We are in the thick of it now. Old favourites, new favourites, new most hateds, those moments where you ask: “What were they thinking?”
Nearly everyday for the next month there is a litany of new shows premiering and survivors returning. Here are some which have caught my eye.
Out of the bevy of new shows heading our way, Masters of Sex (Sept. 29, Movie Central) looks the most … interesting.
The drama stars Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan as two researchers studying human sexuality in the 1950s. Not only do I love period dramas (hello, Mad Men) and the stars, but the show itself looks funny, compelling and, yes, sexy. This is one to look out for.
Over on network television, Hostages (Sept. 23, CBS), starring the fabulous Toni Collette, and Dylan McDermott, has promise considering the talent involved and early buzz. The show, which will have a short run of 15 episodes (if all goes well), is about a doctor who must perform major surgery on the U.S. president, which seems stressful enough, but then her family is taken hostage and she is told to make sure the pres don’t make it. Talk about pressure.
On the comedy end, for my money Malin Ackerman in Trophy Wife (Sept. 24, CTV, 9:30 p.m.) looks like the best bet for laughs. She plays a party girl who falls in love with a man with three children and two ex-wives. Watching Ackerman chug a water bottle full of vodka to cover for one of the teenage kids is enough to get me on board.
And folks, seriously, let’s not forget Parks and Recreation starts up again on Sept. 26 (City, 8 p.m.). Rashida Jones and Rob Lowe may be leaving mid-season, but hopefully that just means more Tom Haverford.
One more thing: maybe everybody knew about the show Rectify but me, but I recently discovered it on Netflix and the six-episode first season is truly top notch. The show, which is about a man released from death row after 20 years, is the first original series from Sundance Channel and there are promises of a second series. It’s not one Netflix splashes all over its home page, but if you get a chance, check it out.
Other Small Screen premiere picks:
The Blacklist – Sept. 23, Global, 10 p.m.
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – Sept. 24, CTV, 8 p.m.
The Crazy Ones – Sept. 26, City, 9 p.m.
Back in the Game – Sept. 27, City, 9:30 p.m.
Hello Ladies – Sept. 29, HBO Canada, 10:30 p.m.
