“Zoo” answers a question that no one ever asked–what if the ’90s Fox clip show “When Animals Attack” was turned into an event drama featuring charming actors, dopey words and a bunch of pissed off cats?
Based on a novel by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge, “Zoo” opens with star James Wolk as Jackson Oz, an expat American working as a safari guide in Botswana. We know that Jackson is a good guy, because he blasts James Brown out of a vintage boombox to keep hunters from shooting a black rhino. We know he has a dark side, because he’s really hungover when we meet him. We also know that he has daddy issues. Jackson’s father was a crazy-eyed scientist who thought animals could to predict an “extinction event” before humans. “Gibberish” Jackson calls a recording of his father’s lecture.
A minute later, we cut to Los Angeles, where a couple bros leaving a bar have their street urinating interrupted by a couple hungry lions. Sorry, bros. Looks like Jackson’s dad was on to something.
From there, “Zoo” tells two stories that appear destined to entwine, but for now mirror each other neatly. Back in Botswana, Jackson and his buddy Abraham (Nonso Anozie) encounter some local lions of their own, and Jackson trades his best friend’s company for that of Chloe (Nora Arnezeder), a French tourist whose safari companions are now cat food. In L.A., we learn that the Angeleno lions escaped from the zoo after killing their trainer. Intrepid reporter Jamie (Kristen Connolly) is convinced it’s the fault of big agribusiness and its crummy zoo food. But while chasing her story, she comes across a new mystery–why are all the housecats in Brentwood missing? Like Jackson, Jamie trades a familiar companion for a newer model. When her boyfriend–who is also her editor–fails to save her from being fired for her clandestine blogging activities, Jamie ditches him and starts hanging instead with a pathologist who is studying the two escaped lions’ bodies and might have a lead on those Brentwood cats.
Writers Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg serve as a rare quartet of showrunners. They keep things moving at a brisk, but not breakneck pace. And the parallels between Jackson’s story and Jamie’s link them feel relevant to each other.
But while the pilot script excels in efficient plot building, it lags in dialogue and character development. Lines that should slice sharply land with a blunt thud instead. “Drink this. It’s Kentucky Bourbon,” Jackson tell Chloe as they drive away from the lions’ dinner party. Chloe takes a drink and responds, “They do good work in Kentucky.” Sadly, Chloe has to deliver a bunch of boring exposition before she can get to that line. By the time, she does, it’s too late.
Fortunately, the show is cast with likeability at top of mind. Wolk has proven himself relentlessly appealing, whether working with some of television’s best material (“Mad Men”) or its most mediocre (“The Crazy Ones”). The heroic white guy running from his demons in a foreign land is a pretty stock character. But Wolk plays Jackson with such an easy air that the audience roots for him despite the thin characterization. Connolly’s task with Jamie is tougher, because her motivations are less defined and her stock quirks more annoying. But as she did on “House of Cards,” she pulls off a character who is maybe a little too principled to be believable. And like Wolk, she has a weapons-grade smile. Arnezeder, meanwhile, is really good at screaming while pretending to be attacked by lions.
Those lions are the real stars of “Zoo.” PETA has criticized the show for its use of live animals. But the producers have succeeded wildly in their goal of using four-legged actors to inspire dread and suspense without (so far) delving into gore. A final shot involving those Brentwood housecats is both silly and unsettling.
CBS has had mixed ratings success with these summer sci-fi series. The first season of “Under the Dome” was one of the surprise hits of its year. The second season drew underwhelming linear broadcast numbers–though not so bad as “Extant,” starring Halle Berry, which premiered last summer and was widely panned and little watched. Both shows, thanks to a deal with Hulu that makes them profitable despite lackluster ratings, were renewed for this season.
“Zoo” was made possible by a similar deal with Netflix–so its success may be assured. Whether that turns out to be “Extant” success or “Dome” Season 1 success remains to be seen.
94 Summer TV Shows: TheWrap's Ultimate Viewing Guide (Photos)
Wednesday, May 27 "The Briefcase" (CBS) at 8/7c American families experiencing financial setbacks are presented with a briefcase containing a large sum of money and a potentially life-altering decision: they can keep all of the money for themselves, or give all or part of it to another family in need.
CBS
Wednesday, May 27 "Bullseye" (Fox) at 9/8c Kellan Lutz and Godfrey host this new game show. The goal is to hit the titular bullseye on land, over the sea and up in the air, with the competitors using their bodies as human darts. The winner leaves with $50,000.
