We've seen the pilots of NBC's new shows, and while they're not for review (things often change drastically before the shows are set to premiere), we do want to share our first reactions to what's coming in the fall and midseason.
This quick guide is designed to get you excited for some new shows ... and to warn you to curb your enthusiasm for others. Just keep in mind that we'll have full reviews of the final pilots closer to airdate. For now, here are our snap judgments of NBC's new shows for the 2013-2014 TV season.
There are 10 new scripted shows coming to NBC that were ready to preview. Does Michael J. Fox's much-anticipated return to TV live up to expectations? And is James Spader TV's best new bad guy? HuffPost TV staffers Maureen Ryan, Maggie Furlong, Jaimie Etkin, Chris Harnick, Alex Moaba, Laura Prudom and Leigh Weingus had plenty of varying opinions.
Here's how we broke them down:
- Watch It - awesome show, can't wait for more
- DVR It - there's potential, will give it a second chance
- Skip It - it's either horrible or just totally not their thing
"THE BLACKLIST"Read more about "The Blacklist" and watch a preview hereRyan: DVR ItJames Spader gives his usual creepy-weird performance in this thriller, but it seems like the kind of show that could quickly become formulaic. Promising, but we'll see.
Furlong: Watch ItSpader enjoys every second of playing the bad guy (possibly) turned good in this FBI thriller, and there are plenty of layers set up in the pilot to hold my interest. The twist ending corrected any doubts I had about bit players.
Etkin: DVR ItJames Spader is delightfully devious as one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives and the momentum of the pilot held my attention more than any other dramas I've seen did. "The Blacklist" definitely has potential to succumb to some of the same issues "The Following" did, but so far, it's my favorite new drama.
Harnick: Watch ItJames Spader is at his creepy best. There's just the right amount of mystery to keep you guessing and wanting more.
Moaba: Watch ItOne of the better pilots of the season. Spader does his creepy-cool Spader thing, and it’s an engaging premise that pulls you in from the first scene.
Prudom: Watch ItJames Spader has oodles of charisma as a Hannibal Lecter-esque criminal with far too many secrets up his sleeve. The show presents some interesting mysteries that I'm curious to see solved. As long as it doesn't get bogged down in procedural elements, I'll keep tuning in.
Weingus: Watch ItAction-packed dramas aren't really my thing, but this one caught my attention. Megan Boone is a convincing FBI agent with some good moves -- maybe they'll be great eventually, but the pilot takes place on her first day -- and James Spader makes a great (and creepy) fugitive.
"IRONSIDE"Read more about "Ironside" and watch a preview hereFurlong: DVR ItI adore Blair Underwood, but this "don't call it a remake" remake is just missing something in the jumble of trying to do a lot of things. Ironside is fighting his own demons, working cases like a boss and wooing the ladies ... Underwood's appeal is evident enough to not need so much time dedicated to the latter.
Etkin: Skip ItThere wasn't anything particularly wrong with this show -- it was pretty well acted, the storyline wasn't overwrought and the flashbacks were well placed. Yet, the pilot barely kept my attention. It could use a few lighter moments and a little less Spencer Grammer, who worked far better as the anti-sorority girl on "Greek" than she does as an elite detective.
Harnick: Skip ItNBC tries its hand at another gritty cop drama, this time sans fedora (RIP "Prime Suspect" hat). There was nothing here that made me want more.
Moaba: DVR ItAn interesting police procedural that could have some “House” potential because of Blair Underwood’s performance.
Prudom: DVR ItBecause I have no patience for procedurals, this will probably be a Skip It for me, but for fans of the genre, it's a solid effort, and Blair Underwood is a compelling lead as the eponymous cop.
Weingus: Skip It"Ironside" was just ... boring. Although I enjoyed the soundtrack, particularly when Eminem made it into the mix.
