Sunday, September 10, 2017

'The Orville' beams into space between 'Trek' homage and spoof


'The Orville' beams into space between 'Trek' homage and spoof


Brian Lowry

By Brian Lowry, CNN
Updated 3:35 PM ET, Fri September 8, 2017

NBC uses the "Law & Order" banner to get into the true-crime-drama business, with Edie Falco starring in this eight-part retelling of the Menendez brothers trial for the 1989 murder of their parents.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders" (Sept. 26, NBC) – NBC uses the "Law & Order" banner to get into the true-crime-drama business, with Edie Falco starring in this eight-part retelling of the Menendez brothers trial for the 1989 murder of their parents.
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Emotionally prepare yourself for the second season of the show that NBC won't let you forget was a huge success last season. And pass the Kleenex.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"This Is Us" (Sept. 26, NBC) – Emotionally prepare yourself for the second season of the show that NBC won't let you forget was a huge success last season. And pass the Kleenex.
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ABC was determined to have this Keifer Sutherland drama survive for a second season, and it did. But it comes with some changes -- the most notable being a shift that finds the show leaning into a more "West Wing"-inspired tone. <br />
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Designated Survivor" (Sept. 27, ABC) – ABC was determined to have this Keifer Sutherland drama survive for a second season, and it did. But it comes with some changes -- the most notable being a shift that finds the show leaning into a more "West Wing"-inspired tone.
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Honey, they're back. And with any luck, you'll feel as though this foursome never left us.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Will & Grace" (Sept. 28, NBC) – Honey, they're back. And with any luck, you'll feel as though this foursome never left us.
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Marvel is gambling big on its first true superhero series for ABC, featuring a race of super-powered characters hiding from the world in a secret city on the Moon. Anson Mount stars as Black Bolt, the mute leader of the Inhumans, with "Game of Thrones'" Iwan Rheon as his brother Maximus, who vies to replace him. The premiere will play in Imax theaters before the eight-part series hits ABC.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Marvel's Inhumans" (Sept. 29, ABC) – Marvel is gambling big on its first true superhero series for ABC, featuring a race of super-powered characters hiding from the world in a secret city on the Moon. Anson Mount stars as Black Bolt, the mute leader of the Inhumans, with "Game of Thrones'" Iwan Rheon as his brother Maximus, who vies to replace him. The premiere will play in Imax theaters before the eight-part series hits ABC.
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Larry David is finally coming back to HBO and for this long-awaited new season, he's bringing guest stars like Elizabeth Banks, Jimmy Kimmel, Nick Offerman and Bryan Cranston along for the ride. Our guess? It's going to be pretty...pretty...pretty good.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" (Oct. 1, HBO) – Larry David is finally coming back to HBO and for this long-awaited new season, he's bringing guest stars like Elizabeth Banks, Jimmy Kimmel, Nick Offerman and Bryan Cranston along for the ride. Our guess? It's going to be pretty...pretty...pretty good.
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Kyra Sedgwick returns to TV as a Hollywood writer --responsible for a cop show, no less -- caught up in an elaborate plot when her young daughter mysteriously disappears. "Lost's" Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje plays the detective investigating the case.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Ten Days in the Valley" (Oct. 1, ABC) – Kyra Sedgwick returns to TV as a Hollywood writer --responsible for a cop show, no less -- caught up in an elaborate plot when her young daughter mysteriously disappears. "Lost's" Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje plays the detective investigating the case.
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Loosely spun out of Marvel and Fox's "X-Men" franchise, Stephen Moyer and Amy Acker star as parents suddenly put on the run when they discover their teenagers have mutant powers, encountering other mutants in the process.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Gifted" (Oct. 2, Fox) – Loosely spun out of Marvel and Fox's "X-Men" franchise, Stephen Moyer and Amy Acker star as parents suddenly put on the run when they discover their teenagers have mutant powers, encountering other mutants in the process.
