A dreamboat saves lives in the brandnew medical drama “Doctor Odyssey,” premiering Thursday, Sept. 26, on ABC.
Sean Teale, Don Johnson, Joshua Jackson and Phillipa Soo in “Doctor Odyssey”
Cover Story
Life preserver: ‘Doctor Odyssey’ saves souls on the high seas
By Sarah Passingham
A dreamboat is in the lifeboat on his way to save lives in the brand-new medical drama “Doctor Odyssey,” premiering Thursday, Sept. 26, on ABC. Starring Joshua Jackson (“Fatal Attraction”) as Dr. Max Bankman, the series follows the crew and passengers of a luxury cruise ship called The Odyssey as they indulge in pleasures onboard while managing unexpected medical emergencies. Leading the ship’s voyage through the open ocean is Capt. Robert Massey, portrayed by legendary TV procedural actor Don Johnson, star of “Miami Vice” and “Nash Bridges.” Having notably been the bad guy in two recent films — the 2024 Netflix crime drama “Rebel Ridge” and the 2019 whodunit hit “Knives Out” — “Doctor Odyssey” is a return to charming form for Johnson.
Also starring in the upcoming series are Phillipa Soo (“Shining Girls”) as nurse Avery Morgan and Sean Teale (“The Gifted”) as nurse Tristan Silva, members of Dr. Bankman’s medical team onboard the ship. And the three of them aren’t just co-workers. With lots of downtime between emergencies, the three medical professionals have become quite close. If the teaser trailer is to be believed, there is a bit of a love triangle going on outside the ship’s OR.
“Doctor Odyssey” is written, co-created and executive produced by prolific TV storyteller Ryan Murphy, whose other fall debut series this year include the horror series “Grotesquerie” and the true crime drama “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” on FX, not to mention several continuing series across other networks and streamers.
Like most of Murphy’s work, major plot and character
details are being kept under wraps until the series premiere, but one exciting cameo was revealed in an official trailer for “Doctor Odyssey” released in August. Canadian country superstar Shania Twain (“That Don’t Impress Me Much”) appears in a yetto-be-confirmed role, though we do know she hits the dance floor with the captain during a black tie event on the ship.
From the synopsis to the trailer, it is clear that “Doctor Odyssey” has that signature Murphy procedural sheen. Like his previous series, the premise may seem outlandish — how many kinds of emergencies can possibly be called in to “9-1-1” — only for all of the pieces to fit perfectly together to make an endlessly entertaining watch that supports equally-successful spinoff series.
At the ABC Upfronts in May, before the series had even begun filming, series star Jackson spoke with
TVLine about what the vision was for “Doctor Odyssey,” saying, “the word that [Murphy] first used with me is ‘sparkle,’ that everything should have a sparkle in your eye.” From the spotless ship to its beautiful passengers and professional crew, it all glimmers on The Odyssey. Jackson also spoke to Deadline at Upfronts about what he could share pre-production, having got his hands on the scripts. “Ryan Murphy doesn’t write normal procedural television, so the world that this doctor lives in is going to be as over the top and outrageous as you would expect.”
Jon Robin Baitz and Joe Baken, who both recently collaborated with Murphy on the Emmy-nominated second season of “Feud,” co-created and executive produce “Doctor Odyssey” with Murphy, while frequent Murphy collaborator Paris Barclay (“Sons of Anarchy”) directs the series.
What’s Available NOW On
“Rescue: HI-Surf”Season 1 (Sept. 23)
This new Fox action drama follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.
“From” - Season 3 (Sept. 22)
This series unravels the mystery of a nightmarish town that traps all those who enter. In the wake of Season 2’s epic cliffhanger, escape will become a tantalizing and very real possibility as the true nature of the town comes into focus, and the townspeople go on offense against the myriad horrors surrounding them. Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Eion Bailey, Hannah Cheramy and Simon Webster star.
“Fly” (Sept. 25) Humans have long dreamed of the freedom of flight. This heart-stopping National Geograpic documentary immerses viewers in the exhilarating yet perilous world of BASE jumping. At the heart of the film are three couples: Jimmy and Marta, pioneering figures affectionately known as the “Mom and Pop” of BASE jumping; the fearless wingsuit pilot Scotty and his newfound love, Julia; and the resilient duo Amber and Espen.
“Agatha All Along” - New Episode (Sept. 25)
Streaming new episodes weekly after making its two-episode debut last week, this Marvel miniseries follows the infamous Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), who is down and out of power after a strange goth Teen (Joe Locke) helps break her free from a distorted spell. Her interest is piqued when he begs her to take him down the legendary Witches’ Road.
