New shows looking for success during debut month

Although current shows are heading into the final stretch, April will also see the debut of new programs looking to make a splash in a very short time.

And unlike most years, there are newbies this season that actually have a shot.
Therefore, I’m mixing things up a bit this week – no TiVo’ing, no rant. Just a mini spring preview with a quality scale to help you decide if you want to watch.

APRIL PREVIEW
SHOW: Southland
WHO: Stars Ben McKenzie, Michael Cudlitz and Regina King; executive produced by John Wells
WHEN: 10 p.m. Thursday, April 9 on NBC
“ER” executive producer John Wells’ new police drama unspools right as his medical one ends and “Southland” looks to be in the same vein: great interpersonal drama mixed with the stress of the job (being a police officer in south central L.A.). Horrible title aside, this show actually looks fantastic, features a wonderfully talented cast and the “ER” time slot is a sign of confidence. The ratings won’t be big, but if NBC is patient, “Southland” will be known for more than giving “that guy from ‘The O.C.’” another job.
Verdict: A must-watch

SHOW: The Unusuals
WHO: Stars Amber Tamblyn, Harold Perrineau and Adam Goldberg; executive produced by Noah Hawley
WHEN: 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 on ABC
ABC is trying to develop its own procedural cop drama with recent debut “Castle” and this show, but based on the tone of both: a procedural cop drama with an off-beat twist.
Much like “Southland,” “The Unusuals” is an ensemble piece with a younger star out front – in this case Amber Tamblyn – but the quirkiness of the precinct is the appeal here. Expect loopy cases and situations and a constant back-and-forth in tone, which will probably create a mixed reaction from fans.
Verdict: If you like your cop dramas serious, this isn’t for you; watch one episode for Harold Perrineau

SHOW: Harper’s Island
WHO: Stars Katie Cassidy and Christopher Gorham; executive produced by Ari Schlossberg
WHEN: 10 p.m. Thursday, April 9 on CBS
In a surprising turn of events, CBS will air the show with the most interesting premise this spring, as “Harper’s Island” follows a series of murders at a destination wedding with the identity of the killer unknown.
Throughout the 13 weeks on the air, one cast member will die per week and the audience will be given more clues as to who is the culprit. In what looks to be a combination of horror and reality show conventions, “Island” could become a major hit as it plays all the way into July. Or CBS could pull the plug after episode four because the old folks are not watching.
Verdict: Intriguing concept, but horror rarely works on TV.

SHOW: Parks and Recreation
WHO: Stars Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones and Aziz Ansari; executive produced by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9 on NBC
No spring show is more anticipated than the non-“Office” spin-off that’s from the guy who adapted the American “Office” and is shot in the same documentary style.
Amy Poehler stars as a bureaucrat in the Department of Parks and Recreation in a small Indiana town and will hopefully do for local government what “The Office” did for offices.
NBC has a lot riding on this show, but the early reviews have been lackluster. However, showrunner Michael Schur was the best writer on “The Office” – and remember, that show didn’t have success until the middle of the second season.
Verdict: How do you feel about “The Office?” That settles it.
      
I hope this helped you wade through the new shows this month, but if you need more assistance, visit the Weekend Watchers blog at idsnews.com/blogs/weekendwatchers and check out our podcast via iTunes.