Ana Dumaraog

Creator Josh Safran adds several twists along the way to make it one of the strongest show debuts on network TV this year.

It defies expectations by keeping the level of quality that its parent series has had throughout its run.

It doesn't have enough ties to The Big Bang Theory for old fans to be invested in, and it doesn't do enough to establish the characters separately from its predecessors for people to be fully enticed. The good news is that it ends season 1 with arguably the most interesting story set-up for season 2.

It is stripped of the more frivolous and soap opera-like storytelling tendencies of the flagship. At its core is a family fighting for a future. While Beth and Rip's love story is the show's backbone, it's rich with new narrative opportunities that could make the franchise more expansive.

Its debut run takes full advantage of everyone's chemistry with each other, not just by focusing on them individually, but by mixing and matching players depending on what the story needs. At the end of season 1, everyone has had a meaningful or fun exchange with everyone, which makes the Clyburns feel more fleshed out as a unit.

Definitely a step-up from what it did last year. It shows off a cast that's more comfortable with their characters and sets up a better future for the show.

Ultimately, it's a solid debut for Boston Blue. Despite the immense pressure, and frankly, skepticism, it's a good way to start a new show that is part of a known franchise — by balancing nostalgia and fresh content. At the very least, it's worth tuning again to next week.

The challenge for the show now is to continue building its audience to the point that CBS will keep renewing the series. For now, at least, it seems to have a bright future on broadcast TV.

The ABC procedural has a lot going on its first hour back from the 2025 summer hiatus. Yet, "Eat the Rich" doesn't feel convoluted or crammed. It features action-packed moments that are used to establish Chimney as a worthy successor of Bobby while also addressing the changing dynamics in the firehouse. .... Athena's arc in 9-1-1 season 9 is specifically interesting.

Not everyone will like 9-1-1: Nashville. Maybe some would even look down on it — a curse that network TV shows have been dealing with for years despite producing some critically-acclaimed projects like Abbott Elementary and Doctor Odyssey. But for those who enjoy a good procedural and a relaxed weekly watch, it's worth checking out based on 9-1-1: Nashville's premiere episode.