When they write the book on how streaming changed the game for linear TV, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist may well end up being the show that resets the model for what constitutes a network television hit. After premiering on NBC last January to disappointing numbers, the Jane Levy musical dramedy became a streaming breakout, growing its ratings in the key 18-49 demo by more than 5x in delayed viewing on digital platforms, and amassing a devoted and vocal fanbase. The show returns tonight for a second season that NBC is no doubt hoping will build on that success.
Also today: Netflix enlists Nicolas Cage to explore The History Of Swear Words, This Is Us returns from break, and Gordon Ramsay takes two chums on a cross-country culinary roadtrip. Here's what's new and noteworthy on TV this Tuesday:
SEASON PREMIERE: Change is afoot in the Season 2 opener of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist as Zoey (Jane Levy) returns to the world after an extended time away. Watch preview. 8:00 PM ET on NBC
SERIES PREMIERE: As Primetimer’s Joe Reid writes today, Nicolas Cage is disturbingly genteel as host of Netflix's The History of Swear Words, the streamer's quasi-serious new six-episode docuseries. Watch trailer. Streaming on Netflix
NEW EPISODE: His brush with viral fame leads Randall (Sterling K. Brown)to an unexpected discovery on This Is Us. Also: Kate (Chrissy Metz) confronts her past, and Kevin (Justin Hartley) debates the best path for his future. Watch preview. 9:00 PM ET on NBC
SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Gordon Ramsay and two of his closest chef friends taste their way across the United States in Gordon Ramsay's American Road Trip, a new two hour special that promises to show viewers a new side of the prickly British chef. Watch preview. 8:00 PM ET on FOX
DOCUSERIES PREMIERE: PBS kicks off its new four-part documentary series American Portrait, which seeks to tell the story of 2020 through the voices of everyday people across the US. In tonight's premiere, self-shot stories explore the meaning and state of the American dream. Watch preview. 9:00 PM ET on PBS
NEW EPISODE: A patient's elusive diagnosis forces Grace (Tiera Skovbye) to confront her own past trauma as Nurses moves to a new timeslot. Meanwhile, Ashley (Natasha Calis) has an unexpected run-in with Caro (Alexandra Ordolis). Watch preview. 10:00 PM ET on NBC
NEW EPISODE: Training camp comes down to a dance off with many dreams on the line in Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. Also, things come to a grinding halt as Kelli gets some bad news. 10:00 PM ET on CMT
Jed Rosenzweig is the Founder and Publisher of Primetimer.
TOPICS: Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, NBC