We’ve been reviewing the new fall TV offerings each day this week and, as usual, there’s not much left for Fridays, except for a new comedy that would be overlooked except for its Latina point of view and charming star; and a pulpy sci-fi saga that fits in well with other of the nights offerings. Increasingly, Friday nights are a reality showcase, with “The Amazing Race” moving in against “Shark Tank” — and “Utopia” trying to change things up to stay in the competition.
NEW
“Christela” (ABC, 8:30 p.m., starts Oct. 10). The fresh face of Christela Alonzo makes would seem just another family sitcom seem like something new, even alongside such tired family fare as “Last Man Standing.” If diversity is what saves the fall broadcast season, from “Jane the Virgin” and “Blackish,” “Christela” will be part of the mix.
“Constantine” (NBC, 10 p.m., Oct. 24.), adapted from a DC comic, might actually be a sleeper. Matthew Ryan helps make it work, bringing a world-weariness and stated reluctance to his job as a demon fighter, aided as usual by TV’s improved special effects. It’s humor and some restraint that makes this adaptation of the star from “Swamp Thing” and “Hellblazer” a hero we can cheer.
“Utopia” (Fox, 8 p.m., started Sept. 7) began with its only goal seeing how a bunch of strangers of different backgrounds would live together and survive when put together. But since ratings have tanked on the twice-a-week show, they are quickly going to introduce a new wrinkle: its citizens will be able to vote out somebody, aided by home viewers, giving the show the kind of built in drama that comes from such shows. The real weakness of the show, though, is the casting.
RETURNING
“Shark Tank” (ABC, 8 p.m., starts tonight), “Hawaii Five-0” (CBS, 9 p.m., tonight), “MasterChef Junior” (Fox, 8 p.m., Nov. 7), “The Amazing Race” (CBS, 8 p.m., tonight), “Last Man Standing” (ABC, 8 p.m., Oct. 3), “Blue Bloods” (CBS, 10 p.m.), “Grimm” (NBC, 9 p.m., Oct. 24), “20/20” (ABC, 10 p.m.).