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Doc (New Series, Tuesday, Jan. 7, Fox/Hulu)
The show follows Dr. Amy Elias, portrayed by Molly Parker, who serves as the chief of internal medicine at Minneapolis’s Westside Hospital. After a brain injury erases her memory of the past eight years, Amy must navigate her medical career and personal life, including an unexpected divorce and a significant tragedy she can’t recall. The series is an American adaptation of the Italian show “Doc — Nelle tue mani” and features a supporting cast including Omar Metwally, Amirah Vann, Jon-Michael Ecker, and Anya Banerjee. “Doc” is also available to stream on Hulu. (Wikipedia)
Abbott Elementary (Winter Premiere, Wednesday, Jan. 8, ABC/Hulu)
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style comedy series set in a struggling Philadelphia public school. The show follows an ensemble of passionate and quirky teachers, led by the optimistic second-grade teacher Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson), as they navigate the challenges of underfunded education while trying to make a difference for their students. Alongside Janine are her colleagues: the tough yet caring kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph), the street-smart Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter), the awkward history teacher Jacob Hill (Chris Perfetti), and the charming substitute Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams).
The series blends humor and heart, offering a witty and heartfelt commentary on education, teamwork, and perseverance.
Shifting Gears (New Series, Wednesday, Jan. 8, ABC/Hulu)
The series stars Tim Allen as Matt, a widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop, and Kat Dennings as his estranged daughter, Riley. After 15 years apart, Riley returns home with her teenage children, Carter (Maxwell Simkins) and Georgia (Barrett Margolis), seeking support and a place to stay. The show explores the humorous and heartfelt dynamics of rebuilding family relationships, with Matt and Riley navigating their past differences while adjusting to their new living arrangement. The cast also includes Seann William Scott as Gabriel, a family friend working at the shop, and Daryl “Chill” Mitchell as Stitch, a former Marine and mechanic. “Shifting Gears” marks Tim Allen’s return to ABC, following his successful runs on “Home Improvement” and “Last Man Standing”(Decider). The series will be available to stream on Hulu the day after its ABC premiere (People).
American Primeval (New Series, Thursday, Jan. 9, Netflix)
“American Primeval” is a six-part Western miniseries set to premiere on Netflix on January 9, 2025 (Wikipedia). The series delves into the violent and tumultuous era of the mid-19th century American frontier, exploring the fierce battles for control of the West and the cultural and religious clashes that defined the period (Soap Central). The narrative centers on Isaac, portrayed by Taylor Kitsch, a man tormented by personal demons who becomes embroiled in the brutal conflicts of the time (Entertainment Weekly). Alongside him is Sara Rowell, played by Betty Gilpin, a mother striving to protect her son while navigating the perils of the frontier (TV Insider). The ensemble cast also includes Kim Coates as Brigham Young, Jai Courtney as Virgil Cutter, Shea Whigham as Jim Bridger, and Dane DeHaan as Jacob Pratt (Wikipedia)
Directed by Peter Berg and written by Mark L. Smith, “American Primeval” offers a raw portrayal of the American West, highlighting the relentless struggle for survival and dominance during a pivotal era in U.S. history (Wikipedia).
On Call (New Series, Thursday, Jan. 9, Prime Video)
“On Call” is an adrenalized police drama series premiering on Prime Video on January 9, 2025 (Prime Video). The show follows veteran training officer Traci Harmon, portrayed by Troian Bellisario, and her rookie partner Alex Diaz, played by Brandon Larracuente, as they patrol the streets of Long Beach, California (Wikipedia). Utilizing a mix of hand-held cameras, bodycam, and dash-cam footage, the series offers a visceral, cinéma vérité perspective on the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by law enforcement officers (Amazon MGM Studios Press). The cast also includes Lori Loughlin as Lieutenant Bishop and Eriq La Salle as Sergeant Lasman, with La Salle also serving as an executive producer and director for several episodes (New York Post).
“On Call” is produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, marking Dick Wolf’s first half-hour format series (Wikipedia). All eight episodes of the first season will be available for streaming on Prime Video upon release (Entertainment Weekly).
The Pitt (New Series, Thursday, Jan. 9, Max)
Set in Pittsburgh, the series offers a realistic examination of healthcare workers’ challenges in today’s America, as seen through the lens of frontline heroes (What to Watch). The narrative unfolds over a single, intense fifteen-hour shift, providing a real-time glimpse into the high-pressure environment of an emergency room (Decider). Noah Wyle stars as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, the dedicated ER chief leading a team of seasoned doctors, nurses, and new interns (Decider).
The ensemble cast includes both familiar and rising actors, contributing to the series’ authentic and dynamic storytelling (Decider).
The show is executive produced by John Wells, known for his work on “ER,” and aims to provide a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the medical profession’s demands and ethical dilemmas (The A.V. Club). The first two episodes will be available for streaming on Max upon release, with subsequent episodes released weekly
2025 Critics Choice Awards (Special, Sunday, Jan. 12, E!/Peacock)
The 30th Critics Choice Awards are scheduled for January 12, 2025, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Hosted by Chelsea Handler, the ceremony will honor outstanding achievements in film and television from 2024. The event will be broadcast live on E! from 7 to 10 p.m. ET, with streaming available on Peacock the following day (Wikipedia).
Leading the film nominations are “Conclave” and “Wicked,” each securing 11 nods, including Best Picture and Best Director. Other notable films include “Dune: Part Two” and “Emilia Pérez,” each with 10 nominations, and “The Brutalist” with nine (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
In television, FX’s “Shōgun” leads with six nominations, followed by “Abbott Elementary,” “The Diplomat,” “Disclaimer,” “Hacks,” “The Penguin,” and “What We Do in the Shadows,” each receiving four nominations (Wikipedia).
The Critics Choice Awards are renowned for recognizing excellence in cinematic and television achievements, often serving as a precursor to the Academy Awards. This year’s ceremony continues the tradition of honoring the industry’s finest talents and productions.