"THE NIGHT SHIFT"Read more about "The Night Shift" hereFurlong: Skip ItI love medical dramas and I'm from Texas (where "Night Shift" takes place) and I still couldn't get behind this one, but I do have a note for casting agents: If you cast an Irishman in the lead, maybe just let him play Irish? Muddled accents and hospital jargon don't mix.
Etkin: Skip ItThe Peacock network is still desperate to find "E.R." 2.0 and "The Night Shift" falls very short. It tried to do too many things and even the medical cases weren't interesting. And this is all coming from someone who still watches "Grey's Anatomy."
Harnick: Skip ItSo many cliches, too few compelling characters. If the kinks get worked out, this could be good for NBC -- that is, if NBC lets the show find its footing.
Moaba: Skip ItAnother cookie cutter doctor show that doesn't bring anything new to the table.
Prudom: Skip ItAnother generic medical show with generic "Grey's Anatomy"-style kookiness, centered around a generically handsome, rule-breaking white guy instead of a generically neurotic, rule-breaking white woman, and featuring generically forgettable supporting characters. Snore.
Weingus: Skip ItMake way for the poor man's "Grey's Anatomy." There are way too many storylines, and I'm no expert, but I highly doubt hospital night shifts bear any resemblance to this abomination.
"WELCOME TO THE FAMILY"Read more about "Welcome to the Family" and watch a preview hereFurlong: DVR ItThe soon-to-be-blended family at the heart of this show isn't nearly as quirky, quick, or charming as "The New Normal" bunch, but they're not half-bad. I'll keep checking in to see if they can set this show apart somehow.
Etkin: Skip ItThere's nothing more tired than a teen pregnancy storyline and at this point, I really don't want to see Mike O'Malley do anything but parent Kurt Hummel and cheer on pre-teens climbing the Aggro Crag.
Moaba: Skip ItWelcome to the cancellation bubble.
Harnick: Skip ItNot my favorite type of comedy, but it will likely please lovers of family sitcoms.
Prudom: Skip ItCompletely unremarkable. I wish that in 2013, we could've moved past networks thinking that "Caucasians and Latinos are so different -- put them together and watch wackiness ensue!" was an acceptable concept for a comedy. Since that's basically the whole plot, I hope the show will at least be able to explore racial and class divides with some nuance, but from the one-note pilot, I'm not holding my breath.
Weingus: Skip ItTwo unrealistic teenagers plus four ignorant parents equals a disastrous TV show. Skip it if you plan to stay sane this TV season!
"THE MICHAEL J. FOX SHOW"Read more about "Welcome to the Family" and watch a preview hereRyan: DVR ItThis show has a comic master at the center -- why is it trying so painfully hard? I'll give it a few more chances, but the pilot is annoyingly overeager and brittle.
Furlong: Watch ItI knew Michael J. Fox wouldn't return to TV without a great premise and pilot script, but I also just assumed he'd steal every scene ... and I was wrong. The show is charming, but it's the whole new TV family that makes it a must-see.
Etkin: DVR ItThere are some not-so-convincing family dynamics on this show and a few cliches (see: slutty spinster aunt), but I've gotta give Fox props for making fun of his Parkinson's -- one particular overt jab is one of the pilot's few laugh-out-loud moments. I didn't love this show, but I'm excited to see where it goes.
Harnick: Watch ItOf all the family comedies that are being stuffed down our throats this season, "The Michael J. Fox Show" is probably the strongest. Fox is the star, sure, but don't underestimate Betsy Brandt and Katie Finneran.
Moaba: DVR ItI like how closely the show's slightly fictionalized premise mirrors Fox's own comeback story. It seems authentic enough that you don’t feel bad laughing at the Parkinson’s jokes.
Prudom: Watch ItI would watch Michael J. Fox read the phone book, and this is charming -- I'm in.
Weingus: DVR ItI enjoyed Fox's performance, but the plot was all over the place at times -- especially when it came to his kids and sister. But I'll give it a few episodes. "The Michael J. Fox Show" could hit its stride.
