As we make our way through November, the number of new shows is dropping. But the amount of time you have for new shows might also be dropping. So, 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 Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Streaming Series:
Bass x Machina, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered November 3)
About: This new series is an adult, animated series. It is set in the old west, but it’s an alternative old west where the culture is dominated by new technology. Still, the same danger and the same rough country exists. Into all that comes Bass Reeves (Brian Tyree Henry), who is a bounty hunter. He was injured in the war, losing an arm that’s been replaced with a technologically advanced arm that he can use as a weapon. He wants to retire to care for his family, but he needs money. So, he agrees to one last job to find a scientist lost in the badlands. If he succeeds, he’ll earn $1,000 and a permanent post as a U.S. Marshal. The series is six episodes, with the first running 40 minutes and subsequent episodes running around a half an hour. It makes for a quick binge. I liked the idea for the series and the way it was constructed. We are getting plenty of adult animated series lately, and they have varied in topic, quality, and interest. This is one of the better ones I’ve seen of late, with a real comic book quality. It also feels a bit like True Grit in the best way. For fans of the genres, this will be worth diving into.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: B-

The Greatest, Now Streaming on Prime Video (Premiered November 4)
About: This is a new docudrama about Cassius Clay (Jaalen Best). By now, most people have heard of Clay, who later changed his name to Muhammed Ali. Most people know about his style, his media presence, and how his career turned out. This goes back to 1960, starting with his victory in the Olympics, and following the rise of his career. That includes the politics of the time and the family dynamics that helped shape him, his approach to the world, and his career. The series is produced by Michael B. Jordan and has a strong cast including Omari Hardwick as his father, Giovanni Ribisi as Angelo Dundee, and Michael Ealy as Malcolm X. The series is eight episodes, all between 45 minutes and an hour. It makes for a quick enough binge watch as all episodes are now available to stream. For those who love a good docudrama and a good sports story, this will be worth diving into. It’s always fun to see Cassius Clay’s story on screen.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: C+

It Gets Worse, Now Streaming on Paramount+ (Premiered November 6)
About: This new comedy focuses on three friends (Emily Fairn, Olive Gray, and Leo Reich) who met in college and now are trying to navigate life in London without steady jobs in their late 20s. It’s a comedy about life, love, and friendship. At least that’s how it’s billed. Each episode focuses on one of the core characters and their story, although all three are a focus of the episodes. The episodes run about 24 minutes, making for a quick enough binge. It’s an edgy sort of comedy and edgy sort of characters that certainly won’t appeal to everyone. I wasn’t taken with the characters or the narrative here. I thought it made for a tough watch that made the first two episodes feel longer than the running time. This is the kind of series we see frequently on the air for HBO—even including a Lena Dunham cameo in the second episode—but this wasn’t the greatest example of the form.
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.