We’re into September, which means we’re rounding into the Fall TV Season. While it will be a few weeks until the full onslaught hits, there are still some new options to kickstart the month. But what of the new shows are worth checking out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Fall.

Tuesdays:
The Varnell Hill Show, Streaming Tuesdays on Paramount+ (Premiered September 1)
About: This new comedy feels like something out of a different era. And yet, it’s also a product of the streaming era in terms of the content of the series. It launched with a two-episode release on Tuesday, each running about a half an hour. It focuses on Tommy Davidson as Varnell Hill, a successful but aging host of a late-night talk show. He’s hesitant to move into the modern era, despite flagging ratings. But when he’s challenged by a new Executive Producer, and a new Network President, he has little choice but to look at adapting. The series is eight episodes, with new episodes dropping Tuesdays. It feels like the byproduct of another era, with episodes structured like a traditional network sitcom. That has been a tough nut to crack with a streaming series in the past, and likely will be here as well. Still, I like Davidson in the lead role, and I think this has some potential as entertainment, especially for those who enjoy a good sitcom.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Streaming Series:
The Airport Chaplain, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered August 26)
About: This new series for Netflix is an International production from Australia making its domestic debut. It’s an eight-episode season, each running about half an hour. It focuses on the Chaplain (Hugo Weaving) at a major airport and his unique approach to helping those who pass through his doors. He has a new supervisor (Shabana Azeez) who is looking to make changes and make her mark. They obviously clash, but along the way come to appreciate each other’s heart. At least that’s where it seems to be going. I’ve made my way through the first half of the season, and I enjoy them. The pacing is good, and the stories are engaging enough. Azeez, who is a regular on The Pitt, is solid, and Weaving is a delight in the lead role. This is a fun streaming option that makes for a quick binge option.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Dalliance, Now Streaming on Paramount+ (Premiered August 27)
About: This new series focuses on a gregarious older man, Billy (Hugo Weaving), who makes friends with a ferry boat restaurant owner (Heather Mitchell). Turns out he has a habit of making friends and soon he’s introduced his new friend to his wife (Georgie Parker). When he suddenly has a massive heart attack and dies, it leaves his wife, his new friend, and those who’ve been in his life a long-time reeling. But is there more to the story? This is another international production, this time a six-episode drama series. Still, it’s a quite a moment for international series featuring Weaving making a domestic debut. This one has some humor but also some pathos. It’s looking at people of a certain age trying to reconcile what needs to be done in their lives. I liked the pacing of the first couple episodes, and it feels like an easy enough binge watch. But it was also a bit meandering, leaving me wondering what the ultimate aim is here.
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.