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The newly-expanded Johnson family returns with more heart and humor for Season 4. Andre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross) welcomed their fifth child, a baby boy born 8 weeks premature, in a poignant Season 3 finale. "Black-ish" producers promise a continued mix of boundary pushing and belly laughs in the show's new Tuesday time slot.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"black-ish" (Oct. 3, ABC) – The newly-expanded Johnson family returns with more heart and humor for Season 4. Andre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross) welcomed their fifth child, a baby boy born 8 weeks premature, in a poignant Season 3 finale. "Black-ish" producers promise a continued mix of boundary pushing and belly laughs in the show's new Tuesday time slot.
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In what turned out to be a rather timely comedy, Brandon Micheal Hall plays a young rapper who gets into the local mayoral race as a publicity stunt and, much to his surprise, wins. Yvette Nicole Brown and Lea Michele co-star as his mom and chief of staff, respectively.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Mayor" (Oct. 3, ABC) – In what turned out to be a rather timely comedy, Brandon Micheal Hall plays a young rapper who gets into the local mayoral race as a publicity stunt and, much to his surprise, wins. Yvette Nicole Brown and Lea Michele co-star as his mom and chief of staff, respectively.
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It's almost time for Olivia Pope and Associates to close its doors. But with all the show has already done -- stories about a secret government spy agency and presidential conspiracies, to name a few -- is there anywhere left for it to go? If the show's history of finding new ways to blow viewers' minds is any indication, the answer is yes.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Scandal" (Oct 5, ABC) – It's almost time for Olivia Pope and Associates to close its doors. But with all the show has already done -- stories about a secret government spy agency and presidential conspiracies, to name a few -- is there anywhere left for it to go? If the show's history of finding new ways to blow viewers' minds is any indication, the answer is yes.
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This updated version of the famous '80s soap stays true to the original in many ways -- fashion, power-struggles and at least one fight between warring women. Producers, however, have left behind other aspects of the legacy -- they have a more diverse cast, for instance -- in order to bring this iconic tale into the modern era.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Dynasty" (Oct. 11, CW) – This updated version of the famous '80s soap stays true to the original in many ways -- fashion, power-struggles and at least one fight between warring women. Producers, however, have left behind other aspects of the legacy -- they have a more diverse cast, for instance -- in order to bring this iconic tale into the modern era.
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Sarah Silverman says she will attempt to reach out to what she's called "un-likeminded people" on her new Hulu series, the latest addition to an already crowded politics-meets-comedy programming space.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"I Love You, America" (Oct 12, Hulu) – Sarah Silverman says she will attempt to reach out to what she's called "un-likeminded people" on her new Hulu series, the latest addition to an already crowded politics-meets-comedy programming space.
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Cable's biggest hit returns for its eighth season, with the promise of a huge war brewing between the forces led by Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the merciless Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). As usual, the premiere is just in time for Halloween.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Walking Dead" (Oct. 22, AMC) – Cable's biggest hit returns for its eighth season, with the promise of a huge war brewing between the forces led by Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the merciless Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). As usual, the premiere is just in time for Halloween.
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Details about exactly how this breakout hit will follow up its monstrously popular freshman season are scarce. (Producers have been tight-lipped.) But all parties have promised bigger threats descending upon Hawkins, Indiana. Could Season 2 be even scarier than Season 1? Stranger things have happened.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Stranger Things" (Oct 27, Netflix) – Details about exactly how this breakout hit will follow up its monstrously popular freshman season are scarce. (Producers have been tight-lipped.) But all parties have promised bigger threats descending upon Hawkins, Indiana. Could Season 2 be even scarier than Season 1? Stranger things have happened.
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Again draped in secrecy, FX's cult horror anthology returns with a number of high-profile guest stars and a plot that uses the 2016 presidential election as a jumping-off point. Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters are again part of producer Ryan Murphy's ensemble.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"American Horror Story: Cult" (Sept. 5, FX) – Again draped in secrecy, FX's cult horror anthology returns with a number of high-profile guest stars and a plot that uses the 2016 presidential election as a jumping-off point. Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters are again part of producer Ryan Murphy's ensemble.
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The second season of this semi-autobiographical dramedy starring Tig Notaro will find all the main characters finding new relationships and beginnings. Also, look out for a timely joke about Robert E. Lee in the premiere that will make you howl and wonder if the show's writers have in their possession a super-powered crystal ball.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"One Mississippi" (Sept. 8, Amazon) – The second season of this semi-autobiographical dramedy starring Tig Notaro will find all the main characters finding new relationships and beginnings. Also, look out for a timely joke about Robert E. Lee in the premiere that will make you howl and wonder if the show's writers have in their possession a super-powered crystal ball.
