While this initial dive into the 2018-19 TV schedule is a bit later than intended, it is also in a sense perfect timing as today kicks off the traditional network’s barrage of new shows, both crowd pleasing and prestige. There’s a lot to love and a lot to fear in this year’s offerings, so each of our editors answered four questions about what we’re most excited for and what looks dreadful — we’re talking Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer bad. As for returning shows, spoiler alert: most of us are really excited to see what happens to Eleanor, Chidi, Tahani, and Jason in their third season “earth life” reboots. So without further ado, it’s time to start…rec’ing!

Katherine M. Hill

1) What new show are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to Murphy Brown. I’m looking forward to seeing how Candace Bergen (and her turtlenecks…) ‘s Brown will take on the darkest timeline.
2) What returning show are you most excited for?
The Good Place! Oh, Eleanor, I believe in you. I know you can learn how to be good. I don’t know about Jason, but Eleanor and Chidi can figure that out together.
3) What show looks the worst and why?
A Million Little Things. (Pieces?) How did this many halfway decent actors (Grace Park! Ron Livingston!) agree to this tripe? Oh, CBS, you’re too obvious in your ploys to cash in on the success of NBC’s emotionally manipulative This Is Us.y
4) What are some other shows that intrigue you?
The Neighborhood
Bojack Horseman (both the new season on Netflix and its syndication on Comedy Central)
Rel

Jason Thurston

1) What new show are you most looking forward to?
Few upcoming shows thrill me, but Single Parents holds ample hope. On paper, its simple and well-worn concept — well, its title pretty neatly sums up the premise — is uninspiring, but Taran Killam has consistently made something out of nothing on SNL and in guest spots on shows like Community, and it’s from the creator of New Girl, a show with a basic idea that wonderfully expanded from a Zooey Deschanel vehicle to take its place as one of the all-time great ensemble comedies.
2) What returning show are you most excited for? 
Has any show burned through plots or story arcs at the breakneck pace of The Good Place? While ostensibly Season Three will take place on Earth in the alternate timeline where our four leads have a chance to become “good” enough for the titular heaven stand-in, but who knows where (or even what) the show will be by episode three, and that excites me! BORTLES!

Also Bojack Horseman and American Vandal which have both been out for a couple week, dropping on Netflix the same day – the former may be the greatest running opus on the nature of depression with the fifth season taking the dark laughs (along with any lingering sympathy for the lead character) to their limit, while the latter goes for an extended poop joke, which would normally drive me away, but given its first season’s success at making a compelling story and near-pitch perfect homage to Netflix true crime docs, I’m in! (and having now watched it — in one demented binge — I contend this season outshines the first which is saying a lot as it was my top show of 2017.
3) What show looks the worst and why?
The Cool Kids – this pains me as a cast combining Vicky Lawrence, David Allen Grier, and Martin Mull could be amazing, but the lazy sitcom joke spouting of the hyperlinked trailer makes me physically ill
God Friended Me – this could fool us all, but at first glance this inspirational drama in which an affable atheist gets contacted by the supposed almighty on social media looks disquietingly like the fictional 30 Rock tentpole from when Jack Donaghy was trying to tank NBC, God Cop (“Let us pray!” “to WHOM?!?!”)
4) What are some other shows that intrigue you?
Rel
I Feel Bad

Navani Otero

1) What new show are you most looking forward to?
Rel: So excited to see our favorite sidekick from Get Out in his own starring role as a guy trying to rebuild his life after divorce. Having Sinbad in tow pretty much sealed the deal for me.
Runner ups:
Mayans M.C.: the next chapter in the Sons of Anarchy explores the life of Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes who is played by East Los High Alumni JD Pardo (swoon) and also stars Edward James Olmos. It’s a win win.
Charmed: My favorite supernatural teen drama of yesteryear is back for a reboot, Latina style. The new version revolves around three Latina sisters and a gives a head nod to the practices of Santeria.You may recognize sis Maggie Vera played by Sarah Jeffery, fresh off her role as Christina Santos in Shades of Blue. Also, shouts to Melonie Diaz (Mel Vera)  whose career I’ve been following since the film Raising Victor Vargas, but might be better known from Fruitvale Station and The Breaks.
2) What returning show are you most excited for?
This is Us: I just like to cry I guess? Don’t JUDGE me!
3) What show looks the worst and why?
The Purge: I really want to support another East Los High alum Gabriel Chavarria, but I just have no desire to see this idea from the movies flushed out over a series. There is enough anarchy IRL right now.
4) What are some other shows that intrigue you?
Jack Ryan: Can Jim magically be morphed into a Jack Bauer character?? I’m not sure but I think I owe it a chance to see!

Brad Filicky

1) What new show are you most looking forward to?
As a self respecting nerd I have to go with Titans, the live action Teen Titans adaptation on DC new streaming service. I’ve been excited for this since the infamous “fuck Batman” trailer debuted at Comic Con.
2) What returning show are you most excited for?
The little time jump in The Duece could be interesting, but really I just want them to explain how David Krumholtz’s character lost all that weight. And as I’ve said, I’m a nerd so I can’t wait to see where Iron Fist and Daredevil takes us.
3) What show looks the worst and why?
That new show with Chicago in the title [Ed.’s Note: not sure which Chicago show he means, but it’s all bad]. Nothing against the Windy City (I will take their deep dish over the cardboard that passes for New York pizza any day), but enough is enough.
4) What are some other shows that intrigue you?
Mayans M.C.
BoJack Horseman
American Horror Story: Apocalypse
Mr. Mercedes
Kidding

Fiona Wiedermann

1) What new show are you most looking forward to?
Very excited to watch the Charmed reboot! It has some changes to the original (more diverse! more gay!) and looks like it’s going to be a treat. It’s being executive produced by Jennie Synder Urman who also worked on Jane The Virgin, so I am already full of trust for where this is going.
2) What returning show are you most excited for?
The Good Place – Season 2 was just released on Netflix, so I’ve been re-watching to get ready! I honestly have no idea where the show is going to take us this season and I can’t wait to find out!

But also shoutout to B99 which is joining us a little later in the fall. NBC just announced that they are extending the season from their original 13 episode order to an 18 episode season! Really looking forward to loving this show even more on it’s new network.
3) What show looks the worst and why?
The Purge! WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? THIS IS NOT WHAT WE NEED RIGHT NOW?
4) What are some other shows that intrigue you?
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
My Brilliant Friend
Salt Fat Acid Heat