Creators Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault get plenty of laughs this time around, but it’s often because the actors have crafted such full Christopher Guest-like characters. These suspects have layers and they’re infinitely worth peeling away.

Running just seven episodes, “Run” makes a strong case for short-term series. Stopping when it should, not when producers think it can’t be squeezed anymore, the half-hour series rarely lags, even when some twists seem forced. Waller-Bridge created the template for something like this. Now, Jones borrows the playbook and two extremely talented actors make it worth the risk.

A simple check of Google could tell you how this all turns out but it’s fascinating to see how McNamara bends the narrative to fit the message.

That they’re both gone without realizing the full impact they made is probably the saddest part of a very fun journey. Bloom and Stevens didn’t miss a beat.

There’s a fairy tale quality to a story that constantly twists and turns. Like Victor LaValle’s novel, it manages to touch on a number of issues and secrets. When it ties this story to other, classic books, “The Changeling” really shines. Stanfield, too, is the best man to play the game.

Written by Dan Fogelman, Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, the new musical miniseries on ABC has so many clever bits and witty songs you’ll think someone wrote a sequel to “Spamalot.”

While the first two episodes of season two are too enamored with getting players in place (particularly since season one ended with a house cleaning), “The Morning Show” does pick up steam and gets everything from the Iowa Caucuses to a visit to Wuhan in the picture. ... Crudup, though, is the heart of this world. As corrupt as he may be, he’s worth following.

The deck is stacked against the fledgling money launderers. How they maneuver around their detractors is still “Ozark’s” biggest strength. Couple that with the one-two punch of Linney and Pelphrey, and this is a compelling season worth binging.

Of the recent reboots, Roseanne fares better than most because it has allowed its characters to change. The political discussion jars a bit (was the series always this pointed?) but the family bonding holds no matter who’s in crisis mode. ... Executive Producer Bruce Helford (who was fired from the original at one point) has done his homework and found a way to make this stand on its own and pay tribute to the past.

The seventh season--subtitled “Cult”--is among the most smartly written and addictive.

Based on Gene Luen Yang’s award-winning graphic novel, “ABC” expands his concept and uses its panels as storyboards for something much greater. It works.

While Pardo is a super lure into the world of the Mayans, it’s the fringe characters who make us want to see more. ... “Sons” fans will view this as a similar ride, only in a different gear. Where the potholes and speedbumps exist remains to be seen. For now, though, the road is open. Mayans M.C. appears to be on track and ready for a long, long ride.

Like an unexpected present, “Modern Love” contains plenty of reasons to smile.

Because it looks at the selling of a superhero (come on, there’s even a class in branding), “Gen V” is pulling out a different rug than “The Boys.” Both are fairly subversive (and violent) but this one has an easier way in.

While this “One Day at a Time” isn’t as revolutionary as Lear’s early offerings (“All in the Family” is still the gold standard), it does move the needle on a number of issues. It also shows fans know better than executives.

Yes, The Mayo Clinic does get bogged down in classic photos moving in and out (a Burns hallmark). But its success stories help drive home those very lessons William Mayo wanted to impress upon his peers. It’s a great elevator speech for a business that doesn’t really need one.

All the Way works because Cranston is so determined to make Johnson relatable. He shows there’s more to the guy than baling wire and spit. Best of all, he isn’t afraid to let him look weak and afraid.

The series may have been a dandy offering during the pandemic (if you didn’t binge it then, you should now), but it’s a good digestif for the world we’re in now.

The Bridge doesn't overwhelm with information--as too many cable shows do--but it does shock with revelations that fit nicely into the gameplan. Kruger and Bechir are fine leads, too.

It’s a funny special, but it’s also a brutally honest one.

Filled with outrageous supporting characters and a quirkiness that befits the subjects, “Pam & Tommy” thrives on the performances of its two leads.

That’s the thrust of the fourth season – people making bold moves. After two years of life without the Maisels it’s a welcome change.

It’s better than an unadvertised special and more fun than a deep discount on Black Friday.

Fun to watch. ... Even though it goes too far with its secret rooms and hostage situations, it makes you want others to be kept in the dark. “You” started with a bang and, thankfully, it’s still firing solid kill shots.

Ominous, creepy and utterly engaging, The Strain is like the perfect drive-in movie.

Yes, the series has humor (Applegate is too nuanced to let that go), but it’s not the laughfest you expect from something labeled “sitcom.” This is more ironic.

The four lead vampires feed on pretense and find laughs in something as simple as hissing. But it’s Guillen and Feldstein who bring the spice.