Hide Caption
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Seth MacFarlane boldly goes into outer space in this live-action series, set 400 years in the future, which seeks to straddle the line between spoof and homage to "Star Trek." MacFarlane plays the captain of a starship, and Adrianne Palicki co-stars as his ex-wife and first officer.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Orville" (Sept. 10, Fox) – Seth MacFarlane boldly goes into outer space in this live-action series, set 400 years in the future, which seeks to straddle the line between spoof and homage to "Star Trek." MacFarlane plays the captain of a starship, and Adrianne Palicki co-stars as his ex-wife and first officer.
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Producer David Simon seeks to do for porn and sex trade in the pre-"Deep Throat" 1970s what he did for drug dealing in "The Wire." James Franco (playing twin brothers) and Maggie Gyllenhaal head the huge cast, which includes a number of "The Wire" alums.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Deuce" (Sept. 10, HBO) – Producer David Simon seeks to do for porn and sex trade in the pre-"Deep Throat" 1970s what he did for drug dealing in "The Wire." James Franco (playing twin brothers) and Maggie Gyllenhaal head the huge cast, which includes a number of "The Wire" alums.
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It seems almost silly to include "Outlander" on this list because most fans of the series have likely had the Season 3 return date marked on their calendars for months after a lengthy separation from their beloved show. Speaking of separations, the new season finds Jamie and Claire in the ultimate long distance situation, with Claire in the modern world of 1940s Boston and Jamie back in the 18th century piecing his life back together after the Battle of Culloden.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Outlander" (Sept. 10, Starz) – It seems almost silly to include "Outlander" on this list because most fans of the series have likely had the Season 3 return date marked on their calendars for months after a lengthy separation from their beloved show. Speaking of separations, the new season finds Jamie and Claire in the ultimate long distance situation, with Claire in the modern world of 1940s Boston and Jamie back in the 18th century piecing his life back together after the Battle of Culloden.
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A powerhouse ensemble of female actors -- Nicole Kidman, Gwendoline Christie, and Elisabeth Moss -- assemble for the second installment of this acclaimed series. This season explores the nuances of motherhood and finds Moss's Robin in Australia trying begin anew.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Top of the Lake: China Girl" (Sept. 10, SundanceTV) – A powerhouse ensemble of female actors -- Nicole Kidman, Gwendoline Christie, and Elisabeth Moss -- assemble for the second installment of this acclaimed series. This season explores the nuances of motherhood and finds Moss's Robin in Australia trying begin anew.
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Following in the footsteps of "The Civil War" and "The War," Ken Burns' latest historical documentary is an epic, sprawling examination of the Vietnam War and its legacy, encompassing 18 hours over 10 nights. Peter Coyote is again the narrator.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Vietnam War" (Sept. 17, PBS) – Following in the footsteps of "The Civil War" and "The War," Ken Burns' latest historical documentary is an epic, sprawling examination of the Vietnam War and its legacy, encompassing 18 hours over 10 nights. Peter Coyote is again the narrator.
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He's back. In this hour-long comedy special, Jerry Seinfeld returns to The Comic Strip, the famed club that helped start his career, for a performance of "jokes that put him on the comedy map," according to Netflix.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Jerry Before Seinfeld" (Sept. 19, Netflix) – He's back. In this hour-long comedy special, Jerry Seinfeld returns to The Comic Strip, the famed club that helped start his career, for a performance of "jokes that put him on the comedy map," according to Netflix.
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Will this reboot live long and prosper? That's to be determined. But if the buzz around this project is any indication, there are a lot of people hoping it will -- not the least of which is CBS, which is making the show one of the centerpieces of its CBS: All Access streaming service. The show will premiere on the broadcast network and then release subsequent episodes on the service.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Star Trek: Discovery" (Sept. 24, CBS/CBS: All Access) – Will this reboot live long and prosper? That's to be determined. But if the buzz around this project is any indication, there are a lot of people hoping it will -- not the least of which is CBS, which is making the show one of the centerpieces of its CBS: All Access streaming service. The show will premiere on the broadcast network and then release subsequent episodes on the service.
