25 of the most buzzworthy new shows for Fall 2018

The Neighborhood – CBS

What you’re watching: This show is a classic fish-out-of-water story about a white family that moves into an affluent, predominantly African-American neighborhood. The default leader of the tight-knit community, Calvin Butler (played by Cedric the Entertainer), is surprised and annoyed when Dave Johnson turns up in the house next door.

Dave, played by the ever-likable Max Greenfield (New Girl) is directly from the Midwest and is probably the most affable human in the world. He serves as the butt of a lot of Calvin the grouch’s jokes, and the culture clash is the main source of humor here.

What it reminds you of: CBS is known for taking edgy content and watering it down until it becomes universally consumable. If you think about how the show Mom takes on addiction and drug use but has never once seen any of its characters overdose or ruin their lives in a major way, you can see how The Neighborhood will probably go for the most common denominator. In terms of premise, it’s a racially flipped All In The Family, with Cedric the Entertainer playing a less offensive Archie Bunker. He’s a lovable curmudgeon who is set in his ways, and it’s up to Dave to change his mind.

Long-term potential: We’re not hopeful that it will become the next King of Queens or Everybody Loves Raymond, but I imagine it can coast on the charm of Max Greenfield and the biting wit of Cedric the Entertainer for at least a couple seasons.