Broadcast executives know that there are only so many times you can view A Charlie Brown Christmas so, in the spirit of holiday giving, four upcoming series are releasing their premiere episodes early online. Variety released the list today which include a returning crime drama, a sci-fi drama, a comedy, and a dystopian drama, so grab some eggnog and take your pick.
Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Surviving Life
Cooper Barrett is the sole comedy in the bunch and the one whose online access will be expiring soonest. Fox originally ordered seven episodes of the half-hour show but seems to have confidence in it, recently upping the order to thirteen.
Deadline had the synopsis: “[The show] centers on 26-year-old Cooper Barrett (Jack Cutmore-Scott). Using cautionary tales from his own life, episode by episode, he helps the youth of America survive the ridiculous disaster that is life and love in your 20s.” Hard to get much of an impression from that, but you can check it out now for yourself. The premiere is up on Hulu, YouTube, Fox Now, and Fox on Demand through December 27.
Colony
Colony is a the latest creation from Carlton Cuse (Lost, The Strain) and depicts “normal” life in Los Angeles after it’s occupied by invading forces. They happen to be aliens, but Cuse has been careful to differentiate that this is not an alien invasion drama in the vein of Falling Skies. Speaking to EW he called it an espionage thriller with a sci-fi backdrop, inspired by the Nazi occupation of Paris. “The social dynamic of one group of people having absolute power over another group of people is something we wanted to explore. We wanted to find a contemporary way to do that.” Under the siege, humans are given privileges and creature comforts for keeping other humans in line. Josh Holloway (Lost) and Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead) star as a couple trying to keep their family together and navigate a new life.
The show premieres on USA Network January 14 but the debut episode is available online now by following instructions on the Colony social media accounts.
Second Chance
You may have heard of Second Chance when it was under development with its first title The Frankenstein Code. The show revolves around 75-year-old former sheriff whose corruption forced him into retirement. After he’s killed during a crime he is reanimated as a young billionaire, with a brand-new, cushy lease on life. But his mental demons have followed him into this new body, pulling him toward the same mistakes he made the first time around.
Starrinng Robert Kazinsky (EastEnders, Pacific Rim), Adhir Kalyan (Rules of Engagement), and Padma Dalaj (Revenge) the series premieres January 13 on Fox. The first episode will be available on Hulu, Fox Now, Fox on Demand, and YouTube from December 25 to January 6.
American Crime
American Crime returns for its sophomore season January 6 on ABC. This is not the Ryan Murphy show that’s premiering on FX in February (that’s American Crime Story) but since both are anthology style series they’re easy to confuse. American Crime boasts stars Felicity Huffman, Timothy Hutton, Regina King, and doing critically acclaimed work. Last season’s story line revolved around a war veteran killed during a home invasion. This year will be an investigation into sexual abuse allegations against a championship high school basketball team in Indiana, where basketball is life. Connor Jessup (Falling Skies) joins the cast this year as the victim, Andre Benjamin will also show up in a recurring role.
The premiere episode is already available for free on iTunes, through January 6.