Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

New Year, New Seasons

The new year not only brings many opportunities to realize that you wrote the date incorrectly at the top of your notebook, but also ushers in a fresh batch of television shows for the coming spring season. Now is the time when networks take an axe to failed shows that premiered in the fall, cancel shows with less-than-satisfactory ratings and bring to light fresh ideas. Below are several shows premiering with very promising futures.

1. The Chicago Code

The Windy City plays a leading role in this one-hour police drama, which stars Jason Clarke (“Brotherhood”) and Matt Lauria (“Friday Night Lights”). They play Jarek Wysocki and Caleb Evers, respectively, partners who seek out crime and corruption within the Chicago Police Department — and “The Chicago Code” is sure to provide more corruption than one could ever think possible. This is Chicago, after all. Critically acclaimed show creator Shawn Ryan (“The Shield”) wants audiences to know that this is not just another cop show. “The Chicago Code” reflects the politics, history and government corruption of Chicago, and there is a lot. This fast-paced show centers on Wysocki, a local legend and former member of the Chicago Police Department who remains very influential due to his relationship with Teresa Colvin (Jennifer Beals), his ex-partner and Chicago’s first female superintendent, in command of 10,000 police officers. Check out this new spin on police drama Monday nights at 10/9c on Fox.

2. Episodes

Sean (Stephen Mangan) and Beverly Lincoln (Tamsin Greig), a British husband-and-wife comedy writing team, just secured yet another BAFTA award (think the Oscars for the U.K.) for their roles in the extremely successful British sitcom, “Lyman’s Boys.” Their success brings them to Hollywood, where they are asked to remake their showstopper for their new American audience, but things don’t go quite as smoothly. Without any choice, they cast Matt LeBlanc in their new show to play … Matt LeBlanc! Who said the “Friends” spin-off, “Joey,” wasn’t a good show? (Answer: everyone.) With LeBlanc on board, the show starts to tank. Not only is their show in jeopardy, but with LeBlanc in the mix, Sean and Beverly’s marriage begins to crumble. For those who love “Entourage,” “30 Rock,” and other great shows-about-shows, definitely check out “Episodes”  Sundays at 9:30/8:30c on Showtime.

3. Live to Dance

Paula Abdul lives to judge another day. After leaving “American Idol” in 2009 due to a financial dispute, she’s back in the world of competition with “Live To Dance.” Executive producer, mentor and judge in this new reality show in which dancers compete for $500,000 and instant fame, Paula now serves more purpose than to just get smacked down by Simon Cowell like the hand of God. An American version of the British original (what a shocker!), “Got To Dance,” CBS hopes to rival the very successful “So You Think You Can Dance.” Judging alongside Abdul is former Pussycat Doll member Kimberly Wyatt and one of Michael Jackson’s main choreographers, Travis Payne. “Live To Dance” airs on Wednesdays at 8/7c on CBS.

4. Shedding for the Wedding

“Shedding For The Wedding” is what you get when you put “The Biggest Loser” and “Bridezillas” in the same room for too long. This time, 10 overweight couples are put in the same house and compete to lose the most weight within three months. At the end of every week, the couple that loses the least amount of weight leaves the house. The last couple to remain wins an all-expense paid wedding and killer bodies for that honeymoon. Rawr. This show will not only test personal limits, but also test the bond of love between each pair. Expect many tears and great fights. Sara Rue (“Eastwick”) hosts “Shedding For The Wedding,” which premieres Feb. 23 at 9/8c on the CW.

5. Off The Map

Shonda Rhimes, creator of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice,” brings a similar-but-different show to ABC, “Off The Map.” Caroline Dhavernas stars as Dr. Lily Brenner, an idealistic doctor, who begins to work at a medical clinic that is severely understaffed in a fictional city in South America, La Ciudad de las Estrellas. Accompanying Dr. Brenner, Mina Minard (Mamie Gummer) and Manny Diaz (Enrique Murciano) help Dr. Ben Keeton (Martin Henderson) save patients with whatever supplies they have on hand. The world doesn’t need another Hollywood medical drama, but this might prove to be much better than expected. Unlike many of its peers, “Off The Map” devotes a number of plotlines to why these six doctors chose to dedicate their skills and lives to helping out at a third world location. For those who enjoy “Grey’s” and “Private Practice,” be sure to give this tropical island-tinged version a try. “Off The Map” airs on Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC.

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