Television: Fall Arts Preview 2014

A to Z (NBC) — There’s no denying the chemistry between leads Ben Feldman and Cristin Milioti, the whole thing has a 500 Days of Summer quirky adorableness, and it draws heavily from How I Met Your Mother by chronicling the couple over the course of their relationship (we’ve already learned that they’ll stop dating in eight months, three weeks, five days and one hour). Keep an eye on this, it’ll either remain high quality and thrive or drop quickly into cancellation. Premieres Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9/8c.

Bad Judge (NBC) — Oh, Kate Walsh. It was too much to ask for, wasn’t it? The lead role on a series where you play L.A.’s most respected criminal judge, who also happens to be a wild child once her robe comes off. It would be another in NBC’s long line of single-camera comedies with dramatic elements, and it is being pushed as a star vehicle for you. Of course, it’s all crumbling down: the pilot was so terrible NBC had to recast and retool the whole thing, the showrunner has left, a replacement turned the job down and while four episodes have been filmed, there’s no sense that the show will last beyond those when it premieres. Don’t worry, Kate. We’ll Netflix Private Practice and watch you there instead. Premieres Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9/8c.

Gracepoint (FOX) — Our entry this year for “Most pointless remake,” Gracepoint is as much a copy of the original British show Broadchurch as it’s possible to be. It even borrows the same male lead, David Tennant (with an awkward American accent), the same director and the same writer/creator. It follows a similar plot and only differs in that it’s set in California and has American accents. Watch the original, with a devastatingly brilliant performance from Olivia Coleman, and we can all forget about this. Premieres Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9/8c.

Mulaney (FOX) — Is this Seinfeld for a new generation? If so, we’re doomed. John Mulaney’s self-titled show isn’t awful, it’s just annoyingly bland. It mixes stand-up with multi-camera sitcom, offers broad stereotypes and features limited acting from the writer and star at its center. What’s more, it completely wastes the wonderful Nasim Pedrad. It might get better, but viewers will likely have checked out by then. Premieres Sunday, Oct. 5 at 9/8c.

The Flash (The CW) — Probably the most exciting show of the Fall, The Flash picks up from the character’s introduction on the excellent Arrow, introducing us to Barry Allen, his backstory and his change into the titular superhero. Grant Gustin offers the right amount of geeky introvert to the part, the special effects are on point, the supporting cast seems up to the task and the pilot sets the stage for a great weekly formula of “find bad guy, run rings around bad guy.” You should watch it, and if you haven’t already seen Arrow then watch that, too. Premieres Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 8/7c.

Cristela (ABC) — I like Cristela Alonzo, but just as it is with Mulaney, there’s a distinct lack of focus. The show, based on her life and stand-up routine, centers on Cristela as she enters her sixth year of law school and lives at home with her Mexican-American family. The situation is ripe for comments on race, class, family and any other number of topics — but Alonzo seems to prefer going for a cheap laugh than exploring any of these to a great depth. Perhaps, though, I’m simply expecting too much of the multi-camera and studio audience format that the show adheres to. Premieres Friday, Oct. 10 at 8/7c.

The Affair (Showtime) — Showtime will do anything to show more sex on TV, which is likely why The Affair was greenlit. Actually, that’s cheapening a show that definitely carries more than a little intrigue. As its title suggests, it examines the effect of an affair from the perspective of both characters engaged in it. The resulting emotional and psychological damage it wreaks on them and their families will be examined over the show’s run, which should make for pretty compelling watching. Oh, and there’ll be loads of sex, natch. Premieres Sunday, Oct. 12 at 10/9c.

Jane The Virgin (The CW) — Prepare for the most ludicrous premise of any show airing this Fall. Or possibly ever, for that matter. Jane (Gina Rodriguez, who is utterly captivating) is pregnant. The only problem? She’s never had sex. Yup, while visiting her doctor for a pap smear she was accidentally inseminated with someone’s sperm. What follows is Jane trying to come to terms with being an expectant mother, dealing with her long-term boyfriend and working out what will happen to the child once it’s born. It’s based on a telenovela, and it shows, but once you’ve worked past the main plot (why doesn’t she sue the doctor? It’s not even considered? This is America, right?) it’s actually surprisingly good. Sort of Ugly Betty before that became unwatchable nonsense. Premieres Monday, Oct. 13 at 9/8c.

Marry Me (NBC) — Everything about this works. It’s from the people behind the woefully under-appreciated Happy Endings, stars one of that show’s leads, Casey Wilson, and pairs her with the ever-likeable Ken Marino. Once we’ve glossed over Marino playing a character ten years younger than his actual age, there’s a lot to like here. The premise of a couple struggling through their engagement could tire, but it’s out of the way by the end of the pilot, and the show will likely instead focus on their relationship, family and friends. Happy Endings only got better and, if viewers and NBC give it a chance, Marry Me will do the same. Premieres Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 9/8c.

The McCarthys (CBS) — They’re an Irish family in Boston! They love sports! One of their sons is gay and it still confuses everyone! Hilarious, right? No? Oh good, not just me, then. Premieres Thursday, Oct. 30 at 9/8c.

State of Affairs (NBC) — Katherine Heigl, it would seem, has finally stopped pissing Hollywood executives off with her diva attitude. As such, she’s able to take the lead role in State of Affairs and remind us why Emmy voters gave her the award for Grey’s Anatomy several years ago. As the leader of a team dedicated to compiling the President’s brief every day, detailing the most important national security threats, there’s plenty of international intrigue and action to keep viewers hooked. Throw in emotional drama and the fact that Heigl’s character is a mess outside of work and it should make for reliable viewing. Oh, and the president is Alfre Woodard. If that’s not reason enough to watch, I don’t know what is. Premieres Monday, Nov. 17 at 10/9c.

For more Fall Arts Preview, including Music, Film, Stage, Museums and Dance, please click here.