NBC Fall Preview: See trailers for ‘The Good Place’ (with Kristen Bell), ‘Timeless’
Today, NBC has announced their full fall schedule, and we don’t want you to wait to see trailers / further details for some of the shows that the network is bringing onto the air. We’ve got two of them below, and also a lengthy description of the third new show this fall in “This Is Us.”
“The Good Place” – “From Michael Schur, executive producer of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Parks and Recreation” and “The Office,” comes a smart, unique new comedy that follows Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell, “House of Lies,” “Veronica Mars”), an ordinary woman who, through an extraordinary string of events, enters the afterlife where she comes to realize that she hasn’t been a very good person. With the help of her wise newfound afterlife mentor (Ted Danson, “Bored to Death,” “Cheers”), she’s determined to shed her old way of living and discover the awesome (or at least the pretty good) person within.”
We’ll analyze this more down the road, but for now, we gotta say that this looks really funny. It’s a depiction of an afterlife that is not exactly too religious-based, and it is really nice to see Danson back in a comedy once more. Also, the more Michael Schur, the better! Hopefully some “Parks and Rec” alumni will stop by at some point.
For those wondering, the long-term future of Bell’s other show in “House of Lies” is unclear, but it seems like Showtime will not continue it without her in some capacity.
“This Is Us” – “Sometimes life will surprise you. Starring Mandy Moore (“A Walk to Remember”), Milo Ventimiglia (“Heroes,” “Gilmore Girls”) and Sterling K. Brown (“The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story),” this refreshingly honest and provocative series follows a unique ensemble whose paths cross and their life stories intertwine in curious ways. We find several of them share the same birthday, and so much more than anyone would expect. From the writer and directors of “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” comes a smart, modern dramedy that will challenge your everyday presumptions about the people you think you know. The cast includes Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Justin Hartley, Chrissy Metz, Sterling K. Brown, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Sullivan and Ron Cephas Jones. Dan Fogelman serves as writer and executive producer. Jess Rosenthal, Charlie Gogolak and directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra also executive produce.”
It’s an interesting idea, but the premise of “lives intertwining” has not worked well for other shows commercially. What we do love is the full cast here, which likes Brown, Moore, Ventimiglia, and Hartley. These are four people we feel like you really do what to see.
“Timeless” – “From Eric Kripke (“Revolution,” “Supernatural”), Shawn Ryan (“The Shield”) and the producers of “The Blacklist” comes this thrilling action-adventure series in which a mysterious criminal steals a secret state-of-the-art time machine, intent on destroying America as we know it by changing the past. Our only hope is an unexpected team: a scientist, soldier and history professor who must use the machine’s prototype to travel back in time to critical events. While they must make every effort not to affect the past themselves, they must also stay one step ahead of this dangerous fugitive. Can this handpicked team uncover the mystery behind it all and end his destruction before it’s too late?”
The big star power here is Abigail Spencer, who was excellent on “Justified” and has recurred on “Suits” over the years as Scottie. Shawn Ryan and Eric Kripke working together on a show should be enough to bring massive smiles to many faces.