J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek endeavor is my favorite film of the franchise and his follow-up, the just released Star Trek Into Darkness, is probably my third favorite, with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan firmly positioned in second place. Abrams has once again constructed a fast paced and extremely entertaining film that pays proper homage to the Star Trek legacy, while allowing every one of the principal cast members to play an important role in the outcome of the exciting adventure. Yes, Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) receive more screen time than the others, but this is truly a team effort.Star Trek Into Darkness begins with Kirk once again breaking the rules, but with the intention of saving his first officer, so that makes it OK. Right? Starfleet does not quite see it that way, so Kirk is relegated to first officer under the command of the newly reinstated Admiral Pike (Bruce Greenwood) on the Enterprise, while Spock is assigned to another ship. However, after a secret installation is attacked, key members of Starfleet are gathered to determine how to proceed, since the person responsible for the heinous act is one of their own, John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch), who also goes by the name of....well...just go see the movie. Harrison planned the explosion, in part, to gather many high ranking officers together so he could attack them, but is not entirely successful in his mission and is thwarted by Kirk, at least temporarily.Following the attack, Kirk asks Admiral Marcus (Peter Weller) for permission to reassume his position as captain of the Enterprise, and is soon back in the saddle with most of his crew intact. Their mission is to find Harrison, who used advanced technology to transport himself to Kronos, a deserted planet within the Klingon Empire. Kirk is ordered to travel to the edge of the Neutral Zone and then fire numerous photon torpedoes at Kronos, thus dispatching Harrison. However, Kirk just cannot bring himself to do as he is told, which results in the Enterprise breaching the Klingon Empire and, perhaps, starting a war that appears to be ready to erupt anyway. Kirk's personal mission is to find Harrison and bring him back to Earth to answer for his crimes, but things do not go smoothly. Kirk and his crew not only face significant danger from Harrison, but also from members of Starfleet, making their mission even more difficult.In addition to the principal story, Spock and Uhura (Zoe Saldana) are experiencing problems in their relationship, which results in much needed comic relief, while McCoy (Karl Urban) experiments on a Tribble and assists the newly arrived Carol Marcus (Alice Eve) with gathering information about the numerous torpedoes, which Scotty (Simon Pegg) refused to house on board the Enterprise and brought about his resignation. However, Scotty is not off screen for long, thanks to his curiosity following a call from Kirk. With the chief engineer away, Kirk assigns Chekov (Anton Yelchin) to that position, while Sulu (John Cho) is assigned the Conn for the first time while Kirk is away. Indeed, everyone has a important role to play in this space opera. Abrams, along with writers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lidelof, clearly understand the Star Trek legacy and incorporate many references from the original series, including Carol's mention of Christine Chapel/Nurse Chapel, as well as the aforementioned Tribbles, Klingons and the reintroduction of Carol Marcus, who was Kirk's love interest in early Star Trek films. Did I mention one of the original cast members makes an appearance, too? In addition, the interpersonal relationships among the crew members are familiar and appreciated, including the bickering between McCoy and Spock. Kirk's legendary libido is acknowledged on more than one occasion, too.The performances are generally solid, as the actors are becoming more comfortable in their respective roles. Simon Pegg is especially good as Scotty, and Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a chilling performance as John Harrison/the villain. Peter Weller is also well cast as the complicated Admiral Marcus. The two plus hour run time flies by with Abrams' deft direction of the talented cast, who put their own spin on the legendary characters created by the late Gene Roddenberry. Overall, Star Trek Into Darkness is an outstanding effort. More, please!