"SEAN SAVES THE WORLD"Read more about "Sean Saves the World" and watch a preview hereFurlong: Skip ItCan someone save me from THIS? Multi-cam, laugh track, predictable at every step, Sean Hayes at his most cliche gay. NBC needs to stop trying to make Sean Hayes happen again.
Etkin: Skip ItI was happy to see Linda Lavin (a.k.a. The Nana) and that Sean Hayes's Sean is slightly less stereotypical than Jack McFarland was on "Will & Grace." Progress? But the writing on this one is weak. I barely cracked a smile.
Harnick: Skip ItThis was rough. Sean Hayes basically plays Jack from "Will & Grace" without the snark and rampant vanity ... it's not a good look.
Moaba: Skip ItSometimes it’s hard to describe what makes a show bad, but you’ll know it when you see it.
Prudom: Skip ItBroad, lazy and just not funny.
Weingus: Skip ItSean Hayes is funny at moments, but the combination of bad chemistry between the cast and overacted scenes makes "Sean Saves The World" grating.
"ABOUT A BOY"Read more about "About a Boy" hereRyan: Watch ItDavid Walton is perfectly cast as a charming, feckless bachelor in this comedy, which has a strong cast and a great deal of potential. Lots of fun.
Furlong: Watch ItI was skeptical, considering I adored the book and movie, but the pilot plows through a lot of what the movie covered, leaving new stories to be told. Plus, I love David Walton, and I don't care who knows it.
Etkin: Watch ItAs a fan of the movie adaptation starring Toni Collette, Hugh Grant and young, bowl-cut-sporting Nicholas Hoult, I was nervous about this. But "About A Boy" had me smiling consistently and the dynamic between Will (David Walton) and Marcus (Benjamin Stockham) was right on. I'm not sure Minnie Driver was the best choice for Fiona, but a certain One Direction moment warmed my heart. Jason Katims, you never let me down.
Harnick: DVR ItI've never seen the movie, but now I want to. The plot seems like a better fit for the big screen, so now I want to see another episode to see if the show can keep it going.
Moaba: DVR ItThe pilot manages to finds a nice balance of humor and heart. A good one to watch with the fam.
Prudom: DVR ItIt doesn't quite have the wit of the movie, or the heart just yet, but given that Jason Katims has given us "Parenthood" and "Friday Night Lights," I believe it can get there.
Weingus: Watch ItEverything about this is fabulous. Marcus (Benjamin Stockhalm) is the perfect combination of awesome and awkward, and Will (David Walton) hits all the right notes as an overgrown man-child. Easily NBC's best pilot of the season!
"GROWING UP FISHER"(formerly "The Family Guide")Read more about "Growing Up Fisher" hereFurlong: DVR ItIn an obviously "Wonder Years"-inspired move, this show relies heavily on narration from the main kid's future self. But as much as I love hearing Jason Bateman, that's the part that's holding this wannabe-quirky coming-of-age show back.
Etkin: Skip ItAnother adorable little boy, who's certainly a charmer, but not enough to make this comedy work. I fear many blind jokes and/or mishaps, but I think this one might get the axe before we have to suffer too much. Looks like J.K. Simmons will be 0 for 2 with network comedies that include the word "family" in the title.
Moaba: Skip ItThere are some things to like about it, like Jason Bateman narrating and J.K. Simmons' performance as a blind dad. But Parker Posey’s departure is symptomatic of the fact that something in the show doesn’t quite click.
Harnick: DVR ItIt was sweet and not nearly as obnoxious as I thought it would be. There's heart here, just needs to develop a bit more.
Prudom: Watch ItLike many comedy pilots, it's light on actual laughs, but the show does an admirable job of portraying blindness without making the disability the butt of tasteless jokes or overwhelming the story with saccharine sentiment. At its core, it's a sweetly charming family comedy with a unique twist, made more endearing by Jason Bateman's voiceover and J.K. Simmons' wry portrayal -- it'll be interesting to see whether Parker Posey's recasting changes things, but I won't miss her.
