The fall TV schedule is once again set to kick off a new season. Some new shows may be destined for greatness, while others will be instantly banished to TV purgatory. Only time will separate the good from the bad, the popular from the overlooked and the overrated from the underrated. Every genre could benefit from some fresh ideas, and here are three of the most hyped new shows.
“Cavemen”: Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC
Based on the popular Geico commercials, this series takes three cavemen and puts them in modern-day America. In theory, hilarity ensues. The Geico ads were some of the funnier commercials to come along in awhile, but will the gimmick work for a whole series? The fish out of water jokes will wear thin, so the writers will need to come up with new comedic angles before the formula gets stale.
“Kid Nation”: Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS
The producers of this show thought it would be a great idea to send kids to an isolated ranch and let them govern themselves. Apparently these people have never read “Lord of the Flies.” Of course the term “reality TV” shouldn’t be taken too literally, and adults were never too far off camera. People may tune in for the novelty of it, but it’s hard to say whether “Kid Nation” will have staying power.
“K-Ville”: Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on FOX
TV doesn’t really need a new cop drama, but “K-Ville” stands out for taking place in post-Katrina New Orleans. It’s an intriguing concept, as storylines could incorporate legal, financial and even racial angles with an emphasis on realism. Unfortunately early previews seem to showcase mindless action and banter over well-crafted stories. It will be interesting to see which direction the show takes.