The CW has made changes to its Monday-Friday schedule for Fall, including the addition of three new series. The fifth place network will not be exiting the cellar anytime soon, but is leveraging its two highest rated series, Arrow and The Vampire Diaries as lead-ins for new offerings The Tomorrow People and Reign. A third new series, The Originals, a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, will anchor Tuesday evenings. Check back here for an analysis of The CW's new schedule next week. The CW's Fall 2013 Schedule Monday
8:00 p.m. “Hart of Dixie” (new night)
9:00 p.m. “Beauty and the Beast” (new night) Tuesday
8:00 p.m. “THE ORIGINALS”
9:00 p.m. “Supernatural” (new night) Wednesday
8:00 p.m. “Arrow”
9:00 p.m. “THE TOMORROW PEOPLE” Thursday
8:00 p.m. “The Vampire Diaries”
9:00 p.m. “REIGN” Friday
8:00 p.m. “The Carrie Diaries” (new night)
9:00 p.m. “America’s Next Top Model”New Series Descriptions DRAMA“The 100” (midseason)
Based on the upcoming book series “The Hundred” and set 97 years after a nuclear war destroys civilization, a spaceship housing the lone human survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to earth to look into the possibility of re-colonizing the planet. The cast includes Eliza Taylor, Paige Turco and Isaiah Washington. “The Originals”
In this spin-off of “The Vampire Diaries,” a family of blood suckers find themselves displaced in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The cast includes Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies and Claire Holt “Reign”
Described as an historical and romantic drama that reveals a previously unknown story of Mary Queen of Scots. Mary’s rise to power in the 16th century French court is the focus. Adelaide Kane stars. “Star-Crossed” (midseason)
Based on a Spanish format, the series centers around a human girl and and an alien boy, after he and eight others of his kind are integrated into a suburban high school after being consigned to an internment camp. Aimee Teagarden (“Friday Night Lights”) and Matt Lanter (“90210”) star. “The Tomorrow People”
Based on a 1970s UK offering, "The Tomorrow People" focuses on an eighteen year old who finds out he is acquiring supernatural powers and he is not alone. Born to human parents, the youngsters develop special abilities and band together to fight the forces of evil. Peyton List (“Mad Men”), Luke Mitchell (“Home and Away”), Robbie Amell (“Revenge”) and Mark Pellegrino (“Lost”) star. Reality“Famous in 12”
Described as a social experiment that tracks the lives of one determined family as they move to Los Angeles and seek fame in a 12-week window, each member of the family will receive a series of challenges to create a public profile. After they succeed at their challenges, the family will appear on daily entertainment magazine “TMZ” and TMZ.com, which will raise their profile. In addition to the challenges, the family will circulate day to day where celebrities frequent and opportunities call.
CBS does not have nearly as much work to do as the other networks, considering its consistent number one ranking. However, Monday evenings are not what they used to be on the Eye network and declining ratings on Sundays with older skewing "The Good Wife" and "The Mentalist" may be cause for concern going forward. While CBS is retooling Monday, Sunday remains intact, which I think is a mistake. Check back here next week for my thoughts on the new CBS schedule. CBS Fall 2013 scheduleMonday
8:00 p.m. “How I Met Your Mother”
8:30 p.m. “WE ARE MEN”
9:00 p.m. “2 Broke Girls”
9:30 p.m. “MOM”
10:00 p.m. “HOSTAGES”Tuesday
8:00 p.m. “NCIS”
9:00 p.m. “NCIS: Los Angeles”
10:00 p.m. “Person of Interest” (new day and time)Wednesday
8:00 p.m. “Survivor”
9:00 p.m. “Criminal Minds”
10:00 p.m. “CSI”Thursday
8:00 p.m. “The Big Bang Theory”
8:30 p.m. “THE MILLERS”
9:00 p.m. “THE CRAZY ONES”
9:30 p.m. “Two and a Half Men” (new time)
10:00 p.m. “Elementary”Friday
8:00 p.m. “Undercover Boss”
9:00 p.m. “Hawaii Five-O” (new day and time)
10:00 p.m. “Blue Bloods”Saturday
8:00 p.m. Comedytime Saturday (encore programming) 9:00 p.m. Crimetime Saturday (encore programming)
10:00 p.m. “48 Hours”Sunday
7:00 p.m. “60 Minutes”
8:00 p.m. “The Amazing Race”
9:00 p.m. “The Good Wife”
10:00 p.m. “The Mentalist”New Program Descriptions COMEDY“Crazy Ones”
Robin Williams returns to the format that made him famous in this single camera workplace comedy from David E. Kelley based on the 2011 theatrical starring Cameron Diaz. Williams will play an ad executive who works alongside his daughter (Sarah Michelle Gellar).“Friends With Better Lives” (midseason)
A group of friends in their 30s who think the other ones all have it better is the focus. One couple is married with three children, another couple is recently engaged, and a third is getting divorced. Rounding off the ensemble is one single woman who just won’t settle down. James Van Der Beek, Brooklyn Decker (“The League”) and Kevin Connolly (“Entourage") star“The Millers”
Will Arnett stars as a recently divorced local roving news reporter looking forward to living the single life until his parents’ marital problems derail his plans. Margo Martindale and Beau Bridges co-star.“Mom”
Chuck Lorre has his fourth sitcom on CBS in this multi-camera tale of a newly sober single (Ana Faris) mother living in Napa Valley, California. The cast includes Allison Janney, Nate Corddry and French Stewart.“We Are Men”
Four single men living in a short-term apartment complex unexpectedly find camaraderie over their many missteps in love in this single camera half-hour. Tony Shalhoub, Chris Smith, Kal Penn and Jerry O’Connell star.DRAMA“Hostages”
From Jerry Bruckheimer, a premiere surgeon (Toni Collette) is thrust into a political conspiracy when her family is taken hostage by a rogue FBI agent (Dylan McDermott). “Intelligence” (midseason)
After a high-tech intelligence operative (Josh Holloway) is enhanced with a super-computer microchip in his brain, he becomes the first human ever to be connected directly into the worldwide information grid with complete access to Internet, WiFi, telephone and satellite data.