Weingus: Skip ItThis pilot is sweet in its own way, but the laughs are few and far between. Unless this show has a major turnaround, it doesn't look like it will have much staying power.
"BELIEVE"Read more about "Believe" hereFurlong: DVR ItThis is this season's big high-concept pilot following people with supernatural abilities -- think "Heroes" and "Touch" -- and dammit if I didn't get sucked in a bit, even knowing that it probably won't end well. But I'll watch more to see either way.
Etkin: Skip ItJ.J. Abrams will still never produce anything as captivating as the first couple seasons of "Lost," but that doesn't stop Bad Robot and NBC from trying. Still, the young actress at the heart of this show was impressive and her banter with the protagonist was pretty adorable, but it's not enough to make me come back for more.
Moaba: Skip ItI don’t believe in “Believe.” But if you want to watch a mysterious ninja squad chasing a supernaturally-gifted little girl for reasons that are totally unclear, this is the show for you.
Harnick: DVR ItI went into "Believe" fully expecting to not enjoy it. However, there were times I was genuinely filled with suspense and looking forward to the next scene. It's not great -- there are definitely problems and over-the-top tropes -- but the comic book fan in me is curious for more.
Prudom: DVR ItA high-concept, J.J. Abrams-produced, serialized mystery drama? Basically, this is everything I love to watch and everything America hates, but despite its silliness and "Touch"-esque premise, it has potential.
Weingus: DVR ItThe premise isn't great -- a 10-year-old with superpowers. It's basically a scarier version of "Matilda," if you will. The one thing that could save this show is this all-powerful girl's adorable relationship with a death row inmate. Don't ask ... just DVR!
"CRISIS"Read more about "Crisis" hereEtkin: Skip ItI'm still not sure what this show was trying to be ... or why Durmot Mulroney's hair had to look like that, but I won't be sticking around to find out.
Moaba: Skip It"Crisis" raises some important questions, although none about the implausible mass-kidnapping plot at the show's center. Mainly: How did NBC decide to make this? And is the network holding Gillian Anderson hostage?
Harnick: DVR ItFull disclosure: I wanted to love this show. I didn't love it. But I still want to see where it's going ... at least for another episode.
Prudom: DVR ItOver-reliant on obnoxious kids and full of expository dialogue, but I'm vaguely interested in seeing where they plan to go with it. (Although "Hostages" is definitely the stronger "kidnapped family" show of the season.)
Weingus: Skip It"Crisis" was forced, dramatic and uncomfortable ... especially when there were tracking devices planted in people's teeth. It's safe to say "Crisis" sent me straight into crisis mode. I'm sorry.
Please note: Screeners for new NBC series "Dracula" and "Chicago PD" were not yet made available to press when this published.