Fox
Thursday, May 28 "Aquarius" (NBC) at 9/8c David Duchovny stars as 1960's Det. Sam Hodiak, who goes undercover to investigate the Manson family before their infamous murder spree
Friday, May 29 "Marriage Bootcamp Reality Stars" (WE TV) at 9/8c Famous reality TV couples try to salvage their relationships. This season will feature Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett, Aubrey O'Day and Travis Garland, and Jeff Schroeder and Jordan Lloyd among others
WE TV
Friday, May 29 "Nightingale" (HBO) at 9/8c "Selma" star David Oyelowo plays a lonely war veteran psychologically unravels ahead of an old friend's impending visit in this HBO original film
Saturday May 30 "The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe" (Lifetime) at 8/7c Kelli Garner stars as the iconic film star in this mini-series chronicle of Monroe's family life and how she succeeded in hiding her most intimate secrets from the press and an invasive world.
Lifetime
Sunday, May 31 "Halt and Catch Fire" (AMC) at 10/9c The Lee Pace-led drama returns for season 2 and continues to explore the personal computing boom of the 1980s
AMC
Monday, June 1 "Devious Maids" (Lifetime) at 9/8c The maids are back for more mayhem and drama as the third season of Lifetime's hit series returns.
Lifetime
Monday, June 1 "UnREAL" (Lifetime) at 10/9c The drama behind the scenes at a reality dating show is chronicled in Lifetime's newest series. Shiri Appleby stars.
Lifetime
Monday, June 1 "The Whispers" (ABC) at 10/9c An unseen force is manipulating society's most innocent -- children -- to act in service of its mysterious cause.
ABC
Monday, June 1 "So You Think You Can Dance" (Fox) The 12th season of this reality competition follows dancers competing to be named "America's Favorite Dancer," along with a cash prize.
Fox
Tuesday, June 2 "Chrisley Knows Best" (USA) at 9/8c Season 3 of the reality show follows the continuing adventures of millionaire Todd Chrisley and his family.
USA
Tuesday, June 2 "Pretty Little Liars" (ABC Family) at 8/7c Season 6 of the popular teen drama will answer burning questions about A and all the PLL's.
ABC Family
Tuesday, June 2 "Royal Pains" (USA) at 10/9c The seventh season of this medical dramedy follows the employees of concierge medical service HankMed struggling to keep their lives in order.
USA
Tuesday, June 2 "Stitchers" (ABC Family) at 9/8c A young woman is recruited into a secret government agency to be "stitched" into the minds of the recently deceased, using their memories to investigate murders.
ABC Family
Wednesday, June 3 "Baby Daddy" (ABC Family) at 8:30/7:30c The fifth season of this comedy series sees Ben still grappling with fatherhood in hilarious fashion.
ABC Family
Wednesday, June 3 "Melissa & Joey" (ABC Family) at 8/7c Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence return for the fourth and final season of this comedy about a woman who hire a "manny" to look after her niece and nephew.
ABC Family
Thursday, June 4 "Hannibal" (NBC) at 10/9c Hannibal has fled to Europe as the fate of the victims he left behind hangs in the balance in Season 3 of the cult favorite series.
Monday, June 8 "Becoming Us" (ABC Family) at 9/8c This unscripted series follows a 17-year-old whose father is transitioning into a woman.
ABC Family
Monday, June 8 "Odd Mom Out" (Bravo) at 10/9c A half-hour comedy that follows a woman that must navigate a clique of wealthy Upper East Side moms.
Bravo
Monday, June 8 "The Fosters" (ABC Family) at 8/7c The third season of the critically acclaimed story of a blended, multi-ethnic family living in San Diego
ABC Family
Monday, June 8 "Major Crimes" (TNT) at 9/8c Season 4 of the crime drama that explores life inside the fictional LAPD Major Crimes Division.
TNT
Monday, June 8 "Murder in the First" (TNT) at 10/9c Season 2 of the crime drama that follows two homicide detectives who investigate a Silicon Valley tycoon for murder.
TNT
Friday, June 12 "Orange Is the New Black" (Netflix) Streaming Season 3 of the popular series continues exploring the lives and loves of the women of Litchfield prison.
Monday, June 16 "The Making of the Mob: New York" (AMC) at 10/9c An 8-part miniseries about the rise of the criminal organization headed by Charles "Lucky" Luciano
AMC
Tuesday, June 16 "Proof" (TNT) at 10/9c A brilliant surgeon searches for life after death.
TNT
Tuesday, June 16 "Rizzoli & Isles" (TNT) at 9/8c The sixth season of this crime drama sees a detective teaming up with a medical examiner to solve crimes in Boston.
TNT
Tuesday, June 16 "Tyrant" (FX) at 10/9c Season 2 of the story of the son of a Middle Eastern dictator who is drawn into his family's political dealings.
FX
Thursday, June 18 "Astronaut Wives Club" (ABC) Based on the book of the same name, this series explores the lives of the women who stood by the original Mercury astronauts.
Grand Central Publishing
Thursday, June 18 "Complications" (USA) at 9/8c A doctor becomes a reluctant vigilante when he intervenes in a gang shooting.
