1) “Matlock” debut, 8 p.m. Sunday, CBS. This may be the best new show on any of the broadcast networks. In a tradition that goes from Miss Marple to Elsbeth, it gives us an older woman who’s underestimated until she solves the case. Then, however, it flips that cleverly. Kathy Bates (shown here) is perfect as a lawyer who bears the same surname as an old TV lawyer. Read more…
1) “Have I Got News For You” debut, 9 p.m. ET, CNN. This has been big in England – even winning best-comedy awards – for 34 years. It’s a quiz about the news, hoping for witty replies. To nudge that along, several comedians will be there: Roy Wood Jr. hosts, with Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black (shown here) as team captains. Read more…
The new TV season is strong on mysteries (including “High Potential,” shown here), weaker on comedies, with a bit of non-fiction thrown in.
A previous story took an overview of the season for broadcast networks. Now here’s a show-by-show breakdown of what’s new; shows are listed chronologically, within each category.
MYSTERY
— “Moonflower Murders,” Sept. 15. In “Magpie Murders,” a book editor pondered two murders – one in a novel (set in the 1950s) and another in real life. Now she’s back at it. A book – based on a real-life murder – has hints about the real killer; one woman read it and fled. The six-week tale weaves cleverly between past and present, real and fictional. (9 p.m. Sundays, PBS).
— “High Potential,” Sept. 17. As a single mom with three kids, Morgan is a cleaning lady with little chance to flex her genius IQ. Now, however, she’s helping the police. Kaitlin Olson of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” stars. (10 p.m. Tuesdays, ABC.) Read more…
