We’re making our way through April and closer to the Emmy consideration window. That means some high-profile new releases making their way on screen before the window slams shut. But what of these new shows is worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Wednesdays:
The Testaments, streaming Wednesdays on Hulu (Premiered April 8)
About: This new series is based on the novel from Colleen Atwood, and is a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. It’s again set in Gilead, this time following young women who are preparing to serve as wives or leaders in the community. We meet Agnes (Chase Infiniti), the daughter of a commanders, and Daisy (Lucy Halliday), a new recruit. But not all is as it seems. This series, which again comes from Bruce Miller, features Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia and Elisabeth Moss as June. While June appears to be more of a cameo or supporting role based on the three-episode release, Aunt Lydia is a vibrant part of this world as she is in the novel. It’s a strong cast with some solid production, too. But this is also the same oppressive and violent world featured in the original. While this might be leading somewhere new, if you weren’t a fan of those vibes, this might not be your thing. Given the state of the world at the present moment, I’m not sure how much more time I need or want to spend in Gilead, no matter how talented the cast and crew may be. New episodes stream Wednesdays on the platform, each running about an hour.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Streaming Series:
Big Mistakes, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered April 9)
About: This new series comes from Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott and is a dark comedy series. The eight-episode series follows a pair of siblings (Levy and Taylor Ortega) who find themselves run afoul of organized crime. Out of their depth and facing real danger, they have to try and find a solution before it’s too late. Laurie Metcalf also stars as their beleaguered mother, while the supporting cast includes Abby Quinn, Max Innanen, and Elizabeth Perkins, among others. Levy has a unique comedic style, and he finds a solid pairing on screen with Ortega and in the writer’s room with Sennott. This has a certain style that will appeal to fans, especially those that rode with him throughout Schitt’s Creek. This is a nice swing for Netflix that will likely land for fans of darker comedies. But if you’re not a fan of this style, then it might not work as well for you. Either way, it’s a low-barrier and quick streaming binge.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

The Miniature Wife, Now Streaming on Peacock (Premiered April 9)
About: This new drama for Peacock centers on a married couple going through a rough stretch. Les (Matthew Macfadyen) is scientist on the verge of a breakthrough. But he needs more funding, and he’s close to landing a deal to do just that. His wife, Lindy (Elizabeth Banks), is a writer in a bit of a professional funk who is also having an affair. It’s just before Christmas, and while Les is preparing to pour into his work, Lindy is ready to leave. Just then, an accident involving his work shrinks her to doll size, leaving Les with big problems. Hilarity ensues. Or maybe black comedy? It’s clear the series would like to get to one or the other, but none of it really comes together. It’s a good cast, including O-T Fagbenle, Zoe Lister Jones, and Aasif Mandvi, but the story just falls flat. The comedy bits don’t quite land. The darker stuff doesn’t feel like it fits the tone right. And beyond that, the concept loses its luster within the first episode. But this is a 10-episode season, all between 40 minutes and an hour. So, while it makes for an OK binge, you might not be invested enough to get that far. I was curious based on the premise and the cast, but the pilot was a disjointed mess. The second episode was a touch better, but not enough to keep the premise vibrant and moving forward. It’s a big swing, I just wish it was better.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-

Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, Now Streaming on Hulu (Premiered April 10)
About: Back in the early 2000s, Malcolm in the Middle was a staple of the comedy landscape. It featured a strong cast and a unique story following a quirky family. It ran seven seasons, ending in 2006. Many of the cast—led by Bryan Cranston—went on to other high-profile projects. Now, 20 years later, the cast is back for a reunion. It centers on Hal (Cranston) and Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) preparing for their 40th anniversary party. All the kids are grown and a part of the party planning—except Malcolm (Frankie Muniz). It turns out that Malcolm has been leading a secret life as he tries to live his best life away from his family. That includes hiding a teenage daughter (Keely Karsten) and a new girlfriend (Kiana Madeira). When the secret comes out, Malcolm is forced to confront his lies, and his family, as they gather for the party. This reunion series is four episodes, each about a half an hour, making for a quick binge. In fact, in some ways it plays more like a reunion film than a series. It’s fun to see all these characters back in action and where they are 20 years later. The cast is great, and the performances are fun. Cranston in particular seems to be thriving in a return to this role that feels a bit different from his more recent and iconic projects. If you were a fan of the original series, you’ll have fun with this return to the world of Malcolm and his crazy family.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: 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.