Are you still deeply depressed that Breaking Bad ended? Or annoyed with the series finale of How I Met Your Mother? For those of you looking for a new show to fill that void, we’re bringing you the lowdown on all of this season’s hottest premieres.
Madam Secretary (Sunday, 8:00 PM, CBS)
For Fans of: The Good Wife, Homeland, shows filmed in Lerner
Well-written and undeniably sharp, Madam Secretary chronicles the life and career of Elizabeth McCord (Tea Leoni), an ex-CIA analyst turned Secretary of State after her predecessor’s sudden death. In its first hour, the show offers a refreshingly ethical characterization of its leading character, veering away from the moral ambiguities that permeate other political hits, such as Scandal and House of Cards. Various allusions to Elizabeth’s former CIA work crop up throughout the episode, fostering a palpable sense of mystery and intrigue. Although initially considered Hillary Clinton: The TV Series, Madam Secretary certainly comes into its own during this enjoyable pilot episode.
Gotham, (Monday, 8:00 PM, FOX)
For Fans of: The Mentalist, Sleepy Hollow, Benjamin McKenzie in a suit
Arguably this fall’s most buzzed about pilot, this Batman prequel offers an action-packed first hour filled with murder, romance, and intrigue. Set against a highly-stylized noir backdrop, the pilot episode chronicles Detective James Gordon’s (Benjamin McKenzie) first case with the Gotham Police department: the seemingly random murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne. After promising a young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) justice for his parents’ murders, Gordon’s investigation slowly unfolds to reveal the seedy underbelly of Gotham and its police department. Although the inaugural episode subtly introduces an array of Batman baddies, Robin Lord Taylor shines as Oswald “Penguin” Cobblepot, his performance culminating in a chilling final scene that will leave you counting down to the next episode.
Red Band Society (Wednesday, 9:00 PM, FOX)
For Fans of: Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, The Breakfast Club
Developed from the hit Catalan series, Red Band Society delivers a frank, fast-paced pilot episode eerily reminiscent of Glee’s early seasons. The dramedy chronicles the lives of five teenaged hospital patients, with their actions narrated by comatose yet omniscient twelve-year-old, Charlie (Griffin Gluck). Octavia Spencer shines as tough yet kindhearted Nurse Jackie, capturing the unapologetic humor with heartwarming candor that characterizes the freshman series.
How to Get Away with Murder (Thursday, 10:00 PM, ABC)
For Fans of: Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, all things Shonda Rhimes
The latest brainchild of Shonda Rhimes, How to Get Away with Murder delivers a salacious pilot episode, teeming with dark plot twists and fast-paced dialogue. Viola Davis unsurprisingly presents a compelling, enigmatic portrayal of the intimidating law professor, Annalise Keating, who challenges her Criminal Law 101 class to help solve her latest murder case. Through a combination of present day scenes and flash-forwards, the series’ thrilling format gradually unveils the individuated approaches of four students, as well as their eventual involvement in a mysterious murder plot. Capping off the hour with a disturbing plot twist, Rhimes invokes the soapy tone of Grey’s Anatomy in a far more sinister, albeit intriguing, context.