As part of SXSW 21, several upcoming pilots were presented.
Of the three I saw, only one really stood out as awful and the other two have me eagerly awaiting the next episode.
Chad
Starring Nasim Pedrad, Jake Ryan, Ella Mika, Saba Homayoon, Paul Chahidi, Alexa Loo, Thomas Barbusca
Created by Nasim Pedrad
Premieres April 6 on TBS
The extremely funny Nasim Pedrad (who created the TBS series and wrote at least one of the two episodes I saw) stars as Chad, a 14-year old Persian boy who lives with his recently divorced mother and younger sister while navigating his freshman year of high school while trying to become popular.
As much as it pains me to say this, Chad is an awful show.
Chad is not a likable character and the show is uncomfortable, and worst, not humorous in the least.
Sasquatch
Featuring David Holthouse
Showrunner: Joshua Rofé
Premieres April 20 on Hulu
The first part of this three-part upcoming Hulu docuseries chronicles investigative journalist David Holthouse searching for answers regarding a story he became aware of when visiting a pot farm in Northern California in 1993. Apparently, at a nearby farm three men were torn apart in a savage attack by a Sasquatch (also known as Bigfoot).
Now, over two and a half decades later, Holthouse begins looking into the story trying to decipher if he misremembered it or better, if there is any truth to it. Animation is used to help tell the story and although the pilot is mostly set-up, I am anxiously awaiting where the story goes next.
Cruel Summer
Starring Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee, Brooklyn Sudano
Created by Bert V. Royal
Premieres April 20 on Freeform
From creator Bert V. Royal (Easy A), Cruel Summer is the very best guilty pleasure that you have no reason to feel guilty about enjoying. Set over three years in the early nineties, the series focuses on two young teens Kate Wallis (Olivia Holt) the popular girl who suddenly goes missing and Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia) the awkward and nerdy wannabe who transforms herself into a member of the popular clique and then into the most hated girl in America.
As the episodes unveils itself in a non-linear structure, more questions are asked and with the biggest one being, are either Kate or Jeanette a reliable narrator?
Executive producer Jessical Biel proves she has an impeccable eye selecting material and Royal’s story only benefits from the time period and its lack of cell phones and social media.
If the second episode is as strong as the pilot, I have a feeling that the ten episode series will be the series everyone will be talking about.
