements of a fun, compelling action series, giving me reason to watch the next episode.
Heroes Reborn continues to disappoint which is no surprise to me.
I watched some of Wicked City and what I realized is that I've had my fill of serial killer shows after Hannibal.
I gave Wicked City, Code Black, Minority Report, Supergirl and Blood and Oil a try but was able to survive only the first 10 minutes or so. I stuck with Limitless for 3 episodes, and then turned it off for good. I must say none of those above are exceptionally thrilling, I still watch Quantico, Blindspot and the Player, but lately noticed I'm distracted and want to do something else while watching. I haven't seen Agent X yet, but the pilot that I really liked that you haven't mentioned Nadim was Into The Badlands. Have you seen it?
Yes I heard a lot about it. Will def watch it soon! Thanks Sol! 🙂
And I dropped Quantico, Blindspot and the Player! So much failed potential!
Haha I thought the exact same thing about Second Chance: it's watchable but you can just TELL that the ratings are going to suck. Didn't see episode two yet but I can't say I'm excited either. It will obviously become too standalone-ish, I agree.
my thoughts are your thoughts 🙂
The first episode of The Catch wasn't bad. So far, the show seems a lot better and tolerable compare to Scandal and Grey's Anatomy. But who knows how long that will last? The show could eventually fall into the pit of unlikeable characters and contrived melodrama like its predecessors.