NBC Fall Dramas: First Impressions of Timeless and This Is Us
Carissa Pavlica
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One of the hottest new trailers of the year wasn't a movie promo, but This Is Us from NBC.
Is it worth watching, though? We're giving our opinion on that and the network's foray into the time traveling business, Timeless, below. Take a look!
Timeless - Mondays at 10/9c - October 3
First Impression: Time Travel is the big thing for 2016-17, and Timeless is a good representation of the subject.
A history professor (Abigail Spencer), a soldier (Matt Lanter) and a scientist (Paterson Joseph) are asked by a government agency to trust them, get into a time machine and try to stop a villain (Goran Visnjic) who is trying to change time for nefarious purposes.
Of course, nothing is really as it seems, and the three jump into this mission with very little background knowledge other than their own specialties.
There is wonder, mischief and disaster waiting for them, but they're up for the challenge.
At least as far as the first mission. The Butterfly Effect may have unforeseen consequences.
Should You Watch: Even if you're unsure, if you're into adventures and fun (and who isn't), watch at least once to get a feel for it. It's enjoyable and there's potential here.
Despite the time, the material didn't seem off limits for kids if supervised. The historical aspect is interesting, and there are great sets and outfits, as well.
Competition: Timeless airs out of The Voice, which gives it a very strong leg up. Conviction premieres out of a two-hour Dancing with the Stars and Scorpion comes with a solid fan base.
All three are very different and should put up a good fight.
This Is Us - Tuesdays at 9/8c - October 4 (Special Preview: Tuesday, September 20 at 10/9c)
First Impression: There are not enough straight dramas on television. Not a death-propelled mystery, a sex-fueled soap opera, a book-inspired tween show or some sort of crime procedural.
This Is Us fits into none of those categories. It's a story about family, friends, adults fighting their way through life the best way they can. I think.
Everything may change in the second episode. The end of the first hour leaves things open for interpretation.
The cast is amazing: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Justin Hartley, Chrissy Metz, Sterling K. Brown, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Sullivan and Ron Cephas Jones. Like many other shows this season, there is a hook.
This one will get you to tune into at least two episodes. If you watch one, you'll watch more.
Should You Watch: Yes. If you want the landscape of television to change beyond the types of shows listed in the first impression, then watch.
Personally, I've missed television like This Is Us. It's one of my favorite pilots. Don't miss it! Can the kids watch? So far, so good.
Competition: This is not an easy time slot. CBS is airing Bull in an otherwise all NCIS night, ABC has comedies, Fox has Scream Queens and The CW has No Tomorrow.
There are three new shows premiering and four appealing to the same general demographic.
It will be a tough sell, but if the trailer premiere meant anything, viewers are hungry for this type of drama. It should do well.
And that's all NBC is offering this fall, as they usually have their hands full with football.
Expect them to be in the number one position no matter what their scripted fare does. Football rules in the United States of America, even if I don't watch it.
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
