There are a lot of articles out there about “When is my favorite show coming back?” Presumably, once the leadership passes the tentative agreement on, they will lift the restrictions while WGA members vote on whether or not to approve. Right now, the only thing that has stopped is picketing. Since they were not technically being struck to begin with, those daytime talk shows that faced backlash could likely return next week, including Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Hudson. Matt Walsh is expected to dance tonight on Dancing With The Stars. The next set to resume will be the late night talk shows, which *could* resume next week, but should at least be back by the following week. After that, we’re looking at shows that need a bit more time to put together, like Last Week Tonight, which always has a well-researched segment mixed with current news. Oliver has missed so much that he may want to expedite his return by staying on recent topics and not having a main story his first time out, to make writing an episode easier, and getting his crew back to work. Saturday Night Live should be able to return, but the question remains if any players will refuse to return while the SAG strike is underway, despite SNL not being a struck production. Rumor has it that they are looking at non-actors as hosts, possibly Taylor Swift, who will have her concert film launching about the same time SNL could return. After that, sitcoms are the easiest to write and shoot. NBC had already begun writing and shooting Night Court, so I’d expect that, and likely another new NBC comedy to return in late January or early February, followed by the rest of the sitcoms. This could prove to be advantageous for Home Economics, which hasn’t been cancelled or renewed, if they can make a new season quickly. ABC’s other bubble shows, The Rookie Feds, and The Good Lawyer are a bit more up in the air. Lawyer is likely to get a pass, or pushed to next season, while Feds does fit into the procedural mold that is easier to shoot.

However, a show like Labrea is unlikely to be able to get the scripts all completed, and shot, with the visual effects done in the spring. How will NBC handle that show? For non-network programming, I’d expect to see shows return like Hacks long before something that requires substantial visual effects, like The Boys.

And now, the roundup.

No Rank) Mad Men (AMC Plus)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: Ended

I will say that there was a rating for this episode that warned me in advance of the content of the episode. I’m just trying to work my way through the series, and I do not wish to engage this episode on any sort of level that would suggest it was worth my time or consideration to review. While I am certain that given the time period, this probably did happen, the use of blackface in the episode renders this to a short acknowledgement that I did watch the episode. That is all.

No Grade.

7) Virgin River (Netflix)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Probably Renewed

So much drama. And Virgin River makes wildfires look sexy for some reason, as they introduce a new love interest for Preacher. Muriel is multi-purpose, hanging out at the Doc’s office and giving advice. Bri is reckoning with her past, and also Brady’s lies. Mel and the new firefighter character deliver a baby, and Jack goes rock climbing with Doc’s Grandson. Lizzie’s mom stops in and tells her that college is an option after all. And I’d like to remind all of you that this *entire* show has happened in under 9 months. Charmaine announced her pregnancy in Season 1, and she’s still pregnant.

Episode Grade: C+

6) Heartstopper (Netflix)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Unknown

So, we focused a pretty balanced episode on all characters. A new couple emerges, but probably shouldn’t have. Nick still can’t come out, which everyone gives him a pass for. We have evolved. No longer does anyone need to “come out”. I’m not going to claim this episode really worked perfectly for me.

Episode Grade: B

5) 911 (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: Moving To ABC

Will I be able to catch up in time for the new season? I just started Season 4, which directly deals with the pandemic, so I feel like I’m getting closer.

Episode Grade: B+

4) Good Omens (Amazon)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Not Yet Renewed

Azraiel gets closer to figuring out the significance of the song, while Jim has moments where he flashes his old knowledge, but doesn’t remember doing it. And, Crowley tries to pull the two women together.

Episode Grade: A-

3) The After Party (Apple Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Not Yet renewed

The killer is uncovered, and it wasn’t one of my top picks. They also were not totally off my radar. The episode ends on the set of a movie, with a quick guest appearance from Kiki Palmer and Jaleel White. Also, Daniel Radcliffe is mentioned, and I realize I would totally watch a third season starring Radcliffe, Palmer, and White.

Episode Grade: A-, Season 2 Grade: A-

2) Harley Quinn (MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Renewed? A Kite Man Spinoff is coming.

Nightwing is dead, Robin has been kidnapped by his mom, and Batgirl is convinced ivy killed Nightwing. Harley knows she didn’t. Ivy is more concerned with getting rid of her PR team so she can get back to being evil. The Joker decides to be a villain again, with the full support of his family, and takes credit for Nightwing’s death. And has anyone seen Bane?

Episode Grade: A

1) Billions (Paramount Plus)

English Audio Descritpion?: Yes

Status: Final Season

Watching Chuck completely be five steps ahead of Prince was amazing. I ended up enthralled by how Chuck moved everything in his favor and away from Prince. Prince doesn’t even seem like a bad guy. I think Chuck would rather be fighting Axe.

Episode Grade: A