It’s that time of year again. Upfronts week has arrived. For the next few days, networks will unveil their Fall television line-up and deliver promos for new series. As always, NBC have started things off, bringing trailers for a legal drama and two comedies.  

Bluff City Law

What’s it about: Despite their tumultuous relationship, a brilliant lawyer agrees to join her father’s law firm that specialises in controversial landmark civil rights cases so she can change the world for the better. 

What we think: It’s a pretty standard promo with everything you come to expect from a legal drama: a tough case that has the odds stacked against the good guys, speeches about changing the world, a lawyer getting angry at a judge, and an uplifting ballad in the background.  It’s not a bad trailer, it just didn’t show anything we haven’t seen before. However, that’s not to say the show isn’t worth a watch. There is a great dynamic between the father and daughter which will be exciting to see play out, and it has a fantastic cast including the very talented Jimmy Smits. It will be interesting to see if the show can stand out against the other legal dramas premiering this year. 

Excitement factor: 3/5

Perfect Harmony

What’s it about: A former Princeton music professor accidentally stumbles into a church choir practice made up of out of tune singers and agrees to help them become better. 

What we think: NBC are the champions of delivering strong comedies and judging from the promo it seems they may have found their latest hit with this show. It had that perfect balance of laughs and heart, with an interesting group of characters and some catchy musical numbers. It seems as if it could be Glee meets Pitch Perfect meets Sister Act, and that sounds like a winning combo. There’s not a lot I can find wrong with this trailer – in fact I’d say it is NBC’s best. Here’s hoping that the pilot can live up to such a brilliant promo. 

Excitement factor: 4.5/5

Sunnyside

What’s it about: A former New York City Councilman finds his calling when he is hired by a diverse group of immigrants to help them become American citizens. 

What we think: From the moment I saw Michael Schur’s name attached to this show, I knew to be excited. This is the man that brought us Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Good Place, so he knows how to deliver great comedy. The promo started off a bit slow as it tried to get across the show’s concept but by the end it was giving signs as to why this could be Schur’s next big success. It had solid jokes that landed, a funny cast who share good chemistry, and a strong lead in Kal Penn. Most importantly, it is an original and fresh idea for a show which is vital in a television landscape that is oversaturated with comedies. 

Excitement factor: 4/5