There’s always those few shows that come into the spotlight just as quickly as they fade, but this is one show that does not fall into that category.
"Rise," the new up and coming show on NBC that premiered on March 13, with high anticipation and a loaded audience, this new show has not been one to disappoint in the few episodes it’s shared. From the producer and writer of "Friday Night Lights "and "Parenthood," Jason Katims leaves the audience with anticipation for more.
Katims dipped into the bitter pool that no other producer ever wants to touch on of topics only a few shows have decided to premiere.
Before the ultimate premiere of "Rise," the show was anticipated to be a spin-off or remake of the highly popular Fox TV, "Glee." "Glee" was musical comedy-drama television series than ran for about six years. The show followed the lives of high school students navigating their way through popularity, bullying and the infamous Glee club.
"Glee" touched on the many topics of bullying, LGBTQ+, teen suicide, and many more. As someone who was a big fan of "Glee" for the years that I watched it, I was quite tightly attached to the show it formed and turned into.
Alternatively, "Rise" has premiered to be nothing like that. The synopsis for "Rise" follows the storyline of actor Josh Radnor from "How I Met Your Mother," Lou Mazzuchelli, an English teacher in high school whose goal is to reinvent and revamp the school’s drama club. The series was inspired by the books "Drama High "by Michael Sokolove which followed and focused on real characters and actions portrayed in the show.
From the bits of what we’ve been given so far, the show follows the storyline of Lou hoping to help the drama department by producing a musical that discusses teen suicide, LGBTQ+ relationships, sex, and many other controversial topics. Lou has the help of production with passionate theater kids but decides to throw his own twist on things by casting the star quarterback as a lead.
This decision quickly leads to mass controversy and conflict between the student, the coach, and Lou. Along with this, the episode follows other tricky topics of teen drinking, depression, the idea of feeling included, and yet again, popularity.
I think what’s different about this show and the storyline it seems to be following, is that things can seem like they’re predictable, but are just not getting there. Based on previews and commercials and glimpses of oncoming episodes, you’re still left anticipating what is to come.
"Rise" is what one can describe as reality-based and it hits that marker right on the spot. It’s really difficult to get attached to shows and follow storylines that are ridiculously unrealistic or completely bizarre topics. This show does not do that.
The charismatic vibe and rawness that these characters and these actors bring forward towards such show are remarkable and really makes it one of a kind. What’s interesting about this cast and the production is there are no big-shot names that overpower the rest of the cast. For most of these actors, this is their debut. And what a debut they’re making.
As for advice, it’s definitely worth a shot to be given.
Tuesday nights at 9:00 p.m, be sure to clear your schedule. This is something you don’t want to be missing.