“Disney Jr.’s Ariel” - Season 1, New Episodes (Sept. 25) This animated musical series, inspired by “The Little Mermaid,” follows young mermaid princess Ariel as she embarks on funfilled, action-packed adventures with her friends throughout their Caribbean-inspired fairytale kingdom of Atlantica.
“How Not to Draw” (Shorts) - Season 3 (Available Now) In Season 3 of this drawing tutorial parody series, animators bring beloved Disney characters — from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to Dr. Doofenshmirtz and R2-D2 — to life, and the characters bring… CHAOS!
“Out There: Crimes of the Paranormal” - Season 1 (Sept. 24)
This series takes viewers inside true crime cases with shocking encounters with the paranormal world, through eyewitness accounts, expert interviews and all-new investigations. In each case, amidst an agonizing search for answers, one rumor emerges from the pack: something inhuman is afoot.
“What If” (Sept. 23)
Medical-school dropout Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) has been repeatedly burned by bad relationships. So, while everyone around him, including his roommate Allan (Adam Driver), seems to be finding the perfect partner, Wallace decides to put his love life on hold. It is then that he meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan), an animator who lives with her longtime boyfriend Ben (Rafe Spall). Wallace and Chantry form an instant connection, striking up a close friendship.
“Grotesquerie”Season 1 (Sept. 26)
In this FX horror drama, a series of heinous crimes have unsettled a small community. Detective Lois Tryon (Niecy Nash) feels these crimes are eerily personal, as if someone — or something — is taunting her. With no leads and unsure of where to turn, she accepts the help of Sister Megan (Micaela Diamond), a nun and journalist with the Catholic Guardian.
“Evolution of the Black Quarterback” (Sept. 24) Retired NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick travels across America to explore the history and impact of Black quarterbacks on and off the field. Paying homage to the rich history, celebrating the progress and setting its sights on the future of the QB position, the series tells the story of the players who fought for their right to be on the field. Featuring interviews with some of the most influential Black QBs to ever play the game.
“Jailbreak: Love on the Run” (Sept. 25) When Vicky White, a highly respected corrections officer, aids the escape of a violent felon nearly twenty years her junior, it reveals an unexpected love story amidst the ensuing high-profile manhunt and media frenzy.
This documentary uncovers the wild story.
“Rez Ball” (Sept. 27) In the heart of Chuska, New Mexico, a high school basketball team rich in Native American heritage face their greatest challenge.
After the loss of their star player (Kusem Goodwind), the team must unite like never before to keep
their dreams of a state championship alive.
Bratt and Jessica Matten also star.
“Grey’s Anatomy”Season 21 (Sept. 27)
This high-intensity medical drama follows a team of doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital who are faced with life-or death decisions on a daily basis. They seek comfort from one another and, at times, more than just friendship. Together they discover that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white.
“Paddington 2” (Sept. 26)
Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) is happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s (Imelda Staunton) 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s (Jim Broadbent) antique shop, and performs a series of odd jobs to buy it.
“Nobody Wants This”
Season 1
26) Kristen
“Will & Harper” (Sept. 27) When Will
finds out his close friend of 30 years is coming out as a trans
the
decide to embark on a cross-country road trip to process this new stage of their relationship in an intimate portrait of friendship, transition and America.
-
(Sept.
Bell and Adam Brody star in this new comedy series as Joanne and Noah, an outspoken agnostic woman and a rogue rabbi. The series charts their unlikely relationship. Jackie Tohn, Michael Hitchcock, Paul Ben-Victor, Sherry Cola, Shiloh Bearman, Stephanie Faracy, Tovah Feldshuh and Emily Arlook also star.
Kauchani
Ferrell
woman,
two
Sports Zone
7
7 p.m.
