Smash Watch out Glee, there’s a new gay musical show in town, and it’s actually good. With an already well-received pilot, Smash sashays onto the scene with strong female leads, fresh cinematography, and, surprise!, enough flair to fund two pride parades and a comeback for The L Word. Kidding, it’s not that sassy, but the pilot’s a strong showing that proves Smash will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming season. So stick that in your bedazzled pipe and smoke it. [Mondays at 10 on NBC; you can watch the pilot in full on nbc.com, or download that ish for free on iTunes]
30 Rock Returning for its sixth season, 30 Rock’s already had a pretty strong showing in its first few episodes. Liz Lemon is more awkward than ever, and the guest stars keep on coming. While rumor has it Alec Baldwin’s signed on for another season, one never knows how long a show’s gonna last past season 6, so savor it while you can. [Watch it Thursdays at 8 PM on NBC]
Alcatraz A handful of episodes deep, this new thriller from the brilliant, albeit twisted, mind of J.J. Abrams just might have a shot of coming close to his true masterpiece, Lost. Part procedural crime bonanza, part typical Abrams mindfuck, Alcatraz hits its stride in the second hour of its premier, so don’t give up. [Mondays at 9 PM on Fox]
The Walking Dead Just back from its midseason hiatus, The Walking Dead promises to continue its tradition of heartbreak, child death, and, of course, requisite gory zombie murder. Since the series’ premiere last year, The Walking Dead has been one to watch, and in our opinion, one of the best shows on TV. And it’s got more pus and violence than you can shake a dismembered arm at. [Sundays at 9PM on AMC]
The River Though called “indicative of ABC’s post-Lost flailing” by HuffPo, we here at Street think you should give The River a chance. The love child of the recent glut of “found footage” films (re: Cloverfield, Paranormal Activity, etc.), The River forgoes the over-the-top gore of American Horror Story for more drawn out, atmospheric scares. From the writers of the Paranormal Activity films, the series has good genes, and its freaky setting and persistent gloom seems strangely enticing. [Catch The River Tuesdays at 9PM on ABC]
