NBC announced some solid news items yesterday. Apparently, they were the only smart network, and actually have episodes banked. So, in the fall, new episodes of Magnum PI, Quantum Leap, and two new dramas, Found, and The Irrational will be airing opposite reality shows and reruns from other networks.

12) The Golden Girls (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Ended

I’m not going to deep dive this episode, but the direct answer is that this episode wouldn’t exist in todays landscape. Sure, someone will point out that deep inside the barrage of offensive jokes is a heart somewhere, which is why I didn’t just totally fail this. I won’t hold this against the Girls, but I think Estelle Getty certainly should have known better.

Episode Grade: D-

11) Cheers (Paramount Plus)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: Ended

Despite some solid jokes about the kittens Carla found, most of the episode is taking Diane off the deep end. It’s like she’s gone into some weird dimension in her character, but they keep playing her like she’s normal. Like, this is just Diane being Diane.

Episode Grade: B-

10) Trophy Wife (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: Ended

Bradley Whitford believes his birthday is cursed. That’s the plot.

Episode Grade: B-

9) Based On A True Story (Peacock)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Limited

I honestly don’t know what this show is trying to do or achieve. Perhaps it wants to be a dark comedy, but I’m not sure it’s funny or satirical enough for that. I’m not sure the performances are bad, I just think this sounded like a better concept on paper, and it feels like everyone is frantically trying to make it work. Thank God it’s limited.

Episode Grade: B-

8) Deadlock (Amazon)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Unknown

While there is always humor in the episodes, it does feel like we are starting to drag just so we can have humor, and continue to play around with this ensemble. Not every murder mystery needs a ton of episodes. Now I understand why so many British shows only produced 4-6 episodes a season. They aren’t trying to overstay their welcome.

Episode Grade: B-

7) Outlander (Starz)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: final Season

I’m rewatching Season 6, and while I didn’t remember Episode 1, I do remember things from Episode 2, so this going back 1 season thing is really working. It’s jogging my memory. Without audio description, this show is hard enough to follow, and since Starz seems so resistant to audio description, it’s either try to follow it or never watch this show. And it’s actually a great concept with some terrific performances.

Episode Grade: B

6) Boy Meets World (Disney plus)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: Ended

Cory and Topanga have their first meaningful time spent together. I like how this relationship grows, and it’s one of my favorites on any tV show ever. True story.

Episode Grade: B+

5) George and Tammy (Paramount Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Limited

I almost moved this up to A-, but it really padded itself with full performances of songs. There are some terrific moments, and michael Shannon is in what might actually be his best performance to date. This Christmas episode should put him as a real contender to win this year. He’s scary as hell.

Episode Grade: B+

4) Justified (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: Revived On Tuesday

Still on Season 2. I refuse to elevate this beyond a B+, because there’s always a shootout of some kind where I’m not sure what’s going on. Even though this episode had a great Emmy moment from Margo Martindale in her powerful speech, it also had a moment where two hit men were attacking, and someone lamented that Charlie got shot. Who is that? I don’t know, because i don’t ahve audio description.

Episode Grade: B+

3) Secret Invasion (Disney Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Limited

in the penultimate episode, Gravock is an asshole, Olivia Coleman is delightful, War Machine is literally trying to start a war, and Gaia returns something to the earth. Oh, and nick is furious.

Episode Grade: A-

2) Smash (Roku)

English Audio Description?: no

Status: Ended

I just adore the first season of this show. Episode 4 has Karen finally getting some advice from the ensemble (one of whom is on my friends list), and a guest appearance from nick Jonas puts Ivy in an awkward position. Also, this is where Leslie odom Jr’s Sam starts to get more to do.

Episode Grade: A

1) The Righteous Gemstones (MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Not Yet Renewed

Balls To The Wall. Man. The gemstones visit a militia compound to check on their cousins, and Jesse is making a lot of really great jokes about not being there and getting Waco’d which eventually leads to basically that happening, and one hell of a car chase sequence that finally gives Gideon something meaningful as a character. Plus, my complaint last week was my worry that they were writing John Goodman off. he’s all up in this episode. So, keep that up as well.

Episode Grade: A