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John Larroquette and Bobby Moynihan play the same guy at different ages in this single-camera CBS comedy, which captures key moments in one man's life at the ages of 14, 40 and 65.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Me, Myself & I" (Sept. 25, CBS) – John Larroquette and Bobby Moynihan play the same guy at different ages in this single-camera CBS comedy, which captures key moments in one man's life at the ages of 14, 40 and 65.
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This single-cam "The Big Bang Theory" spinoff centers on the younger version of Jim Parsons' Sheldon Cooper, played by standout Iain Armitage. This show, which seems to draw its DNA from the likes of "The Wonder Years," is not filmed in front of an audience and leans more heavily into the emotional aspects of the story than its predecessor. A theory: This was likely done in an effort to make "Young Sheldon" stand apart from its mothership, and it was a smart move.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Young Sheldon" (Sept. 25, CBS) – This single-cam "The Big Bang Theory" spinoff centers on the younger version of Jim Parsons' Sheldon Cooper, played by standout Iain Armitage. This show, which seems to draw its DNA from the likes of "The Wonder Years," is not filmed in front of an audience and leans more heavily into the emotional aspects of the story than its predecessor. A theory: This was likely done in an effort to make "Young Sheldon" stand apart from its mothership, and it was a smart move.
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Fresh off "Bates Motel," Freddie Highmore stars as a surgical resident with autism, joining a new hospital. Just to cement the "House" comparisons, the producer, David Shore, was also responsible for that show.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Good Doctor" (Sept. 25, ABC) – Fresh off "Bates Motel," Freddie Highmore stars as a surgical resident with autism, joining a new hospital. Just to cement the "House" comparisons, the producer, David Shore, was also responsible for that show.
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Action, elite teams and acronyms will be in full force this fall with NBC's "The Brave" (pictured, premiering Sept. 25); "S.W.A.T." reviving the 1970s cop show with Shemar Moore in the lead; and "SEAL Team," starring David Boreanaz, anchoring CBS' Thursday lineup.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Brave"/"SEAL Team"/"S.W.A.T." – Action, elite teams and acronyms will be in full force this fall with NBC's "The Brave" (pictured, premiering Sept. 25); "S.W.A.T." reviving the 1970s cop show with Shemar Moore in the lead; and "SEAL Team," starring David Boreanaz, anchoring CBS' Thursday lineup.
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Premieres Sept. 27 on CBS.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"SEAL Team" – Premieres Sept. 27 on CBS.
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Premieres Sept. 28 on CBS.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"S.W.A.T." – Premieres Sept. 28 on CBS.
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NBC uses the "Law & Order" banner to get into the true-crime-drama business, with Edie Falco starring in this eight-part retelling of the Menendez brothers trial for the 1989 murder of their parents.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders" (Sept. 26, NBC) – NBC uses the "Law & Order" banner to get into the true-crime-drama business, with Edie Falco starring in this eight-part retelling of the Menendez brothers trial for the 1989 murder of their parents.
Hide Caption
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Emotionally prepare yourself for the second season of the show that NBC won't let you forget was a huge success last season. And pass the Kleenex.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"This Is Us" (Sept. 26, NBC) – Emotionally prepare yourself for the second season of the show that NBC won't let you forget was a huge success last season. And pass the Kleenex.
Hide Caption
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ABC was determined to have this Keifer Sutherland drama survive for a second season, and it did. But it comes with some changes -- the most notable being a shift that finds the show leaning into a more "West Wing"-inspired tone. <br />
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Designated Survivor" (Sept. 27, ABC) – ABC was determined to have this Keifer Sutherland drama survive for a second season, and it did. But it comes with some changes -- the most notable being a shift that finds the show leaning into a more "West Wing"-inspired tone.
Hide Caption
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Honey, they're back. And with any luck, you'll feel as though this foursome never left us.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Will & Grace" (Sept. 28, NBC) – Honey, they're back. And with any luck, you'll feel as though this foursome never left us.
