We’re cruising toward the end of March, and Spring and Summer are coming. Despite that, the tide of new shows is continuing. But what of these new shows are worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new shows this Winter. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Wednesdays:
Imperfect Women, Wednesdays on Apple TV (Premiered March 18)
About: This new series comes from Annie Weisman and is based on the novel of the same name from Araminta Hall. It’s focused on a trio of friends—Eleanor (Kerry Washington), Mary (Elisabeth Moss), and Nancy (Kate Mara). They’ve been friends for a long time, and we open with them gathering for a birthday party. It isn’t long before Nancy turns up dead, and the friends are plunged into the investigation. During the course of time, secrets and lies involving the trio and their families bubble to the surface. This eight-part limited series is meant to be something of a murder mystery. It features a strong cast, including Joel Kinnaman and Corey Stoll, and has a solid look. These shows come down to the mystery and the strength of the characters. This one has plenty of potential, with two episodes dropping for the premier and the rest dropping weekly. It depends on how you take to the characters and the world in the first two episodes on whether this will be a worthwhile exploration for you. I have finished all eight episodes and I have mixed feelings, but it is compelling at times.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Fridays:
Jury Duty Presents: Corporate Retreat, Fridays on Prime Video (Premiered March 20)
About: This is the second season of the hidden camera reality series. The first season centered on a fake trial and a fake jury, but one real guy on that jury. It became a modest hit. But it wasn’t likely to be repeated in the same way. So, the producers went a new way, hiring a Temp named Anthony to assist a hot sauce company that is preparing for a company retreat. Anthony is a real person who applied for a job. The rest of the company, which is fake, are actors putting on a show. The magic is in seeing where it goes and how Anthony reacts to some wild turns of event. This is a fun premise. I enjoyed the idea of the original season but tired of the antics before I reached the finish. This premise starts even stronger, likely owing to the presence of Anthony, who is such a fun and genuine guy you can’t help root for him. The first three episodes dropped Friday, with the rest of the eight-episode season dropping in batches the next two weeks. If you liked the first season, dive into the second.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: C+

Sundays:
The Faithful: Women of the Bible, Sundays at 8 p.m. on FOX (Premiered March 22)
About: Just in time for the Holy Season, Fox is launching this limited series based on women of the Bible. It follows five different women from Scripture and their place in the Biblical narrative. It is airing in two-episode chunks over three consecutive Sundays, finishing on Easter Sunday. The first two episodes focused on Sarah (Minnie Driver). It makes its way through the Biblical narrative, focused solely on the woman’s role in the story. For those that are interested in original Biblical content, this will be an interesting way to spend the Holy season. The episodes are easily digestible with a solid cast. Your interest will vary based on your connection to the Scriptural stories upon which it’s based.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

The Count of Monte Cristo, Sundays at 9 p.m. on PBS (Premiered March 22)
About: The story of The Count of Monte Cristo has been adapted many times as both films and television series. This latest is a limited series starring Sam Claflin as Edmond Dantes. The series is eight episodes, each about an hour, airing weekly on PBS. The pilot focuses on introducing the characters and the world. We meet a young Edmond who is on the cusp of marriage and his new life when he’s falsely accused of a crime and sent to prison. The rest of the series is focused on his quest for revenge once he’s free of prison. I like Claflin and I like the supporting cast. The story here is familiar, but it’s about how the story is brought to life by these actors and this performance. The look and feel of the series is strong. This should be a solid option for fans of the genre. I’m curious to see where it goes from here.
Pilot Grade: C+

The Forsytes, Sundays at 10 p.m. on PBS (Premiered March 22)
About: This new period drama for PBS is in the vein of Downton Abbey. It focuses on a wealthy family and its struggles in romance and business. The cast includes Tuppence Middleton, Jack Davenport, and Stephen Moyer, among others. The pilot focused on introducing the characters in this wealthy family and establishing some of the relationships and romance drama. The six-episode season features episodes about an hour each, airing weekly as part of the new Sunday night on PBS. For fans of a good, stiff, British period soap opera, this will be a welcome addition to the television landscape.
Pilot Grade: C

The Comeback, Sundays at 10:30 p.m. on HBO (Premiered March 22)
About: Have you missed Valerie Cherish? Valerie is the alter-ego of Lisa Kudrow, a famous actress who has hit a dry spell and is filming her comeback as a documentary. The first season aired in 2005, with a second season in 2014 and now a third and final season in 2026. Each season picks up and examines where Valerie is in her life and her attempt to jumpstart her career, with a documentary crew following close behind. This third and final season takes place now 20 years later, with Kudrow and many in the cast returning, along with some new faces. The pilot jumps right into the action. This show will hit the sweet spot for those who miss Curb Your Enthusiasm, following the same kind of plot format and situational comedy. It feels like a solid addition to the Sunday night HBO lineup, especially for fans of the first few seasons.
Pilot Grade: C

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.