April showers may bring May flowers, but something more exciting is in bloom this spring: new and returning TV shows. Before you bemoan the end of spring break and begin worrying about final exams, consider taking a moment — or perhaps a few hours — to check out some of these small-screen creations, some of which are almost guaranteed gems and others that simply hold mysterious promise.
“Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
What year is it anyway? The U.S. version of this improvisational comedy show originally bid adieu to airwaves in 2007, before returning last summer. Its order of 12 episodes burned off by September, but its upcoming 10th season will contain double that, beginning March 21 on the CW.
Former host Drew Carey is now busy asking people if the price is right, so “Ghost Whisperer” and “Archer” actress Aisha Tyler has taken the gig. But the original quirky trio of genius performers is set to return. Wayne Brady will surely give audiences outrageous song parodies, Ryan Stiles will definitely offer up spot-on celebrity impressions and Colin Mochrie will likely deliver plenty of self-depreciating bald jokes.
Each of the gentlemen, along with a weekly guest star or two, will employ their wacky wit and impressive comedy chops to create characters and scenes in short improv games, with prompts suggested by the audience or dreamed up by producers. It’s a show where everything’s made up and the host’s arbitrary awarding of points doesn’t matter. So although the appeal of “Whose Line” may be hard to explain, it’s easy to adore.
“Friends with Better Lives”
It’s a tale as old as time — or at least, as old as “Friends.” Heck, the title of this new CBS sitcom, which premieres March 31, even sounds astoundingly similar to the ‘ol Manhattan-based NBC hit and was created by Dana Klein, who wrote and produced several “Friends” episodes.
Its focus is far from original: a group of, well, friends, each in their 30s, explore careers and relationships, while cracking jokes related to their individual quirks. Plus, the presence of James Van Der Beek, once the titular star of “Dawson’s Creek,” will surely give viewers a jolt of 90s’-esque nostalgia.
The “Better Lives” part of its title attempts to promise a slight twist on the tired trope: each of the characters are at different stages of their lives — engaged, married, divorced or single — but jealous of each other’s status. In addition to Van Der Beek, swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker and “Entourage” star Kevin Connolly are part of the ensemble, along with other young, typically pretty stars who’ve had decent, but not terribly famous, TV roles.
“Billy on the Street”
If you like your TV show hosts to be calm, collected and quiet, “Billy on the Street” isn’t for you. But, if you can get behind the idea of a man shouting out pop culture trivia questions to random pedestrians on the streets of New York and then running away with no explanation, you’re in for a treat.
Comedian Billy Eichner, who recently guest starred on several “Parks and Recreation” episodes, doesn’t have a fancy set, a meticulously crafted script or even any regular co-stars; he has a microphone, a camera, undeniable wit and, most importantly, passion for all things pop culture.
He runs, he shoves his microphone in unsuspecting pedestrian’s faces, and without any introduction, asks trivia and opinion questions like “True or false: Lea Michele can play the flute?”, “Any thoughts on Nicki Minaj?” and “Who are your three favorite straight people?”
Celebrities have also gotten in on the game. Eichner has quizzed Will Ferrell on facts about Drew Barrymore, asked New Yorkers if they like “Star Trek” with Zachary Quinto standing right beside him, and challenged Rachel Dratch to a “Julia Roberts obstacle course.”
If it sounds bizarre, just give it a quick view. The third season will premiere on March 12 on Fuse TV, with guest stars including Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Neil Patrick Harris, Seth Meyers, Lena Dunham and Lindsay Lohan.
Plus, clips from previous episodes are viewable on funnyordie.com and YouTube. It’s nearly impossible not to laugh, even if just out of complete shock over Eichner’s apparent disregard for social norms.
24: Live Another Day
The Kiefer Sutherland-helmed spy thriller lives another season. Nearly four years after leaving the airwaves, Jack Bauer and friends — and enemies — return to the Fox network for 12 episodes, beginning with a two-hour special on May 5. Familiar characters like Mary Lynn Rajskub’s Chloe and Kim Raver’s Audrey will return, joined by Benjamin Bratt, Yvonne Stahovski and Tate Donovan, among other stars, as new characters.
Like James Bond film “Die Another Day,” “Live Another Day” promises plenty of thrills, twists and turns. It’ll even cross time and space, with the action set in London, four years after the end of season eight. Plus, during the hiatus, Chloe has crossed over to the dark side, both literally and figuratively. Show producers have teased that she’s turned against the government and set photos have shown Rajskub decked out in jet black hair and all-black clothing. Still, the show won’t stray terribly far from the concept that won it multiple Golden Globe and Emmy Awards; each episode will still be set in real time, covering the events of one hour of Bauer’s explosive life.
