ABC announced the most new shows of any network so far — 12 — in its 2017-18 upfront presentation.
But many of its series have limited eight-to-10 episode runs, including an eight episode revival of “Roseanne” with Roseanne Barr, John Goodman, Sara Gilbert and Laurie Metcalfe is also coming for 2018.
Of the five new premiering in the fall, there is one a hospital yarn, two comedies, a Marvel show and a missing child drama with Kyra Sedgwick.
This in addition to the high profile return of “American Idol” on a new network, with Katy Perry the only announced judge so far. Two other of its reality mainstays will also get spinoffs, “The Bachelor Winter Games” and “Dancing with the Stars Junior.” And there will be its own live musical, “The Little Mermaid Live” as well as a special on the 50th anniversary of Rolling Stone magazine.
Here are some descriptions of the new fall shows:
- “The Good Doctor,” stars Freddie Highmore fresh from “Bates Motel,” who trades the knife for a scalpel, playing a surgeon with autism. From the creator of “House,” David Shore. Also stars Hill Harper and Richard Schiff.
- “The Mayor,” a comedy about a rapper (newcomer Brandon Michael Hall) who decides to run for office and wins. With Lea Micheleand Yvette Nicole Brown, it’s from actor and Tony winner Daveed Diggs.
- “The Gospel of Kevin” stars Jason Ritter as a selfish person who is told by an angel to save the world. The “light drama” also features JoAnna Garcia Swisher.
- “Marvel’s Inhumans” is about a royal family from the moon who have to go to Earth, with such big special effects that the first two episodes will debut in IMAX theaters three weeks before their broadcast. With Anson Mount, Iwan Rheon and Serinda Swan.
- “Ten Days in the Valley” is a 10-episode drama starring Kyra Sedgwick as a television producer whose daughter goes missing.
Upcoming midseason dramas include:
- “The Crossing,” is a sci-fi story about refugees from America 150 in the future escaping an impending war. They also have special powers. With Steve Zahn, Natalie Martinez, Sandrine Holt and Rick Gomez.
- “Deception,” about a celebrity magician turned FBI investigator. Starring Jack Cutmore-Sxott it’s from “Chuck” writer Chris Fedak and Greg Berlanti and also features Ilfenesh Hadera, Lenora Critchlow
- “For the People,” a new Shondaland dramas about young lawyers trying to make the grade in New York. Also, they tend to sleep with eathother. With Ben Shenkman, Hope Davis and Anna Deavere Smith.
- “Grey’s Anatomy Spinoff,” is almost certainly not the title of the new Shondaland off shoot of its oldest show, now focusing on firefighters in Seattle. Besides producers Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers, no other names were attached.
Midseason comedies include:
- “Alex, Inc.,” stars, directs and executive produces tale of a radio journalist and family man who starts his own podcast company.
- “Roseanne,” the 80s sitcom gets an eight episode modern day reboot with the original cast and writers. A reunion of the cast, including Roseanne Barr, John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf, seemed a little strained on the upfront stage.
- “Splitting Up Together,” stars Jenna Fischer and Oliver Hudson as a couple who decide to divorce but stay in the same house for the sake of the kids. From a Danish format.
Returning shows include “American Housewife,” “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” “blackish,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Designated Survivor,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” “The Goldbergs,” Modern Family,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Quantico,” “Shark Tank,” “Speechless,” To Tell the Truth” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” will return, but move to Friday nights. It will also be the final season of “Scandal.”
Gone from the schedule are “American Crime,” “The Catch,” “Last Man Standing,” “Dr. Ken,” “The Real O’Neals,” “Secrets and Lies,” “Imaginary Mary” “Notorious” and “Time After Time.”