A number of new shows have been released recently. Here’s my first impression on the first episodes from 3 of them. More premieres tomorrow (plus one followup).

Schmigadoon! When I was 12, I subscribed to the Columbia Record Club (you may remember getting 5 LPs for a dime). All of my choices were Broadway musicals, so you can guess my affinity for the form (and that I just might be gay). As a result, I giggled with delight at the clever and genuinely funny staging of the musical numbers in this loving tribute. Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key play a couple who stumble across a magical place where every day is a musical and people break into song at the slightest cue. Kristin Chenoweth is wickedly hilarious, Martin Short is a hoot and I’ve read the Jane Krakowski has a few strong moments coming. If the series holds its early promise, this will be a wonderfully funny tribute to musicals. (5 / 5)
(6 episodes released weekly) AppleTV link

The White Lotus Writer/actor Mike White created this series, which was actually shot in a COVID bubble at the locked down Four Seasons in Maui. It revolves around the rich guests that are visiting the fictional upscale resort, as well as a few of the employees who serve their every need. Even though Jennifer Coolidge is one of the biggest names in the cast, which also includes Connie Britton and Steve Zahn, this is NOT a comedy. There are unquestionably sardonic jabs at the arrogance and absurd expectations of the guests, but not a lot of overt laughs. Still, the smart script and strong cast hold promise for a keenly observed satire. (4 / 5)
(6 episodes released weekly) HBO link  HBOMax link

Dr. Death Based on the podcast of the same name, this miniseries is a somewhat fictionalized version about a sociopathic doctor who destroys the lives and health of his patients. Joshua Jackson brilliantly plays the astoundingly arrogant surgeon, while Alec Baldwin and Christian Slater get serious as the medical men trying to stop him. The first episode moves back and forth in time to set up his horrifying string of medical malpractice cases. Time will tell if the remaining episodes can boost the tension and resolve the crimes effectively. So far, it’s worth the watch. (3.5 / 5)
(8 episodes currently streaming) Peacock link