Hide Caption
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Marvel is gambling big on its first true superhero series for ABC, featuring a race of super-powered characters hiding from the world in a secret city on the Moon. Anson Mount stars as Black Bolt, the mute leader of the Inhumans, with "Game of Thrones'" Iwan Rheon as his brother Maximus, who vies to replace him. The premiere will play in Imax theaters before the eight-part series hits ABC.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Marvel's Inhumans" (Sept. 29, ABC) – Marvel is gambling big on its first true superhero series for ABC, featuring a race of super-powered characters hiding from the world in a secret city on the Moon. Anson Mount stars as Black Bolt, the mute leader of the Inhumans, with "Game of Thrones'" Iwan Rheon as his brother Maximus, who vies to replace him. The premiere will play in Imax theaters before the eight-part series hits ABC.
Hide Caption
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Larry David is finally coming back to HBO and for this long-awaited new season, he's bringing guest stars like Elizabeth Banks, Jimmy Kimmel, Nick Offerman and Bryan Cranston along for the ride. Our guess? It's going to be pretty...pretty...pretty good.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" (Oct. 1, HBO) – Larry David is finally coming back to HBO and for this long-awaited new season, he's bringing guest stars like Elizabeth Banks, Jimmy Kimmel, Nick Offerman and Bryan Cranston along for the ride. Our guess? It's going to be pretty...pretty...pretty good.
Hide Caption
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Kyra Sedgwick returns to TV as a Hollywood writer --responsible for a cop show, no less -- caught up in an elaborate plot when her young daughter mysteriously disappears. "Lost's" Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje plays the detective investigating the case.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Ten Days in the Valley" (Oct. 1, ABC) – Kyra Sedgwick returns to TV as a Hollywood writer --responsible for a cop show, no less -- caught up in an elaborate plot when her young daughter mysteriously disappears. "Lost's" Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje plays the detective investigating the case.
Hide Caption
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Loosely spun out of Marvel and Fox's "X-Men" franchise, Stephen Moyer and Amy Acker star as parents suddenly put on the run when they discover their teenagers have mutant powers, encountering other mutants in the process.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Gifted" (Oct. 2, Fox) – Loosely spun out of Marvel and Fox's "X-Men" franchise, Stephen Moyer and Amy Acker star as parents suddenly put on the run when they discover their teenagers have mutant powers, encountering other mutants in the process.
Hide Caption
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The newly-expanded Johnson family returns with more heart and humor for Season 4. Andre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross) welcomed their fifth child, a baby boy born 8 weeks premature, in a poignant Season 3 finale. "Black-ish" producers promise a continued mix of boundary pushing and belly laughs in the show's new Tuesday time slot.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"black-ish" (Oct. 3, ABC) – The newly-expanded Johnson family returns with more heart and humor for Season 4. Andre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross) welcomed their fifth child, a baby boy born 8 weeks premature, in a poignant Season 3 finale. "Black-ish" producers promise a continued mix of boundary pushing and belly laughs in the show's new Tuesday time slot.
Hide Caption
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In what turned out to be a rather timely comedy, Brandon Micheal Hall plays a young rapper who gets into the local mayoral race as a publicity stunt and, much to his surprise, wins. Yvette Nicole Brown and Lea Michele co-star as his mom and chief of staff, respectively.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Mayor" (Oct. 3, ABC) – In what turned out to be a rather timely comedy, Brandon Micheal Hall plays a young rapper who gets into the local mayoral race as a publicity stunt and, much to his surprise, wins. Yvette Nicole Brown and Lea Michele co-star as his mom and chief of staff, respectively.
Hide Caption
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It's almost time for Olivia Pope and Associates to close its doors. But with all the show has already done -- stories about a secret government spy agency and presidential conspiracies, to name a few -- is there anywhere left for it to go? If the show's history of finding new ways to blow viewers' minds is any indication, the answer is yes.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Scandal" (Oct 5, ABC) – It's almost time for Olivia Pope and Associates to close its doors. But with all the show has already done -- stories about a secret government spy agency and presidential conspiracies, to name a few -- is there anywhere left for it to go? If the show's history of finding new ways to blow viewers' minds is any indication, the answer is yes.
