The Kids Are Alright (ABC)
Eight boys is SO MANY BOYS. Mary McCormack and Michael Cudlitz are delightful parents, but there may just be too many boys for me and too many stories that aren't all that new.—Lauren Piester
Premieres Tuesday, October 16 at 8:30 p.m.
Rel (Fox)
As is the case with many comics who try out self-titled, autobiographical, multi-cam sitcoms, Lil Rel Howery is great and he deserves a better showcase than what this is so far.—LP
You can watch the first episode now, but the show premieres in its regular time slot on Sunday, September 30 at 9:30 p.m.
The Neighborhood (CBS)
The cast is great! The pilot is not! Max Greenfield is charming, Beth Behrs nails the chemistry, Cedric the Entertainer owns the set and Tichina Arnold is a pro, landing every joke...the pilot just went around and around in circles, never sticking the landing. They all deserve better.—Chris Harnick
Premieres Monday, October 1 at 8 p.m.
The Cool Kids (Fox)
This is some old school multi-cam realness and if that's your thing, this is for you. We applaud any series that lets TV icons (Leslie Jordan, David Alan Grier, Vicki Lawrence and Martin Mull) shine and that's just what The Cool Kids does. Does it reinvent the wheel? Nope. Is it predictable? Yep. It's familiar, which is a blessing and a bit of curse.—CH
Premieres Friday, September 28 at 8:30 p.m.
FBI (CBS)
It took me like three days to finally get through this pilot. It's not bad and I had no objections while watching it, but it's missing something to the point where I kept forgetting what I was even doing. Whether that's my fault or this show's has yet to be seen.—LP
Premieres Tuesday, September 25 at 9 p.m.
God Friended Me (CBS)
Kinda feels like nobody involved with this show got the memo that Facebook is no longer cool, and this show just feels a little old, despite its young and excellent cast. Like Joan of Arcadia for the digital age of 2010, which would have been a big compliment in 2010 because I loved Joan of Arcadia. (It's still somewhat of a compliment, honestly.)—LP
Premieres Sunday, September 30 at 8:30 p.m.
A Million Little Things (ABC)
Oh boy. If you are obsessed with This Is Us and every tragic thing that happens to the Pearsons then this is the show for you because EVERY possible dramatic twist is in this pilot. Seriously. Every twist. It's schmaltzy, yet I wanted to know more? That's where they get you. Plus, the cast is pretty great.—CH
Premieres: Wednesday, September 26 at 10 p.m.
Charmed (CW)
I wanted more from this pilot, but there was nothing bad about it—it was just a tad lackluster, especially considering that its creator and writers are all from Jane the Virgin. But because the creative team is from Jane the Virgin, I trust that there is magic to be found here.—LP
Premieres Sunday, October 14 at 9 p.m.
Happy Together (CBS)
Another show with a great cast, but predictable beats. However, the power of Harry Styles, who is an executive producer on this show because it's loosely based on real events in his life, compels you. Plus, you'll see why Damon Wayans Jr. was on the top of everybody's dream cast list this pilot season. It's silly and fun and very multi-cam tropey.—CH
Premieres Monday, October 1 at 8:30 p.m.
All American (CW)
It's easy to say this CW drama is The OC meets Friday Night Lights, because that's exactly what it feels like. The soapy drama of a fish out of water story mixed with the antics of a football team is so on brand for The CW. The only way this could be more CW is if there were superpowers involved...give them time. This wasn't the most engrossing hour, but it was paced well. Stay to the end.—CH
Premieres Wednesday, October 10 at 9 p.m.
Single Parents (ABC)
There was something strangely aggressive about this pilot, to the point where I was like, "Whoa, Taran Killam, calm down." But I think that's the point, and there are enough fun performances here that I will tune in again.—LP
Premieres Wednesday, September 26 at 9:30 p.m.
New Amsterdam (NBC)
There's a little bit of hokeyness to the premise (A mysterious guy shows up to switch up the hospital status quo by being hot and quirky and firing everyone! And also he's got cancer!), but Ryan Eggold is such a charming lead of such a charming cast that I might not be able to resist. —LP
Premieres Tuesday, September 25 at 10 p.m.
The Rookie (ABC)
Disclaimer: I did not watch Castle, but I know this is not Castle, despite those involved. The Rookie was the pilot that surprised me the most because...I liked it. Nathan Fillion disappears into the role (that's always a good sign) and it's a nice twist on the tired cop drama.—CH
Premieres Tuesday, October 16 at 10 p.m.
I Feel Bad (NBC)
Sarayu Blue is a star! I Feel Bad has the feel of a comedy from Amy Poehler, which is a good thing, and the aforementioned star! (you must include the exclamation point), so give us more episodes now, thank you. —CH
Premieres Wednesday, September 19 at 10 p.m., premieres in its timeslot on Thursday, October 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Manifest (NBC)
I am always weary of high concept mystery shows because the mystery so rarely plays out well (or plays out at all, due to cancellation), but god I hope this one works, because Josh Dallas and Melissa Roxburgh are great and I desperately need to know what the heck happened to this plane! —LP
Premieres Monday, September 24 at 10 p.m.