ABC's fall schedule features eight new series, half of which will air on Tuesdays. "Marvel's Agents of Shield" anchors Tuesday's entirely fresh line-up, while the "Once Upon A Time" spin-off will anchor Thursday evening, leading into demo friendly "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scandal." The Disney influence on ABC is apparent and both series could be key to an improvement for the alphabet network. Perhaps the biggest news surrounding the new schedule is the elimination of the "Dancing with the Stars Results" show. Check back next week for my thoughts on ABC's fall schedule.Fall 2013 on ABCMonday8:00 p.m. “Dancing With the Stars”10:00 p.m. “Castle”Tuesday8:00 p.m. “MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.”9:00 p.m. “THE GOLDBERGS”9:30 p.m. “TROPHY WIFE”10:00 p.m. “LUCKY 7”Wednesday8:00 p.m. “The Middle”8:30 p.m. “BACK IN THE GAME”9:00 p.m. “Modern Family”9:30 p.m. “SUPER FIN NIGHT”10:00 p.m. “Nashville"Thursday8:00 p.m. “ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND”9:00 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”10:00 p.m. “Scandal”Friday8:00 p.m. “Last Man Standing”8:30 p.m. “The Neighbors” (new day)9:00 p.m. “Shark Tank”10:00 p.m. “20/20”Saturday8:00 p.m. “Saturday Night College Football”Sunday7:00 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”8:00 p.m. “Once Upon a Time”9:00 p.m. “Revenge”10:00 p.m. “BETRAYAL”New SeriesCOMEDY“Back in the Game”A stubborn single mother has to move back home with her prickly and widowed father, a former minor league baseball player. James Caan, Ben Koldyke and Maggie Lawson star.“The Goldbergs”An overbearing, emotional shopaholic with a big mouth and no sense of boundaries is the focus of this 1980s set half-hour. The cast includes Wendi McLendon-Covey and George Segal“Mixology” (midseason)Set in a Manhattan bar, the adventures of singles in search of love over the course of one night is chronicled. Sarah Bolger (“Once Upon a Time”) stars. Ryan Seacrest is an executive producer.“Super Fun Night”After her younger sister gets married, a young woman decides to reinvent her social life by having “super fun” adventures with her two best female friends every Friday night. Rebel Wilson “(Bridesmaids”) stars.“Trophy Wife”A reformed party girl who marries a man twenty years her senior has two put up with two judgmental ex-wives and three manipulative stepchildren. Malin Akerman, Bradley Whitford, Marcia Gay Harden and Natalie Morales star.DRAMA“Betrayal”Based on the Dutch series “Overspel,” a beautiful but unhappily married female photographer begins a torrid love affair with a high-powered attorney. The twist: her lover is defending a murder suspect who is being prosecuted by her husband. James Cromwell (“American Horror Story: Asylum”) and Henry Thomas (“E.T.”) star.“Killer Women” (midseason)Based on the Argentine series “Mujeres Asesina,” the only woman in the all-male and notorious Texas Rangers is the focus. Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”), Marc Blucas (“Necessary Roughness”) and Michael Trucco (“Battlestar Galactica”) star. Sofia Vergara is an executive producer.“Lucky 7”Based on BBC series “The Syndicate,” seven employees working at a service station in Queens, New York see their lives completely change after they win the lottery. Isiah Whitlock, Jr. stars. Steven Spielberg is an executive producer.“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”From Joss Whedon (“Avengers”) and based on Marvel Comic Book’s peacekeeping organization called S.H.I.E.L.D., a worldwide law enforcement organization polices the new, the strange and the unknown. The cast includes Ming-Na (“ER”) and Clark Gregg (reprising his “Avengers” role).“Mind Games”Two brothers — a bipolar genius in human psychology and a slick ex-con — head a unique agency designed to solve problems using the real science of human motivation and manipulation. Steve Zahn and Christian Slater lead the cast."Once Upon a Time in Wonderland”Spun-off from Sunday drama “Once Upon a Time,” the young and beautiful Alice (Sophie Lowe) tells of a tale of a strange new land that exists on the other side of a rabbit hole in Victorian England. Included is an invisible cat, a hookah smoking caterpillar and playing-cards that talk. John Lithgow is the irrepressible White Rabbit.“Resurrection” (midseason)The lives of the people of Arcadia, Missouri are forever changed when their deceased loved ones return. The cast includes Omar Epps (“House”) and Frances Fisher (“Titanic”).REALITY“The Quest” (midseason)Described as fantasy meets reality, twelve contestants go on the journey of a lifetime in a unique competition where players will engage in epic challenges.
