We read all the scripts, now we’re watching all the pilots. SSN brings you our insight on the hot new pilots of the upcoming TV season as we watch the screeners and report back to you.
THE MICHAEL J. FOX SHOW
NBC Comedy Premieres Fall 2013 Executive Producers: Michael J. Fox, Will Gluck, Sam Laybourne, Alex Reid Director: Will Gluck (Friends with Benefits, Easy A) Writer: Sam Laybourne (Cougar Town, Worst Week, Aliens in America, Arrested Development) Cast: Michael J. Fox, Wendell Pierce, Betsy Brandt, Katie Finneran, Conor Romero, Juliette Goglia, Jack Goor, Ana Beatriz Nogueira
Logline: Single-camera comedy about a family whose father suffers from Parkinson's, based in part on the real life experiences of star Michael J Fox. In the pilot episode, we meet the Henry family as Mike Henry (Fox) contemplates going back to work as a local news reporter, which would make his family very happy as he’s getting a little stir crazy at home.
SSN Insight: The key question: will viewers care if this show is good or will they be satisfied just having Michael J. Fox return to TV full-time in a comedy? We’re not sure of the answer but this pilot is solidly constructed with the usual exposition plus enough heart and humor to make viewers want to return for more. As NBC is no doubt banking on, Fox is just the guy to anchor their Thursday night comedy lineup. In fact, we’re surprised NBC didn’t schedule this show in the top of the hour 9:00pm timeslot (that slot went to the Sean Saves the World starring Sean Hayes and Linda Lavin.) The comedy pedigrees of Fox, director Will Gluck and Sam Laybourne make The Michael J. Fox Show Must See TV.
The show’s competition Thursday night at 9:30pm: Grey’s Anatomy (ABC), Glee (FOX), Two and a Half Men (CBS), Reign (The CW)