Upfronts 2024: The US networks will be showing these new series in the upcoming season

The Upfronts are a major annual event in the USA. The four major US networks ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC present their programme for the coming season this week. Of course, this also includes the new series that the broadcasters have ordered. It was that time again last week. A total of 16 new series were announced for the 2024/25 season. I will briefly introduce you to these series here. I'll divide them roughly into comedy (20 minutes running time per episode) and drama (40 minutes running time per episode).

It is important to know, however, that there is no known start date for German-speaking countries or Europe. Sooner or later, these series will usually also be shown on television or even on a streaming service. The streaming giants Amazon and Netflix have also held their own upfronts. In due course, my colleague Luca will introduce you to the series announced in the streaming highlights.

"Brilliant Minds" (NBC / Drama)

The medical drama "Brilliant Minds" is inspired by the life of British neurologist and author Oliver Sacks. At the centre of the series is Dr Corey Wolf (Zachary Quinto), a gifted surgeon who uses unorthodox methods. At the same time, his genius in the operating theatre is clouded by his impulsive and non-conformist behaviour. Together with a team of equally talented and unconventional doctors, Dr Wolf battles complex medical cases and his own inner demons at the same time. The series explores the tensions between genius and madness, compassion and egotism, and the relentless pressures of everyday hospital life. Other cast members include Tamberla Perry, Edward Sears, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs and Spence Moore II. The author of the series is Michael Grassi.

"Doc" (Fox / Drama)

"Doc" is based on the Italian medical series "Doc - It's in your hands". Chief physician Dr Amy Elias (Molly Parker) suffers a serious head injury in a car accident. She loses the past eight years from her memory. She doesn't know anything about her divorce, her new love or why she pushed everyone around her away. Despite her amnesia, she tries to continue working as a doctor, even though she now lacks years of experience. She can only rely on the few friends she has left: Among them is her 17-year-old daughter, whom she only knows as a little nine-year-old girl. Parker is joined by Omar Metwally, Amirah Vann, Jon Ecker, Anya Banerjee, Scott Wolf and Patrick Walker.

"Doctor Odyssey" (ABC / Drama)

The series "Doctor Odyssey" comes from the successful producer Ryan Murphy. Murphy is known for series such as "American Horror Story", "Dahmer" and "Nip/Tuck". Joshua Jackson takes on the role of the new ship's doctor on a luxury cruise ship. The synopsis for the series states that the staff there "work hard and play even harder". Miles from shore, the team must overcome unique crises and support each other in the process. Other cast members include Don Johnson, Phillipa Soo and Sean Teale.

"Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage" (CBS / Comedy)

After the end of "Young Sheldon", Georgie Cooper (Montana Jordan) and Mandy McAllister (Emily Osment) take on the lead roles in the spin-off "Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage". The series follows the young couple's life together in Texas. Georgie and Mandy met and fell in love in "Young Sheldon" and are now the proud parents of little Constance. The challenges of everyday life, the responsibility for their child and the adjustment to married life put their relationship to the test. Will Sasso and Rachel Bay Jones reprise their roles as Mandy's parents for the spin-off. It is not yet clear whether other actors and actresses from "Young Sheldon" will also take on their roles. The series is being produced by Chuck Lorre.

"Going Dutch" (Fox / Comedy)

Denis Leary plays a deserving but equally choleric and arrogant US army colonel in the single-camera comedy "Going Dutch". After an outburst earns him the displeasure of his superiors, he is transferred to a base in the Netherlands. The base plays no part in the US military's plans. The soldiers do not carry weapons here. Instead, there is a cheese dairy and lots of other deported soldiers. With the help of his predecessor and estranged daughter, he wants to instil discipline and professionalism back into the deportees.

"Happy's Place" (NBC / Comedy)

"Happy's Place" is described as a classic family sitcom in multi-camera format. Country legend Reba McEntire plays Bobbie, who has inherited a bar from her father Happy. At the same time, she discovers that she has a much younger half-sister called Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), of whom she was previously unaware. From now on, she not only has to familiarise herself with the bar, but also with her new Family member. Isabella is described as being in her early 20s and has just completed her psychology degree. She is still searching for her place in life, but is also involved in the bar. Other cast members include Melissa Peterman as bartender Gabby, Rex Linn as chef Emmett, Tokala Black Elk as waitress Takoda and Pablo Castelblanco as accountant Steve.

"High Potential" (ABC / Drama)

The crime series "High Potential" starring Kaitlin Olsen is based on the French series "Haut Potentiel Intellectuel (HPI)", which was broadcast in Germany under the title "HIP - Ermittlerin mit Mords-IQ" on ARD. The series tells the story of Morgan (Olsen), a single mother and cleaner who solves cases as an ingenious private investigator. She has an extraordinary intellect and over time forms an unusual partnership with the experienced detective Karadec (Daniel Sunjata): a man who always plays by the rules. In other roles: Judy Reyes, Javicia Leslie, Deniz Akdeniz, Amiraj J and Matthew Lamb.

"Matlock" (CBS / Drama)

"Matlock"! The original series ran from 1986 to 1995 in the USA and comprised a total of 195 episodes in nine seasons. Matlock, an elderly, renowned criminal defence lawyer, was played by Andy Griffith, who has since passed away. In the new edition, which reinterprets the lawyer series, Oscar winner Kathy Bates takes on the role of the brilliant lawyer Madeline Matlock.

