NEW TV 2014-2015: Final Report Card

Before I get to the Emmy ballots tomorrow, I wanted to acknowledge some of this season's hot new shows. Once again, it was another solid season for TV debuts, with lots of great options among the Limited Series, Movies, Series and Variety Specials. Here are my final grades and quick thoughts on all the brand new programming I watched:

Limited Series

AMERICAN CRIME Season 1

Grim. Absorbing. Disappointing.
Grade: B+
THE HONORABLE WOMAN

Thrilling. Elegant. Brilliant.
Grade: A
WOLF HALL

Calculated. Respectable. Potent.
Grade: B+

Movies

BESSIE

Raw. Unapologetic. Fierce. 
Grade: B+

NIGHTINGALE

Unique. Complex. Fascinating.
Grade: B+

WHITNEY

Amusing. Frisky. Half-baked.
Grade: C+

Series

BETTER CALL SAUL Season 1

Tragic. Droll. Sublime.
Grade: A-
BLACK-ISH Season 1

Relatable. Outrageous. Funny.
Grade: B+
THE COMEDIANS Season 1

Silly. Middling. Underwhelming.
Grade: B-
OUTLANDER Season 1

Romantic. Stirring. Classic. 
Grade: B+

TRANSPARENT Season 1

Sentimental. Bold. Fresh.
Grade: B+
UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT Season 1

Wacky. Vibrant. Infectious.
Grade: B+

Variety

AZIZ ANSARI: LIVE AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
Energetic. Uneven. Entertaining.
Grade: B+

LOUIS C.K. LIVE FROM THE COMEDY STORE

Engaging. Hilarious. Winning.
Grade: A-