Hide Caption
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This updated version of the famous '80s soap stays true to the original in many ways -- fashion, power-struggles and at least one fight between warring women. Producers, however, have left behind other aspects of the legacy -- they have a more diverse cast, for instance -- in order to bring this iconic tale into the modern era.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Dynasty" (Oct. 11, CW) – This updated version of the famous '80s soap stays true to the original in many ways -- fashion, power-struggles and at least one fight between warring women. Producers, however, have left behind other aspects of the legacy -- they have a more diverse cast, for instance -- in order to bring this iconic tale into the modern era.
Hide Caption
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Sarah Silverman says she will attempt to reach out to what she's called "un-likeminded people" on her new Hulu series, the latest addition to an already crowded politics-meets-comedy programming space.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"I Love You, America" (Oct 12, Hulu) – Sarah Silverman says she will attempt to reach out to what she's called "un-likeminded people" on her new Hulu series, the latest addition to an already crowded politics-meets-comedy programming space.
Hide Caption
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Cable's biggest hit returns for its eighth season, with the promise of a huge war brewing between the forces led by Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the merciless Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). As usual, the premiere is just in time for Halloween.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Walking Dead" (Oct. 22, AMC) – Cable's biggest hit returns for its eighth season, with the promise of a huge war brewing between the forces led by Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the merciless Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). As usual, the premiere is just in time for Halloween.
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Details about exactly how this breakout hit will follow up its monstrously popular freshman season are scarce. (Producers have been tight-lipped.) But all parties have promised bigger threats descending upon Hawkins, Indiana. Could Season 2 be even scarier than Season 1? Stranger things have happened.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Stranger Things" (Oct 27, Netflix) – Details about exactly how this breakout hit will follow up its monstrously popular freshman season are scarce. (Producers have been tight-lipped.) But all parties have promised bigger threats descending upon Hawkins, Indiana. Could Season 2 be even scarier than Season 1? Stranger things have happened.
Hide Caption
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Again draped in secrecy, FX's cult horror anthology returns with a number of high-profile guest stars and a plot that uses the 2016 presidential election as a jumping-off point. Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters are again part of producer Ryan Murphy's ensemble.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"American Horror Story: Cult" (Sept. 5, FX) – Again draped in secrecy, FX's cult horror anthology returns with a number of high-profile guest stars and a plot that uses the 2016 presidential election as a jumping-off point. Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters are again part of producer Ryan Murphy's ensemble.
Hide Caption
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The second season of this semi-autobiographical dramedy starring Tig Notaro will find all the main characters finding new relationships and beginnings. Also, look out for a timely joke about Robert E. Lee in the premiere that will make you howl and wonder if the show's writers have in their possession a super-powered crystal ball.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"One Mississippi" (Sept. 8, Amazon) – The second season of this semi-autobiographical dramedy starring Tig Notaro will find all the main characters finding new relationships and beginnings. Also, look out for a timely joke about Robert E. Lee in the premiere that will make you howl and wonder if the show's writers have in their possession a super-powered crystal ball.
Hide Caption
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Seth MacFarlane boldly goes into outer space in this live-action series, set 400 years in the future, which seeks to straddle the line between spoof and homage to "Star Trek." MacFarlane plays the captain of a starship, and Adrianne Palicki co-stars as his ex-wife and first officer.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Orville" (Sept. 10, Fox) – Seth MacFarlane boldly goes into outer space in this live-action series, set 400 years in the future, which seeks to straddle the line between spoof and homage to "Star Trek." MacFarlane plays the captain of a starship, and Adrianne Palicki co-stars as his ex-wife and first officer.
Hide Caption
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Producer David Simon seeks to do for porn and sex trade in the pre-"Deep Throat" 1970s what he did for drug dealing in "The Wire." James Franco (playing twin brothers) and Maggie Gyllenhaal head the huge cast, which includes a number of "The Wire" alums.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Deuce" (Sept. 10, HBO) – Producer David Simon seeks to do for porn and sex trade in the pre-"Deep Throat" 1970s what he did for drug dealing in "The Wire." James Franco (playing twin brothers) and Maggie Gyllenhaal head the huge cast, which includes a number of "The Wire" alums.