WANT MORE? SEE FIRST IMPRESSIONS FOR
NBC's New Shows 2013-2014
"Ironside"(01 of30)
Open Image ModalIn the gritty world of the NYPD, no one’s tougher than Det. Robert Ironside (Blair Underwood, “The Event,” “In Treatment”). He’s a fearless cop who won’t stop until the guilty are brought to justice. He and his trusted, handpicked team of specialists — Virgil (Pablo Schreiber, “The Wire” “Lights Out”), Holly (Spencer Grammer, “Greek,” “As the World Turns”) and Teddy (Neal Bledsoe, “Smash,” “Ugly Betty”), as well as his former partner Gary (Brent Sexton, “The Killing”) and boss, Det. Ed Rollins (Kenneth Choi, “Sons of Anarchy”) — will do whatever it takes to solve New York’s most difficult and notorious crimes. As a detective, Ironside’s instincts are second to none, and those around him have to stay on their toes if they want to keep up because when his spine was shattered by a bullet two years ago, Ironside swore he’d never let a wheelchair slow him down. (credit:NBC)
"Ironside" (02 of30)
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"Ironside"(03 of30)
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"Ironside"(04 of30)
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"The Michael J. Fox Show"(05 of30)
Open Image ModalLook who’s making the news again. One of New York’s most beloved news anchors, Mike Henry (Michael J. Fox, “Spin City,” “Family Ties”), put his career on hold to spend more time with his family and focus on his health after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. But five years later, with the kids busy growing up and Mike growing restless, it just might be time for him to get back to work. Having never wanted Mike to leave in the first place, his old boss Harris Green (Wendell Pierce, “The Wire,” “Treme”) jumped at the chance to get him back on TV. The trick, as it’s always been, was to make Mike think it was his idea. Now the plan is in motion and Mike will be back to juggling home, family, and career — just like the old days, but only better. (credit:NBC)
"The Michael J. Fox Show"(06 of30)
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"The Michael J. Fox Show"(07 of30)
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"The Michael J. Fox Show"(08 of30)
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"Sean Saves the Word"(09 of30)
Open Image ModalSean (Sean P. Hayes, “Will & Grace”) is a divorced gay dad who juggles a lot — his successful but demanding career, offbeat employees, pushy mom Lorna (Linda Lavin, “Alice”) and weekends with his teenage daughter, Ellie (Sami Isler). So when she moves in full-time, it’s a whole new world. Never one to do anything halfway, Sean’s intent on being the best dad ever, so he loads up on parenting how-to books and plans Pinterest-worthy family dinners. But it seems his company’s new owner has decided Sean and his team should work longer hours, putting a damper on his homemaking plans and throwing a kink in Sean’s perfectly constructed work/life balance. Ellie sees this development as a plus. She loves her dad, but he’s clearly going overboard. From keeping his boss happy, employees motivated and enduring his mother’s tactless “advice” to raising a smart, grounded and healthy kid, it’s going to be a growing experience, to say the least. But if anyone can handle it all, it’s Sean. Thomas Lennon (“Reno 911”), Lindsay Sloane (“Weeds”) and Echo Kellum (“Ben and Kate”) also star. (credit:NBC)
"Sean Saves The World"(10 of30)
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"Sean Saves The World"(11 of30)
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"Sean Saves The World"(12 of30)
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"The Blacklist"(13 of30)
Open Image ModalFor decades, ex-government agent Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader, “The Office,” “Boston Legal”) has been one of the FBI’s Most Wanted fugitives. Brokering shadowy deals for criminals across the globe, Red was known by many as “The Concierge of Crime.” Now, he’s mysteriously surrendered to the FBI with an explosive offer: He will help catch a long-thought-dead terrorist, Ranko Zamani, under the condition that he speaks only to Elizabeth “Liz” Keen (Megan Boone, “Law & Order: Los Angeles”), an FBI profiler fresh out of Quantico. For Liz, it’s going to be one hell of a first day on the job. What follows is a twisting series of events as the race to stop a terrorist begins. What are Red’s true intentions? Why has he chosen Liz, a woman with whom he seemingly has no connection? Does Liz have secrets of her own? Zamani is only the first of many on a list that Red has compiled over the years: a “blacklist” of politicians, mobsters, spies and international terrorists. He will help catch them all… with the caveat that Liz continues to work as his partner. Red will teach Liz to think like a criminal and “see the bigger picture”… whether she wants to or not. “The Blacklist” also stars are Diego Klattenhoff (“Homeland”), Harry Lennix (“Man of Steel”), Ryan Eggold (“90210”) and Ilfenesh Hadera (“Da Brick”). (credit:NBC)
