What It's All About: After serving her apprenticeship in The Office, comedian Mindy Kaling now stars in her own sitcom as Dr. Mindy Lahiri, a talented ob-gyn whose personal life is messy, even embarrassing-she drinks too much, her romances go kerflooey. And she's got tricky relationships with her coworkers, especially the hard-charging, painfully honest doctor played by a hilarious Chris Messina. When Mindy asks him if he likes her shimmery gold dress, he replies, "Is your date with Elton John on New Year's Eve?"
The Biggest Reason to Watch: The simple answer is Kaling herself, who's more than just a comedian. She's a sharp writer with great presence, crack comic timing, and the sense to surround herself with good people like Messina and, as her BFF, Anna Camp from The Good Wife.
The Biggest Reason to Worry: The pilot is loaded with tired, pre-Lena Dunham, "I can't find romance" jokes that make Mindy appear needy and pathetic. Enough with the female self-hatred, girlfriend. You're cute, smart, and funny-and you've got your own show.
Just when you thought the fall TV season was taking forever to get started, it charges full steam ahead this week, featuring new comedies with old favorites, a new take on an old hero, and the season premiere of more than twelve programs, from Modern Family and Revenge to The Good Wife (which rumor has may offer some 50 Shades of Grey kink to perk up Sunday night). Here's our pick of five shows-some already great, some with potential-that should have everyone talking.
Charles McDonald and Nate Tice's latest mock draft has five quarterbacks off the board in the top 13, a big-time weapon for Aaron Rodgers and some steals in the second half of the first round.
One common thread runs between Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun's departure and the death knell for GE next week: Jack Welch. Veteran financial journalist Allan Sloan notes that of the CEOs Welch mentored, four succeeded while 13 failed.