# New TV series thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 18, 2013, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123 "2013-09-18T03:27:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/101 "2013-10-17T18:43:13Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > Watched the 2nd episode of HBO’s _Hello Ladies_ starring Stephen Merchant. Liked the main women. Not so much the guys. And since it revolves mostly around the guys, that is a problem. > > The #2 actress is Crista Flanagan, Lois from _Mad Men_. That is good. The #2 actor is Nate Torrence who is basically a second rate Nick Swardson. And since Nick is the star of \*Bucky Larsen … \*and does filler work for Adam Sandler, that is not good. > > A few nice jokes here and there. But not quite enough to make me want to watch it more. 2 and a half stars. I was debating starting a thread to discuss this show but I guess I’ll do it here since that thread would probably die a quick death. First, anyone else watching it? I’m a sucker for HBO shows but this part of the year is pretty much the doldrums for the network. Aside from _Game of Thrones_ there isn’t anything “good” on the network, and while I find _Boardwalk Empire_ and _Eastbound & Down_ watchable they are getting pretty tired. I had hopes that _Hello Ladies_ would be something new to sink my teeth into. So far, not so much. I’m not sure why I expected so much of this show. I can’t stand “awkward” humor generally and coming from Merchant this clearly was going to be that, maybe I expected HBO and getting out of the Ricky Gervais box would help…it didn’t. If anything it dialed it up to 11. I’ve watched the first 3 episodes so far and I’m not sure how much longer before I delete the season pass on the DVR. Merchant is okay in the hyper awkward anti-hero role but thus far there is NOTHING redeemable about him. **ftg** is totally right about Torrence, his character is a sad sack in the extreme and doesn’t have a glimmer of slapstick or even gallows humor. The dude who plays the paralyzed friend is okay in limited work, but he’s basically a one-note character. We get it, LA sucks for normal people. Why exactly should I want to watch these people? It’s _Entourage_ without everything that made it watchable. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/102 "2013-10-17T19:27:36Z")
> [@AuntiePam](#): > > I agree. **Trophy Wife** had a good episode this week too. I like that it doesn’t go for cheap easy laughs. I loved Kate (the new wife) quietly saying to her husband (about control freak wife): “You used to kiss that.” My favorite joke was that Warren was using all of his vocabulary words incorrectly which Diane apparently didn’t notice. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2013, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/103 "2013-10-19T02:42:21Z")
Two more down: NBC has announced the cancellation of _Ironside_ and _Welcome to the Family_. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/104 "2013-10-19T03:29:51Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > My favorite joke was that Warren was using all of his vocabulary words incorrectly which Diane apparently didn’t notice. I liked that too, but couldn’t decide if she really didn’t notice or if she didn’t want to discourage him from using big words. **Brooklyn 99** got a full season order. This week’s episode was the best so far. Peralta toned down the craziness, the team solved a case, and Dean Winters! Does anyone else go to [tor.com](http://tor.com) for snarky recaps? They’re pretty good. What they did for (to) **Under the Dome** was hysterical. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2013, 8:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/105 "2013-10-20T08:08:56Z")
> [@AuntiePam](#): > > I liked that too, but couldn’t decide if she really didn’t notice or if she didn’t want to discourage him from using big words. Diane seems like too much of a perfectionist with high expectations to let Warren’s vocabulary slide. So I think we can assume she didn’t notice; either because she didn’t know herself what those words mean or because she doesn’t actually pay attention to what her kids are saying. Or maybe I’m over-analyzing a sitcom. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2013, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/106 "2013-12-15T19:16:16Z")
There’s a new show on HBO: _Getting On_. A US version of the British show. (And yet HBO calls it an “original series”.) It’s a half hour … something. Not a sitcom. Not a drama. Just a half hour of people doing stuff in the geriatric ward of a hospital. The most famous actor is Laurie Metcalf as the doctor supposedly in charge. But she isn’t the main focus. The story revolves around the nurses. It is truly craptastic. Like I said, it’s not a regular sitcom. It rarely has anything approaching a joke in it. (Unless you are into poop and elderly sex as humor sources.) Oh, and it has shaky-cam, for that extra annoyance. I’ve watched two episodes. (First and third. The latter completely wasting Harry Dean Stanton.) And the third episode haunts me. Not in a good way. Sort of like a “4” on the 1 to 10 scale of nightmare fuel. It’s just so bad and troubling that I want to forget having saw it but I can’t. ( **Mrs. FtG** continues to insist on watching the Michael J. Fox show as a sign of support or something. Somebody, please take this show off the air. Please.) ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2013, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/107 "2013-12-15T20:07:05Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > **Mrs. FtG** continues to insist on watching the Michael J. Fox show as a sign of support or something. Somebody, please take this show off the air. Please. That actually happens? I saw a joke recently about people feeling obligated to watch his show but I didn’t think it was real. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2013, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/108 "2013-12-15T21:59:59Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > There’s a new show on HBO: _Getting On_. A US version of the British show. (And yet HBO calls it an “original series”.) I saw the episode with Harry Dean Stanton. I won’t say old people having sex is gross, but it’s gross when they’re doing it in public. It’s definitely an odd show. Some of it feels like a documentary. The nursing part seems real, like that’s how geriatric patients are cared for. And the counseling meeting with Niecy Nash and the big guy she offended – that felt real too, especially the reaction of the rep in charge of the meeting. I don’t know who I’m supposed to like. Laurie Metcalf’s character is a bit nuts. I’m sorta looking forward to **Klondike**. Isn’t that Rob from Game of Thrones playing the lead? ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2013, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/109 "2013-12-16T22:04:59Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > There’s a new show on HBO: _Getting On_. A US version of the British show. (And yet HBO calls it an “original series”.) FYI, “original” is not meant to mean they dreamed it up themselves. Rather, “original” means it is a show that they are producing and filming and airing for the first time, rather than acquiring for second runs from another station. They could take the British show scripts and refilm them with a new cast without changing the dialogue one iota and it would be an “original series” by the definition they are using. Rather than, say, _Law & Order_ reruns. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2014, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/110 "2014-05-13T06:27:28Z")
