(This has been updated.)
Long before the strikes began, situation comedies were already wobbling.
Ratings were down; networks were doubtful. At times, NBC – former home of all those “must-see” sitcoms – had zero comedies in prime time.
Still, there will be some laughs this fall, for two reasons: Animated shows are written and voiced far in advance; also, other countries – Canada and England, mostly – had shows available.
Here’s a round-up of sitcoms this fall on the broadcast networks and on some basic-cable channels. It’s chronological and “new” means new to most U.S. viewers:
NEW SERIES
— “Son of a Critch.” This Canadian series is a “Wonder Years” clone, complete with a young actor who looks a lot like Kevin. This one is set in Newfoundland, where co-creator Mark Critch grew up. He plays the dad of 11-year-old Mark … and also narrates as the adult Mark. Some storylines – especially a bullying one – have been so-so, others have been quite good. CW, 8 p.m. Mondays, then 8 p.m. Thursdays starting Oct. 19; with 26 episodes, it started in the summer and continues now.
— “Run the Burbs.” Like “Critch,” this is a Canadian series, with its co-creator (in this case, Andrew Phung) playing the dad. Alas, the humor is heavy-handed and Phung is so-so. CW, already 8:30 p.m. Mondays, then Thursdays starting Oct. 19.
— “Children Ruin Everything.” A few comedies – “Breeders,” “Married, With Children” – have noted that parenting can get kind of complicated. This one does it with wit and, occasionally, warmth. Meaghan Rath (“Hawaii Five-0”) is excellent as the mom. CW, already 9 p.m. Mondays (followed by the Australian “Bump”), then 9 p.m. Thursdays, starting Oct. 19.
— “Krapopolis.” Earnest young Tyrannis has envisioned something called a city, but it’s not easy. His mother, Deliria, uss her shape-shifting skills to build a temple to herself. His scientist is supposed to invent a written language, but would rather create a bomb. His dad is pondering which animals are suitable as sex objects. In short, this is a broad cartoon, aimed at grown-ups. Fox, 8:30 p.m. Sundays, starting Oct. 1. However, two episodes will air Sept. 24 after football, about 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).
— “Everyone Else Burns.” This British show has a dad with three glaring faults – a bowl haircut, a broken TV (which he smited because people were kissing) and a world-is-ending religion he forces onto everyone. This would start to feel one-note, if not for his teen daughter – a smart student, dreaming of going away to college. CW, 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 19.
— “Ghosts U.K.” We already know “Ghosts,” but now we can catch the British version it’s based on. It’s the same notion: A manor house’s new owner, briefly dead after a fall, can now see the departed folks still there. CBS, 9 and 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 16.
RETURNING SERIES THAT HAVE NEW EPISODES (each is animated)
— “Archer.” It’s the 14th and final season, with Sterling Archer still talented and arrogant. The difference is that Lana is now his boss and a new colleague matches both of them in skill, beauty and self-regard. FXX, 10 p.m. Wednesdays; started Aug. 30.
— “American Dad.” This one is continuing its 18th season, after a summer-long break. TBS cable channel, 10 p.m. Mondays, returned Sept. 4.
— “The Simpsons,” etc. This is the show that launched the cartoon incursion into prime time. Fox, 8 p.m. Sundays; its 35th year starts Oct. 1, followed by “Krapopolis” and the season-openers of “Bob’s Burgers and “Family Guy.”
SERIES THAT WILL CONTINUE VIA RERUNS
— “Young Sheldon” and “Ghosts.” CBS. Ttemporarily bumped by reality shows, their reruns will return at 9 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 2 and 9, then 8 and 8:30 p.m., leading into the British version of “Ghosts.”
— “Abbott Elementary” has been tentatively set for fall reruns on ABC, but without specifics.