NEW TV 2015-2016: Final Report Card

Wow, what another exciting year of television it's been, highlighted by a strong crop of fresh new programs. Among them, the comedies, miniseries and specials have been particularly impressive, with the level of acting, ambition and general talent on display continuing to redefine the boundaries of the medium. This year, I caught up with a grand total of 18 new shows. Here's a graded rundown of all of them:

Limited Series

AMERICAN CRIME STORY Season 1: The People v. O.J. Simpson

Provocative. Riveting. Sensational.
Grade: B+
ROOTS

Vivid. Heart-stirring. Powerful.
Grade: B+
SHOW ME A HERO

Grounded. Engrossing. Tragic.
Grade: B+
THE NIGHT MANAGER

Classy. Captivating. Hollow.
Grade: B+

Movies

7 DAYS IN HELL

Fun. Ridiculous. Goofy
Grade: B

ALL THE WAY

Fascinating. Smart. Revealing
Grade: B+
CONFIRMATION

Slick. Interesting. Underwhelming.
Grade: B
A VERY MURRAY CHRISTMAS

Simple. Delightful. Charming.
Grade: B+

Series

HORACE AND PETE

Honest. Unusual. Gloomy.
Grade: B+
MASTER OF NONE Season 1

Sharp. Touching. Relevant.
Grade: A-
NARCOS Season 1

Brutal. Entertaining. Repetitive.
Grade: B+
WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: First Day of Camp

Funny. Lovable. Lite.
Grade: B

Variety Specials

AMY SCHUMER: LIVE AT THE APOLLO
Blunt. Raw. Limited.
Grade: B+

ANJELA JOHNSON: NOT FANCY

Tame. Nice. Safe.
Grade: B-
CHRIS TUCKER: LIVE

Animated. Amusing. Overlong.
Grade: B
LEMONADE

Creative. Inspired. Stunning.
Grade: A-
MIKE EPPS: DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL

Daring. Uncensored. Outrageous.
Grade: B+
PATTON OSWALT: TALKING FOR CLAPPING

Engaging. Humourous. Enjoyable.
Grade: B+