White uses sly humor throughout the series and gets his best results from Bartlett, who unravels in unusual ways. He captures the manager’s approach beautifully and has plenty of fun getting even.

“Coastal Elites” is a powerful 90 minutes with five actors who know how to make each moment count. You may not agree with the political points some espouse, but you will respect the heart that’s behind them.

An absorbing, intelligent new drama that gives the Batman mythology one more layer of depth.

While “The Pitt” hits familiar notes (overcrowding is still a problem; understaffing is a given), it benefits from the “24” approach to storytelling. After one episode, it’s impossible to leave the “day in the life.” Binging is a likely diagnosis.

It slips into a world you probably never knew (or cared about) and finds a way to make you utterly invested.

Caplan’s narration guides the journey and makes the trip rewarding. When she and Brody get a minute to size up their friend, “Fleishman” does more to capture the value of friendship than any number of episodes of “Friends.”

The laughs aren’t as rapid-fire as they were in “Veep,” but they are plentiful. Gad perfects that smarmy billionaire; Suzy Nakamura is ideal as his common law assistant. ... Laurie is ideal at the helm – even when the story seems like it’s rudderless. He plays captain in a way you wouldn’t think and handles disaster like Jean-Luc Picard never would. Make it so? “Avenue 5” does.

It’s likely this could have a good long run, particularly since Scott is so smart and approachable and Reynolds is so deliciously low. ... It’s easily one of those shows that could go the distance. It’s far better than some of the network’s retreads and it’s much more interesting with the producer’s well-written asides. This “Don’t” is a big do.

Witherspoon, who practically owns the franchise on uptight white women, gives this one an even bigger nudge. At times, “Little Fires” looks like a Marc Cherry potboiler. Washington, meanwhile, reacts like she’s in something more significant. That pull adds to the story’s allure and pushes our sympathies to others. ... “Little Fires Everywhere” doesn’t have the heft of “Pretty Little Lies,” but it should spark discussions about privilege, race and expectations.

Highly addictive, it quickly makes you want to find out what happens to Lavinia Peck-Foster, the first lady of East Peck and her legal team.

Because there are so many supporting characters just waiting to break out (keep an eye on Kia Stevens’ Welfare Queen), GLOW has an urgency it may have lacked in the first season. ... Still, it’s the women in the ring who prove irresistible. GLOW isn’t the laugh-a-minute comedy you might expect, but a stealthy character study just waiting to pounce.

In the fifth episode of the season, Crashing hits a peak, particularly since it lets Audrie Neenan offer her own take on his work--and his choice in women. She’s a jewel as mom and a perfect foil for Wise and Holmes. ... If there’s a drawback to this season, it’s the length. Easily, Crashing could have stretched a couple more episodes and shown the aftermath of life in the big leagues.

While Dotrice and others add dimension to the story, the miniseries’ success comes down to the two main characters. Grant is oily and confident; Whishaw is seductive and afraid. The combination is combustible and quite watchable when the two appear in court together.

While the first season surprised with behind-the-scenes talk (and action) among the superheroes, it didn’t have the depth this one does.

While the season takes time (and some close listening) to take off, it’s in play by episode two and ripe with possibilities for spin-off series, should “Ted Lasso” end its run after this season.

The opening episode has plenty of what fans love most – revenge, romance and remorse. ... Even though there’s plenty of “Dallas” maneuvering, you can see why the Paramount Network series is so popular. These characters don’t really care what others think. They press on and leave plenty in their wake.

While “Gemstones” doesn’t bite the religious hand quite the way it did in previous seasons, it does conclude without a big sermon. Aimee-Leigh might have delivered the message in song. But the way Jesse, Judy and Kelvin do it is quite good – and just the farewell we need until they return with a big “Gemstones” movie.

This “Feud” is like a phone tree, adding strength as it pushes out. Hollander knows how to get under Capote's skin. He just never makes him likable enough to justify the women’s attention even in the good days. Where “Feud” succeeds is in recreating the world they inhabited.

The show’s writing is sharp and smart; its acting is clever and curt. Toss in that casino wild card and you’ve got a season that’s just as remarkable as the first.

The new series has enough hallmarks of the old to please O.G. viewers and snag new ones. Key to much of the new fun is how exacting Thiele is at suggesting the younger Henrie. He’s a dead ringer for the dad and a fine comedian. Brown has hints of Gomez but she’s blazing her own trail, particularly since we’re not sure where she’s from or why she’s here.

