This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Starting to watch a new TV series is sort of like dating. Is this someone you want to commit time to?

Will it be a one-night stand or a long-term commitment?

Here's a look at the new TV offerings this fall, with advice on whether to jump into a relationship, keep it casual or simply steer clear.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 16

"HIGH MAINTENANCE" (11 p.m., HBO) • This anthology comedy features a different cast every week, connected by an unnamed marijuana deliveryman.

Dating profile • Very adult and very uneven.

Relationship advice • If you take up with this show, be prepared for family and friends to ask what the hell you're doing.

"FLEABAG" (Amazon) • This Britcom was written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who stars as an angry, sex-obsessed woman trying to keep her failing business afloat.

Dating profile • Apparently, this is funny in the U.K.

Relationship advice • Yikes. This is not an easy show to spend time with.

Returning shows • "Z-Nation" (10 p.m., Syfy)

MONDAY, SEPT. 19

"KEVIN CAN WAIT" (7:30 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2): Kevin James ("King of Queens") returns as a just-retired cop looking forward to hanging out with his pals and his family. But his wife (Erinn Hayes) has shielded him from the truth — that their three kids are a handful.

Dating profile • There's nothing even slightly new or original about this show.

Relationship advice • If you liked "King of Queens," you'll like "Kevin Can Wait." If not, avoid it at all costs.

(Moves to Mondays at 7 p.m. on Oct. 24.)

"THE GOOD PLACE" (9 and 9:30 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5) • Kristen Bell ("Veronica Mars") stars in this comedy as Eleanor Shellstrop, who just died and went to heaven. She's greeted by Michael (Ted Danson, "Cheers"), a well-meaning angel. But Eleanor has been confused with a different Eleanor Shellstrop, which causes mega-problems.

Dating profile • This doesn't go the way you think it will. And that's a delight.

Relationship advice • I've seen five episodes and they're really good — this is a show definitely worth checking out.

(Moves to Thursdays at 7 p.m. on Sept. 22)

Returning shows • "Big Bang Theory (7 p.m, CBS/Ch. 2); • "The Voice" (7 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5); "Gotham" (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13); "Lucifer" (8 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13)

TUESDAY, SEPT. 20

"BULL" (8 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2) • Michael Weatherly ("NCIS") stars as Jason Bull, a psychologist/jury consultant. Accused of murder? Your lawyer won't get you off — Bull will! It's based on the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw.

Dating profile • This is predictable and, at times, rather overbearing.

Relationship advice • Better to keep this as a casual acquaintance.

"THIS IS US" (9 p.m., NBC/C. 5) • It's the fall's best show. Read more about it here.

Dating profile • The biggest challenge might be not falling too hard, too fast.

Relationship advice • You just might be moving in together after the first date.

(Moves to Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Oct. 11.)

Returning shows • "NCIS" (7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2); "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13); "New Girl" (7:30 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13); "Scream Queens" (8 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13); "NCIS: New Orleans" (9 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2); "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." (9 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21

"LETHAL WEAPON" (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13) • Based on the movies, this teams a cop with a death wish (Clayne Crawford, "Rectify") and a cop recovering from a heart attack (Damon Wayans, "My Wife and Kids"). It's an opposites-attract, buddy-cop show filled with action scenes.

Dating profile • No, you don't have to have seen the movies to enjoy the TV show.

Relationship advice • This looks like it will be fun to hang out with if you have time.

"SPEECHLESS" (7:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4) • Minnie Driver stars in this sitcom as Maya, a fierce mother whose first priority is her oldest child, who has cerebral palsy. She doesn't care whom she offends as she fights for his rights — although she sometimes overlooks her other two children and her husband.

Dating profile • Maya is a bit overwhelming, but this is a funny show with heart.

Relationship advice • You may not instantly fall in love, but you'll fall in like.

"DESIGNATED SURVIVOR" (9 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4) • Kiefer Sutherland ("24") stars as the HUD secretary who suddenly becomes president when the Capitol is bombed during a State of the Union speech, killing the president, vice president, Cabinet and Congress.

Dating profile • After a strong start, this stumbles with plotlines about President Kirkman's troubled son and an evil general plotting a coup. Not sure how this will turn out.

Relationship advice • It's worth going on a few dates, but be ready to bail.

Returning shows • "Survivor" (7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2); "Goldbergs" (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Modern Family" (8 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Law & Order: SVU" (8 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5); "Empire" (8 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13); "Black-ish" (8:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Chicago P.D." (9 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5)

THURSDAY, SEPT. 22

"NOTORIOUS" (8 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4) • High-profile defense attorney Jake (Daniel Sunjata, "Rescue Me") and cable news producer Julia (Piper Perabo) use each other to advance their careers.

