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New Fall Shows: Should They Stay Or Go?

Christianna Wiggins |
November 1, 2013 | 1:20 p.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

Maybe its the return of swanky scarves, or signature lattes at Starbucks, but something about this fall has gotten the creative juices flowing for screenwriters. Fall 2013 has produced a lot of memorable new TV shows, in addition to hosting great returns of past shows. 

Despite their potential, many shows haven't been picked up by a network yet. Here are a couple amazing shows that aren't contracted for future seasons yet, but they definitely should be!

1. The Originals - the CW 

This show is a spinoff of the successful, book-turned-series "The Vampire Diaries." The series is based on the return of Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan) to New Orleans. Klaus is the original vampire-werewolf hybrid whose immense power systematically instills fear in all who cross his path. When he and two of the other "Originals" leave Mystic Falls, and head for their former home in New Orleans, chaos ensues. 

When Klaus finds out that a werewolf named Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin from "The Vampire Diaries") is carrying his child, he is given the choice to betray his vampire family for his unborn child, or to abandon his humanity entirely and hand over his potential heir to a coven of powerful witches. 

The tense conflict of conflict of the show leaves a constant aura of suspense that will hook you in. While the show had decent ratings for its first couple of episodes, its rating shot up after the fourth episode two weeks ago. The combination of "Supernatural" and "The Originals" gave the CW its highest Tuesday night ratings on Oct. 15. 

With such positive feedback, there is no way we won't be seeing more of Klaus and the other "Originals."

2. The Goldbergs - ABC

While this show hasn't officially been picked up by any network, its positive viewer feedback alludes to future seasons of this ABC sitcom.

The series is set in the 80s, which is confirmed by the exaggerated makeup and eccentric outfits, and it narrates the lives of members of the Goldberg family.

Similar to other ABC shows like "Modern Family," this comedy series doesn't have a specific storyline, but instead plays off of funny day-to-day situations the cast finds themselves in. The situations are all strangely relatable but very entertaining. If this show doesn't see a second season, that will be surprising. 

Sadly not every new network show has found critical acclaim this season. Here are a couple shows that will probably be dropped: 

1. Super Fun Night - ABC

Surprisingly, this new sitcom starring "Pitch Perfect"'s Rebel Wilson, is just not that funny. While Wilson is everyone's favorite supporting actress, the Australian star isn't proving to be as entertaining in her leading role.

The show "Super Fun Night" follows the life of a classically clumsy paralegal named Kimmie Boubier (Rebel Wilson). Kimmie and her two best friends are all sweet, but a little awkward. The three of them live together in a small New York apartment, where they share everything from secrets to food, as all good girlfriends should.

Kimmie's work life is an equally important, but boring part of the show. Kimmie is in love with her boss, Richard Royce (Kevin Bishop) but a hot, new female lawyer has plans to take him away from her. 

While Wilson brings her usual charm to the show, the storyline has definitely been done before, and there is nothing new or exciting about this version of it. Wilson is great in movies, but not so much in her show. I doubt there will be anymore "Super Fun Nights" after this season. 

2. Hostages - CBS

This show was only contracted for 15 episodes from the start and according to its ratings it may just be that. "Hostages" puts a thrilling spin on the common theme of government betrayal, but for some reason, the actual show, just isn't as exciting as the storyline. 

The series follows the Sanders family. Ellen Sanders (Toni Collette) is a renown surgeon who gets hand-picked to perform a critical surgery on the President of the Untied States. The night before the surgery, an FBI agent, Duncan Carlisle (Dylan McDermott) and two other men, take the Sanders family hostage, and promises to kill them all, if Ellen doesn't purposefully kill the president during the surgery. 

The intense situation that Ellen is put in should make for great TV drama, but the show just isn't doing it for viewers. After the 15th episode,  the "Hostages," may officially be let go.

Reach Staff Reporter Christianna Wiggins here.



 

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