There are a lot of returning favorites and there are several new shows that I am eager to watch.
Sunday
Sept. 30th @ 8pm on CBS-- God Friended Me-- In an age of political correctness, this dramedy is faith based. Athiest Miles Finer has a podcast where he's free to speak his mind, but that all changes one day when he receives a social media friend request from God. Miles believes this is some type of hoax but when the friend request leads him to struggling journalist Cara Bloom, things start to change. The two find themselves investigating people that the God friend request lead them to, and they begin helping those people. Will his new found faith and belief in helping others lead him to change? I loved Brandon Michael Hall from last season's canceled series, The Mayor. I can't wait to see him take on something more serious in the role of Miles. The premise of the show seemed initially confusing but overall intriguing.
Sept. 30th @ 8pm on FOX-- The Simpsons-- The animated comedy goes where few TV shows have gone before, into season 30! This season, comedian Tracy Morgan will guest star on two episodes. Aslso coming up this season, Gal Gadot and Emily Deschanel guest as themselves. The Treehouse of orror episode features Homer in an oyster eating contest. Homer and Marge also go on popular reality show, The Amazing Race!
Sept. 9th @ 9:30 on FOX-- REL-- A comedy inspired by the stand up of Lil Rel Howery, the premise is that Rel's wife has an affair with his barber, and he basically has to start over. In crisis, his family is there for him, his dad, recently widowed (played by Sinbad), his best friend Brittany (played by Jessica Moore), and his younger, recently out of jail, brother Nat (played by Jordan L. Jones). I'm not easy to please when it comes to comedies but I will try this one out. The previews have been funny. I'm a sucker for some Sinbad.
Monday
Sept. 24th @ 8pm on NBC-- The Voice-- Season 15 premieres with Adam and Blake this season accompanied by Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson.
Oct. 1st @ 8pm on CBS-- The Neighborhood-- Again, I am not a big comedy person, but the previews were all funny. Cedric the Entertainer stars as Calvin Butler, an overly opinionated next door neighbor living in a predominantly African American neighborhood in Los Angeles. Dave Johnson is a friendly guy who works as a conflict negotiator and moves next door to The Butlers when his wife Gemma gets a new job. Along with their son Grover, the Johnson's try to make the best first impression possible on their new neighbors.
Sept. 24th @ 9pm on CBS-- Magnum P.I.-- A modern take on the classic series that starred Tom Selleck, now with Jay Hernandez (a longtime favorite of mine) in the title role. Thomas Magnum is a former Navy SEAL who has returned home from Afghanistan and now works as a private investigator. To supplement his P.I. business, Magnum works as a security consultant for Juliet Higgins, a former M:16 agent. When he is on the case, Magnum turns to friends TC a former Marine and chopper pilot who now runs a helicopter tour business, and Rick also a former Marine who works in the nightclub business and is one of the most connected men on the island of Oahu. I can't wait to see how similar and different this is from the original.
Sept. 23rd after the NFL on FOX-- 911-- begins season two! 911 was the biggest surprise of all the new series last year for me. I loved the dynamic between the various characters. This is one the most talented ensemble casts on TV-- Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Connie Britton, Oliver Stark, and Aisha Hinds just to name a few. This season Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ryan Guzman join the cast. Connie Britton is still negotiating a deal to come back as Abby Clark in Season 2. I hope that they can make it happen because she is by far my favorite character.
Sept. 24th @ 10pm on NBC-- Manifest-- well, I am not a fan of The Good Doctor and Bull so this may be my show in the 10 o'clock time slot on Mondays. Manifest is a modern day phenomena. A flight leaves the runway in the year 2013, something goes terribly wrong during the flight, and when the flight lands several hours later, five years have passed! The passengers now have to pick up the pieces and reintegrate themselves into their lives that have changed without them.
Tuesday
Oct. 16th @ 8pm on ABC-- The Connors-- Okay, okay, I'll be honest, I am one of those people who believes this show won't be the same without Roseanne Barr. After all, she did create these characters. These characters and the actors behind them are the reasons I will still tune in-- Dan, Becky, Darlene, DJ, Jackie, and now a new generation of Connors. The series supposedly picks up following the death of matriarch Roseanne. The family will face more challenges --- dating, parenthood, financial tough times, and an unexpected pregnancy. It will be interesting to see how the series picks up and moves on without the original title character who has given up all creative rights to the show.