"The Blacklist"(14 of30)
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"The Blacklist"(15 of30)
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"The Blacklist"(16 of30)
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"Dracula"(17 of30)
Open Image ModalGolden Globe winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers (“The Tudors”) stars in this provocative new drama as one of the world’s most iconic characters. It’s the late 19th century and the mysterious Dracula (Rhys Meyers) has arrived in London, posing as an American entrepreneur who wants to bring modern science to Victorian society. He’s especially interested in the new technology of electricity, which promises to brighten the night — useful for someone who avoids the sun. But he has another reason for his travels: He hopes to take revenge on those who cursed him with immortality centuries earlier. Everything seems to be going according to plan… until he becomes infatuated with a woman who appears to be a reincarnation of his dead wife. Victoria Smurfit (“About a Boy”), Thomas Kretschmann (“King Kong”), Jessica De Gouw (“Arrow”), Oliver Jackson-Cohen (“Mr. Selfridge”), Nonso Anozie (“Game of Thrones”) and Katie McGrath (“Merlin”) also star. (credit:NBC)
"Dracula"(18 of30)
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"Dracula"(19 of30)
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"Dracula"(20 of30)
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"Welcome to the Family"(21 of30)
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"Welcome to the Family"(22 of30)
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"Welcome to the Family"(23 of30)
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"Undateable"(24 of30)
Open Image ModalWhen confident slacker Danny Beeman (Chris D’Elia, “Whitney,” “Glory Daze”) takes Justin (comedian Brent Morin) on as a roommate, Danny unwittingly inherits Justin’s group of romantically challenged friends. Seeing himself as the ultimate player, Danny decides to teach the crew (who he dubs “The Undateables”) everything he knows about “the game of love.” For their first lesson, Danny takes the guys to an event hosted by his sister, Leslie (Bianca Kajlich, “Rules of Engagement”), who is a single mom with dating difficulties of her own. At first, Danny’s advice seems to pay off big-time: The shy guy talks to a girl, the no-filter dude learns it’s never OK to ask a woman when she’s due, and his nebbish roommate, Justin, goes home with a mystery woman. It’s not until the next day that they figure out it was Leslie. Here’s a refreshing comedy about the “do’s,” “don’ts” and “duhs” of dating. (credit:NBC)
"Crisis"(25 of30)
Open Image ModalIt’s field trip day for the students of Ballard High School, a place that educates the children of Washington, D.C.’s elite, top-of-their-industry CEOs, international diplomats, political power players and even the president’s son. But when their bus is ambushed on a secluded rural road, the teenagers and their chaperones are taken, igniting a national crisis. Now with some of the country’s most powerful parents at the mercy of one vengeful mastermind, the question arises: How far would you go and what would you become to ensure your child’s safe return? With so many parents and dignitaries put into play with nowhere to turn and no one to trust, this unthinkable scenario grows from the select families at risk to an entire nation at stake. (credit:NBC)
"Believe"(26 of30)
Open Image ModalLevitation, telekinesis, the ability to control nature and even predict the future… Since she was 2 years old, Bo (Johnny Sequoyah) has had gifts she could neither fully understand, nor control. Raised by a small group known as the “True Believers,” the orphaned girl has been safeguarded from harmful outsiders who would use her forces for personal gain. But now that she is 10, her powers have become stronger and the threat has grown more dangerous. With her life and future now in jeopardy, the “Believers” turn to the only person they see fit to be her full-time protector. That is, once they break him out of jail. Tate (Jake McLaughlin), a wrongfully imprisoned death row inmate who’s lost his will, is initially reluctant until he witnesses one of her extraordinary abilities. Bo sees people for who they truly are… and who they may become. Tate and Bo begin their journey, one in which trust must be earned. Traveling from city to city, every place they stop and everyone they meet will be changed forever. But they’ll have to keep going to stay one step ahead of the sinister forces after Bo’s power… because it will take a miracle to keep them safe forever. “Believe” also stars Delroy Lindo and Kyle MacLachlan. (credit:NBC)
