We’ve made it to March, and that means we’re seeing new shows on streaming, cable, and on networks as the traditional TV season has begun. With all the shows flying at you, it can be hard to know where to start. Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this winter. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks!

Tuesdays:
Shogun, Streaming Tuesdays on Hulu (Premiered February 27)
About: The latest from FX is a new version of Shogun, based on the novel from James Clavell. It was originally adapted as a mini-series in 1980 and now it’s got new life as a modern mini-series. It follows an English sailor, John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) whose ships crashes into Japan in the 1600. It’s a somewhat closed society that has established trading only with the heavily Catholic Portuguese. John’s ship is decidedly Protestant, creating some religious conflict with the others from the Western hemisphere. Meanwhile, the Japan they find is in turmoil. Their leader has died, and his son has not yet come of age, leaving five Lords in a tenuous partnership atop the ruling structure. One of those, Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), finds himself in a precarious position among his co-horts. He sees something in John, and the possibility of broadening the world. The first two episodes of a 10-episode season dropped Tuesday, with subsequent episodes dropping weekly. The production is incredible. You can see the time and money spent creating the sets and costumes. The performances are strong, and the world-building matches the scope of the production. It’s one of the best pilots I’ve seen so far in 2024 and should make for an excellent, and compelling limited series.
Pilot Grade: A-
Second Episode: B+

Thursdays:
Elsbeth, Thursdays at 10 p.m. on CBS (Premiered February 29)
About: From Robert and Michelle King, this new series joins the CBS Thursday night lineup. It feels like a strong fit. The series centers on Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston), a lawyer from Chicago brought to New York as an outside observer for the New York Police Department. This comes as the result of a ruling, leaving the force open to extra scrutiny. Right away, Elsbeth brings a unique style and perspective. She’s a great observer, but can she make this job work as she helps the department solve cases? This series is a mixture of comedy and drama, with the pilot indicating we’ll be leaning a little harder on the former than the latter. There’s a case-of-the-week format in addition to hints about an over-arching mystery. I enjoyed Preston in the lead role and the supporting cast includes solid performers like Wendell Pierce. There’s potential in the series, and it fits well with the comedies and So Help Me Todd, which serve as the first part of the Thursday lineup. I’m curious to see what the series does in episode two.
Pilot Grade: C+

Fridays:
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, Streaming Fridays on Apple TV+ (Premiered March 1)
About: The latest comedy from Apple TV+ sees Noel Fielding playing the legendary Dick Turpin, who was a highwayman working in England in the 1700s. While it’s based on a real historical figure and his exploits, this isn’t your typical biographical series. It’s a wildly comedic take. The series is six episodes, with the first two out Friday and the rest dropping weekly. Fielding is having fun in the lead role and there are some laughs. It’s wild, weird, and decidedly British. The supporting cast includes some strong performers, notably Hugh Bonneville, who serves as Dick Turpin’s primary adversary. His straight-man line readings were among my favorite parts of the first two episodes that dropped Friday. If you’re into this style comedy, this will be a good draw. Otherwise, it felt a bit too eclectic for me.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Sundays:
The Regime, Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered March 3)
About: The newest drama from HBO is a six-episode limited series that finds Kate Winslet as the Chancellor of an unnamed European nation that is in the midst of a crisis. The series comes from Will Tracy, who wrote for Succession and the script for The Menu. The series has a pilot directed by Stephen Frears, who directs three of the six episodes of the series. Episodes run about an hour, with a tone that’s somewhere between drama and comedy, albeit a dark and odd sort of comedy. The series focuses on Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts), a soldier part of a unit that fell into disgrace following a violent clash with citizens. Now, he’s been plucked to be an aide to the Chancellor, who has some quirks. After a bit of back-and-forth, he seems to earn her trust and makes a bold suggestion that alters the course of her administration. This is a strange premise that could be leading somewhere interesting. That’s to come. For the pilot, it was certainly a strange experience. Winslet, Schoenaerts and the rest of the cast do a nice job. But it’s in service of a story that’s more odd than compelling in the pilot presentation. I like the pedigree and potential, but it remains to be seen how this develops.
Pilot Grade: C

Streaming Series:
Iwaju, Now Streaming on Disney+ (Premiered February 28)
About: The new animated series from Disney+ is a collaboration between Disney Animation and Kugali. It’s an original limited series set in the near future in Lagos, Nigeria. It focuses on a young girl, Tola (Simisola Gbadamosi), who dreams of seeing the world. Instead, her father, an inventor, keeps her safe on their private island mansion. When she convinces her friend, a young boy, Kole (Siji Soetan), who works at their home to show her the city, they fall into an evil henchman’s plan. This series is six episodes, ranging from 25 to 17 minutes in length. The entire six-episode series runs about 119 minutes, making it a quick binge. It’s brightly colored and has a story with endearing characters and plenty of heart. I loved the series and think it will be a hit for anyone who is a fan of a great story. It’s well worth checking out.
Pilot Grade: B+
Second Episode: B+

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.