Sept. 25th @ 9pm on CBS-- FBI-- The new Dick Wolf series is a behind the scenes look at the inner workings of the New York office of the FBI. The series is a small look at what this Bureau does to keep our country safe. I am super excited about this series because it stars Missy Peregrym who starred on Rookie Blue which I only watched because of her. She stars as Agent Maggie Bell. Rounding out the cast is Jeremy Sisto as Jubal Valentine, Zeeko Zaki as Omar Adom "OA" Zidan, and Ebonee Noel as Kristen Chazal.
Sept. 25th @ 9pm on NBC-- This Is Us-- The critically acclaimed darling returns for season three after leaving us hanging in season two at Kate and Toby's wedding. We were also given a glimpse into the past and led to believe that there is turmoil ahead for these characters that we love so much. We'll see Jack in the Vietnam era. We already caught a glimpse of Kevin and new gal Zoe going to Vietnam on a trip to find out more about Jack's past. Randall and Beth will not be killed off, at least not this season. Rebecca and Jack's courtship will be explored. Whoever the "her" is that Tess and Randall are taking about, it's not good and it will be unexpected. Toby's family will be explored, what leads him to depression? What's up with him and the brother who didn't show up to his wedding? Jack's brother will be a part of season three. There will be a Miguel-centric episode. Lastly.... show-runners say that they have already shot the final scenes of the series. They say they always knew where this story would end.
Oct. 16th @ 10pm on ABC-- The Rookie-- Nathan Fillion (Castle) returns to ABC in a drama/comedy series based on true events. This time he's small town guy John Nolan who, following a life altering incident, decides at the age of 40 to pursue his dream of becoming an LAPD officer. He becomes the oldest rookie in the LAPD, and learns how to navigate the world of a "young cop".
Sept. 25th @ 10pm on NBC-- New Amsterdam-- The series is inspired by Bellevue Hospital, the first public hospital in the country. There are a lot of medical dramas on TV, what makes this different is the approach. Creator David Schulner said "the way The West Wing made me feel hopeful about our government is the spirit I wanted to capture here". Ryan Eggold (formerly of 90210 and the Blacklist) plays Dr. Max Goodwin the hospital's new director. I don't think I have ever seen him stronger in a role.
Wednesday
Sept. 26th @ 8pm on CBS-- Survivor: David vs. Goliath-- Season 37 pits those who come from privilege against those who have literally clawed their way through life.
Sept. 26th @ 8pm on NBC-- Chicago Med-- The youngest of the three Chicago series, Med enters season four after ending with some intense cliffhangers. Do Will and Natalie end up getting engaged or ending things for good. Does Connor take the job offer from Mayo Clinic? Sarah observes Dr. Charles stop chest compressions on her father who is a serial killer.
Sept. 26th @ 9pm on NBC-- Chicago Fire-- Season 7 opens with a shocker, Gabby is gone (Monica Raymund)! Matt is not dealing with their long distance marriage well; it obviously affects him and everyone sees this. Severide confronts him about how it's taking him off his game. Meanwhile, Severide and Kidd's relationship is going strong. Joe Cruz will also begin a relationship. Brett has been rolling through partners since Gabby left, and her most current partner is Emily Foster (Annie Ilonzeh, Person of Interest) joins the cast. She doesn't get off on the right foot with either Brett or Boden. Producers also promise more cast members.
Oct. 10th @ 9pm on The CW-- All American-- Yes, I am a huge Taye Diggs fan, and that's why when I saw that he was starring on a new CW series, I had to take a peek. I'm intrigued by the premise. Yes it is common for a good kid from the wrong side of the tracks to get a great opportunity based on God given talent, and it's a story that never gets old. The series is inspired by NFL player Spencer Paysinger. Diggs play said football player's coach. The series stars some talented up and comers.
