We’re a couple of weeks into the new fall season.  Already there have been new show gems, and old show yawns.  Here are some shows I’ve been watching:

This is Us: A great, realistic, all-round drama.  It starts with Rebecca and Jack (Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia) about to become parents to triplets.  The first episode goes between scenes in the hospital, and three apparently unrelated adults.  Unrelated that is, until the last five minutes when you realize the adults are the kids grown up.  The relatable characters make this one a hit.  My favourites so far are Kate (Chrissy Metz), and Kevin (Justin Hartley).

Designated Survivor: The term refers to a low-ranking cabinet member who sits out the State of the Union in case of an attack.  It marks Kiefer Sutherland’s television return as Tom Hickman.  The first episode literally off with a bang and the capital blows up killing the entire executive branch in America leaving Tom Hickman President. It’s hard to find a character more opposite Jack Bauer.  Hints in the first episode this one will look what becoming President will do to the family.

Quantico: Expectations were high for season 2 of the hit drama.  I definitely expected more after the bombshell finale.  Instead it seems like it’s more of the same.  Alex, and Ryan (Priyanka Chopra and Jake McLaughlin) are involved in yet another training school this time at the mysterious ” Farm”.  Their task  to infiltrate and bust another mole.  First episode you get an idea of what happened between the seasons through flashbacks.  hey were overused. It was as if the writers didn’t want to make a decision on where to start the story.  I’ll be surprised if this one makes it to season 3.

Lucifer: What happens when the Lord of Hell decides to take a vacation in Los Angeles?  Fox’s Lucifer seeks to find out.  Lucifer stars Tom Ellis in the titular role as the Prince of Darkness who repeatedly tells people he is actually the devil.  The problem, and the twist for the first season is Chloe (Lauren German) doesn’t believe him, which, wreaks havoc with his powers.  Second season picks up with someone missing from hell.  The first episode ends with a song: All Along the Watchtower performed on the show by Tom Ellis, and originally written by Bob Dylan.  It’s worth checking out.

Poldark: A sweeping, period  British drama following the 18th century adventures of Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner).  Season one followed his readjustment to life in England following a stint fighting in the American Revolution.  Season two picks up right where season one left off.  The first episode was packed with a trial, a potential pregnancy, and a near suicide.  Lots of drama yes, but somehow it felt a little dragged on.  Based on a series of novels.

What are your picks? Any other shows I should catch? Hit me up on Twitter @miltonlaura