With NBC audaciously doubling down on comedies for its 2012-2013 schedule--so much so that it's created four weekly comedy blocks between its new and returning series--we take a look at the newbies, which include gay-friendly The New Normal, bro-friendly Dads with Kids, and Friends-friendly Go On. Get your ass over to our Full Guide To NBC's 2012-2013 Schedule for our in-depth analysis of the Peacock's new roster, and then read our judgmental thoughts on all the new shows below.
Revolution
In one word: Gus!
In ten words: NBC redoes Jericho, only with way more old timey weapons.
Other thoughts: Television has blown through roughly a billion Lost copycats, but that’s not going to keep JJ Abrams, Jon Favreau, and Supernatural creator Eric Kripke from giving another go at a serialized drama with a huge central mystery. While the premise is instantly attention-grabbing – in the age of technology, all electronic devices stop working – the show’s success is going to depend entirely on genuinely interesting characters and the off-the-charts badassery of Giancarlo Esposito.
Go On
In one word: Chandler!
In ten words: It’s like a stereotypically heartwarming indie romcom in sitcom form.
Other thoughts: The network clearly likes being in the Matthew Perry business, but do they have to make the acerbic Friends alum so... mushy? Seeing Perry’s high strung radio DJ cope with his wife’s death through group therapy with a bunch of social misfits is a little too touchy-feely for us. The whole thing is even shot through the soft focus lens of a Hallmark Channel movie. Here’s hoping the sarcasm outmatches the sentimentality.
The New Normal
In one word: QUIRKY!
In ten words: It’s got “hot Ryan Murphy mess” written all over it.
Other thoughts: Hoo boy. A gay couple played by Book of Mormon’s Andrew Rannells and the boring guy they keep losing in The Hangover decide to use a recently divorced single mom taking care of her precocious Abigail Breslin-esque daughter as a surrogate mother while Nene Leakes says funny things loudly in the background. This is going to teeter on that fine line between earnest and insufferable, and could go either way depending on how much Ryan Murphy is kept from being Ryan Murphy.
Animal Practice
In one word: Woof.
In ten words: Boldly mining the world’s rich vein of animal euthanization jokes!
Other thoughts: Your feelings on the Justin Kirk-starring Animal Practice will hinge on your reaction to Kirk’s Dr. George Coleman having a money assistant named Dr. Zaius. Do you think that’s hilarious? Congrats, please enjoy your inoffensive wacky workplace comedy! Do you think that’s stupid? Congrats, you’re probably dead inside!
Guys with Kids
In one word: Neglectful.
In ten words: My Baby’s Daddy: The Series. They even got Anthony Anderson!
Other thoughts: Is this really the same network currently airing Parks and Rec and Community? Dads with Kids looks like a TGIF sitcom that was cancelled after two episodes. A bunch of best bro dads try to still live their best bro lives while putting up with all the bummer responsibilities of raising children. And then Meadow Soprano is there for some reason. Make it stop.
Chicago Fire
In one word: Burn!
In ten words: Fire, bad! Clichéd fire fighting drama from Dick Wolf, good!
Other thoughts: Chicago Fire looks like it’s going to be dealing in the same broad stroke emotional stakes as Wolf’s Law & Order. Two squad captains at each other’s throats because they lost a friend in the line of duty? A brash new rookie that doesn’t fit in? A firecracker of a paramedic just trying to do her job, damn it? It’s like they made a series out of a bunch of action movie taglines.
American Ninja Warrior
In one word: Ouch.
In ten words: We have an American Ninja Warrior. It’s called Ninja Warrior.
Other thoughts: For whatever reason, NBC thought it would be a good idea to try and capture all the thrill and excitement of marathoning episodes ofNinja Warrior because you’re too stoned to get up from the couch. We’re not sure how throwing Americans at the famously insurmountable obstacle course competition improves the experience, but seeing as how networks think US audiences are terrified of anything foreign, it seems like the only sensible way to bring Sasuke to broadcast television.
What do you think of the new shows? Which are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.
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