We’re making our way through April, with some interesting new series making their debut. But what of these new series 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.

Thursdays:
Half Man, Thursdays at 9 p.m. on HBO Max (Premiered April 23)
About: This is the new series from creator/star Richard Gadd, who was the force behind the phenomenon Baby Reindeer. That show didn’t click for me the way it did for others, and I feel like that might end up being the case here. In the early going we’re introduced to Ruben (Gadd) and Niall (Jamie Bell). They have a past and a connection, and their meeting in a secluded place as Niall is about to get married doesn’t seem to be going well. It ends in a physical confrontation, and then we’re quickly thrown into the past. We see Ruben and Niall as teenagers, and spend the bulk of the premier episode getting to know them as younger men and seeing the unique back-and-forth dynamic they have. The episode felt slow and a bit grim. Though Bell and Gann are the stars, they are in less than a quarter of the premier episode. The series is six episodes, each running about an hour. Episodes drop weekly. If you’re looking for a darker, adversarial story, then this will appeal to you more. I was put off by the first episode and I’m not sure this series will be for me.
Pilot Grade: C-

Streaming Series:
Unchosen, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered April 21)
About: This new streaming series focuses on a young woman (Molly Windsor) who is part of a fundamentalist religious sect and wants to get out. The series includes Asa Butterfield and Christopher Eccleston in key roles. The series is six episodes, each around 45 minutes and now streaming on Netflix. The series has a unique tone and pace, but it was a bit dry. There is a lot going on here, too, including a few different storylines. It’s a shorter series which makes for a quick streaming binge, but that will depend on your interest in it. I thought it had some potential, but the first two episodes didn’t hit for me. If you’re more wedded to the genre, it might be worth the investment. But for me, this was a miss.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Hulk Hogan: Real American, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered April 22)
About: This new, four-part docuseries focuses on the life and career of professional wrestler Hulk Hogan. The first two episodes are around 45 minutes, while the last two are an hour or more. This starts at the beginning and shows Hogan’s rise, explores his family life, and follows his career through the highs and lows. Though he passed away, the series uses archival interviews from him to help flesh out the story of his life and career. I have never been a big wrestling fan, and I’m still not. So, this didn’t mean as much to me as it likely would to others. In addition, Hogan is something of a controversial figure, but this docuseries feels a bit one-sided in telling his story. It’s also a little dry. If you’re a wrestling die-hard, this might be for you. Otherwise, it’s a bit stale as a four-hour puff piece on Hogan and his exploits in and out of the ring.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C-

Stranger Things: Tales of ’85, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered April 23)
About: The original Stranger Things series is now over, but Netflix isn’t done with the world of Hawkins. This new animated series, which comes from Jennifer Muro and Eric Robles, takes place in the winter between season 2 and season 3 of the original series. It follows a few side stories involving the gang, playing out over 10, 30-minute episodes. On paper, that should be a hit. But there are some issues here. First, the series uses a whole new cast of voice actors to inhabit these familiar and beloved characters. Second, it’s very low stakes. We have three seasons of the show after this time period that tells the tale, so we know nothing big is going to happen, or happen to these characters. Finally, it’s lacking the charm and pop of the original series. It works as an homage, but it just doesn’t click the same way. I get trying to continue this world, but an original story with original characters would likely work better. I was excited about this potential concept, but it didn’t work.
Pilot Grade: C-
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.