Thanks to some inspired choreography by Christopher Gattelli, “Schmigadoon!” is as excitable as its exclamation point and just as worthy.

Directed by Brian Volk-Weiss, the often irreverent documentary moves as quickly as a roller coaster and excites twice as much.

When it achieves its loftier goals, it’s usually quiet. Hunnam, in fact, is best when he doesn’t speak. He can convey plenty with looks, simple gestures. Katey Sagal is potent, too, as Jax’s mom and the queen of the SOA.

“The Righteous Gemstones” clicks along for a couple of episodes, then hits high gear when Walton Goggins shows up as Baby Billy Freeman, Eli’s late wife’s brother. ... Tossing him – a propane tank of emotions – into a volatile mix like this enhances what already was a comic firestorm.

“Back to the Frontier” may not be as titillating as “Naked and Afraid,” but it’s one reality show that certainly shows what happens when the shine is off the rose. It’s a keeper.

It’s looser--and smarter--and it could just make believers out of those who never joined the conversation in the first place.

Like life, it unfolds in quirky ways. Knowing Dunham, its ending will leave questions: Will we get to see what great work comes from her character's experiences? Easily, this could be the "Go Set a Watchman" for something more.

It’s a magnetic production, one that’s filled with precious performances that sparkle.

The joy, though, is listening to Roberts’ Chanel Oberlin bark at her minions and security officer Denise Hemphill (a brilliant Niecy Nash) savor the show’s writing. They’re funny in a fresh, interesting way that fits nicely with Murphy’s social commentary.

Fey and Carlock constantly keep audience members on their toes, thrusting ideas that sound so wacky they’d never work. And yet they do.

If you’ve never seen Casual, start from the beginning, don’t jump into next week’s conclusion. Alex’s arrested development doesn’t make sense without the fun he derives in the first season. Similarly, Laura seems cold at the start of the fourth season, not the product of an environment. Streaming from the beginning (and, really, there aren’t that many episodes) will give you an appreciation for what the creative team has accomplished.

Aptly named, Genius is kinetic.

It’s sexy, sizzling and silly, all at one time.

In addition to some of the stars of the original “High School Musical,” this year’s farewell brings back characters from three previous seasons. Much of the show’s fun is seeing how they work their way in.

Running seven hours, “Mare of Easttown” often exchanges action for atmosphere. A few more cases could have pushed this along, but it does engage. Winslet never falters, making “Easttown” seem like the place she was born, raised and disappointed. Peters and Smart are great sparring partners but Mare is the deserving main attraction. Winslet is the reason.

When Federle brings in the North High cast (also competing for the big “Menkie” award for school productions), “HSMTMTS” becomes much more complex than any of its predecessors. ... “HSMTMTS” may have the longest title of any series on television, but it earns each of its consonants.

That loopy quality is what makes “WWDITS” so fun. Just when you think it’s headed down a familiar path, it pivots and finds a new vein.

It recalls some of the better standup specials of the past decade. It hits on those R-rated topics she’s good at addressing and it lets her weigh in on the problems women face in Hollywood.

Silicon Valley is good. But “Silicon Valley 2.0” is going to be even better.

Like “A Different World,” the “Cosby Show” spin-off, “grown-ish” moves to its own beat. While it, too, tries to be socially conscious, it doesn’t force its message.

“TF&TWS” feels right now, even though it was originally scheduled to come before “WandaVision.” After that ground-breaking series cleansed the palate, it’s good to have something this lavish popping on home screens. Mackie and Stan deserve the attention. We saw that in earlier films when they got to banter. Now, they’re in the drivers’ seats.

Directed by David Semel, the first episode (now available on Amazon) sets a visual tone that immediately sets this apart from other thrillers.... By the second episode, you’ll want to know who’s really good and who’s bad and how the latter will meet their untimely deaths.

How Harjo will end the series is anyone’s guess. Easily, the town could continue on with other stories, other protagonists. The four friends, however, were the lure that brought us in. No doubt, their exit will be emotional. If there’s a lesson to be learned from the journey, it’s this: Great stories are everywhere. It just requires someone to give them light.

Enjoy hearing the pitch. Bayer sells it with gusto. Shannon embraces it with heart. And Lewis kills it will excellence. Just when you thought you didn’t need another addictive series, “I Love That For You” steps in and tells you supplies are limited.

The Deuce isn’t an easy watch, but it is a telling one. By the time the hairstyles and polyester settle down, it’s ready to explain how the industry took hold, what elements were at play and, essentially, who is teaching syllogisms and who’s crafting them.