Hide Caption
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It seems almost silly to include "Outlander" on this list because most fans of the series have likely had the Season 3 return date marked on their calendars for months after a lengthy separation from their beloved show. Speaking of separations, the new season finds Jamie and Claire in the ultimate long distance situation, with Claire in the modern world of 1940s Boston and Jamie back in the 18th century piecing his life back together after the Battle of Culloden.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Outlander" (Sept. 10, Starz) – It seems almost silly to include "Outlander" on this list because most fans of the series have likely had the Season 3 return date marked on their calendars for months after a lengthy separation from their beloved show. Speaking of separations, the new season finds Jamie and Claire in the ultimate long distance situation, with Claire in the modern world of 1940s Boston and Jamie back in the 18th century piecing his life back together after the Battle of Culloden.
Hide Caption
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A powerhouse ensemble of female actors -- Nicole Kidman, Gwendoline Christie, and Elisabeth Moss -- assemble for the second installment of this acclaimed series. This season explores the nuances of motherhood and finds Moss's Robin in Australia trying begin anew.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Top of the Lake: China Girl" (Sept. 10, SundanceTV) – A powerhouse ensemble of female actors -- Nicole Kidman, Gwendoline Christie, and Elisabeth Moss -- assemble for the second installment of this acclaimed series. This season explores the nuances of motherhood and finds Moss's Robin in Australia trying begin anew.
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Following in the footsteps of "The Civil War" and "The War," Ken Burns' latest historical documentary is an epic, sprawling examination of the Vietnam War and its legacy, encompassing 18 hours over 10 nights. Peter Coyote is again the narrator.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Vietnam War" (Sept. 17, PBS) – Following in the footsteps of "The Civil War" and "The War," Ken Burns' latest historical documentary is an epic, sprawling examination of the Vietnam War and its legacy, encompassing 18 hours over 10 nights. Peter Coyote is again the narrator.
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He's back. In this hour-long comedy special, Jerry Seinfeld returns to The Comic Strip, the famed club that helped start his career, for a performance of "jokes that put him on the comedy map," according to Netflix.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Jerry Before Seinfeld" (Sept. 19, Netflix) – He's back. In this hour-long comedy special, Jerry Seinfeld returns to The Comic Strip, the famed club that helped start his career, for a performance of "jokes that put him on the comedy map," according to Netflix.
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Will this reboot live long and prosper? That's to be determined. But if the buzz around this project is any indication, there are a lot of people hoping it will -- not the least of which is CBS, which is making the show one of the centerpieces of its CBS: All Access streaming service. The show will premiere on the broadcast network and then release subsequent episodes on the service.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Star Trek: Discovery" (Sept. 24, CBS/CBS: All Access) – Will this reboot live long and prosper? That's to be determined. But if the buzz around this project is any indication, there are a lot of people hoping it will -- not the least of which is CBS, which is making the show one of the centerpieces of its CBS: All Access streaming service. The show will premiere on the broadcast network and then release subsequent episodes on the service.
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John Larroquette and Bobby Moynihan play the same guy at different ages in this single-camera CBS comedy, which captures key moments in one man's life at the ages of 14, 40 and 65.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Me, Myself & I" (Sept. 25, CBS) – John Larroquette and Bobby Moynihan play the same guy at different ages in this single-camera CBS comedy, which captures key moments in one man's life at the ages of 14, 40 and 65.
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This single-cam "The Big Bang Theory" spinoff centers on the younger version of Jim Parsons' Sheldon Cooper, played by standout Iain Armitage. This show, which seems to draw its DNA from the likes of "The Wonder Years," is not filmed in front of an audience and leans more heavily into the emotional aspects of the story than its predecessor. A theory: This was likely done in an effort to make "Young Sheldon" stand apart from its mothership, and it was a smart move.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"Young Sheldon" (Sept. 25, CBS) – This single-cam "The Big Bang Theory" spinoff centers on the younger version of Jim Parsons' Sheldon Cooper, played by standout Iain Armitage. This show, which seems to draw its DNA from the likes of "The Wonder Years," is not filmed in front of an audience and leans more heavily into the emotional aspects of the story than its predecessor. A theory: This was likely done in an effort to make "Young Sheldon" stand apart from its mothership, and it was a smart move.