Dating profile • Jake has questionable ethics; any legit news organization would fire Julia. The people they deal with are even worse.

Relationship advice • Don't get attached — this won't be around for long.

"PITCH" (8 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13) • This fall's worst new show. Read more about it here.

Dating profile • The online profile looks great, but when you meet this show … it's a disaster.

Relationship advice • As bad as the pilot is, there's a huge amount of talent behind the scenes. Maybe it will get better. It can't get worse.

Returning shows • "Grey's Anatomy" (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Rosewood" (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13); "Superstore" (7 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5); "Chicago Med" (8 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5); "How to Get Away with Murder" (9 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "The Blacklist" (9 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5)

FRIDAY, SEPT. 23

"MACGYVER" (7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2) • In this reboot of the 1985-92 series, Lucas Till ("X-Men: First Class") stars as Angus "Mac" MacGyver, a secret operative who uses his "vast scientific knowledge" to save the world — backed by an armed hit man (George Eads, "CSI") and a computer whiz.

Dating profile • This is more like a dopey spy show than like the previous incarnation of "MacGyver."

Relationship advice • This is not a show to get serious with — it's shallow fluff.

"THE EXORCIST" (8 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13) • A young priest (Alfonso Herrera, "Sense8") can't believe that a teenage girl needs an exorcist. And he needs help from a damaged priest to fight off the demons.

Dating profile • It's similar to the movie, but it's not a remake. It's kind of scary, but not REAL scary.

Relationship advice • If you're a horror fan, you might enjoy spending time with this show. If not, move on.

"VAN HELSING" (10 p.m., Syfy) • Vanessa "Van" Helsing (Kelly Overton, "Legends") battles a plague of vampires in post-apocalyptic 2019.

Dating profile • Sounds like "Buffy," but it's not. More like "The Walking Dead."

Relationship advice • If you like the genre, check it out.

Returning shows • "Transparent" (Amazon); "Last Man Standing" (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Hell's Kitchen" (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13); "Caught on Camera" (7 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5); "Dr. Ken" (7:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Shark Tank" (8 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Hawaii Five-0" (8 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2); "Dateline" (8 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5); "Blue Bloods" (9 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2)

SATURDAY, SEPT. 24

Returning show • "48 Hours" (9 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2)

SUNDAY, SEPT. 25

"SON OF ZORN" (7:30 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13 • Zorn (voiced by Jason Sudeikis) is an animated warrior who moves to California to seek out his noncartoon ex-wife, Edie (Cheryl Hines, "Curb Your Enthusiasm"), and estranged son.

Dating profile • There are some laughs, but the premise starts to fray rather quickly.

Relationship advice • Go on a few dates, but don't expect more.

Returning shows • "60 Minutes" (6 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2); "Bob's Burgers" (6:30 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13); "Once Upon a Time" (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Poldark" (7 p.m., PBS/Ch. 7); "The Simpsons" (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13); "Secrets and Lies" (8 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Family Guy" (8 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13); "The Last Man on Earth" (8:30 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13); "Quantico" (9 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4)

TUESDAY, SEPT. 27

"CHANNEL ZERO: CANDLE COVE" (10 p.m., Syfy) • Six-episode horror anthology. NOT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW.

"AFTERMATH" (11 p.m., Syfy) • Canadian series about a family trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. NOT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW.

Returning show • "Drunk History" (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28

Returning shows • "Criminal Minds" (8 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2); "Code Black" (9 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2); "Younger" (11 p.m., TV Land); "Impastor" (11:30 p.m., TV Land)

FRIDAY, SEPT. 30

"LUKE CAGE" (Netflix) • A spinoff (sort of) of "Jessica Jones," this Marvel show stars Mike Colter as a former criminal who uses his superpowers to fight crime.

Dating profile • Colter is very compelling, and the series gets off to a strong start.

Relationship advice • If you're a Marvel fan, you won't want to miss it. If you're not a fan, this might make you one.

"CRISIS IN SIX SCENES" (Amazon) • Woody Allen wrote and directed this drama about a 1960s suburban family whose guest turns their household upside down. Allen, Miley Cyrus and Elaine May star. NOT AVAILABLE FOR PREVIEW.

SATURDAY, OCT. 1

"VERSAILLES" (8 p.m., Ovation) • In this historical drama, Louis XIV begins construction on the palace — and takes control of France.

Dating profile • This is a big soap opera filled with scandal, intrigue and elaborate costumes.

Relationship advice • How shallow are you? It's fabulous to look at, but kind of a chore to get through.

