Fall 2018 TV: Chips? Ready. Couch? Ready. Here are 15 shows worth a look

Sept. 23--Binge-watching isn't just for millennials consuming entire seasons of streaming shows in one sitting. Even viewers who wonder which channel Netflix is on (per usual, ask your grandkids!) can binge on the fall TV season that begins in earnest this week.

The surge of new and returning series is a feast for the eyes, a workout for the remote, and a challenge in terms of deciding what to watch and what to skip. Here are 15 titles that are worth checking out, whether because they're an entirely new show, or old shows with new revivals, or existing shows with new networks or ... you get the idea.

'Magnum P.I.'

The vintage Tom Selleck vehicle revs up again, this time with Magnum as a former Navy SEAL who served in Afghanistan before becoming a private detective. Only in this version, dashing Jay Hernandez inherits the title role, sans moustache, and essential supporting character Higgins is a woman (played by Perdita Weeks). (9 p.m. Mon., CBS).

'Manifest'

You think getting through the TSA line took forever? The passengers aboard this hours-long flight land after what they think is a few hours, but is actually five years. Whaaa? If you're up for what sounds like a reverse "Lost," this could be the time-space continuum mystery for you. And it features appealing actors like Josh Dallas ("Once Upon a Time"), and Athena Karkanis ("Zoo"). (10 p.m. Mon., NBC)

'New Amsterdam'

Not since the days of Marcus Welby has a TV doctor seemed to care this much about the actual doctoring (sorry if we're getting too technical here). Ryan Eggold plays the new hospital medical director who's ready to change all the rules, forget about money and put patients first. And if he succeeds at that, will season two introduce universal healthcare? (10 p.m. Tue., NBC).

'Single Parents'

"Saturday Night Live" alum Taran Killam is at the center of this ensemble comedy about moms and dads who support each other as they attempt to raise their kids alone and maintain a semblance of a social life. Also starring "Gossip Girl" graduate Leighton Meester" and "Everybody Loves Raymond" staple Brad Garrett. So far, it's shaping up to be a case of what's not to like here? (9:30 p.m. Wed., ABC).

'A Million Little Things'

Although "This Is Us" returns at 9 p.m. Tuesday for your weekly emotional needs, there's always room for another crying jag. Maybe. This new drama about a group of friends begins its narrative with the unexpected death of one of them. Hmm, perhaps it will be less "This is Us" and more "The Gen X Big Chill." (10 p.m. Wed., ABC)

'Murphy Brown'

Returning after 20 years off the air, the outspoken TV journalist played by Candice Bergen is back to speak truth to the Trump presidency and take on those who reduce the media to fake news. Fans of the classic sitcom only ask one thing in return: Don't ruin our memories by not living up to the high bar set by the original "Murphy"! (9:30 p.m. Thu., CBS).

'Last Man Standing'

We're contractually obligated to cover metro Detroit favorite Tim Allen. No, we're not? Well, Allen actually deserves coverage in this case, because his show's cancellation by ABC despite solid ratings and subsequent resurrection by Fox was big network news this year. Both Allen and Nancy Travis are back in the family-friendly comedy, while a few of the relatives have been recast. Now it's up to viewers to vote with their eyeballs on this second chance. (8 p.m. Fri., Fox).

'The Cool Kids'

Detroit's own David Alan Grier deserves a lengthy run in a hit sitcom. Could this be the one? It boasts Charlie Day from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" as an executive producer and an all-star cast that also includes Martin Mull, Vicki Lawrence and "Will and Grace" supporting player Leslie Jordan. The premise involves a group of rebels at a retirement community. Given how sitcoms usually treat seniors, we'll cross our fingers that there's some dignity and empathy along with the yuks. (8:30 p.m. Fri., Fox)

'The Neighborhood'

Max Greenfield plays the chipper white Midwesterner who moves to the mostly black neighborhood. Cedric the Entertainer plays the longtime resident who's skeptical of the new kid on the block. Normally, we'd just say 1998 called and wants its daring concept back. But Greenfield, so adorable as Schmidt on Fox's "New Girl" and Cedric, a true king of comedy, are so appealing, it just might work. (8 p.m. Oct. 1, CBS)

'Doctor Who'

The beloved British sci-fi adventure is 55 years old and still chugging along, in no small part because of the rejuvenating fact that a new actor takes over as the Doctor every couple or so seasons. This year, time's up for the show's patriarchal rule, as actress Jodie Whittaker becomes the first woman to play the lead role. Now go make a "Doctor Who" fan angry by reminding them "Star Trek" had its first female captain in 1995. (Oct. 7, BBC America)

'All American'

Based on a real-life story, this drama focuses on a high school football player (Daniel Ezra) from a struggling part of L.A. who gets a chance to transfer to swanky Beverly Hills High. With Taye Diggs as his coach and a story line that could fill the void left by "Friday Night Lights" -- and super-producer Greg Berlanti (of the CW's Arrowverse) on board -- it's poised for a ratings touchdown. (9 p.m. Oct. 10, the CW)

'The Romanoffs'

Matthew Weiner, the creator of "Mad Men," is back with this eight-episode anthology series about characters who think they're descended from the royal family that was the last to rule Russia. "Mad Men" vets John Slattery and Christina Hendricks, Diane Lane, Noah Wyle, Isabelle Huppert and many other familiar names are part of the multi-talented cast that colludes on the project. Get it? (Oct. 12, Amazon Prime)

'The Conners'

So it opens with Dan (John Goodman) in the shower realizing that whole "Roseanne" reboot was a nightmare. Kidding! In real life, after Roseanne Barr's racist tweet resulted in the 2018 revival's cancellation, ABC is proceeding with this Roseanne-free version (Barr isn't involved creatively or financially). The network is keeping a lid on spoilers as to how her absence will be explained. Whatever happens, the rest of the actors are returning and ready to start fresh -- for a second time. (8 p.m., Oct. 16, ABC)

'The Rookie'

Nathan Fillion's jaunty charisma on the small screen is not to be underestimated. The "Castle" and "Firefly" veteran is one of those small-screen actors who brings viewers with him wherever he goes. Fillion's task this time is to play the oldest newcomer to the Los Angeles police force. It's serious, it's funny and it's all in the hands of a TV pro. (10 p.m., Oct. 16, ABC).

'Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj'

An alum of "The Daily Show," Minhaj won a Peabody for his Netflix comedy special "Homecoming King" and raves for his 2017 hosting gig at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Now the rising young comedian is being hailed as the first Indian-American to have a weekly comedy show. He will scrutinize what's happening in politics and pop culture, so it's pretty much guaranteed to be worth it. (Oct. 28, Netflix)

Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds: 313-222-6427 or [email protected].

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