The kids are back in school, the air is cooling down and that can only mean one thing: fall is here. And with that comes a whole slew of new series premieres to look forward to. Here are a few that promise heart and laughter, that should be on your radar.
Speechless – Premieres September 21 on ABC
This family comedy stars Minnie Driver as Maya DiMeo, a frantic mom willing to do anything for her family, especially her son, JJ, who has cerebral palsy. After numerous moves, the family attempts to settle into a new town and new school, while searching for the right aide to be the “voice” for JJ, who is speechless. JJ is played by Micah Fowler, who has cerebral palsy in real life. If you’re looking for a new show with a great sense of humor and lots of heart, Speechless looks very promising.
Pitch – Premieres September 22 on FOX
Pitch is the story of the first woman ever to play in Major League Baseball. Pitcher Ginny Baker (Kylie Bunbury) makes history when she’s drafted by the San Diego Padres, but can she perform under pressure? She must deal with tension from within the team as well as skepticism from without. The vocal objections of some of her teammates are contrasted with the unspoken attraction between her and the team captain (Mark-Paul Gosselaar). Add to that the demanding expectations of her father, who trained her, and you’ve got the recipe for a layered and inspiring underdog story.
This is Us – Premieres September 20 on NBC
This dramedy follows the lives of several people whose paths cross in unexpected ways, and many of whom share the same birthday. Each one is struggling with something—loss of a child, obesity, abandonment—themes which make this show raw and relatable. This is Us is probably not appropriate for young children, but it’s family-friendly in the respect that it is uplifting and deals with issues that families can relate to. The strong ensemble cast includes Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Chris Sullivan, Sterling K. Brown and Susan Kelechi Watson. According to Pop Sugar, Ventimiglia compared the show to Parenthood. If that’s the case, sign me up!
Be forewarned, there is some brief backside nudity in this trailer.
