Seasons: 1 season, 4 episodes. Starring: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Kelly Bishop, Scott Patterson, Milo Ventimiglia, Keiko Agena, Liza Weil, Jared Padalecki, Sean Gunn, Matt Czuchry, and Melissa McCarthy. Description: Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is set back in the original location of Stars Hollow, with each episode taking place during a different season over the course of a year. The mini-series provided viewers with some much-needed answers to some old plotlines and cliffhangers and brings the viewer right back to where it all started. The unceremonious ending of season 7 left viewers with lots of questions, so this set about answering them.
Why it’s lukewarm: Despite providing the answers the viewers so desperately wanted and bringing the storyline of Emily and Lorelai to a beautiful conclusion, it felt like there was some unevenness to other storylines. For Gilmore Girls lovers, this is a must-watch that they will love from beginning to end, but as a standalone season, it doesn’t light that spark.
Friends From College (SO-SO)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 16 episodes. Starring: Keegan-Michael Key, Cobie Smulders, Annie Parisse, Fred Savage, Jae W. Suh, and Nat Faxon. Description: Friends from College is about a group of friends who reunite 20 years after graduation. Some friendships can go the distance, but it becomes clear that this once close-knit group of friends has changed, and some are not the people they used to be. As they reconnect, they learn that life has not become any easier with age.
Why it’s lukewarm: The main problem with this show are the weak plot lines, which is a shame, since the ensemble cast high-caliber actors that are wasted on this script. There are of course moments where you identify with the characters and the events going on around them. But somehow, it’s not enough.
Altered Carbon (SO-SO)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 18 episodes. Starring: Joel Kinnaman, James Purefoy, and Renée Elise Goldsberry. Description: Altered Carbon was created by Laeta Kalogridis and based on the book of the same name set 300 years into the future. This is an epic sci-fi drama set in a futuristic version of San Francisco’s Bay City. In this world, humans can extract memories and consciousness into a device called a cortical stack, which is then implanted into the back of the neck. This means that when humans die, they could, theoretically, remove the stack and re-implant it in a clone, essentially giving them immortality. The story features an elite soldier by the name of Takeshi Kovac who is given the opportunity at a new life if he can solve a crime.
Why it’s lukewarm: A lot is going on with Altered Carbon and as a result, it never really takes off. There is a lot of potential for a great show, but the characters are not sufficiently developed, and the plot is difficult to follow. Altered Carbon promises brilliance but doesn’t deliver.
Santa Clarita Diet (SO-SO)
Seasons: 3 seasons, 30 episodes Starring: Drew Barrymore, Timothy Olyphant, Liv Hewson, Skyler Gisondo, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and Richard T. Jones. Description: The show is set in the suburb of Santa Clarita, and follows the life of a married couple named Joel and Sheila. Things take a turn when Sheila is infected by a mysterious zombie virus that forces her to turn into a cannibal in order to stay alive. Her family intervenes to try and help her, and together they must deal with all kinds of difficult situations, which include a lot of blood, guts, and gore. This show is not for the faint-hearted.
Why it’s lukewarm: The Santa Clarita Diet is another show that is full of potential but doesn’t really take off. The cast is top class, and the premise is excellent, but there isn’t quite enough bite to keep it going. The script tries to be comedic and witty but fails to consistently deliver, and leaves viewers not entirely satisfied. It is, however, easy to watch and perfectly binge-worthy.
Atypical (SO-SO)
Seasons: 4 seasons, 38 episodes Starring: Keir Gilchrist, Michael Rapaport, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Brigette Lundy-Paine. Description: Atypical follows the life of a boy named Sam, who is on the spectrum. As you might imagine, Sam gets himself into all kinds of awkward situations, especially when he decides he wants to become more independent and find himself a girlfriend. Atypical joins Sam on this journey of self-discovery, with all the twists and turns along the way.
Why it’s lukewarm: Although the premise is not particularly original, there is something about it that we find heartwarming and lovable. Sam, for all his awkwardness, is an endearing character in which the viewer quickly feels invested.