Day: September 10, 2025

News and Quick Comments

It’s a fresh trove for “Bachelorette” and “Stars”

Grasping for more (and younger) viewers, ABC has found a fresh treasure trove: “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
That show’s central character — Taylor Frankie Paul (shown here), 31 and a mother of three — has been announced as the new “Bachelorette” star.
The news comes shortly after two of the show’s other regulars were chosen for ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”
Both Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt will be dancing on the show, which starts its season from 8-10 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 16). “Secret Lives” returns Nov. 13 on Hulu (which, like ABC, is owned by Disney). “Bachelorette,” is merely listed for some time in 2026. Read more…

By Mike Hughes / September 10, 2025
Stories

Season preview: Scripted shows are scrambling

A new TV season is almost here. But be warned: It will look an awful lot like the old one.
With shrinking ratings and fading profits, the networks tend to stick with what’s already there. This fall, the five big broadcast networks — ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW — combine for only four new dramas. Each one (including “Boston Blue, shown here) isa spin-off.
That’s part of a general cutback that began with the pandemic and strikes, then stuck as streamers grabbed bigger chunks of the audience.
In response, the big networks leaned toward game shows and reality shows (lower costs) and sports (the best shot at younger viewers). ABC took back Monday foorball from ESPN and “Dancing With the Stars” from Disney+, also filling Sundays with Disney movies. Fox inserted football on Fridays; beginning Oct. 21, NBC will have pro basketball on Tuesdays. Read more…

By Mike Hughes / September 10, 2025
Daily Best Bets

Best-bets for Sept. 12: dramas plus reality reruns

1) “The Rainmaker,” 10 p.m., USA. By the end of this hour — the mid-point in a 10-week story — there’s a key change. First, Rudy (shown here with his hard-edged boss) and his girlfriend face each other in court. What Rudy really needs is to find two witnesses, both nurses; right now, one holds the other captive. Despite flaws — including a stereotypically close-minded cop — it’s a strong hour. Read more…

By Mike Hughes / September 10, 2025