Up next to present at Upfronts weeks is ABC. ABC have done things a little differently and chosen to only release short teasers of their upcoming series. This certainly makes it more difficult to get a full picture of what we can expect from these shows. However, it does amp up the excitement and we can’t wait to see more. Here are our reviews of the 5 promos released.  

Abbott Elementary 

What it’s about: A group of dedicated teachers in a Philadelphia public school work together to help their students succeed in life despite the odds being stacked against them.  

What we think: Having worked in a school, this definitely feels very realistic. While it’s exposing some hard truths about the education system, it’s being done in such an entertaining way that I think audiences will connect well with it. With so many laughs in such a short promo, this is definitely my favourite comedy trailer from Upfronts so far and I think it is ABC’s best promo.  

Excitement Factor: 4.5/5 

Maggie 

What it’s about: A young woman is trying to cope with life as a psychic but when she suddenly sees a glimpse of her own future, Maggie is forced to start living in her own present.  

What we think: This teaser was definitely a slow burner but the twist at the end was fantastic. It’s a very intriguing premise that has a lot of promise. Unfortunately, too much time was spent on the build up and not enough on the payoff which didn’t give us a great sense on what this show would be like making it incredibly difficult to judge. It definitely increased my excitement for the show, I just wish they’d delivered more in the promo.  

Excitement Factor: 3/5 

Queen 

What it’s about: Four women reunite for a chance to recapture their fame and regain the swagger they had as the Nasty Bitches, their ’90s group that made them legends in the hip-hop world. 

What we think: At only 30 seconds, this is ABC’s shortest teaser. What they did show was brilliant and it’s obviously going to be a very fun and energetic series. The concept is very fresh and the snippets of choreography and music were great. Plus, it has serious star power – Eve, Brandy, Naturi Naughton and Nadine Velazquez all on one screen is a dream. My only complaint is that the promo is just not long enough to fully translate the show’s potential.  

Excitement Factor: 4/5 

The Wonder Years 

What it’s about: Set in the late 1960’s, focusing on a black middle-class family in Montgomery, Alabama through the point-of-view of imaginative 12-year-old boy. 

What we think: I’ve never seen the original Wonder Years so I don’t really have anything to compare this to. However, fans of the old series should be happy as Fred Savage is acting as an executive producer which provides a link to the original. Also executive producing is Lee Daniels who has a talent for making fantastic television. The cast includes the incredible Don Cheadle and Dule Hill. It seems that this has all the ingredients to be a great series and the promo serves to further solidify that. It has a wholesome and uplifting feel to it, and it seems like it will be a great family show.  

Excitement Factor: 3.5/5 

Women of the Movement 

What it’s about: Focuses on the story of Mamie Till-Mobley, who after her son Emmett is brutally murdered in the Jim Crow South, becomes an activist for justice and ignites the Civil Rights movement as we know it today. 

What we think: This series is going to be heart-breaking to watch but it’s a story that is so important and needs to be shared. The promo was really well executed and did well in showing the bond between mother and son. I can’t wait to see what the pilot delivers.  

Excitement Factor: 4/5