Pilot Perception: Zoo

Welcome to Pilot Perception, our feature in which we break down the first episode of each new show in order to help you decide whether it’s worth your time.

The Show: Zoo, CBS in the U.S. and CTV in Canada, Tuesdays at 9/8c

The Pedigree: Zoo is based on a novel by the prolific James Patterson, and executive produced by Jeff Pinkner (Fringe) and Star-Crossed‘s Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec, and Scott Rosenberg. The pilot was directed by Brad Anderson (Forever).

The Cast & How You Know Them: The show stars James Wolk (Mad Men), Kristen Connolly (House of Cards), Nonso Anozie (Dracula), Nora Arnezeder (Mozart in the Jungle), and Billy Burke (Revolution).

The Premise: “What if the animals fought back?” No, really. Zoologist Jackson Oz tries to figure out a global wave of seemingly coordinated animal attacks against people.

A Taste:

 

What Works: By any standard, this show has a talented cast. Other than that … look, nothing really works in the usual critical sense. But this show really goes for it, and it’s so absurd that it kind of comes around to being entertaining and hilarious? Sometimes on purpose. Sometimes not.

What Doesn’t: The dialogue. The effects. The timeline and plotting. The … entire concept really. And yet.

Our Favorite Line: “It seems that the lions got into the radiator.”

You Might Like This if you want a completely wacky popcorn show for the summer. Honestly, this is one of those shows that made me think “This is so bad!” the entire time while also making me really eager to see where it goes. I am not in any way telling you that this show is good, but sometimes it’s fun to watch the completely insane.

If You’re Interested: CBS is rerunning the first episode Sunday night, so check your local listings, or catch it on demand or online at CBS or CTV. Then set your DVR for Tuesday at 9/8c!

(Photo courtesy of CBS.)

One thought on “Pilot Perception: Zoo

  1. I think for me this show is a great summer show, I don’t think I would be able to fit it into my fall schedule. It’s a bit campy but still fun.

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