Basketball Playoffs: Teams TBA. All the latest basketball action from the WNBA. (Live) thurSday
8 a.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf Acciona Open de España, First Round. From Club de Campo Villa de Madrid in Madrid. (Live)
11:30 a.m. GOLF 2024 Presidents Cup Day 1. From Royal Montreal Golf Club in L’Ile-Bizard, Que. (Live)
Insurance Championship, Final Round. From Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, Calif. (Live)
7 p.m. ESPN MLB Baseball Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets. From Citi Field in Flushing, N.Y. (Live)
8:15 p.m. WGRZ-2 WICU-12 NFL Football Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs hit the road for the first time this season for a test drive against the Falcons. (Live)
9 p.m. FS1 Fútbol Mexicano Primera División FC Juarez vs. Tigres UANL. From Olimpico Benito Juarez in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. (Live)
10 p.m. ESPN WNBA Basketball Playoffs: Teams TBA. All the latest basketball action from the WNBA. (Live)
Monday
7:30 p.m. ESPN WIVB-4 NFL Football Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills. The Bills play host to the Jaguars in the first of two contests on the Monday night schedule. (Live)
8 p.m. WKBW-7 NFL Football Washington Commanders at Cincinnati Bengals. Joe Burrow and the Bengals host a prime-time spot against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. (Live)
tueSday
6:30 p.m. ATTPT MLB Baseball Milwaukee Brewers at Pittsburgh Pirates. From PNC Park in Pittsburgh. (Live)
7:30 p.m. ESPN WNBA Basketball First Round, Game 1: Teams TBA. All the latest basketball action from the WNBA. (Live)
9:30 p.m. ESPN WNBA Basketball Playoffs: Teams TBA. All the latest basketball action from the WNBA. (Live)
10 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. ATTPT MLB Baseball Milwaukee Brewers at Pittsburgh Pirates. From PNC Park in Pittsburgh. (Live)
7 p.m. SNY MLB Baseball New York Mets at Atlanta Braves. From Truist Park in Atlanta. (Live) WNYO-49 High School Football Cardinal O’Hara at Bishop Timon. Action from high school football. (Live)
7:30 p.m. ESPN College Football Army at Temple. From Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Live) ESPN2 WNBA Basketball Playoffs: Teams TBA. All the latest basketball action from the WNBA. (Live)
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 WNBA Basketball Playoffs: Teams TBA. All the latest basketball action from the WNBA. (Live) Friday
8 a.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf Acciona Open de España, Second Round. From Club de Campo Villa de Madrid in Madrid. (Live)
1 p.m. GOLF 2024 Presidents Cup Day 2. From Royal Montreal Golf Club in L’Ile-Bizard, Que. (Live)
2:30 p.m. MSG Hockey EHC Red Bull München vs. Buffalo Sabres. From Olympia-Eisstadion in Munich. (Live)
5:30 p.m. FS1 ARCA Menards Series Kansas 2. From Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. (Live)
7 p.m. ATTPT MLB Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Yankees. From Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y. (Live)
7:30 p.m. ESPN College Football Virginia Tech at Miami. From Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Live) ESPN2 WNBA Basketball Playoffs: Teams TBA. All the latest basketball action from the WNBA. (Live) FS1 NHRA Drag Racing Midwest Nationals,
basketball action from the WNBA. (Live) 10:30 p.m. ESPN Boxing Sandy Ryan vs. Mikaela Mayer. From Madison Square Garden in New York. (Live) FS1 Women’s College Volleyball Illinois at Oregon. (Live)
12:30 a.m. FS1 AFL Premiership Football Teams TBA. Coverage of matches played as part of the premier Australian rules competition. (Live) Saturday
7 a.m. GOLF 2024 Presidents Cup Day 3. From Royal Montreal Golf Club in L’Ile-Bizard, Que. (Live)
7:30 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Newcastle United vs. Manchester City. From St. James’ Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England. (Live)
8 a.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf Acciona Open de España, Third Round. From Club de Campo Villa de Madrid in Madrid. (Live) WGRZ-2 WICU-12 2024 Presidents Cup Day 3. From Royal Montreal Golf Club in L’Ile-Bizard, Que. (Live)
10 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Brentford vs. West Ham United. From Gtech Community Stadium in London. (Live)
12 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 FS1 WKBW-7 WNYW-5 WPIX-11 WUTV-29 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live)
12:30 p.m. USA Premier League Soccer Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Liverpool. From Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England. (Live)
1 p.m. ATTPT MLB Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Yankees. From Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y. (Live) SNY College Football Fordham at Monmouth. From Kessler Stadium in West Long Branch, N.J. (Live)
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 NWSL Soccer NJ/NY Gotham FC at Kansas City Current. From CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (Live)
3:30 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 WIVB-4 WKBW-7 WNYW-5 WSEE-35 WUTV-29 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live) FS1 College Football Fresno State at UNLV. From Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Live) 4 p.m. WPIX-11 NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series Kansas Lottery
In Focus
“The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol”Season 2 (AMC+ — Sept. 29,
France, causing tension at the Nest.
BY JAY BOBBIN
‘Jaws’ takes another bite out of the TV lineup
Summer is over, but it doesn’t necessarily require being in that season to feel the bite of “Jaws,” the 1975 box-office blockbuster based on Peter Benchley’s best seller, and the film that put director Steven Spielberg on the Hollywood map. AMC shows the picture Wednesday, Sept. 25, and as it nears its 50th anniversary, it still has all the impact it did originally.