“Cheer” isn’t so much a new take on an old story as it is proof there’s drama wherever two or more gather. It’s an addicting reality show that will make you think twice the next time you see someone accomplish something amazing.

Sweet, in a “Mike & Molly” way.

Watch those supporting actors. They’re Tony winners and highly skilled.

The retro feel of ABC comedies is wearing thin; the kids, though, are cute.

Considering he [Walton Goggins] has played some of the most offbeat characters on TV, this is a switch and, at times, a heartwarming journey.

“Harts” lets you have a helping of the lifestyle you loved in “King of the Hill.”

With a little elbow grease, some long hours and good support from Willis (who should have been in a series long before this) Moonlighting could well go into overtime. [01 Mar 1985, p.B13]

While “Tell Me Lies” isn’t as complex as “Normal People,” a fascinating look at similar changes, it does hold interest, particularly since all of the students have plenty of time to dabble in things that don’t require a paper at the end of the term.

Leaning into the community (what are Oregon’s strengths, for example) and showing Joyce out in it, would give “St. Denis” the specificity it needs. It’s a fun half-hour. It just needs to uncover situations everyone can identify.

Like the comedians, the scripts try too hard. Once the stage is set (and those conceits are out of the way), I’m Dying starts to breathe and draw us in.

What gets lost, though, is the camaraderie of the dissidents. It’s still around, but so much time is spent showing Homelander railing at everyone, it doesn’t give them their due – at least not in the early episodes. ... But the beauty of “The Boys” is you just never know where it’s headed.

While Adams and McDorman dominate, they’re not the only ones to watch. The other five get their moments; their families do, too.

By the time the first episode ends, “The Leftovers” has planted enough interest to make you want to stick around. By the time the third installment unfolds, the action really heats up.

Ford and Regalbuto aren’t given enough new things to do and Charles Kimbrough (who played Jim Dial) checks in long enough to let you know he’s still around. The mother/son angle is the show’s best. ... But it’s English’s smart writing that will keep them [viewers] around.

It's bursting with ideas initially but once it leans into to specifics it becomes the series you may just want to embrace. Barinholtz and Wonders are great support; O'Hara may well have found her new "Schitt's Creek." Rogen, though, needs a chill pill.

“She-Hulk,” in fact, is probably the most network-like series Marvel has produced. It goes for the quick laughs, embraces a cavalcade of bizarre guest stars and lets Maslany play both sides of her Priscilla Presley hairdo.

“SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night” is a fascinating dissection of the series’ later years. .... “More Cowbell” makes a little too much out of the sketch (particularly when there are others that deserve the micro-surgery) but it shows how that defining moment can be the difference between success and failure.

Episodes isn’t made for mass viewing. Its world is too insular (even for the biggest television fan); its take on success is limited. But LeBlanc is a good sport and Mangan and Greig are too good to be limited to British series.

This is a very quirky, specific world that could repel the very people who might love it. It's a slow go but if you're not in a hurry, it might be worth dropping by.

Making It isn’t as heavy as you’d like but it does cut the clutter of talking heads and political spin. It’s very low-key. So low-key, in fact, you suspect someone will decide to use the felt to make the kind of puppets that populated “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Or a very special edition of “Ya Heard? With Perd!”

While Rauch was the one who got the laughs on “The Big Bang Theory,” she’s largely the set-up person here. ... Larroquette, however, isn’t just stunt casting. He delivers. ... De Beaufort and Talwalkar are largely window dressing in the opener but they become active participants as the series unfolds. ... Lacretta, though, has the ability to steal every scene she’s in.

While Vicious plots don’t stick, they do entertain.

Veep doesn’t have as many pointed one-liners as it did in the past (could the absence of creator Armando Iannucci be the reason?) but it still boasts a cast that’s as sharp as ever. The addition of John Slattery as a possible love interest is clever, but some installments get bogged down by a parade of guest stars trying to share a bit of the fun.

Falco is such a nuanced actress she could elicit tears from a blank script. Anna Deavere Smith (as her boss) provides some challenge but most of the other actors are pushovers. Chestnut's addition could give her the resistance she needs.

The show's producers don't veer too far from the reality mold in crafting their series. They get a lot of plot and character in the first hour but if they're counting on a revelation every week, they could be forcing the story.

While none of the jokes land with the same precision as "Veep's", they do play in the same pool. If Kudrow had been given more screen time, she just might have made this zing as well as "The Comeback."