The 2016 Upfronts: What We’ll Be Watching This Season on NBC!

By Maureen Martin | May 19, 2016 | Entertainment

At the NBC Upfront, network executives showcased programs from both the flagship network and the various cable networks owned by NBCUniversal, including USA, Syfy and Bravo. We are happy for returning favorites like USA’s Mr. Robot, the edgy techie series about a computer hacker who is not completely mentally stable, and Suits, the network’s darling series about life in the legal realm.

For NBC itself, there will be big event television like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup in 2018. Jennifer Lopez is back with her cop show Shades of Blue. The Voice and celebrity mentors like Alicia Keys returns, and #WBWD Jimmy Fallon will continue to bring us his brand of musical fun and irreverence.

Here are the shows we can’t wait to see on NBC this upcoming season.

Timeless (Mondays)
What’s It About? The history of the world may change forever ΓÇª unless the girl-powered scientist goes back and stops evil-doers from messing with it
Our Divalicious Take. The past sucked for black people. Series star Malcolm Barrett, (picture up top, left), who plays time travel pilot Rufus, makes that very clear in all the decades he winds up in.

The Good Place (Thursdays)
What’s It About? A woman dies and goes to “the good place,” only they let the wrong lady pass the pearly gates.
Our Divalicious Take. This ensemble series is irreverently funny and nicely diverse with supporting players like Jameela Jamil (pictured), William Jackson Harper and Manny Jacinto.

Taken
WhatΓÇÖs It About? Ever wondered how Bryan Mills got his skills? This prequel to the successful film franchise shows us how those “particular set of skills” where honed and developed. Jennifer Beals stars.
Our Divalicious Take. It’s an action-packed, edge-of-your seat thriller like the movie, that happens in 48 minutes weekly.

Marlon
What’s It About? Marlon Wayans plays a loving but immature father committed to co-parenting his two kids with his very-together ex-wife.
Our Divalicious Take. Marlon’s made a living being immature, so this should be a breeze for him. It reminds us of an UPN sitcom ΓÇô on a bigger budget.

This Is Us
WhatΓÇÖs It About? Explores the lives of several people who share the same birthday: a pregnant mom, a son who has found his father, a handsome actor, a girl dealing with her weight. It’s their lives’ struggles.
Our Divalicious Take. NBC knows how to do every day life drama, just think Parenthood. This one promises to make us grab the tissue box.

photo credit: NBC, Amanne Media Group