ABC 2017 Midseason Preview: Trailers for ‘Still Star-Crossed,’ ‘Time After Time,’ ‘Downward Dog,’ and more
While the majority of the buzz at the ABC upfronts today is understandably going to be on some of the new shows that are premiering over the course of the fall, we did want to bring you a first look at some of the network’s midseason offerings as well. They include a pair of offbeat comedies, and epic love story, and a show taking advantage of the flavor of the week right now in time travel.
Check out descriptions, trailers, and so much more below!
“Time After Time” – “Based on the novel and movie “Time After Time,” executive producer/writer Kevin Williamson (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Scream” franchise, “Dawson’s Creek”) delivers a fantastical cat and mouse adventure through time when famed science fiction writer H.G. Wells is transported to modern day Manhattan in pursuit of Jack the Ripper. Once H.G. arrives in New York City, he finds a world he never thought possible and a young woman who captivates him.”
Personally, we find this trailer to be pretty exciting, and we especially like both Freddie Stroma (“UnREAL”) and Josh Bowman (“Revenge”) as Wells and the Ripper. Our concern is mostly that with so many time-travel shows coming up this year, this one may fail to get an audience.
https://youtu.be/VN4C4Ar5BLo
“Still Star-Crossed” – “[The story] picks up where the famous story of Romeo and Juliet ends, charting the treachery, palace intrigue and ill-fated romances of the Montagues and Capulets in the wake of the young lovers’ tragic fate. The series is based on the book by Melinda Taub.”
Could this be the next great Shondaland hit? It certainly has the feel of a great romance that could capture the country’s hearts. The biggest challenge we perceive it having, though, is that it takes place after Romeo & Juliet and features characters far less familiar to the viewing public.
https://youtu.be/LllK0jMn_hs
“Downward Dog” – “Based on the web series, “Downward Dog” is about a struggling millennial, Nan (Emmy-nominated Allison Tolman, “Fargo”), from the point of view of her lonely and philosophical dog, Martin. One session at obedience school already makes them realize that even at their worst they may be the best thing for each other.”
It’s a talking dog! Sure, this could basically be grown-up “Dog with a Blog,” but the presence of Tolman alone is probably enough to make this worth a chance whenever it does premiere.
https://youtu.be/M3_bDWTTLWc
“Imaginary Mary” – “Alice (Jenna Elfman) has her life turned upside-down when she ‘stupidly’ falls for the love of her life Ben (Stephen Schneider)— an adorable, quick-witted divorced father with three kids. But when she ignores her fears of commitment and her ability to mother, Imaginary Mary, her childhood invention (voiced by Rachel Dratch), comes back to life to express Alice’s deepest fears and add more chaos to the situation.”
It’s interesting that ABC seems to be recreating old comedy concepts with some of these shows. The old “imaginary friend” gimmick is one we’ve seen done before, and while there is a laugh or two in the trailer, we’re not quite sure we know who this is really for.
https://youtu.be/15vywGIjvPk
Want to get some other trailers right now? Then head over here, since that is where you can see the full arsenal of programs that ABC is getting set to unleash for the fall. Also, sign up over here to secure some other TV news on all we cover, sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)