SUNDAY, OCT. 2

"WESTWORLD" (10 p.m., HBO) • Based on the 1973 movie and Michael Crichton's novel, this is about a futuristic theme park where humans drop their inhibitions and robots become more human when something goes seriously wrong. Filmed largely in southern Utah.

Dating profile • For all the shootouts and violence, surprisingly little happens in the first two episodes. It starts to pick up in Episode 3, but it's a very slow burn.

Relationship advice • Production on this series was troubled; it's not a good bet.

Returning shows • "America's Funniest Home Videos" (6 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "NCIS: Los Angeles" (7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2); "Madam Secretary" (8 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2); "Elementary" (9 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2); "Ash vs. Evil Dead" (10 p.m., Starz); "Shameless" (10 p.m., Showtime); "Blunt Talk" (10:30 p.m., Starz)

MONDAY, OCT. 3

"CONVICTION" (9 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4) • Hayley Atwell ("Agent Carter") stars as the ne'er-do-well daughter of a former U.S. president. Facing jail on a drug charge, she agrees to work for a prosecutor (Eddie Cahill, "CSI: NY") investigating possible wrongful convictions.

Dating profile • It's ludicrous and rather dull. Love Atwell, but kind of hate this.

Relationship advice • This is not even worth one date.

"TIMELESS" (9 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5) • Bad guys steal a secret time machine and head into the past, determined to change the world. A scientist (Malcolm Barret), a soldier (Matt Lanter) and a history professor (Abigail Spencer) hop in a second time machine and take off after the bad guys.

Dating profile • There are a lot of time-travel shows on TV — and this is one of them. It's rather unremarkable.

Relationship advice • Time-travel shows often collapse under the weight of complicated storylines. So … be cautious about committing.

Returning shows • "Scorpion" (8 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2)

TUESDAY, OCT. 4

"NO TOMORROW" (8 p.m., CW/Ch. 30) • Evie (Tori Anderson, "The Other Kingdom") is an uptight woman with a boring boyfriend and a dull job. She falls for Xavier (Joshua Sasse, "Galavant"), a free spirit who's convinced the world is about to end, so he lives life to the fullest.

Dating profile • This show tries oh-so-hard to be quirky, with limited success.

Relationship advice • I want this to be better than it is. Maybe it will improve.

Returning show • "The Flash" (7 p.m., CW/Ch. 30)

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5

"FREQUENCY" (8 p.m., CW/Ch. 30) • Based on the 2000 movie, this stars Peyton List as an NYPD detective who makes contact with her long-dead undercover-cop father, Frank (Riley Smith), via ham radio across a two-decade gap.

Dating profile • This feels like a terrible idea.

Relationship advice • Swipe left.

Returning show • "Arrow" (8 p.m., CW/Ch 30)

THURSDAY, OCT. 6

Returning show • "Those Who Can't" (8:30 p.m., TruTV)

SUNDAY, OCT. 9

"DIVORCE" (10 p.m., HBO) • Sarah Jessica Parker ("Sex and the City") returns to HBO in this alleged comedy, starring as a woman whose bad marriage turns into a messy divorce.

Dating profile • There are few things more painful than a comedy that's not funny. This is very painful.

Relationship advice • You don't need this messy "Divorce." Avoid getting involved.

"INSECURE" (10:30 p.m., HBO) • Based on the web series "Awkward Black Girl," creator/writer/producer Issa Rae stars as, yes, an awkward black young woman trying to navigate career, love and life.

Dating profile • Rae definitely has something to say. Which can be a good thing.

Relationship advice • It's tough to date someone who doesn't know what she wants.

MONDAY, OCT. 10

Returning shows • "Supergirl" (7 p.m., CW/Ch. 30); "2 Broke Girls" (7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2)

TUESDAY, OCT. 11

"AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE" (7:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4) • Katy Mixon ("Mike & Molly") stars as a wife and mother of three who lives in swanky Westport, Conn. (for the schools), amid skinny, rich women — and she's neither. She's funny, enthusiastic and a bit crazed. And her uber-patient husband (Diedrich Bader, "Drew Carey Show") is a hoot.

Dating profile • This is the funniest new comedy of the fall.

Relationship advice • Go buy a ring. This could be love at first sight.

Returning shows • "The Middle" (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Fresh Off the Boat" (8 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Real O'Neals" (8:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4); "Chicago Fire" (9 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5)

THURSDAY, OCT. 13

"FALLING WATER" (11 p.m., USA) • Three strangers (Will Yun Lee, David Ajala and Lizzie Brochere) dream parts of a single dream, which holds the key to the fate of the world.

Dating profile • Intriguing, but extremely complicated.

Relationship advice • This is NOT a good pick for a casual relationship. You've got to pay close attention to have any idea what's going on.

