Primetime Preview: Reign, White Collar and More

Which shows will you watch tonight?

by | October 17, 2013 | Comments

Welcome to Primetime Preview, RT’s compendium of the primetime shows that are worth your time. This evening’s slate includes two premieres (Reign, White Collar), new episodes of a couple intriguing new shows (The Crazy Ones, The Michael J. Fox Show) and a bunch of returning favorites (The Big Bang Theory, Glee, Parks & Recreation). So grab your remote, find your favorite spot on the couch, and tune in for lots of television goodness!

Premiering Tonight:

Reign: Season 1

So far, critics have been lukewarm on Reign, a light period drama that eschews historical accuracy for maximum pop appeal. In tonight’s pilot episode, young Mary, Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kane) arrives in France to finalize her marriage to Prince Francis (Toby Regbo), but begins to have second thoughts upon meeting his family.

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White Collar: Season 5

USA’s popular dramedy about the unlikely pairing of an FBI agent and a convicted con man is back for a fifth season. On tonight’s premiere, Neal (Matt Bomer) sticks his neck out to help Peter (Tim DeKay) after he’s suspected of having a hand in the death of a senator.

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New Episodes Tonight:

The Big Bang Theory: Season 7

In tonight’s episode of the popular sitcom about brilliant but socially awkward young physicists, Amy (Mayim Bialik) gets a job at the same college as Sheldon (Jim Parsons).

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The Crazy Ones: Season 1

The pundits say that Robin Williams’ comic dexterity helps to carry The Crazy Ones, a workplace sitcom that scores a few laughs but mostly feels too improvised to fully cohere. Tonight, a breakfast food campaign goes awry.

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Elementary: Season 2

In tonight’s episode, Sherlock encounters a woman from his past when she becomes a suspect in the poisoning of a financial consulting company’s CEO.

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Glee: Season 5

The members of New Directions welcome Adam Lambert into the fold, and stage a musical face-off featuring the songs of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.

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Grey’s Anatomy: Season 10

In tonight’s episode of the long-running medical drama, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) juggles work and motherhood, while Jo (Camilla Luddington) gets a little too close to one of her patients.

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The Michael J. Fox Show: Season 1

Critics say The Michael J. Fox Show benefits immeasurably from the warm, easy charisma of its star, who keeps things watchable even when the writing is uneven. Tonight, Mike’s daughter Eve (Juliette Goglia) gets an intership at the station and takes a shine to his old rival.

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The Millers: Season 1

Critics say Margo Martindale and the comically able ensemble help to elevate The Millers above a its typical sitcom format, though the writing is still mostly generic.

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Once Upon a Time in Wonderland: Season 1

The critics say Once Upon a Time in Wonderland is attractive to the eye and pleasantly narrated, but it loses some luster due to a jumbled story and Wonderland’s unlikable inhabitants. Tonight, we learn more about the relationship between Alice (Sophie Lowe) and Cyrus (Peter Gadiot).

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Parenthood: Season 5

With its strong cast and richly-drawn characters, Parenthood remains one of TV’s sharpest dramedies. Tonight, Adam (Peter Krause) becomes uneasy over his role in Kristina’s (Monica Potter) mayoral campaign.

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Parks and Recreation: Season 6

Critics Say Parks and Recreation remains charming, fun, and funny, thanks to strong character work and an overarching optimism. Tonight, Leslie does some damage control when a minor scandal spirals out of control, while Tom woos a new love interest and Ron considers Ben’s suggestion that he should prepare his last will and testament.

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Scandal: Season 3

Another season, another crisis (or crises) to manage. On tonight’s episode, a midwestern mom hires Olivia (Kerry Washington) for mysterious reasons.

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Sean Saves the World: Season 1

Though Sean Hayes is a gifted comic actor, critics say Sean Saves the World is a mostly conventional sitcom whose efforts to squeeze humor out of Hayes’ frenzied antics are more tiresome than funny. Tonght, Sean goes on a blind date.

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Two and a Half Men: Season 11

The astonishingly resilient standard bearer for three camera sitcoms keeps chugging along, with Amber Tamblyn occupying the “half men” part of the equation. Tonight, Walden (Ashton Kutcher) and Jenny (Tamblyn) party together.

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The Vampire Diaries: Season 5

It’s time to check in once again on the demonic doings in and around the supernatutal hamlet of Mystic Falls, VA. On tonight’s episode, Elena (Nina Dobrev) and Caroline (Candice Accola) each dream that Stefan (Paul Wesley) is in peril.

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Welcome to the Family

The critics say Welcome to the Family features okay characters and an interesting premise, but overall, the show comes across as more calculated and formulaic than entertaining. Tonight, Dan (Mike O’Malley) buys an RV on a whim.

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