Sept. 26th @ 10pm on ABC-- A Million Little Things-- Perhaps the most talked about new series of the season, A Million Little Things is about a group of friends brought together after getting stuck in an elevator. Time passes, and then one day Jon (one of the friends in this group) kills himself. The group is left to pick up the million shattered pieces of their lives after losing the friend who they believed to be the most stable. Jon's death is a wake up call to the rest of them, a sign that they must continue living.
Oct. 3rd @ 10pm on CBS-- Criminal Minds-- The 14th season picks up where season 13 left off; the premiere is also the 300th episode. When we left the team, Garcia had been kidnapped, and Reid figured out what happened, and had to decide whether or not to take a shot that would potentially hit Garcia. Luke Perry will reprise his role as cult leader Benjamin Cyrus in the season opener. The kidnapping and the serial killer cult will be traumatic for Reid.
Sept. 26th @ 10pm on NBC-- Chicago P.D.-- Tragedy struck the team last season with Voight possibly paying for past sins. Olinsky went to jail for a murder he didn't commit and was left for dead in his prison cell after being stabbed. Voight will be questioned following Olinsky's death. It will torture him that his friend died and it was possibly because of him. He wants to avenge Olinsky's death. It will put him at odds with straight shooter Antonio who is by the book and wanting to do things the right way. Anne Heche joins the series as Dep. Superintendent Katherine Brennan; she's intelligent, self serving, and forward.
Thursday:
Sept. 24th @ 8pm on CBS-- The Big Bang Theory-- Season 12 will be the final season of the series. The complete cast is returning, along with most of the supporting players. Bob Newhart will reprise his role as Professor Proton. Amy and Sheldon will honeymoon in New York City. Penny and Leonard will consider whether or not to have a baby. Bernadette and Howard will settle into being a family of four. The ever single Raj will take a huge risk in his personal life, but will it pay off?
Sept. 27th @ 10pm on CBS-- S.W.A.T.-- I was so excited that S.W.A.T. was well received in Season 1 because I am a huge fan of the show, and a huge fan of Shemar Moore. Season 2 opens with an earthquake in L.A. as the team is trying to rescue a child being updated via helicopter on top of a skyscraper nonetheless. Street will continue trying to get back onto the team. He'll really have to prove himself. We will also meet Hondo's new squeeze, Deputy District Attorney Nia Wells (played by Nikiva Dionne). The season will answer more questions about what makes Hondo who he is.
Sept. 27th @ 10pm (premieres @ 9pm) on NBC-- Law & Order: SVU-- SVU turns 20 this season and it couldn't be happening to a more deserving series. I would best describe SVU as heartfelt, passionate, and impactful. George Newbern joins the cast in the recurring role of Dr. Al Pollack, a love interest for Rollins. The series will take on he #MeToo movement.
Friday
Sept. 28th @ 8pm on FOX-- Last Man Standing-- The series spent six years on ABC and went our with high ratings, many speculated at the time, because of it's political stance. FOX picked up the show following a one year hiatus. Tim Allen and most of the original cast returns for Season 7 and the season opener is said to be political. Mike's dad has passed. The Baxter's are dealing with empty nest syndrome, all of their daughters have left home, it definitely changes their marriage and brings Mike and Vanessa closer together.
Sept. 28th @ 9pm on FOX-- Hell's Kitchen-- One of my favorite reality series on TV, Hell's Kitchen returns for Season 18 and pits 8 returning contestants against 8 rookies who are hungry to win.
Sept. 28th @ 10pm on CBS-- Blue Bloods-- At the end of last season, Eddie and Jamie got engaged. She will take the seat at the dinner table once occupied by Danny's wife Linda who has since passed. The newly engaged couple won't work together anymore, and will have to handle the ups and downs of being in a committed relationship. One of them is promoted and the other is transferred .Eddie's mom will visit and will not have much in common with the Reagan's. Erin will become regional bureau chief. She and her dad will have some conflicting opinions on police cases. Danny's oldest son Jack will be at college which definitely affects him. He delves into his work and may end up making some decisions he regrets.
