A Reality Check On What 3 TV Shows To Check Out This Week

On LAist 89.3’s AirTalk, we're joined by television critics each week to give you a rundown of shows that are fresh out of the oven. They serve you a taste of what to expect and from there, you can choose whether or not to indulge in the rest.

Now, it's my turn to add to their topline thoughts and offer my impression of a few initial episodes. I may not have "TV critic" as my title, but I watch TV — and as a fan of film and television, I can at least give you an informed perspective.

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This week, AirTalk’s Larry Mantle talked about the latest on television and streaming with Kristen Baldwin, TV critic for Entertainment Weekly, and Dominic Patten, senior editor & chief tv critic for Deadline.

This week’s shows included:

• The Golden Bachelor (ABC & Hulu next day)
• Gen V (Amazon Prime Video)
• Bargain (Paramount+)
• Beckham (Netflix)
• Found (NBC & Peacock)
• Lupin [Part 3] (Netflix)
• Love Is Blind [Season 5] (Netflix)

The Golden Bachelor

Airing on ABC & Streaming On Hulu

First impression: For this inaugural season meant for adults in their golden years, 72-year-old bachelor Gerry Turner look for that person to spend this next chapter of his life, with 22 women who are eager to find that same connection.

Lasting impression: Seeing Turner and every contestant on the program sharing their personal stories and aspirations makes for a heart-warming watch. In a world of reality television that tends to prioritize young adults, it makes sense as to why those developing this program thought there was a place for this show.

You still get some of the great dialogue and one-on-one bits that make these shows tick, with my favorites from episode 1 being Turner using the word “rizz” (a Gen-Z slang term that’s short for charisma) and seeing each women’s introduction. Overall it was a fun watch that I think fans of The Bachelor and its spinoffs will definitely want to follow, and it’s unique enough to where I could see general audiences take a liking to the show.

Who's behind it: The show's creators Claire Freeland, Jason Ehrlich and Bennett Graebner, all of whom have worked on the extended universe of Bachelor-related shows.

When and where: Episode 1 is now streaming on Hulu; episode 2 will air Thursday Oct. 5 on ABC at 8 p.m.

Beckham

Streaming on Netflix

First impression: A documentary focused on legendary British soccer player David Beckham, depicting the intersection of his rise in the sport and his status as an international celebrity. The documentary brings together archival footage of Beckham’s life and interviews with those closest to him.

Lasting impression: The documentary does a truly superb job of taking you down the biggest points of his early career, going from this talented pretty boy to someone who was quickly getting turned on by British press and gossip outlets as a result of his growing celebrity. Not to say he was a perfect individual, but his wife Victoria Beckham, and longtime teammate Gary Neville, are major pillars of noting why his heart was always in the right place.

For soccer fans, I think you’ll truly light up seeing all the big-name teammates they were able to get for the docuseries. I also think those who know him more as a style icon will take a liking to the documentary.

Who's behind it: The creator of the docuseries is Fisher Stevens, someone that a lot of folks should be familiar with given his track record as an actor, with most folks remembering him recently for playing public relations expert Hugo Baker on Succession. It’s also worth noting he’s found a fair amount of success in documentary filmmaking, having been a producer for the Oscar-winning feature The Cove.

When and where: All four parts of this docu-eries will be released on Wednesday, Oct. 4 on Netflix.

Love Is Blind [Season 5]

Streaming on Netflix

First impression: Thirty contestants in their mid-20s to 30s look for love in this reality TV program that allows prospective lovers to speak to one another through “pods” that prevent them from physically seeing each other. The only time couples get to peak their partners is once they get engaged.

Lasting impression: Season 5 continues the show’s legacy of standing out from other romance-centric reality television programs, with the superficial aspect of looks being undercut by the inability to see one another. Not to say the show is all positive, given that folks’ reliance on their communication skills makes their internal flaws stand out a lot more.

If you’re looking for a new reality TV show to check out that still brings the spicy gossip and conversations, without the over-reliance on conventionally attractive folks, I’d say Love Is Blind might be worth a look.

Who's behind it: The creator of the show is Chris Coelen, who’s become a growing face in reality television producing, with some other programs he worked on including Claim to Fame and Married at First Sight. I should note, though, there has been off-camera controversy, with some Love Is Blind cast members having made allegations against the creator for ethical concerns related to show’s producing, about which Coelen recently spoke with Variety.

When and where: 7 episodes are now available to stream on Netflix; Episodes 8 and 9 are released on Friday Oct. 6.