With a Great White shark causing death and fear at the New England resort Amity Island, the water-hating sheriff (Roy Scheider) reluctantly heads to sea with a shark hunter (Robert Shaw) and a shark expert (Richard Dreyfuss) to find and destroy the marauder. The stories of the mechanical shark malfunctioning during filming are legendary, but it doesn’t matter in watching the final product. Co-starring Lorraine Gary and Murray Hamilton, and also including a memorable, Oscar-winning John Williams score, this is just a perfect movie. Period.
“Nash Bridges” (Heroes & Icons, Monday, Sept. 23): As Don Johnson returns to series work in ABC’s new “Doctor Odyssey,” his post-”Miami Vice” police-detective show is remaining in view, with five episodes shown consecutively in a mini-marathon, The 1996-2001 mystery-with-humor cast Johnson in the title role of a veteran San Francisco investigator with a complex personal life – sometimes involving his ex-wives, portrayed by Annette O’Toole and Serena Scott Thomas – and a professional partner (Cheech Marin) who’s great at exchanging banter.
Robert Shaw in “Jaws”
classiccorner
Across 1. “America’s Got Talent” hopefuls
5. Some drs.
8. Land between Aram and Edom
12. London district.
13. “___ of Africa” (1985)
14. U.S. Women’s Open org. 15. Kind of code
Crossword Puzzle
16. Starfleet uniform wearers
18. Cillian Murphy’s series 20. Neat
21. __ _ few rounds 22. Chooser’s call 24. “Being Mary __ Moore” (2023)
28. “Mamma __!”
29. Comic Philips
30. Marvin Gaye’s record label
33. Obscure
35. Solution: Abbr.
37. “The Last Emperor” (1987) actress Joan
38. Máiréad Tyers series
44. Hulk Hogan or The Rock, e.g.
45. “___ Detective”
46. Hard finish?
47. Altar words
48. Brainstorm
49. Vegas developer Steve
50. “___ Hemingway” (2013 Jude Law film)
51. “The Leftovers” theme
Down
1. Letters of urgency
2. Computer memory, in the old days
3. Mr. T’s outfit
4. Penetrate the mind
5. Sidestepped
6. Knitting loop
7. The New Yorker cartoonist William
8. Jan. observance
9. Mayberry boy
10. New or golden follower
11. Low man in the choir
17. Masseuse’s challenge
19. Gridiron units: Abbr.
22. Ambulance driver, for short
23. Airline ticket word, sometimes
25. Kate’s “Titanic” (1997) co-star
26. It lays green eggs
27. Serling who created “The Twilight Zone”
31. Perfect game pitcher Don
32. Future MD’s course
33. Ho ___ Minh
34. Kind of soup
36. Assured
37. Floppy disk alternative
38. “Yuck!”
39. Roentgen’s find
40. Graceful aquatic bird
41. Change the look of
42. Has many regrets
43. Supportive voices
Sunday Matlock
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 8 p.m.
Attorney Madeline “Matty” Matlock (Kathy Bates) decides to begin practicing law again at a prestigious law firm in this series premiere and reboot of the ‘80s TV classic. Matty’s unassuming ways and folksy charm helps her sway juries and win clients.
Moonflower Murders on Masterpiece
WNED-17 WPSU-3
WXXI-21 9 p.m.
Susan’s (Lesley Manville) quest to solve a cold case takes her to the Treherne’s Hotel, where she learns of
a former employee found guilty of murder. Then, Atticus (Timothy McMullan) investigates possible suspects for Melissa’s (Rosalie Craig) murder.
Monday
9-1-1: Lone Star
WNYW-5 WUTV-29 8 p.m.
The new marriage of TK (Ronen Rubinstein) and police officer Carlos Reyes (Rafael Silva) is put to the test in this Season 5 premiere when Carlos becomes obsessed with finding his father’s (Benito Martinez) killer. Then, a train derailment endangers many.
Brilliant Minds
WGRZ-2 WICU-12 10 p.m.
Inspired by the extraordinary life and work of neurologist Oliver Sacks, this series premiere follows revolutionary neurologist Oliver Wolf (Zachary Quinto) and his team as they live and explore medicine’s last great frontier — the human mind.
Tuesday
Murder in a Small Town
WNYW-5 WUTV-29 8 p.m.
Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland) moved to a quiet, coastal town to heal a mind that was battered by big-city police work. However, he soon realizes that this amiable paradise has more than
its share of deadly secrets that call upon his skills.
Last Bite Hotel
FOOD 9 p.m.
Tituss Burgess welcomes eight chefs to his mysterious hotel to create amazing meals for its demanding VIP guests. Only able to bring 13 ingredients for their entire stay, contestants try to survive long enough to be the last chef standing and win $25,000.
