Most TV shows make a fall premiere, but some don’t last beyond the winter. In an attempt to pick up the slump, most studios release midseason shows. Some are returning favorites, such as “24,” and others are spin-offs, such as “The Apprentice: L.A.”
Many people, however, miss these midseason premieres. Seth Hedquist, junior in history, said he’s unfamiliar with any of the new shows on network TV.
“I wish I had more knowledge about it,” Hedquist said. “I couldn’t answer much about what’s out there and what’s new.”
Katie Vande Wall, junior in elementary education, also said she was unfamiliar with midseason shows.
Although some people don’t recognize the networks’ new lineups, they do think that the TV channels are attempting to boost ratings.
“It’s like a test to see if they’re going to make it, since most last only a few months,” Vande Wall said.
Hedquist said he thought that networks were just trying to bring in something new for audiences. Here is a list of what the networks hope will be their new hits.
NBC
From NBC.com
1. “Andy Barker P.I.”
Accountant by day; private investigator by night. Starring comedian Andy Richter, the show follows a suburbanite as he solves crimes around his office.
2. “Raines”
Much in the same vein as “Medium” or “Ghost Whisperer,” “Raines” uses the gimmick of the dead. Instead of letting the dead rest, Jeff Goldblum, as Raines, uses his imagination to have them become active players in his crime-solving techniques.
3. “The Singles Table”
A wedding brings together four singles at the same table. Alicia Silverstone, among others, is one of the guests who has a life-altering experience at the singles table.
4. “The Black Donnellys”
According to IMDB.com, “Crash” writer Paul Haggis has had a hand in writing and directing this new show. It follows the four Irish brothers who become involved in the mob.
CBS
From CBS.com
1. “Rules of Engagement”
CBS’ only midseason show stars David Spade, Patrick Warburton and Oliver Hudson, Kate Hudson’s brother. It follows the comedic ins and outs of saying “I do,” and focuses on different stages of romantic relationship, including single life, newlywed and longtime married.
ABC
From ABC.com
1. “In Case of Emergency”
Starring David Arquette and Kelly Hu, four former high school classmates meet again at a hospital while under the care of Lori Laughlin. They have to band together in order to deal with the bad hands life has dealt them.
2. “The Knights of Prosperity”
Donal Logue attempts to level the economic playing field by leading his friends in robberies to regain their dreams. The comedy comes from watching these average guys struggle against society.
Do some of these shows sound familiar? Here’s a breakdown of how these shows may compare to some older favorites.
OLD: “Medium”
NEW: “Raines”
OLD: “How I Met Your Mother”
NEW: “The Singles Table”
OLD: “The Sopranos”
NEW: “The Black Donnellys”
OLD: “Scrubs”
NEW: “In Case of Emergency”
