GLOBAL
Two & A Half Men
Global/CBS, Mondays 9:30-10 p.m.
(TBA x 30 min.)
the story: Selfish and single jingle writer Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen) learns lessons about life and sharing when his polar-opposite brother Alan (Jon Cryer) and nephew Jake move into Charlie’s Malibu beach house. Blythe Danner comes along for the ride as their mother.
the cast: Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer, Blythe Danner.
the verdict: Two ’80s icons and a cushy time-slot between Everybody Loves Raymond and CSI: Miami on CBS likely spell ratings success (so it won’t get cancelled). Here’s hoping for a less than wooden Charlie Sheen and plenty of Weekend at Bernie’s-like high jinks.
the backing: Produced by Warner Bros. Television; executive producers Chuck Lorre, Lee Aronsohn, Eric & Kim Tannenbaum. KV
Happy Family
Global/NBC, Tuesdays 8:30-9 p.m.
(TBA x 30 min.)
the story: Twentysomething children won’t move out and leave an anxious pair of would-be empty nesters alone.
the cast: John Larroquette (Night Court, The John Larroquette Show), Christine Baranski (Cybill), David Guarascio (Mad About You, Just Shoot Me), Tyler Francavilla (Boston Public)
the verdict: It’s hard to imagine Night Court’s womanizing nightmare helming a family but I guess that’s the point. In this series, his youngest son should be finishing college, but instead is moving in with mom’s tennis partner. The eldest son is in the middle of jeopardizing his love life by having an affair. Daughter Sara is in the middle of an early-life crisis. After way too many years of Judge Harry’s courtroom antics, Larroquette should be able to manage this. Then again, haven’t we had enough of this guy?
the backing: NBC is hoping this will morph into a replacement for Frasier, a show long past its peak. It looks like Kelsey Grammer might be passing the torch. SM
A Minute With Stan Hooper
Global/Fox, Wednesdays 8:30-9 p.m.
(TBA x 30 min.)
the story: A Manhattan-based TV commentator and his wife relocate to Waterford Falls, Wis. in search of ‘real’ folk and old-fashioned values. We’ve heard that one before. What they find is an odd bunch of characters, like a butler, cheese mogul and a gay couple who run the local diner.
the cast: Norm Macdonald (Norm Macdonald, Saturday Night Live, Norm) is Stan Hooper, and Penelope Ann Miller (Kindergarten Cop, Full Disclosure) plays his wife Molly.
the verdict: Some critics question whether Macdonald can pull off a starring role like this. But even if the Ottawa native is a brilliant comedian (and I don’t think he’s so bad), a mundane program like A Minute With Stan Hooper won’t show him at his full potential. The show may be welcome in Middle America where there is a desire to return to the good ol’ days – witness the success of 8 Simple Rules – but the banal ‘fish-out-of-water’ wisecracks aren’t likely to be scathing enough for Canadians. My guess is that it will take less than A Minute With Stan Hooper for them to use their zappers.
the backing: Executive producer is Barry Kemp who had success with the likes of Coach and Newhart so there’s hope. And A Minute with Stan Hooper is very Newhart-ish. But in January, American Idol returns to this time-slot, and Simon Cowell and friends may wind up with the last laugh. LD
It’s All Relative (working title)
Global or CH/ABC, Wednesdays 8:30-9 p.m.
(Global time-slot TBD)
(TBA x 30 min.)
the story: Irish Bobby meets Protestant Liz. Irish Bobby’s down-to-earth Irish parents clash with Protestant Liz’s upscale gay fathers. Irish Bobby’s mischievous sister, Maddy, makes things worse.
the cast: Reid Scott plays Irish Bobby, Maggie Lawson (Nancy Drew) is Protestant Liz
the verdict: It’s a bit like The Birdcage, except in this case it’s the straight parents who feel they have to measure up to the worldly gay couple. Could be funny if it’s handled well (say as a polished French farce), but will likely be disastrous.
the backing: How well this does is all relative to what else is airing against its ABC slot. In other words, if it isn’t gone by January, the return of American Idol on Fox will finish it off. DH
The Brotherhood of Poland, N.H.
