Year: 2021

1) “Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist” season-opener, 8 p.m., NBC. The second season starts six weeks after Zoey’s dad died. Deep in mourning, she hasn’t returned to work and hasn’t seen either of the guys in her love life. She also hasn’t experienced her ongoing quirk – seeing people express their hidden emotions via pop songs. When Zoey (Jane Levy, show here) does return, there are big changes – including a new co-worker, played by the delightful Harvey Guillen of “What We Do in the Shadows.” It’s a great start. Read more…

1) “The Bachelor” opener, 8-10 p.m., ABC. Back in June, ABC announced its first Black “Bachelor.” Now, after COVID delays, we meet Matt James (shown here), 29. At Wake Forest, he was a receiver (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) who had injuries and then a strong senior year – 40 catches, 401 yards and a brief pro try-out. He got an economics degree, works in New York and also started a project teaching kids about food and exercise. In the opener, he meets 32 women, including two lawyers, a pharmacist and a ballerina. Read more…

1) “Call Me Kat” debut, 8 p.m., Fox. Like any good daughter, Kat got a college degree and a good job; then, alas, she quit and used her money to start a cat cafe. Her mom (Swoosie Kurtz) is displeased, but Kat (Mayim Bialik, shown here with Cheyenne Jackson) seems happy with life, her co-workers and her cats. Jim Parsons, Bialik’s “Big Bang” husband, is producing this, based on a British comedy. It’s lightweight, but it has likable people (including Leslie Jordan, Kyla Pratt and Cheyenne Jackson) and a goofy, throwback appeal. Read more…