USA
Thursday, June 18 "Mistresses" (ABC) at 9/8c Four sexy friends try to help each other navigate their scandalous personal lives.
ABC
Friday, June 19 "Killjoys" (Syfy) at 9/8c A fun-loving trio of bounty hunters attempt to remain impartial as they chase deadly warrants across the galaxy.
Syfy
Sunday, June 21 "Ballers" (HBO) at 10/9c The Rock stars as a former football player who now mentors current players in Miami.
Sunday, June 21 "The Last Ship" (TNT) at 9/8c Season 2 of this post-apocalyptic drama in which the crew of a Navy ship are the only people on the planet unaffected by a deadly virus.
TNT
Sunday, June 21 "True Detective" (HBO) at 9/8c Season 2 of the hit anthology series sees a group of police officers investigating a murder associated with an entrepreneur.
Tuesday, June 23 "Another Period" (Comedy Central) at 10:30/9:30c A turn of the century reality series about the Newports, America's "original ballers."
Comedy Central
Wednesday, June 24 "Big Brother" (CBS) at 9/8c Another group of housemates will be thrown together for more drama, competition and, if recent seasons are any indication, scandal in the 17th season of the popular reality show.
CBS
Wednesday, June 24 "Suits" (USA) at 9/8c Season 5 of this legal drama will continue the story of a brilliant lawyer -- who never attended law school -- closing cases for a major Manhattan firm.
USA
Wednesday, June 24 "Mr. Robot" (USA) at 10/9c A hacker working as a cyber-security engineer is recruited by an underground organization to destroy his own firm.
USA
Thursday, June 25 "BOOM!" (Fox) at 8/7c Contestants compete to diffuse slime-bombs and win cash by correctly answering trivia questions.
FOX
Thursday, June 25 "Graceland" (USA) at 10/9c Season 3 of the drama surrounding the intersecting lives of several undercover narcotics officers.
USA
Thursday, June 25 "Rookie Blue" (ABC) at 10/9c Season 5 of this police procedural about a group of rookie officers trying to make it in the toughest squad in the department.
ABC
Thursday, June 25 "Under the Dome" (CBS) at 9/8c Season 3 of the Stephen King adaptation about a town trapped under a mysterious force field.
Sunday, June 28 "Falling Skies" (TNT) at 10/9c Noah Wyle returns for the fifth and final season of this sci-fi series about the survivors of an alien invasion banding together to fight back.
TNT
Sunday, June 28 "Humans" (AMC) 9/8c The sci-fi series is set in a parallel present wherein humanoid robots are the latest must-have technology.
AMC
Tuesday, June 30 "Scream" (MTV) Small-screen adaptation of the Wes Craven horror series in which a group of teens is stalked by a serial killer after a cyber-bullying incident gets out of hand.
Tuesday, June 30 "Zoo" (CBS) at 9/8c A young scientist searches to find out what's causing a rash of violent animal attacks.
CBS
Tuesday, June 30 “The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail” (Comedy Central) at 12:30am/11:30c The second season of this series which sees famous comedians trying out new bits in the back of a comic book store
Comedy Central
Wednesday, July 1 "Extant" (CBS) at 10/9c Halle Berry returns for season 2 of this sci-fi series about an astronaut who becomes mysteriously pregnant during a 13-month solo space mission.
CBS
Thursday, July 2 "Food Fighters" (NBC) at 8/7c A cooking game show in which amateurs square off against pro chefs for the chance to win $100,000.
NBC
Monday, July 6 "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" (CW) at 9/8c Aspiring magicians try to pull off magic tricks on masters Penn & Teller. Those who succeed earn a chance to perform in Las Vegas in the second season of this reality series.
CW
Monday, July 6 "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (CW) at 9/8c More hilarious improv returns in the 11th season of this long-running comedy show.
CW
Tuesday, July 7 "Hollywood Game Night" (NBC) at 10/9c Jane Lynch hosts the show in which various celebrities compete in competitions to win money for their select charities.
NBC
Wednesday, July 8 "Key and Peele" (Comedy Central) at 10pm/9c
Comedy Central
Wednesday, July 8 "The Spoils Before Dying" (IFC) at 9pm/8c A comedy miniseries about a 1950's jazz pianist turned private eye
IFC
Wednesday, July 8 "Why with Hannibal Buress" (Comedy Central) at 10:30/9:30c
Coomedy Central
Thursday, July 9 "Rectify" (SundanceTV) at 10/9c Season 3 of this drama about a man attempts to adjust to normal life after spending 19 years on death row for a crime he didn't commit.
SundanceTV
Friday, July 10 "Masters of Illusion" (CW) A literal magic show where some of the best illusionists baffle viewers.
CW
Friday, July 10 "Sex With Brody" (E!) at 10:30/9:30c Brody Jenner gives advice on sex, dating, and relationships with celebrity guests.