Global/CBS, Wednesdays 10-11 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: The Shaw brothers (Randy Quaid, Brian Haley, John Carroll Lynch) are all grown up and dealing with adult problems in Poland, N.H. in this one-hour drama courtesy of David E. Kelley (The Practice, Ally McBeal).
the cast: Randy Quaid, Brian Haley, John Carroll Lynch, Mare Winningham, Elizabeth McGovern.
the verdict: The Brotherhood will have to create a lot of buzz and deliver a watchable show to go up against NBC’s Law & Order. The David E. Kelley association might have provided cachet a few years ago, but lately, his name is linked with mass firings and shows gone to pasture. The cast is pretty solid, but what’s with CBS rummaging in the ’80s actor castaway box?
the backing: Twentieth Century Fox Television; executive produced by David E. Kelley, Michael Pressman. KV
Coupling
Global/NBC, Thursdays 9:30-10 p.m.
(TBA x 30 min.)
the story: Six thirtysomethings live in Chicago and are either involved, formerly involved, or looking to get involved with each other. Sound familiar?
the cast: Rena Sofer (General Hospital, Just Shoot Me), Colin Ferguson (The Opposite of Sex), Sonya Walger (The Mind of the Married Man), Jay Harrington (The Division), Lindsay Price (Beverly Hills, 90210), Christopher Moynihan (The Fighting Fitzgeralds).
the verdict: Rachel’s annoying baby was the death knell for Friends and NBC needs something to replace it. Coupling is a British import, which to NBC means ‘smarter.’ Luckily, the program also comes with lots of sex and even nudity (in the BBC version). The really innovative part is that all of the sex will occur between characters the audience knows. That ought to keep things intimate. Then again, that’s exactly what Friends has degenerated into and it hasn’t done much for ratings.
the backing: Coupling sounds like rock-solid television. NBC will be doing its best to make this catch on but it will have to do so quickly if the network wants to relive the staggering success of Friends. SM
Miss Match
Global/NBC, Fridays 8-9 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: A sharp divorce attorney working in her father’s law firm has a knack for matchmaking, and word of her talent spreads.
the cast: Alicia Silverstone (Love’s Labour’s Lost, Clueless).
the verdict: Silverstone stars as Kate Fox, a conflicted woman who fights for divorce in her day job, and tries to create happy couples on the side. Both her father and her reluctant legal partner disapprove of her activities, but Kate is determined to create romance, maybe even for herself. Like Ally McBeal, Miss Match should offer unconventional programming in a proven setting. Also like McBeal, the program could wind up overly self-indulgent. Then again, maybe they’ll sell a soundtrack.
the backing: Executive produced by Darren Star (Sex and the City, Melrose Place), this will have a lot of gloss, but much depends on how well Silverstone adapts to the small screen. SM
The Handler
Global/CBS, Fridays 10-11 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: Joe Renato (Joe Pantoliano) is ‘The Handler’ – an FBI agent who trains and supervises agents to go undercover to fight crime in Los Angeles, while liaising with the law-enforcement bigwigs who seek him out.
the cast: Joe Pantoliano, Anna Belknap, Hill Harper.
the verdict: The Handler is sitting pretty: the show has a good time-slot after JAG and could pick up a younger, more niche audience, due to Pantoliano’s association with the edgy mob drama The Sopranos and the sci-fi film The Matrix.
the backing: Viacom Productions; executive produced by Chris Haddock (of Da Vinci’s Inquest). KV
Tarzan and Jane
Global/WB, Saturdays 8-9 p.m. (on Global)
(13 x 60 min.)
the story: Set in New York City’s concrete jungle, Tarzan and Jane get an update in this drama where the loincloth-wearing he-man escapes from his billionaire uncle and roams the city streets. Along the way he encounters detective Jane Porter, who must choose between him and the man to whom she’s already engaged.
the cast: Travis Fimmel, Mitch Pileggi (The X-Files), Sarah Wayne Callies, Johnny Messner (Tears of the Sun), Miguel A Nunez, Jr. (Juwanna Mann), Sarah-Jane Potts (Felicity).
the verdict: You’ve never seen someone raised by apes in a jungle look quite so clean-cut. WB has zeroed in on its target audience here – young women who want to look at hunky, bare-chested men. If they can get past the corn factor, Tarzan may swing around for a season before being crushed by dramatic competitors Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Alias.