Okay, an update as the networks announce what series will or won’t be returning next season. Cancelled: Almost Human The Assets Back in the Game Bad Teacher Believe Betrayal The Carrie Diaries The Crazy Ones (Although I’ve read this isn’t official yet and it still has a chance.) Crisis Dads (I wish everyone involved the best of luck and hope they move on to better projects.) Dracula Enlisted (I’ve heard it was a really good show but I admit I never saw it.) Friends With Better Lives Growing Up Fisher Hostages Intelligence Killer Women Mind Games Mixology The Neighbors Nikita (Put Maggie Q back on the air in a better show. And a bikini.) Once Upon a Time in Wonderland Rake Star-Crossed Suburgatory Super Fun Night Surviving Jack The Tomorrow People Trophy Wife (Too bad. It was a good show.) We Are Men Welcome to the Family I am glad that Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Agents of Shield have been renewed. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2014, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/111 "2014-05-13T06:54:35Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Okay, an update as the networks announce what series will or won’t be returning next season. > > Cancelled: > > Almost Human > The Assets > Back in the Game > Bad Teacher > Believe > Betrayal > The Carrie Diaries > The Crazy Ones (Although I’ve read this isn’t official yet and it still has a chance.) > Crisis > Dads (I wish everyone involved the best of luck and hope they move on to better projects.) > Dracula > Enlisted (I’ve heard it was a really good show but I admit I never saw it.) > Friends With Better Lives > Growing Up Fisher > Hostages > Intelligence > Killer Women > Mind Games > Mixology > The Neighbors > Nikita (Put Maggie Q back on the air in a better show. And a bikini.) > Once Upon a Time in Wonderland > Rake > Star-Crossed > Suburgatory > Super Fun Night > Surviving Jack > The Tomorrow People > Trophy Wife (Too bad. It was a good show.) > We Are Men > Welcome to the Family > > I am glad that Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Agents of Shield have been renewed. I can’t believe some of these shows can’t find a home on the cable networks. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2014, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/112 "2014-05-13T15:25:58Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Okay, an update as the networks announce what series will or won’t be returning next season. > > Cancelled: > The Crazy Ones (Although I’ve read this isn’t official yet and it still has a chance.) > > Enlisted (I’ve heard it was a really good show but I admit I never saw it.) > . The Crazy One is great! Enlisted is a good, solid half-hour comedy. Not great, but always good for a chuckle or two. I am sorry to see it go. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2014, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/113 "2014-05-13T18:48:43Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Cancelled: > > Almost Human Aw, I like that show. > [@](#): > > The Assets Didn’t make it to airing the third episode of the set. > [@](#): > > Believe Oh, man, I’m enjoying it. > [@](#): > > Intelligence Sigh. > [@](#): > > Nikita (Put Maggie Q back on the air in a better show. And a bikini.) This wasn’t “Canceled”, they ended the series. > [@](#): > > The Tomorrow People I gave up on all the teen angst, so I won’t miss it. > [@](#): > > I am glad that Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Agents of Shield have been renewed. Yay “Agents of Shield!” ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2014, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/114 "2014-05-14T16:56:57Z")
> [@Enright3](#): > > Brooklyn 99 - This is probably my favorite of the new shows; and I’m not a huge Andy Samberg (until a few minutes ago, I thought his name was Sandberg). > Goldbergs - Ugh. Looked stupid; and I wasn’t disappointed. > Trophy Wife - Has potential. I’m not sold yet, but I’m still watching. > The Michael J. Fox Show - I wanted to like this; but after two episodes, I’ve decided to give up on it. > Agents of SHIELD - I have faith in Josh Whedon - It’s OK so far, and I think it’s only going to get better. Wow, this is why people should stick with shows I guess. I’d like to update my above list. 🙂 The Goldbergs is funny. I watch this, but wouldn’t be overly disappointed if it gets cancelled. I know it’s renewed for another season. Trophy Wife - UGH! Or to quote my former self: " Ugh. Looked stupid; and I wasn’t disappointed." This show quickly turned out to be really bad. I’m glad it was cancelled. Michael J. Fox Show. Same as above. It was horrible. Agents of SHIELD. My wife likes it, but it doesn’t hold my interest. Mixology - Looked stupid and didn’t watch it until I caught an episode on Hulu and quickly liked it. Great show, and I’m disappointed that it got cancelled. I think it was a victim of bad marketing. The promos don’t do a good job of describing what the show is about. Surviving Jack - Damnit, also got cancelled; but I thought this was a top notch show! It’s to the 90s what the Goldbergs are to the 80s. About a Boy - I love this show! it’s a nice show, and it’s not about all the overly sex talk, etc that producers seem to believe are needed to sell a show. I heard it was renewed. Minnie Driver is excellent. Friends With Better Lives - Ugh again! Good God this is a terrible show. It’s not clever, it’s just a long running series of vagina and penis jokes. ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2014, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123/115 "2014-05-14T18:40:50Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > I gave up on all the teen angst, so I won’t miss it. Yeah, I quit “The Tomorrow People” a few eps back. They seemed to be banking on the attractive characters are the sole reason to watch the show, and if Jessica Alba’s looks couldn’t carry “Dark Angel” then that strategy just isn’t workable. I’m disappointed, as the concept had potential. I’m surprised “Star Crossed” is on the list while “The 100” isn’t. The former was boring and unoriginal, sure, but the latter is just flat-out dumb. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123.md?page=5)