Bob Newhart's guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory attracted more than 16 million viewers.Ratings for the week of May 6, 2013 (courtesy of Nielsen Media Research)Total Average Viewers (in millions) by Network:
CBS - 9.35
ABC - 7.19
NBC - 5.73
FOX - 5.40
The CW - 1.29Top 30 Shows (viewers in millions):
1. NCIS (CBS) - 17.56
2. The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - 16.30
3. NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS) - 13.18
4. Person of Interest (CBS) - 13.16
5. Dancing with the Stars (ABC) - 13.12
6. Two and a Half Men (CBS) - 12.82
7. The Voice (NBC-Monday) - 12.15
8. American Idol (FOX-Thursday) - 11.57
9. The Voice (NBC-Tuesday) - 11.35
10. American Idol (FOX-Wednesday) - 11.11
11. Castle (ABC) - 10.84
12. Dancing with the Stars Results (ABC) - 10.79
13. Blue Bloods (CBS) 10.30
14. 60 Minutes (CBS) - 10.27
15. Survivor: Caramoan Finale (CBS) (s) - 10.16
16. Criminal Minds (CBS) - 10.08
17. CSI (CBS) - 9.82
18. Survivor: Caramoan (CBS) - 9.51
19. Elementary (CBS) - 9.29
20. Modern Family (ABC) - 9.02
21. Grey's Anatomy (ABC) - 8.97
22. The Voice (NBC-Wednesday) (s) - 8.91
23. Scandal (ABC) - 8.87
24. Body of Proof (ABC) - 8.24
25. Survivor: Caramoan Reunion (CBS) (s) - 8.13
26. Mike & Molly (CBS) - 8.08
27. Hawaii Five-0 (CBS) - 8.0128. 2 Broke Girls (CBS) - 7.97 29. Once Upon A Time (ABC) - 7.33 30. Vegas (CBS) - 7.20 (s) = special
Fox will debut 11 new series during the 2013-2014 television season, which seems like a lot for the network that not too long ago had the juggernaut known as American Idol to rely on for ratings dominance. That is no longer the case and with mediocre results for The X Factor, FOX has some work to do. Look for an analysis of the new schedule next week.FOX's 2013-2014 programming schedule:Fall 2013Monday
8:00 p.m. “Bones”
9:00 p.m. “SLEEPY HOLLOW”Tuesday
8:00 p.m. “DADS”
8:30 p.m. “BROOKLYN NINE-NINE”
9:00 p.m. “New Girl”
9:30 p.m. “The Mindy Project”Wednesday
8:00 p.m. “The X Factor”Thursday
8:00 p.m. “The X Factor Results Show”
9:00 p.m. “Glee”Friday
8:00 p.m. “JUNIOR MASTERCHEF”
9:00 p.m. “Sleepy Hollow” (encores)Saturday
8:00 p.m. Fox Sports SaturdaySunday
7:00 p.m. NFL Game
7:30 p.m. “The OT”
8:00 p.m. “The Simpsons”
8:30 p.m. “Bob’s Burgers”
9:00 p.m. “Family Guy”
9:30 p.m. “American Dad” MidseasonMonday
8:00 p.m. “ALMOST HUMAN”
9:00 p.m. “The Following” Tuesday
8:00 p.m. “DADS”
8:30 p.m. “BROOKLYN NINE-NINE”
9:00 p.m. “New Girl”
9:30 p.m. “The Mindy Project” Wednesday
8:00 p.m. “American Idol” Thursday
8:00 p.m. “American Idol Results Show”
9:00 p.m. “RAKE" Friday
8:00 p.m. “Bones”
9:00 p.m. “Raising Hope” 9:30 p.m. “ENLISTED” Saturday
8:00 p.m. Fox Sports Saturday Sunday
7:00 p.m. NFL Game
7:30 p.m. “The OT”
8:00 p.m. “The Simpsons”
8:30 p.m. “Bob’s Burgers”
9:00 p.m. “Family Guy”
9:30 p.m. “American Dad”New ProgramsCOMEDY“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
A comical detective (Adam Samberg) at a New York precinct must adhere to his new by-the-book boss (Andre Braugher) who wants him to grow up and respect the badge.“Dads”
Two successful men in their thirties (Seth Green, Giovanni Ribisi) must adjust to the arrival of their fathers (Martin Mull, Peter Riegert), who move in with them in this multi-camera buddy comedy from executive producer Seth MacFarlane.“Enlisted”A soldier (David Keith) returning home after several years takes on the even tougher assignment of working together in the Army with his two dysfunctional brothers (Geoff Stults, Parker Young) at a small based in Florida.“Murder Police” (midseason)
A dedicated, but inept detective and his motley colleagues in a twisted city precinct is the focus of this new animated comedy. Actors lending their voices to what sounds like an animated version of classic comedy “Barney Miller” include Will Sasso, Lane Lynch, Chi McBride, Justina Machado, Jason Ruiz and Wilmer Valderrama.“Surviving Jack” (midseason)
Based on Justin Halpern’s book “I Suck at Girls,” a boy becomes a man (Connor Buckley) and a man becomes a father (Chris Meloni) in this 1990s Southern California-based single camera half hour.“Us and Them” (midseason)
Based on British BBC2 series “Gavin & Stacey,” two very different lovers (Jason Ritter, Alexis Bledel) meet and try to make a long distance relationship work. DRAMA“Almost Human”
Set in Los Angeles in the not so distant future, human police officers are partnered with highly evolved androids with very different human characteristics. J.J. Abrams is an executive producer.“Gang Related” (midseason)
A gang member who infiltrates the San Francisco Police Department and rises through the ranks is the focus of this police-themed drama. Terry O’Quinn co-stars“Rake” (midseason)
Based on an Australian series of the same name, the chaotic and comedic life of a divorced criminal defense attorney (Greg Kinner) is the focus. “Sleepy Hollow”
After being mortally wounded in a Revolutionary War battle, a man (Orlando Jones) wakes up two centuries later in the town of Sleepy Hollow and realizes the person he killed, The Headless Horseman, has also returned from the dead. REALITY"Junior Masterchef"
Targeted to kids between the ages of 8 and 13 who enjoy cooking and featuring Gordon Ramsay, “Junior Masterchef” give these budding young cooks the opportunity to showcase their talent and culinary expertise through a series of challenges and cook-offs.
After cancelling many series, NBC is looking to continue to rebuild its prime time line-up for the 2013-2014 television season, with many new series planned for fall, midseason and beyond. Look for an analysis of the new NBC schedule next week. Cancelled series include "Go On,” “The New Normal,” “Guys With Kids,” “Up All Night," “1600 Penn," "Whitney," "Deception" and "Rock Center with Brian Williams," as well as “The Office” and “30 Rock." FALL 2013Monday
8:00 p.m. “The Voice”
10:00 p.m. “THE BLACKLIST”Tuesday
8:00 p.m. “The Biggest Loser”
9:00 p.m. “The Voice” (new time)
10:00 p.m. “Chicago Fire” (new day)Wednesday
8:00 p.m. “Revolution” (new day & time)
9:00 p.m. “Law & Order: SVU”
10:00 p.m. “IRONSIDE”Thursday
8:00 p.m. “Parks and Recreation” (new time)
8:30 p.m. “WELCOME TO THE FAMILY”9:00 p.m. “SEAN SAVES THE WORLD”9:30 p.m. “THE MICHAEL J. FOX SHOW”
10:00 p.m. “Parenthood” (new day)Friday
8:00 p.m. “Dateline”
9:00 p.m. “Grimm”
10:00 p.m. “DRACULA”Saturday
8:00 p.m. Encore programmingSunday
7:00 p.m. “Football Night in America”
8:15 p.m. “Sunday Night Football”MIDSEASONMonday
8:00 p.m. “The Voice”
10:00 p.m. “The Blacklist”Tuesday
8:00 p.m. “The Voice”
9:00 p.m. “ABOUT A BOY”
9:30 p.m. “THE FAMILY GUIDE”
10:00 p.m. “Chicago Fire” Wednesday
8:00 p.m. “Revolution”
9:00 p.m. “Law & Order: SVU”
10:00 p.m. “Ironside”Thursday
8:00 p.m. “Parks and Recreation”
8:30 p.m. “Welcome to the Family”
9:00 p.m. “Sean Saves the World”
9:30 p.m. “The Michael J. Fox Show”
10:00 p.m. “Parenthood” Friday
8:00 p.m. “Dateline”
9:00 p.m. “Grimm”
10:00 p.m. “CROSSBONES”Saturday
8:00 p.m. Encore programmingSunday
7:00 p.m. “Dateline”
8:00 p.m. “AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS”
9:00 p.m. “BELIEVE”10:00 p.m. “CRISIS”New ProgramsCOMEDY“About a Boy” (midseason)
Based on the Nicholas Hornsby book (and Hugh Grant movie), the relationship between a bachelor man-child (David Walton) and the young boy who moves in next door is the focus. “Family Guide” (midseason)
A son who idolizes his blind father and is amused by this mother’s newfound adolescence is post-divorce is the focus of this new single camera half-hour.“The Michael J. Fox Show”
Semi-autobiographical in nature, a husband and father of three (Michael J. Fox) from New York City copes with his family, career and living with Parkinson’s disease. “Sean Saves the World”Former “Will & Grace” star Sean Hayes stars as a perfectionist and divorced gay father whose 14-year-old daughter moves in with him full time while dealing temperamental new at boss, throwing his life into upheaval. Linda Lavin “Alice” co-stars.“Undateable” (midseason)
Based on the upcoming book “Undateable: 311 Things Guys Do That Guarantee They Won’t Be Dating or Having Sex”, the focus is on a confident slacker (Chris D’Elia) who takes on a roommate (Brent Morin) and inherits his group of romantically challenged friends.“Welcome to the Family”
Parents Dan (Mike O’Malley, “Glee”) and Karina (Mary McCormack) find out on the day their daughter (Ella Rae Peck) is graduating from high school with an acceptance to college, she announces she pregnant. DRAMA“Believe” (midseason)
Executive produced by J.J. Abrams, a young girl (Johnny Sequoyah) with a “gift” gets protection from a recently sprung con to keep evil forces at bay. “The Blacklist”
An ex-government agent and now one of the FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitives (James Spader) offers to catch a long-thought-dead terrorist, Ranko Zamani, under the condition that he speaks only to Elizabeth “Liz” Keen (Megan Boone, “Law & Order: Los Angeles”), an FBI profiler.“Chicago PD” (TBD)
The daily activity at the District 21 of the Chicago Police Department is the focus of this spin-off from “Chicago Fire.”“Crisis” (midseason)
The aftermath of a school bus carrying the children of an elite private school who are captured by an evil mastermind is the focus. Gillian Anderson also stars.“Crossbones” (midseason)
Set in 1715 on the Bahamian island of New Providence, the first functioning democracy in the Americas, where the diabolical pirate Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard (John Malkovich, “In the Line of Fire”), reigns over a rogue nation of thieves, outlaws and miscreant sailors is the focus. “Dracula”
It’s the late 19th century and the mysterious Dracula (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) has arrived in London, posing as an American entrepreneur who wants to bring modern science to Victorian society. He is interested in the new technology of electricity, which promises to brighten the night — useful for someone who avoids the sun. But he has another reason for his travels: He hopes to take revenge on those who cursed him with immortality centuries earlier. “Ironside”
Headlined by Blair Underwood, “Ironside” follows the life of a police detective relegated to a wheel chair after a shooting. The original, with Raymond Burr, aired on NBC from 1967 to 1975. “Night Shift” (TBD)
The night shift at San Antonio Memorial Hospital is the focus of the “ER” like medical drama.REALITY“America’s Dream Builders” (midseason)
America’s top designers, builders, architects and landscapers go head-to-head each week, putting their talents to the test on extreme home renovations. “Food Fighters” (midseason)
Hosted by Adam Richman (“Man vs. Food), the table is set for the ultimate culinary clash in this one part cooking competition, one part game show. Host Adam Richman (“Man v. Food”) will give homegrown amateur cooks the chance to test their skills against professional chefs. “The Million Second Quiz” (Late Summer 2013)
Contestants test the limits of their knowledge, endurance and will to win as they battle each other in intense bouts of trivia for 12 consecutive days and nights in this live competition.
