2012 Fall TV Preview: the New Shows on FOX

FOX is in a relatively comfortable place on network TV. Behind CBS, they're probably the second most secure network. ABC's rounding into form and NBC is a mess. The CW's not strong enough to be considered equals with the other four networks. FOX has a stable of reliable veteran programs. The shows have aged quite a bit though, so ideally they'd like to launch a crop of new shows that hit with the audience. The big hope for them last year was Terra Nova hitting big with audiences. Terra Nova was a mess and got cancelled. The X Factor failed to meet expectations. 2/3s of the judges changed in hopes of a ratings boon this fall. FOX chose to premiere Kevin Williamson's new serial killer drama starring Kevin Bacon mid-season. Last year, the network premiered four new shows in the fall. This year, there are three new shows on the fall schedule.

THE MOB DOCTOR

Created By Josh Berman & Rob Wright

Premiere Date: Monday, September 17 at 9PM

Premise: (from FOX's press release, May 2012)  For most physicians, the Hippocratic oath is sacred. But for one Chicago doctor, who is indebted to the mafia, saving lives isn't her only concern. THE MOB DOCTOR is a fast-paced medical drama featuring a brilliant young female cardiothoracic surgeon who is split between two distinct worlds as she juggles her promising medical career with her lifelong debt as a doctor to Chicago's Southside mob.

Thoughts: The Mob Doctor has all the elements of a network drama: procedural storytelling, twists and turns, genre busting, strong and independent lead, etc. I see what the series formula is. The writers get to tell heartwarming medical cases and thrilling mafia stories week-after-week. Grace, the main character, has to hide the mafia side of her life from those in her profession. FOX basically poured the ingredients of what they think makes a can't-miss series into a magic FOX bowl of development, got two men to develop it, and said 'WA-LA!' At least, America will know what they're getting if they see it on the guide: a doctor who works with the mob. FOX produces great trailers. Two years ago, I thought Chase would be the greatest series ever aired after watching the three and a half minute trailer. The Mob Doctor trailer is similarly produced. I won't make the same mistake. I think this will be a quite forgettable series. I mean, Michael Rapaport plays one of the mafia men.

Chance of Weekly Review: 0%

BEN & KATE

Created By Dana Fox

Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 25 at 8:30PM

Premise: (from FOX's press release, May 2012) What happens when an exuberant, irresponsible dreamer who always says "yes" moves in with his overly responsible little sister to help raise her five-year-old daughter? BEN AND KATE, a new single-camera young ensemble comedy, follows these odd-couple siblings as they push each other out of their comfort zones and into real life.

Thoughts: The trailer states that the producers and director of New Girl produced Ben & Kate. Curiously, the trailer left out that the creator gave us the Kutcher/Diaz rom-com What Happens In Vegas. Now, why wouldn't FOX want potential audiences to know that? This sitcom seems sweet. The piano notes played during the trailer gives the sweet impression. Nat Faxon reminds me of Ed Helms. His Ben character is the goofball of the show but who has the biggest heart, according to his sister Kate. Ben moves home to help his little sister experience her twenties since she lost the opportunity when she had her daughter. FOX has a decent track record with heartfelt sitcoms. The adorability factor lies in the presence of the little girl, which will probably lead to many adorably heartfelt scenes in the show. It seems quirky but its quirkiness is grounded in Kate and Maddie. Watching the trailer is better than reading the premise. The premise reads like the most unoriginal idea, with the most uninteresting characters; however, as I like to write often, execution makes all the difference. A large possibility of the show grating on one's nerves exists; of course, one could become quite fond of the show. I guess it's best to watch an episode then.

Chance of Weekly Review: 21%

THE MINDY PROJECT

Created By Mindy Kaling

Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 25 at 9:30PM

Premise: (from FOX's press release, May 2012) THE MINDY PROJECT is a new single-camera comedy from Emmy Award-nominated writer/producer and New York Times best-selling author Mindy Kaling ("The Office") that follows a woman who, despite having a successful career, desperately needs to break bad habits in her personal life. After all, how many doctors make inappropriate toasts at their ex-boyfriend's wedding, nearly drown at the bottom of a stranger's pool and get arrested for disorderly conduct just moments before having to deliver a baby?

Thoughts: This show lost me the moment I found out Mindy's character, Mindy, is obsessed with romantic comedies. I can't imagine watching a series about a woman who's determined to have the happy ending she's watched so many times on her couch. Romantic comedies suck. They are the reason the world can't figure out what it really means to love; lest this turn into an off-topic screed on the art of love, I'll compliment Mindy Kaling on her incredible talents as a writer. She's Emmy-nominated and a best selling author. I'm lucky if my blog gets a comment. I have all the respect in the world for Mindy. I'd have preferred her first series to be less about 'woman needs to find a man to marry' and more about her being whimsical and sarcastic and goofy in a medical setting. Many of the new shows most dire stakes seem to be 'Guy or Girl won't love me. Let me act out and take strange lessons from my bizarre best friend.' Love stories can be great; stories about relationships can be great. Hollywood and the TV industry produces the same crap every single year, though. The characters are usually the same as are the conflicts and so on and so forth. I heard the names of Meg Ryan and Hugh Grant uttered in the trailer. I don't like Meg Ryan or Hugh Grant movies. Perhaps it's worthwhile to watch an episode to see what an actual episode will be, instead of reading a premise and watching a trailer that highlighted what annoyed me. I think I'll do that.

Chance of Weekly Review: 12%

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