Getty Images
Sunday, July 12 "Masters of Sex" (Showtime) at 10/9c Season 3 of this biographical series about pioneering sex researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson.
Monday, July 13 "Running Wild With Bear Grylls" (NBC) at 10/9c The famous survivalist leads celebrities on 48-hour journeys into remote and dangerous locations
NBC
Wednesday, July 15 "The Jim Gaffigan Show" (TV Land) at 10/9c Based on the actor's real life, Gaffigan's newest sitcom follows him as he balances life between fatherhood, stand-up comedy and an insatiable appetite
TV Land
Wednesday, July 15 "Impastor" (TV Land) at 10:30/9:30c "Smallville's" Michael Rosenbaum plays a slacker and druggie who assumes the identity of a priest after his death.
TV Land
Thursday, July 16 "Impractical Jokers" (TruTV) at 10/9c Season four of this series about four lifelong friends who dare each other to do outrageous stunts
TruTv
Thursday, July 16 "Friends of the People" (TruTV) at 10:30/9:30c The midseason premier of this sketch comedy series that skewers pop culture and features parodies of your favorite 90's moments
TruTV
Thursday, July 16 "Married" (FX) at 10:30/9:30c A comedy about a couple of not-so-newlyweds struggling to live adult lives
FX
Thursday, July 16 "Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll" (FX) A beind-the-scenes comedy about a rock band forced to collaborate again after splitting up 20 years earlier
FX
Saturday, July 18 "Hell on Wheels" (AMC) at 9/8c The fifth season of this period drama about a former Confederate soldier tracking the men who killed his wife
AMC
Sunday, July 19 "Welcome to Sweden" (NBC) at 8/7c Season 2 of the comedy that sees a powerful money manager move to Sweden to live with his beautiful Swedish girlfriend
NBC
Wednesday, July 22 "Last Comic Standing" (NBC) at 9/8c Season 9 of the standup competition finds comedians honing their jokes with the help of mentors for a prize worth $250,000 -- which includes a TV show development deal.
NBC
Wednesday, July 29 "The Carbonaro Effect" (TruTV) at 10/9c The second season of this reality series about a comic magician who astounds and amuses audiences at the same time
TruTV
Thursday, July 30 "Review" (Comedy Central) at 10/9c Season 2 of this series about life reviewer Forrest MacNeil
Comedy Central
Friday, July 31 "Cold Justice" (TNT) at 10:30/9:30c Season 3 of this unscripted series in which former prosecutor Kelly Siegler and crime scene investigator Yolanda McClary crack cold cases.
TNT
Friday, July 31 "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp" (Netflix) Streaming A series based on the 2001 film that explores the first days of summer at Camp Firewood
Netflix
Sunday, August 2 "Bachelor in Paradise" (ABC) at 8/7c In the tradition of "Bachelor Pad," ABC finds a new way to round up former "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" competitors, get them in their swimsuits, and get them feuding. (Oh, and maybe fall in love. Sure.)
ABC
Tuesday, August 4 "Playing House" (USA) at 10/9c Season two of this comedy about a woman who decides to help her best friend raise a baby after the friend's husband is caught cheating
USA
Wenesday, August 5 "The Carmichael Show" (NBC) at 9:30/8:30c A half hour comedy loosely based on the life of comedian Jerrod Carmichael
NBC
Wednesday, August 5 "Mr. Robinson" (NBC) at 9/8c Craig Robinson stars in this half hour comedy about a middle school music teacher.
NBC
Monday, August 17 "Public Morals" (TNT) at 10/9c Eddie Burns leads the cast of this drama set in the world of the 1960s NYPD Public Morals division.
TNT
Tuesday, August 18 "Hack My Life" (TruTV) Second season of this series in which the hosts offer time-saving tips for your everyday life
TruTv
Thursday, August 20 "Documentary Now!" (IFC) at 10/9c A mocumentary series about a different, made-up topic each week
IFC
Saturday, August 22 "Blunt Talk" (Starz) at 9/8c Patrick Stewart stars in this comedy about an unhinged British journalist who gets his own cable news show in the U.S.
Saturday, August 22 "Survivor's Remorse" (Starz) at 9:30 Season 2 of this comedy about two cousins who grapple with fame and success after making it to the NBA.
Starz
Monday, August 24 "Switched at Birth" (ABC Family) at 8/7c Season 4 of this series about two teen girls whose lives are turned upside down when they find out they were switched at birth
ABC Family
Tuesday, August 25 "Legends" (TNT) at 10/9c Sean Bean returns as an undercover FBI agent with a mysterious past he must uncover.
TNT
Tuesday, August 25 "Tosh.0" (Comedy Central) at 10/9c The seventh season of this popular series will continue skewering the best viral videos from around the internet
Comedy Central
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2015 season’s new and returning show premiere dates