the backing: In a tough spot, competition-wise, but the directorial and producer credits include such hits as Party of Five and Smallville, so the talent is there and the show is very smartly shot. SO
The Lyon’s Den
Global/NBC, Sundays 10-11 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: A maverick heir to a political dynasty works in the family law firm, which may be hiding some dark secrets. Rob Lowe is in Washington again, this time as Jack Turner, an idealistic young lawyer stuck in a 150-year-old law firm while his best friend struggles with a small pro-bono clinic on the other side of town.
the cast: Rob Lowe (The West Wing, About Last Night), Matt Craven (The Life of David Gale).
the verdict: This formula (pitting young earnest folks against a corrupt politicized system) is what fueled West Wing, and moving it to a safer setting seems like a good bet. Looks like Lowe might have done the right thing by jumping ship. This time he’s already proved his TV mettle.
the backing: Written by Remi Aubuchon (24) and executive produced by Brad Grey (The Sopranos), Bernie Brillstein (Just Shoot Me) and Lowe, this show should have its finger on the pulse. SM
Popstars
Global, air date TBA
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: The fourth instalment in the Canadian Popstars franchise. This time out, the show seeks to find a new solo artist, following in the footsteps of the last ‘one,’ Christa Borden.
the cast: An assortment of judges to be announced – likely ranging from saccharine to wacky, and many eager young hopefuls vying for their 15 minutes.
the verdict: Yes, the first one was successful, but that was back when the Idols phenom was fresh and new. But did anyone even watch the subsequent Popstars? This one is likely to get lost in the shuffle of talent search shows including Fame, American Juniors, and of course, CTV’s Canadian Idol. Sugar Jones, RIP.
the backing: Lone Eagle Entertainment, Global TV. KV
Wild Card
Global/CH, air date TBA
(TBA x TBA min.)
the story: How’s this for a premise: Joely Fisher stars as a Vegas blackjack dealer who is forced to care for her nieces and nephew after her sister is killed in a car crash. When the insurance company won’t cough up a settlement, Fisher not only investigates the situation, but also gets a new career as an insurance fraud investigator.
the cast: Joely Fisher, Vikki Krinsky, Bronson Picket, Rae Dawn Chong.
the verdict: Wild Card is set to air on U.S. women’s channel Lifetime in August. The show’s premise is a little far-fetched, but Fisher is a capable actress and was one of the better elements of the now-defunct sitcom Ellen. Expect drama, perhaps a bit of comic quirkiness and a dose of intrigue.
the backing: Produced by Busiek in association with Fireworks Entertainment and Lifetime. KV
CH
Las Vegas
CH/NBC, Mondays 9-10 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: An elite surveillance team deals with cheaters, unlikely luck and big rivals at a major Las Vegas casino.
the cast: James Caan (The Godfather, Misery), Josh Duhamel (All My Children), Molly Sims (MTV’s House of Style), Nikki Cox (Nikki), James Lesure (For Your Love), Marsha Thomason (Black Knight), Vanessa Marcil (Beverly Hills 90210).
the verdict: Gary Scott Thompson, writer of The Fast and the Furious, has come up with NBC’s version of Casino. Caan should be a perfect fit for Big Ed Deline, the head of the surveillance team who deals with on-the-job stress and family life as well. The anthropological value of a behind-the-scenes peek at Las Vegas will interest some viewers, and the racy Las Vegas lifestyle should draw others.
the backing: NBC is fishing for an Oz or a Six Feet Under. They may have found something just safe enough with the all-American Las Vegas. SM
Skin
CH/Fox, Mondays 9-10 p.m. (CH time-slot TBA)
(13 x 60 min.)
the story: Set in L.A., Skin is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet where Jewel, the white teen progeny of a porn king, falls head over heels for Adam, a 17-year-old Latino whose mom happens to be a judge and whose dad is the district attorney.
the cast: Ron Silver (Ali, The West Wing) plays the porn king; Kevin Anderson (Nothing Sacred) is the D.A.; and Rachel Ticotin is Adam’s Latina mother. The kids are newcomers Olivia Wilde as Jewel and D.J. Cotrona as Adam.
the verdict: Directed by Russell Mulcahy (Queer as Folk), and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer of CSI fame, Skin promises to be a high-quality drama. Plus, it centers on the forbidden adult film industry, which should draw attention from two different camps: the Jerry Falwells, and those who hope to catch some booty without having to boot up their computers.