Returning shows • "DC's Legends of Tomorrow" (7 p.m., CW/Ch. 30); "Supernatural" (8 p.m., CW/Ch. 30)

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

"WOLF CREEK" (10 p.m., Pop) • This Australian horror/drama centers on a young American tourist who is attacked by a serial killer. She survives and sets out for revenge.

Dating profile • You'll be surprised by how watchable this is … assuming you like serial killers and violence.

Relationship advice • It's just six episodes, so this can be a fling.

"GOLIATH" (Amazon) • Billy Bob Thornton stars as a disgraced lawyer who gets a big case that could earn him redemption — and revenge against his former law firm.

Dating profile • It's very dark and very intriguing.

Relationship advicee • This comes to us from creator/producer/writer David E. Kelley ("L.A. Law," "Ally McBeal," "Boston Legal," "The Practice") — and it looks like a winner.

"HATERS BACK OFF" (Netflix) • YouTube personality Colleen Ballinger stars in this comedy as an untalented star on the rise. NOT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW.

SUNDAY, OCT. 16

"EYEWITNESS" (11 p.m., USA) • Two gay teens witness a triple homicide. They're desperate to keep their sexuality secret and keep the killer from learning they saw him.

Dating profile • This is a complicated, rather convoluted drama.

Relationship advice • You've got to watch all 10 episodes for this to work ... and it doesn't seem good enough to invest that much time.

MONDAY, OCT. 17

Returning shows • "Jane the Virgin" (8 p.m., CW/Ch. 30); "The Odd Couple" (8:30 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2)

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19

"CHANCE" (Hulu) • Hugh Laurie ("House") stars as a forensic neuropsychiatrist who gets caught up in a violent world of mental illness, abuse and corruption.

Dating profile • It's very dark and very violent.

Relationship advice • Quality is there, but this won't be an easy relationship.

FRIDAY, OCT. 21

Returning shows • "The Vampire Diaries" (7 p.m., CW/Ch. 30); "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" (8 p.m., CW/Ch. 30)

SATURDAY, OCT. 22

"DIRK GENTLY'S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY" (10 p.m., BBC America) • It's about a time-traveling detective (Samuel Barnett) and his reluctant sidekick (Elijah Wood). NOT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW.

SUNDAY, OCT 23

Returning show • "The Walking Dead" (10 p.m., AMC)

MONDAY, OCT. 24

"MAN WITH A PLAN" (7:30 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2) • Matt LeBlanc ("Friends") stars in this comedy as Adam, a contractor who starts spending more time with his kids when his wife (Liza Snyder, "Yes, Dear") goes back to work. His brother (Kevin Nealon, "Saturday Night Live") offers bad advice.

Dating profile • This is the worst new comedy on CBS and one of the worst, period.

Relationship advice • Run away. Run far. Run fast.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26

Returning show • "Rectify" (11 p.m., Sundance)

THURSDAY, OCT. 27

"THE GREAT INDOORS" (7:30 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2) • Joel McHale ("Community") stars in this sitcom as Jack, an ace outdoor reporter forced to take a desk job leading a group of spoiled millennials in the magazine's digital department.

Dating profile • It's CBS' best comedy, which isn't saying much. It's mildly amusing.

Relationship advice • It will follow "The Big Bang Theory," so if you're too lazy to change channels, "The Great Indoors" could become a regular part of your social circle.

"PURE GENIUS" (9 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2) • Billionaire tech genius James Bell (Augustus Prew) built a state-of-the-art hospital packed with technology and the best doctors. He's trying to lure maverick (of course) surgeon Walter Wallace (Dermot Mulroney) to join the staff — what do you think Walter decides? (Duh.)

Dating profile • It's a very sterile environment (no pun intended); contrived drama.

Relationship advice • This looks like a loser, but maybe it's just a bad first date. Executive producer Jason Katims ("Friday Night Lights," "Parenthood") is in charge, so it's worth giving a second chance.

Returning shows • "Mom" (8 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2); "Life in Pieces" (8:30 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2)

FRIDAY, OCT. 28

"GOOD GIRLS REVOLT" (Amazon) • Young female researchers battle sexism at a news magazine in 1969.

Dating profile • This desperately wants to be "Mad Men" from a female point of view. That's tough to do, but it gets off to a very good start.

Relationship advice • Give it a chance; go on a few dates.

Returning show • "Comedy Bang! Bang!" (9 p.m., IFC)

MONDAY, OCT. 31

"PEOPLE OF EARTH" (7 p.m., TBS) • Wyatt Cenac stars in this comedy as a reporter who investigates a support group for people who believe they were abducted by aliens.

Dating profile • The pilot has funny moments, but seems very one-note.

Relationship advice • A date or two is about as far as you'll want to take this.