Mike Hughes on TV

1) “Good Sam” debut, 10 p.m. CBS. Shows used to stir conflict simply by having a female boss. For “Prime Suspect,” for instance, that meant instant distrust. Now a drama needs more: Samantha (Sophia Bush, 39) is young to be the chief of surgery. One of her underlings (Jason Isaacs, 58), emerged from a coma, is the former chief … and a noted surgeon …. and her father. (They’re shown here.) That sets the groundwork for strong drama and occasional humor. The opener is entertaining, despite way too much medical jargon. Read more…

1) “This Is Us” season-opener, 9 p.m., NBC. From its first episode, this has been a rarity – a drama with twists, surprises and deep human emotions. Now its sixth and final season starts with lives in flux. In last year’s season-finale, Kevin’s wedding fell through and we saw signs that his sister Kate will lose her marriage. Tonight, they gather with their adoptive brother Randall (shown here with  Kevin in an earlier episode), to mark their 41st birthday. Read more…

1) “9-1-1: Lone Star” season-opener, 8 p.m., Fox. Last season ended with a dust storm hitting Texas; this one starts with a blizzard. That happens just as Owen (Rob Lowe, shown here) tries to separate himself from the world. The world promptly shows up at his door, with the potential for danger, romance and heroics. This starts a multi-week story that mixes big action scenes and deeper personal moments. Read more…

1) “Around the World in 80 Days” debut, 8 p.m., PBS. This is a “Masterpiece” show, but feels more like an epic adventure – a good one – for the big screen. It’s an international co-production, with David Tennant (who’s English) as the frantic Phileas Fogg, Ibrahim Koma (French) as his valet and Leonie Benesch (German) as a reporter. (They’re shown here.) After betting he can circumnavigate the globe, unheard of in the 19th century, Fogg faces thieves and revolutionaries. But by the end of the first hour, he’s soaring – literally. Read more…

1) Rose Parade, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, NBC and ABC. Every year should start with the giddy flash of a parade. The Rose Parade (shown here in a previous year) was canceled last year, but now it expects 20 bands, 40 floats and lots of horses. LeAnn Rimes does an opening song; LeVar Burton – who was a University of Southern California student when he got the “Roots” lead, 45 years ago – is grand marshal. It’s the 95th year NBC covers it on radio or TV; Chrissy Metz and Susan Kelechi Watson (“This Is Us”) do commentary. Read more…

1) “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” 8-11 p.m.and 11:30 p.m. to 2:13 a.m., ABC. The Times Square viewing area will be smaller – 15,000 people, masked and fully vaccinated – but the music continues. Live at the Square, Ryan Seacrest (shown here) will have LL Cool J, Journey, Chloe and Karol G. There’s Billy Porter in New Orleans, Daddy Yankee in Puerto Rico and a taped Los Angeles party with Ciara, Macklemore, Avril Lavine, Walker Hayes, OneRepublic, French Montana, Big Boi and more. Read more…