"The Family Guide"(27 of30)
Open Image ModalIt’s not every family that’s brought closer together by divorce, but then again, the Fishers aren’t exactly typical. Take Mel Fisher (J.K. Simmons, “The Closer,” “Law & Order”), for example. Whether it’s chopping down trees, showing his daughter how to drive or playing football with his son, he’s never let the fact that he’s blind slow him down. Then there’s Joyce Fisher (Parker Posey, “Louie,” “For Your Consideration”), possibly the only mom in Pasadena to smoke a pipe. For her, divorce is like a second coming of age, a chance to be the teen she never was. Just ask ‘80s-obsessed teenage daughter Katie (Ava Deluca-Verley, “Southland”), whose clothes Joyce is always borrowing. At the center of all this is Henry (Eli Baker), the Fisher’s 11-year old son. Having always been his dad’s eyes, ears and wingman, Henry’s less than thrilled when Mel shows up with Elvis, a guide dog… which is also how Henry learns about the pending divorce. While reluctant to the changes this dog would bring, it’s through the adult Henry’s voice-over (Jason Bateman, “Arrested Development”) that we find out his parent’s split would “allow all of us to finally discover who we needed to be.” (credit:NBC)
"About A Boy"(28 of30)
Open Image ModalBased on the best-selling Nick Hornby (“High Fidelity,” “An Education”) novel, writer Jason Katims (“Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood”) and director Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “Revolution”) present a different kind of coming-of-age story. Will Freeman (David Walton, “Bent,” “Perfect Couples”) lives a charmed existence as the ultimate man-child. After writing a hit song, he was granted a life of free time, free love and freedom from financial woes. He’s single, unemployed and loving it. So imagine his surprise when Fiona (Minnie Driver, “Good Will Hunting,” “Barney’s Version”), a needy single mom and her oddly charming 11-year-old son, Marcus (Benjamin Stockham, “1600 Penn”), move in next door and disrupt his perfect world. When Marcus begins dropping by his home unannounced, Will’s not so sure about being a kid’s new best friend, until, of course, Will discovers that women find single dads irresistible. That changes everything and a deal is struck: Marcus will pretend to be Will’s son and, in return, Marcus is allowed to chill at Will’s house. Before he realizes it, Will starts to enjoy the visits and even finds himself looking out for the kid. In fact, this newfound friendship may very well teach him a thing or two that he never imagined possible — about himself and caring for others. (credit:NBC)
"Chicago PD"(29 of30)
Open Image ModalDistrict 21 of the Chicago Police Department is made up of two distinctly different groups: The uniformed cops who patrol the beat and deal with street crimes, and the intelligence unit, the team that combats the city’s major offenses, such as organized crime, drug trafficking and high-profile murders. Leading the intelligence team is Sgt. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), a man not against skirting the law in the pursuit of justice. Demanding and tough, only those who can take the heat survive under Voight’s command. Take Det. Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda), for example. Despite a troubled history with his boss, Dawson has ambitions of running the unit. If that means facing off against Voight every day, he’ll persevere. From the street cops with dreams of moving up to the elite crew who are already in, “life on the job” is a daily challenge. (credit:NBC)
"The Night Shift"(30 of30)
Open Image ModalWelcome to the night shift, where every day is a fight between the heroic efforts of saving lives and the hard truths of running a hospital. At San Antonio Memorial, the men and women who work the wee hours are a special breed, particularly adrenaline junkie T.C. Callahan (Eoin Macken, “Merlin”). After a grueling tour of duty in the Middle East, T.C. is about to learn that his toughest battles will be fought right at home. He and his irreverent team of late-night docs, including Topher (Ken Leung, “Lost”) and Drew (Brendan Fehr, “Roswell”), know how to let off steam with the casual prank or two, but when lives are at stake they are all business. Unfortunately, the night shift is now under new management and boss Michael Ragosa (Freddy Rodriguez, “Six Feet Under”) is more interested in cutting costs than helping people. But T.C. has never met a rule he couldn’t break, or a person he won’t stand up to. And it’s clear that not even his ex-girlfriend (Jill Flint, “The Good Wife”) who is a doctor and now Ragosa’s second in charge, has a chance at keeping him in line. If Ragosa wants a war, he’ll get one. (credit:NBC)
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