CBS’ “Rush Hour” TV series premieres this week, Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 10 pm. It’s a Thursday night, and it’ll occupy that slot for its full season (barring any unforeseen circumstances). You’re probably thinking, that’s the same time slot as "How to Get Away With Murder" on ABC. And you would be correct; but, "How to Get Away With Murder’s" season is over (finale was on March 17). So no worries about competition there – assuming you were even concerned about that. Although Shonda Rhimes’ latest series, "The Catch" has taken over its slot. And given its weak premiere ratings numbers last week, it probably doesn’t need any new competition.
So let’s see which of the 2 new series viewers gravitate to over the other.
Based on the feature film of the same name, which gave birth to a trilogy of movies starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, the TV series follows a similar story, style and structure as the films – the misadventures of a straight-laced Hong Kong cop (played by Jackie Chan in the movies) and his not-so straight-laced black LAPD officer (originally portrayed by Chris Tucker).
CBS’ official synopsis reads: "Rush Hour," a reimagining of the hit feature film franchise, is a buddy-cop drama about a maverick LAPD detective and a by-the-book detective from Hong Kong who knock heads when they are forced to partner together. Detective Lee (Jon Foo) is a reserved, honorable master martial artist with lightning-fast moves who comes to L.A. to avenge his sister’s alleged death and learn more about her connection to a Chinese organized crime ring. Detective Carter (Justin Hires), on the other hand, is a wisecracking cop who plays by his own rules and has never wanted a partner. As exasperated as Carter’s boss, Captain Cole (Wendie Malick), gets with him, she knows he’s a brilliant detective who gets results. Attempting to help the two get along is Sergeant Didi Diaz (Aimee Garcia), Carter’s friend and former partner who doesn’t hesitate to call him out on his antics. But even as cultures clash and tempers flare, Carter and Lee can’t deny they make a formidable team, and grudgingly admit that sometimes an unlikely pairing makes for a great partnership.
The series is penned by Bill Lawrence and Blake McCormick, and is executive-produced by Arthur Sarkissian, Brett Ratner, Jeff Ingold and director Jon Turteltaub.
The 3 "Rush Hour" movies collectively grossed about $1 billion (adjusted for inflation) worldwide – clearly a commercial success.
All three films were directed by Ratner, who serves as an executive producer on the new series.
Premiering this Thursday, March 31 at 10pm, "Rush Hour" the TV series is one of a handful of buddy-cop action movies that has been adapted for the small screen. Most recently, Fox ordered a pilot based on the "Lethal Weapon" movie franchise, co-starring starring Damon Wayans, Sr.
Preview CBS’ "Rush Hour" TV series below with 3 clips:
