Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
‘Young Sheldon’ is a new standout
Broadcasters roll out eight new series this week.
NBC didn’t share the “Will & Grace” update by deadline, but fans know what to expect when the groundbreaking sitcom returns Thursday.
CBS previews the promising “Young Sheldon,” a “Big Bang Theory” spinoff, on Monday right after adult Sheldon (Jim Parsons) starts his 11th season. “Young Sheldon” focuses on the finicky 9-year-old title character (Iain Armitage) making the jump to high school in 1989.
Little Sheldon is an easily anxious fellow who tattles and condescends. He’d be a turnoff except that the charming young star and Parsons’ narration confer great appeal.
Like older Sheldon, the boy is surrounded by a winning ensemble: Raegan Revord as spitfire sister Missy, Montana Jordan as embarrassed older brother Georgie and Zoe Perry and Lance Barber as the overwhelmed but loving parents. Perry excels as understanding mom Mary. Watch her reaction when a churchgoer complains about Sheldon: “What is wrong with him?”
“Me, Myself & I,” starting Monday on CBS, strives for poignancy as it follows a male character at 14 in 1991, at 40 today and at 65 in 2042. Will you buy this future or Bobby Moynihan turning into John Larroquette?
“The Good Doctor,” debuting Monday on ABC, boasts a terrific Freddie Highmore as a gifted surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. The rest of the conventional medical drama from David Shore (“House”) is filled with good actors giving predictable speeches.
NBC goes conventional with “The Brave,” starting Monday, as does CBS with “SEAL Team,” beginning Wednesday. They are military dramas with handsome leading men: Mike Vogel in “The Brave” and David Boreanaz in “SEAL Team.” Conventional can succeed: Just look at “NCIS.”
“Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders,” starting Tuesday on NBC, deftly mixes the “L&O” format with real stories. The focus on detectives helps, and so does a strong cast led by Edie Falco. But it’s still the Menendez brothers.
“Marvel’s Inhumans” earned terrible reviews when it played IMAX theaters. Can it thrive when it shifts to ABC Friday?