This Is Us, on NBC
The Pearsons return to prime time to share the ups and downs of family life in this season premiere. Set in both the 1980s and present day, the hit drama weaves back and forth through time as it tells the story of parents Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and their three kids.
Q: Why did NBC cancel "Rise"? The actors were wonderful -- I really cared about the characters. Interesting storyline and the singing was fabulous. I was really disappointed.
Unfortunately, perhaps, there's no interesting story for why NBC dropped "Rise," which seemed like a promising, feel-good musical drama in the style of "Glee" or "Nashville." It just didn't perform well versus expectations (unlike the plucky young singers it featured).
Its premiere in March drew 5.5 million viewers, which is solid but not great, particularly for a fairly expensive scripted show. However, the ratings dropped steadily from there.
Dancing With the Stars, on ABC
A new roster of celebrities pair up with professional ballroom dancers as the fun kicks off in this season premiere. The returning pro dancers include Witney Carson, Cheryl Burke, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Keo Motsepe and defending champion Jenna Johnson.
Through thick and thin: Friends face tragedy together in 'A Million Little Things'
Christina Ochoa stars in "A Million Little Things"
Friendship means many different things to different people. As the saying goes, friendship isn't just one thing, it's a million little things. That message is at the heart of a new ABC drama about friends who come together in the wake of tragedy.
'Good' comedy: 'The Good Place' returns for a third season
Ted Danson stars in "The Good Place"
'Good' comedy: One of the most sinfully hilarious sitcoms on television isn't about a team of detectives, a group of nerds or a multigenerational extended family. Those all have a home on the dial, but the comedy in "The Good Place" has a unique edge: it's literally out of this world.
Late Laughs for the week of September 23 - 29, 2018
The Late Late Show With James Corden (repeat)
A coffee company has recalled 65,000 cans of coffee beans over concerns that opening them could cause the lids to fly off and hit people in the face. Although, it saves you a step. Usually you have to drink the coffee to wake up in the morning, but this will take care of that.
9-1-1, on Fox
First responders feel the pressure to deal with harrowing incidents that happen on one of the hottest days of the year in this season premiere. During one call, they help the victims of a road rage accident involving a van full of tourists.
Trick or treat: Halloween-themed baking competition returns to Food Network
"Halloween Baking Championship" host John Henson with judges Carla Hall, Zac Young and Lorraine Pascale
New Releases for the week of Sept. 23 - 29
Solo: A Star Wars Story
After he's expelled from the Imperial Flight Academy for insubordination, former street urchin Han Solo (Ehrenreich) falls in with a group of criminals led by the hardened Tobias Beckett (Harrelson). Along with his new friend Chewbacca (Suotamo), his former lover Qi'ra (Clarke) and infamous smuggler Lando Calrissian (Glover), Han joins Beckett in a high-stakes plan to steal a highly valuable substance mined from a remote planet for a deadly criminal syndicate. When betrayal threatens to derail the heist and threatens his very life, the young smuggler learns that loyalty is the most valuable commodity of all in a galaxy far, far away.
Director: Ron Howard. Stars: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Joonas Suotamo, Donald Glover, Phoebe Waller-Bridge. 2018. 135 min. Action.
Uncle Drew
After spending his life savings to enter the amateur basketball team that he coaches in a tournament, Dax (Howery) is humiliated when his rival poaches his team. Desperate to assemble a group of players before the tournament, he comes across Uncle Drew (Irving), a senior citizen and local streetball legend who hasn't let his age affect his performance on the court. Together, Dax and Uncle Drew head out on a road trip to round up Drew's old teammates, who have long since gone their separate ways, in time for them to compete in the tournament.
Director: Charles Stone III. Stars: Kyrie Irving, Lil Rey Howery, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Erica Ash. 2018. 103 min. Comedy.
Gotti
From a life of poverty, John Gotti (Travolta) rises up through the ranks of New York City's legendary Gambino crime family. With his loyal wife, Victoria (Preston), at his side and his ambitious son, John Jr. (Lofranco), backing him, the flamboyant and outgoing mobster rises from his beginnings as an enforcer to one of the most powerful criminals in the country, dodging the conviction under the law for years before finally being brought down by the authorities.
Director: Kevin Connolly. Stars: John Travolta, Spencer Rocco Lofranco, Kelly Preston, Pruitt Taylor Vince, William DeMeo. 2018. 112 min. Crime.
Recaps for the week of September 17 - 21
Don Diamont stars in "The Bold and the Beautiful"
The Bold and the Beautiful
Bill's unexpected and unprovoked kiss provokes an unexpected reaction from Brooke. Sally and Steffy have an up-close and personal moment with Xander, who later finds Zoe getting flirtatious after he shares the story behind his new modeling opportunity. Steffy and Hope break out into a huge argument about loyalty over their differing opinions about Sally. Thorne announces to the Forrester family that he and Katie are engaged, and the news gives fuel to Dollar Bill's desire to fight for his son. Bill and Ridge have a heated run-in with each other, and each begins laying the foundation to make sure that the battle for custody ends in his favor, while Liam and Wyatt debate whether Bill even deserves to have custody of Will. While Bill and Justin plan a legal strategy, Ridge has a secret meeting with Judge McMullen.
Days of Our Lives
Ben works to convince Ciara that someone is setting him up, while Claire tries to seduce Tripp. Later, Ciara confronts Tripp about what happened with Claire, and John comes up with a plan that he hopes will save Marlena after she's taken off life support. Rafe gets into an argument with Hope when he asks her whether she planted evidence against Ben. Gabi goes to new lengths to get her revenge against Abigail, and drugs her as part of a mysterious plan. Chloe warns Bonnie not to mess with Lucas, while Eli reconnects with a friend from the past. Abe accuses Sheila of stealing and John encounters a new obstacle. After he receives the results of the paternity test, Lucas approaches Adrienne to ask for a huge favor. Belle finds that Roman is putting obstacles in the way of her seeing Marlena, and Eve makes a desperate attempt to stop Jennifer from telling Eric the truth. Sami and Belle are left confused after a loved one gives them a chilly reception. Shawn has doubts about his mother, and confesses his feelings to Belle.
General Hospital
Cameron tells a lie to Liz while Franco has an unexpected encounter. Nina comes full circle with Anna, and Lucy receives an invitation that she wasn't expecting. Later, Nina pressures Maxie for answers while Carly becomes desperate to help Michael. Robin finds herself putting things into perspective and Maxie is confused. Mike springs a surprise on Sonny, who feigns ignorance. Jason gets some council from Sam while Kim is put on the spot by Drew. Julian acknowledges the part that he played in past actions. Ava finds herself losing her temper.
The Young and the Restless
Billy digs into Ashley's financial activity and finds payments that were made to a consulting firm, while Kyle manipulates Billy into buying a gambling syndicate as part of his plot to bring him down. Sharon arrives at the coffeehouse to find a battered and shaken Tessa, who confides that she was attacked by the same people who got Crystal across the border illegally, and Sharon finally starts to believe her. When Tessa refuses to call the police or go to the hospital, however, Sharon begins questioning her motivations. Victoria finally caves and asks Nate for help after struggling to manage her stress over recent events, and he begins giving her lessons in self-defense to help give her a renewed sense of security. The Winters twins work with Devon and Nate to plan a surprise birthday party for Shauna, who is touched when Devon tells her how proud Hilary would be and pledges to pay for her college tuition in honor of Hilary's memory.