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Fresh off "Bates Motel," Freddie Highmore stars as a surgical resident with autism, joining a new hospital. Just to cement the "House" comparisons, the producer, David Shore, was also responsible for that show.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Good Doctor" (Sept. 25, ABC) – Fresh off "Bates Motel," Freddie Highmore stars as a surgical resident with autism, joining a new hospital. Just to cement the "House" comparisons, the producer, David Shore, was also responsible for that show.
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Action, elite teams and acronyms will be in full force this fall with NBC's "The Brave" (pictured, premiering Sept. 25); "S.W.A.T." reviving the 1970s cop show with Shemar Moore in the lead; and "SEAL Team," starring David Boreanaz, anchoring CBS' Thursday lineup.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"The Brave"/"SEAL Team"/"S.W.A.T." – Action, elite teams and acronyms will be in full force this fall with NBC's "The Brave" (pictured, premiering Sept. 25); "S.W.A.T." reviving the 1970s cop show with Shemar Moore in the lead; and "SEAL Team," starring David Boreanaz, anchoring CBS' Thursday lineup.
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Premieres Sept. 27 on CBS.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"SEAL Team" – Premieres Sept. 27 on CBS.
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Premieres Sept. 28 on CBS.
Photos: Fall TV preview: 30 new and returning shows
"S.W.A.T." – Premieres Sept. 28 on CBS.
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01.fall-tv-2017 AHS
02.fall-tv-2017One Mississippi
19.fall-tv-2017Orville-103_scn10_JA0661_hires2
20.fall-tv-2017deuce1
03.fall-tv-2017 Outlander
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17.fall-tv-2017VIETNAMWAR1
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06.fall-tv-2017Star Trek
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27.fall-tv-2017GOODDOC
24.fall-tv-2017NUP_BRAVE
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29.fall-tv-201710DAYS
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26.fall-tv-2017MAYOR
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(CNN)As the creator of "Family Guy" and "American Dad," Seth MacFarlane has earned plenty of money for Fox, which probably bought him the right to an indulgence like "The Orville." Still, this "Star Trek"-inspired show feels caught between dimensions -- too earnest to work as a "Galaxy Quest"-like spoof, too silly to play as a straight homage, and thus unsatisfying as either.
The timing also seems a little off, what with a new "Trek" incarnation beaming out via CBS All Access later this month. For all that, "The Orville" isn't a complete lost cause, with the third previewed episode actually containing a clever sci-fi allegory, though it will take a lot more of that to prevent the show from being jettisoned off DVR queues.
Set 400 years in the future, the series stars MacFarlane as Capt. Ed Mercer, an officer in the interstellar fleet who finally gains the right to command a starship populated by a crew of assorted humans and aliens.
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The task is quickly (and tediously) complicated, however, when he's assigned his ex-wife, Kelly Grayson (Adrianne Palicki), as his first officer, after she broke his heart by cheating on him with an alien species. A tiresome barrage of jokes about intergalactic infidelity ensues.
After that, well, "The Orville" (named after the ship) is a fairly episodic litany of Trek-esque adventures, much of which is played with unexpected earnestness. Indeed, the look of the show -- from the spaceships to the makeup, the production design to the costumes -- is almost a slavish recreation with modest wrinkles, to the point where one begins to wonder how it all cleared legal.
Seemingly mindful of his reputation, MacFarlane (who shares producer credit with, among others, "Trek" alumnus Brannon Braga) keeps dashing off sarcastic one-liners, but the comedy does at least as much to undermine the drama as to establish the show as fully realized satire.
Frankly, MacFarlane would have done himself a favor by casting a different leading man. Then again, few of the other characters particularly pop, among them Scott Grimes as Ed's wisecracking pal and Halston Sage as an alien with extraordinary strength.
And yet, that aforementioned third episode is a notable cut above, with an extremely provocative plot: a crew member who's part of a single-gender, all-male alien race gives birth to a baby, yielding consequences that parallel real-world controversies about genetics and sexual identity. It's the kind of science fiction at which "Star Trek" often excelled.
That hour provides a ray of hope for the show, but it also underscores the difficulty of consistently maintaining such an awkward construct. Because while "The Orville" clearly demonstrates its fondness for a show that promised to boldly go where others hadn't, it feels like MacFarlane and his crew are taking a sizable step backwards.
"The Orville" premieres Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. on Fox.
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