This week’s Channel Surfing TV picks include an old reliable animated series, Michael Shur’s latest comedy and a fantasy novel adaptation. American Dad! returns for a brand-new season. Two friends find themselves at a crossroads over a statue controversy in Rutherford Falls. Finally, visit the far-off land of Ravka and train to harness the elements with magic in Shadow and Bone.
Good Morning U.S.A
Although Seth MacFarlane is best known for his work on the long running Fox comedy, Family Guy, he’s also partially responsible for another animated series that has been airing almost as long. American Dad! is entering its eighteenth season, the past seven of which have been on TBS.
Follow the exploits of a different dysfunctional family, the Smiths, out in suburban Washington D.C. It’s a packed house with parents, Stan and Francine, daughter and husband, Hayley and Jeff, and youngest son, Steve, not to mention Roger and Klaus who are an alien and goldfish respectively.
The season 18 of American Dad! premieres today, April 19, on TBS.
The Past Keeps Popping Up
Michael Shur has helped create some of the most beloved comedies on TV. He’s co-created both Parks and Recreations and Brooklyn Nine-Nine and was the mind behind The Good Place. The television producer and writer has collaborated with Ed Helms and Sierra Teller Ornelas on a new scripted series.
Rutherford Falls explores the relationships between members of a fictional Native American reservation and the neighboring town in upstate New York. Helms plays the Nathan Rutherford, who is a descendant of the founder of the titular place. When there are plans to move a statue featuring his ancestor, Nathan comes into direct conflict with the Native American reservation.
Stream Rutherford Falls this Thursday, April 22, on Peacock.
Manipulating the Elements
Author, Leigh Bardugo, built the fantasy world found in her Grishaverse. One of the more popular stories from the universe is the Grisha trilogy. The first book of the series, Shadow and Bone, received a television adaptation that will air this week.
The setting is a war-torn world where a lowly soldier named Alina Starkov discovers she possesses powers that can turn the tide for her side. She is then rushed to train with others that have similar abilities, the Grisha. The more she becomes in tune with her gifts and familiar with her colleagues, she begins to question her superior’s motives.
Binge the first season of Shadow and Bone beginning Friday, April 23, on Netflix.
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