ABC released some full length trailers for a number of it’s upcoming shows last night. Whilst they may have been the most brutal of the networks this season when it came to cancelations, they have picked up some interesting new shows to fill the large gaps left by the massacre. The comedies are particularly strong this season.
https://youtu.be/M3_bDWTTLWc
First up we have Downward Dog. It’s a show about Nan (Emmy-nominated Allison Tolman – Fargo), a struggling millennial, and her philosophical, and slightly neurotic dog, Martin. The twist? The show is told from Martin’s point of view. It’s incredibly sweet, and very very funny.
https://youtu.be/15vywGIjvPk
Imaginary Mary stars Jenna Elfman (Dharma & Greg) as Alice, who’s life is turned upside-down when she ‘stupidly’ falls for the love of her life Ben (Stephen Schneider – You’re the Worst, Broad City) – an adorable, quick-witted divorced father with three kids. But when she ignores her fears of commitment and her ability to mother, Imaginary Mary, her childhood invention (voiced by Rachel Dratch – Inside Amy Schumer, SNL), comes back to life to express Alice’s deepest fears and add more chaos to the situation.
https://youtu.be/4u55WK6AbaM
Speechless stars Minnie Driver (About a Boy, The Riches, Good Will Hunting) as Maya DiMeo, a mother who is willing to do anything for her family. Her son, JJ (Michah Fowler) has cerebral palsy and she will fight for justice in order to give him what he deserves. Whilst that sounds like a fairly serious set up, it’s a very funny comedy, and Michah in particular is great.
https://youtu.be/A9JRoZsnINw
Finally for the comedy trailers, American Housewife, which feels like the weakest of the bunch, but does still have a few laughs in it. Stars Katy Mixon (Mike and Molly) as Katie Otto, a confident, unapologetic wife and mother of three, raises her flawed family in the wealthy town of Westport, Connecticut, filled with “perfect” mommies and their “perfect” offspring.
https://youtu.be/N_f1v0Nx5Sw
Kicking off the drama trailers, we have Designated Survivor starring Kiefer Sutherland. Tom Kirkman, a lower-level cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes president after a devastating attack on Washington. He will struggle to prevent the country and his own family from falling into chaos, as he is thrust into one of the most difficult presidencies in history.
https://youtu.be/VN4C4Ar5BLo
Time After Time is one of a many time-travel based dramas coming next season. This one comes from Scream & Vampire Diaries writer Kevin Williamson, and follows famed science fiction writer H.G. Wells as he travels through time to stop Jack the Ripper.
https://youtu.be/KJqg6J4JeLg
Conviction stars Agent Carter’s Hayley Atwell as Lawyer and wayward former First Daughter Hayes Morrison. After she’s busted for cocaine possession, NY District Attorney Wayne Wallis gives her one last chance to redeem herself, and avoid a scandal (and jail), by becoming the head of the newly formed Conviction Integrity Unit. The CIU’s job is to investigate cases, where there is credible suspicion of wrongful conviction.
https://youtu.be/yZBP6wb3xmI
Notorious stars Piper Perabo (Covert Affairs) and Daniel Sunjata (Graceland) in a show inspired by the true-life stories of cable news producer Wendy Walker and criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos. The series is a provocative look at the unique, sexy and dangerous interplay of criminal law and the media. Josh Berman (Blacklist, Bones, CSI) is writer and executive producer, and Allie Hagan (Suri’s Burn Book) is writer and co-executive producer. The only problem with watching a drama set in a newsroom is it really makes me long for more episodes of Arron Sorkin’s The Newsroom…
https://youtu.be/LllK0jMn_hs
Still Star-Crossed is Shondaland’s first step into the world of period drama, and picks up where the famous story of Romeo and Juliet ends, telling a tale of treachery, palace intrigue and ill-fated romances of the Montagues and Capulets in the wake of the young lovers’ tragic fate. The series is based on the book by Melinda Taub.
