Welcome to the 3rd part of our Upfronts Roundup (part 1 is here, part 2 is here), where we look at the shows that will the networks hope will get you laughing after they’ve canned your favorite tv show. Here is our rundown of some of the upcoming tv comedy series we think sound the most interesting.
Please bear in mind, these have only just been picked up in the US, so we don’t have any news on UK pick ups yet. The titles do link through to their show pages though, so you can click through to see the latest info. You can also keep an eye on the UK Air Dates page for up to the minute info!
About a Boy (NBC)
About A Boy
Based on Nick Hornby’s novel of the same name, the show stars David Walton (New Girl) as Will, a man-child who, since writing 1 hit song, has been living of the royalties to fund is happy-go-lucky life of free time, free love, and general financial happiness. All is rosy, until single mother Fiona (Minnie Driver – Grosse Pointe Blank, Good Will Hunting) moves in next door, with her 11-year-old son Marcus (Benjamin Stockham – 1600 Penn), and start to turn his carefree life upside down. When Marcus starts to drop by unannounced, Will’s not overly happy with the idea of a 11yr old BFF… That is until he realises, women find single dad’s irresistible! So, Will and Marcus strike a deal. Marcus pretends to be his son so he can pick up chicks, and in return, he get’s to hang out at Will’s swanky pad.
GT Anticipation Rating: 7/10 – I love Nick Hornby’s novels, and was quite fond of the movie adaptation, so it’ll be interesting to see if they manage to keep the charm, or if it looses it in the translation across the pond…
The Michael J. Fox Show (NBC)
http://youtu.be/SXl-krlLoxg
It’s been over 10 years since Michael J. Fox quit TV to focus on dealing with his Parkinson’s disease, but at age 51 (i know what you’re thinking… i also now feel really old!), he’s decided it’s time to return to the small screen, with a semi-autobiographical comedy about a man dealing with Parkinson’s. Fox plays Mike Henry, a news anchor who returns to work after taking putting his career on hold to spend more time with his family, and cope with the disease.
The company are over the moon to have him back, especially his boss Harris (Wendell Pierce The Wire, Treme) who never wanted him to go in the first place… Almost as happy as his family, who are really glad to have him out of the house! Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad) plays Mike’s wife, with Juliette Goglia (Ugly Betty, Joan of Arcadia), Conor Romero (American Gangster, Person of Interest) and Jack Gore (We Are What We Are) play his kids.
GT Anticipation Rating: 9/10 – I’m a huge fan of Fox (Spin City was never as good after he left), and just really looking forward to having him back on screen where he belongs.
Crazy Ones (CBS)
Crazy Ones
Stars the legend that is Robin Williams as Simon Roberts, a renowned & brilliant (but eccentric) advertising executive, runs the Roberts and Roberts Advertising Agency with his rather more practical daughter, Sydney (Sarah Michelle Gellar), who’s trying to manage the company, and her dad… Additional cast include James Wolk (Mad Men) as copywriter Zach, & Hamish Linklater (The Big C).
The show is written by Ally McBeal & Boston Legal’s David E. Kelley.
GT Anticipation Rating: 8/10 – It’s Robin Williams back on TV, and with our favorite Slayer. David E. Kelley’s shows have been a bit hit & miss, but when they do land, they tend to do it extremely well. Let’s hope this one is as good a hit as it should be.
Dads (Fox)
http://youtu.be/0F4pEfZDl0k
Stars Seth Green (Buffy, Family Guy, Robot Chicken) as Eli and Giovanni Ribisi (Avatar, Ted), as two friends who run a video game company together. Warner is married with Kids, whilst Eli has stuck to his stoner roots, but despite their differences, they’re still best buds. All is going smoothly, that is until their Dads unexpectedly move in with them…
This is Seth MacFarlane’s first live-action tv show, and he’s continued working with fellow Ted writers Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild for Dads.
GT Anticipation Rating: 8/10 – Seth & Seth working together on a project is always worth checking out.
Us & Them (Fox)
http://youtu.be/b6XiMwzJAbU
A remake of the UK comedy Gavin & Stacey, about two people who start a long distance relationship. Jason Ritter (The Event, Parenthood) takes on the role of Gavin, with Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls, Mad Men) taking the role of Stacey. Dustin Ybarra (We Bought a Zoo, Californication) play’s Smithy, and Ashlie Atkinson (The Invention of Lying, Rescue Me) plays Nessa. Having watched through the trailer, it does seem to have traveled quite well, so it’ll be interesting to see how it’s received in the USA.
GT Anticipation Rating: 8/10 – Hopefully turns out to be more the US remake of The Office, and less the US remake of Coupling…