Wednesday
Big Cats 24/7
WNED-17 WPSU-3
WXXI-21 8 p.m.
A huge wildfire threatens the lions of the Okavango Delta, causing the males of the pride to re-establish boundaries and fight off intruders in service of protecting the vulnerable. Meanwhile, Xudum the leopardess risks life and limb to find a mate.
Grotesquerie
FX 10 p.m.
Det. Lois Tryon (Niecy Nash) teams up with a nun (Lesley Manville) to help investigate a disturbing group of crimes in this series premiere. As these small-town crimes seem personal, the detective begins to believe they are directed towards her.
Thursday
Doctor Odyssey
WKBW-7 9 p.m.
Max (Joshua Jackson) is the new onboard doctor
for a luxury cruise ship where the staff works hard and plays with all hands on deck. This new procedural mixes medical emergencies with luxurious locales and beautiful guests. Don Johnson also stars.
The Old Man
FX 10 p.m.
After being forced back into the world he left behind 30 years prior, former CIA operative Dan Chase (Jeff Bridges) joins forces with nemesis-turned-ally Harold Harper (John Lithgow) to save his daughter (Alia Shawkat) from a terrorist cell.
Friday
Diners, DriveIns and Dives
FOOD 9 p.m.
If we just stuck to flavors available around the corner, we’d suffer some pretty boring food. So, Guy decides to explore tastes that pack a punch from afar from Korean-Mexican fusion in Atlanta, to Thai in Dallas, to Italian squid in Phoenix.
Social Studies
FX 10 p.m.
Filmed over a school year, this documentary follows a diverse group of LA teens who open up their lives and phones, offering a look into how social media has changed childhood from dealing with beauty standards, racism, sexuality, bullying and more.
Saturday
Ghost Adventures
TRAV 9 p.m.
The team heads into downtown Los Angeles’ Northridge area to examine the long-abandoned Roxie Theater, where a mysterious suicide complicated its past. Once ornate and majestic, the movie palace is now rotting and gathering the souls of the lost.
Austin City Limits
WPSU-3 11 p.m.
WXXI-21 12 a.m.
America’s favorite concert venue returns in this sea -
“Merry
and “Space Cowboy,” along with “Golden Hour,” her 2019 album.
son premiere with country music singer-songwriter
Kacey Musgraves. The Grammy Award winner is best known for hits
Go ‘Round”
Leah Lewis stars in “Matlock” Sunday on CBS
Navid Negahban in “The Old Man” Thursday on FX
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Trivia Crossword
Across 1. Whammy
4. Prayer’s closing word
8. Dynamite
11. Big grocery chain
12. Ruin 13. Indisposed
14. Assembly line aid
17. “You’ve got mail” co.
18. Much
19. Skirt for the modest
21. Scarf material
24. “___ Home with Amy Sedaris”
25. “What We Do ___ the Shadows”
26. That thing
27. “___, re, mi, ...”
28. Sweetie
30. Not be serious
32. Waiting period, seemingly
34. Half a dozen
35. It bends the
joints of the elbow
41. So far
42. Pollster Silver
43. Slippery one 44. “___ De-Lovely”
45. A deadly sin 46. Hula hoop? Down 1. Popular fruit drink
2. Bigheadedness
3. Anxiety medication often advertised in spam 4. Cain’s victim 5. Word of possibility 6. Roxy Music co-founder Brian
7. Soft ball material
8. Guy with a cooking show 9. 100%
10. Deli sandwich
trivia quiz
For the ChiHards
Questions:
1) How many One Chicago series have there been so far?
2) What was the first series of the Chicago franchise to make it to air?
3) True or false: One Chicago shows are set in the Windy City but filmed in Los Angeles.
4) Name another NBC series (also created by Dick Wolf) that crossed over with “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.”
5) Which “Chicago PD” character started out as an antagonist in “Chicago Fire?”
6) In the “One Chicago” universe, who is the brother of “Chicago Med’s” Dr. Will Halstead?
7) Who was became Deputy Commissioner in the Season 12 finale of “Chicago Fire?”
8) When was the last One Chicago crossover event that included “Chicago Med?” 9) Randall McHolland’s (Christian Stolte) nickname on “Chicago Fire” is “Mouch” — which two words
15. Larynx 16. Barkless dogs
19. Kind of drop 20. Intro for boy or girl
22. Tops 23. Stomach problem
29. Confronts
31. Stand out
33. All alternative
34. Chop ___
35. Memo starter
36. Rent
37. Split
38. “Punk’d” network
39. Filmmaker Spike
Crimson foe
“Chicago P.D.?”
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