Fall TV season lets students tune in to both promising new shows and returning favorites

The fall semester is in full swing, which can only mean one thing—a fresh crop of TV shows. Which shows from the new season are students tuning into? Only ones entertaining enough to distract them from their stressful lives make the cut.

Nick Tyson, CC ’13, follows two new comedy shows, Fox’s “Running Wilde” and IFC’s “The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret.”
“I see a lot of potential, but so far they [both shows] really haven’t hit their mark,” Tyson said.

Undoubtedly, much of “Running Wilde”’s potential comes from the reunion of team members from TV comedy favorite “Arrested Development”—creator Mitch Hurwitz and stars Will Arnett and David Cross. Cross, a comedy favorite, also stars in “The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Maragret.”

Lisa Vance, BC ’13, is picking up a different new comedy series, which she sees as a better alternative to “Running Wilde.” “‘Raising Hope’ is definitely the best new sitcom of the season,” Vance said, “which is too bad, because I love Will Arnett.”

Both “Running Wilde” and “Raising Hope” have potential—each has a decent premise, a great cast, and humorous writing. “Raising Hope” is a great choice for students who enjoy family comedy, which can be both cruel and endearing. Try watching “Running Wilde” if a more exuberant comedy, mixed with a little romance, sounds intriguing—it may not have lived up to expectations so far, but it just needs a little time to hit its stride.

For students looking for a show to fill the void left by the ending of “Lost,” check out NBC’s “The Event.” This new sci-fi thriller’s plot revolves around a group of prisoners who have been held at a top-secret government facility. Who they are and what they want remains unknown.

Another promising, action-packed show is CBS’ “Hawaii 5-0,” a remake of a classic action-movie-style cop show with plenty of flash and witty banter.

For viewers who gravitate more toward darker cop dramas, try ABC’s “Detroit 1-8-7.” The show uses a documentary style of filming to follow a group of Detroit homicide detectives, which for good measure features bleeped-out cursing, just so that it’s clear how “gritty” police work can be.

Finally, CBS’ “Blue Bloods” is a fine cop drama that follows a multi-generational family of hard-working law enforcement officers, and stars Tom Selleck as part of a nice ensemble cast.
In the event that none of this fall’s new TV shows seem deserving of students’ precious free time this semester, there’s always the chance to pick up a returning show, like “Cougar Town” or “Chuck,” both good shows in need of viewers.

Zila Acosta, CC ’11, who favors returning shows this season, said, “I love ‘Parenthood’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ because of the complex characters and good writing. I watch ‘Glee’ for the music and sarcastic humor.”

Whatever shows students choose to watch this semester, new or recurring, the fall TV season can make returning to their dorm rooms after long nights at the library slightly easier to endure.