After a successful career at a young age, she returns to her old law firm. With keen powers of observation and an unconventional demeanour, the now seasoned lawyer uses her experience and ingenuity to win seemingly hopeless cases and bring justice to her clients. Madeline is supported by a team of young lawyers, including Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), an impressive lawyer with a keen sense of justice, and Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the firm's boss, who always has the firm's best interests at heart. Other roles include Beau Bridges, Leah Lewis, David Del Rio and Yael Grobglas.

"Murder in a Small Town" (Fox / Drama)

The crime series "Murder in a Small Town" is based on the book series of the same name by author L.R. Wright. Former city detective Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland) moves to the Sunshine Coast to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and heal his battered psyche. But the tranquillity of the tranquil coastal town is suddenly shattered by a series of murders. As an experienced investigator, Alberg immediately realises that there is more to the seemingly random acts than initially meets the eye.

He sets out in search of the murderer and discovers a web of lies, secrets and long-suppressed conflicts that threaten the idyll of the small town. He receives support from his new partner, Detective Edwina Yen (Mya Lowe) and the librarian Cassandra (Kristin Kreuk). Other roles are played by Stana Katic, James Cromwell, Paula Patton and Savonna Spracklin.

"NCIS: Origins" (CBS / Drama)

The "NCIS" franchise is huge and continues to expand: CBS sends NCIS agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Brand Harmon) travelling back in time in this prequel. The series is set in 1991 and shows Gibbs as a young, fresh-faced special agent (Austin Stowell) starting his career at the fledgling NCIS office in Camp Pendleton. Under the guidance of experienced agent Mike Francs (Kyle Schmid), Gibbs learns the basics of solving crimes at sea and proves himself in his first cases. The idea for the prequel came from Mark Harmon's son Sean Harmon, who has already played the young Gibbs in several flashback scenes. Both he and his father are involved in the series as producers.

"Poppa's House" (CBS / Comedy)

Damon Wayans is back. And in a double bill with his son Damon Wayans Jr. It is the first series in which the two play a father-son team. Poppa (Damon Wayans) is happily divorced and established in his career as a radio presenter. However, he is facing new challenges both professionally and personally. On the radio, he has to deal with his new, self-confident co-host (Essence Atkins). At home, he looks after his son Junior (Damon Wayans Jr.), who is happily married and a father, but continues to chase his dreams and passions. He is described as talented, but quickly loses focus. Tetona Jackson stars as his wife Nina, while Ayla Rae Neal takes on the role of Junior's daughter.

"Rescue: HI-Surf" (Fox / Drama)

Hawaii, sun, beach and lifeguards - these are the ingredients of the new Fox series "Rescue: HI-Surf". The series follows the everyday life of lifeguards on the North Shore of Oahu, one of the most famous and dangerous stretches of coastline in the world. The waves here can be up to nine metres high. In addition to the daily work, the series also sheds light on the lifeguards' private relationships and their close ties to their community. The series was created by Matt Kester. The main roles are played by Arielle Kebbel, Adam Demos, Alex Aiono, Kekoa Kekumano, Zoe Cipres, Sea Shimooka and Robbie Magasiva.

"St. Denis Medical" (NBC / Comedy)

The mockumentary comedy "St. Denis Medical" sheds light on the chaotic everyday life in an underfunded and understaffed hospital in the US state of Oregon. Despite adverse circumstances, the hospital staff try their best to care for the patients. The ensemble cast includes Alison Tolman, Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, Josh Lawson, Kahyun Kim and Mekki Leeper.

"The Hunting Party" (NBC / Drama)

"The Hunting Party" centres on a small, elite team of investigators. It is put together to hunt down the country's most dangerous criminals who have escaped from a top-secret super-prison that shouldn't even exist. The group must also fight against time to recapture the fugitives before they have more victims on their conscience.

Melissa Roxburgh plays the lead role of former FBI agent Rebecca Bex Henderson. She is brought back into the service due to her reputation as a legendary investigator. Other roles have not yet been cast. JJ Bailey and Jake Coburn are on board as series creators. The series is described as a crime procedural: It can therefore be assumed that each episode will be about a new case.

"Universal Basic Guys" (Fox / Comedy)

The animated series "Universal Basic Guys" by Adam and Craig Malamut is about the brothers Mark and Hank Hoagies. They lose their jobs at the Glantontown hot dog factory due to automation on machines and thus slip into the new basic income programme with 3000 dollars a month. With this new financial freedom, they try to find their place in a world where they no longer have to work for a living. This results in a dangerous mix of too much free time and stupid ideas. Two seasons of the series have already been ordered. You can watch the trailer here.

"Watson" (CBS / Drama)

A year has passed since Sherlock Holmes was killed by his nemesis Moriarty. Dr John Watson (Morris Chestnut) runs a clinic that specialises in the treatment of rare diseases. In this function, Watson is confronted with complex medical cases that put his diagnostic skills and empathy to the test. In the process, he repeatedly encounters mysterious circumstances that remind him of his time with Sherlock Holmes. Elementary producer Craig Sweeney is behind the medical drama. There is said to be no connection to the earlier Sherlock series.

Which series sounds interesting to you and would you like to see? Let me know in the comments. <p