the backing: Follows Joe Millionaire on Fox which could be a boon, since last season the reality-series-with-a-twist ushered in the network’s best Monday ratings in eight years. But Skin will have to battle against Monday Night Football and sitcom fave Everybody Loves Raymond. LD
Naval CIS
CH/CBS, Tuesdays 8-9 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: Naval Criminal Investigative Service leader J.P. Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and his crew of special agents investigate crimes connected to the Navy and Marine Corps. Expect offences such as murder on an overseas base and soldiers who bolt from a crime scene.
the cast: Mark Harmon, David McCallum, Michael Weatherly.
the verdict: This spin-off replaces the successful JAG, which moves to Fridays. As a lead-in to the popular show The Guardian, this one-hour drama may fly, provided Harmon has improved his acting abilities since Summer School and The Love Boat.
the backing: Paramount Television; executive producer Donald P. Bellisario (of JAG fame). KV
The Stones
CH/CBS, Wednesdays 9:30-10 p.m.
(TBA x 30 min.)
the story: Winston and Karly Stone want to throw their parents the anniversary party of a lifetime and are stunned when mom and dad Stone (Judith Light and Robert Klein) announce they’re getting a divorce. The two adult leeches (ahem, siblings) move back home after hearing the news.
the cast: Jay Baruchel, Judith Light, Robert Klein.
the verdict: Divorce colours the classic family sitcom, which, coincidentally, just ain’t what it used to be. Where’s the Cos when you need him? Comic vets Light and Klein have been doing some high-profile stuff lately (Law & Order: SVU and the feature Two Weeks Notice respectively), but don’t expect anything edgy.
the backing: Warner Bros. Television; Executive produced by Jenji Khan, Max Mutchnik, David Kohan. KV
Karen Sisco
CH/ABC, Wednesdays 10-11 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: Smart, sexy U.S. marshal Karen Sisco chases bad guys on Miami’s Gold Coast. With fugitives she’s cool – with potential boyfriends, she goes to pieces and runs to her retired marshal dad. Based on Jennifer Lopez’s character in Out of Sight.
the cast: Carla Gugino (Spy Kids) is smart, sexy Karen Sisco (Jennifer Lopez wasn’t available); Robert Forster (Jackie Brown) is retired marshal Sisco.
the verdict: Miami-based crime shows are fast becoming a genre all their own, so we know the concept works. The only problem is this one probably isn’t up to CSI: Miami snuff, so why do we need another? Besides, it’s up against the Law & Order juggernaut, which should leave few crime-loving leftovers for this entry.
the backing: John Landgraff, Danny DeVito, Stacy Sher and Michael Shamberg executive produce. Jersey Television and Universal Network Television are the production companies. DH
Tru Calling
CH/Fox, Thursdays 8-9 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: Borrowing from a premise that’s appeared in a few big-screen films, this drama is sort of like Touched By An Angel with an edge. College grad Tru Davies wakes up at the beginning of the previous morning and wanders about New York stopping murders and rescuing family members from themselves.
the cast: Eliza Dushku (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Shawn Reeves, Jessica Collins, A.J. Cook, Heath Freeman, Zach Galifianakis.
the verdict: Can an ex-Buffy star take on NBC’s Thursday night comedy lineup? It’ll have to get through CBS’ Survivor first. Why say more? Despite Fox’s stated commitment to the show, and perhaps through no fault of its own, this one is tru-ly dead.
the backing: Sandy Grushow, chairman of Fox Television, has already gone on record as saying the network will stick with not only this show but whatever else wants to take the coveted Thursday night slot. His watchword is ‘patience.’ SO
Jeremiah
CH/Showtime, Saturdays 9-10 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: It’s post-apocalyptic 2021 and Jeremiah (Luke Perry) stars as the ‘survivor of a deadly epidemic that spared only those who had not yet reached puberty’ (what? Isn’t Luke Perry like 50 or something?). He and his fellow survivors, including Kurdy (Malcolm-Jamal Warner), must find their way to the Valhalla Sector. Based on a Belgian graphic novel series.
the cast: Luke Perry, Malcolm-Jamal ‘Theo’ Warner, Tricia Helfer.
the verdict: This show smells of Battlefield Earth, John Travolta’s misguided effort to bring Scientology to the masses: Warner even has Travolta’s dreads. However, after the show first aired in the U.S. on Showtime in March 2002, reviews were mainly positive.
the backing: MGM Television Entertainment, Showtime; executive produced by Babylon 5’s J. Michael Straczynski. KV
