NBC has released first-look trailers at 2 new series premiering this summer: “Marlon” (a family comedy loosely inspired by the real life of star Marlon Wayans); and “Midnight, Texas” (based on the New York Times best-selling book series by Charlaine Harris, author of the novels that inspired “True Blood”).

Premiering August 16 at 9pm, “Marlon” is an update to the classic family comedy that centers on a loving (but inappropriate) father committed to co-parenting his two kids with his very-together ex-wife. While his misguided fatherly advice, unstoppable larger-than-life personality and unpredictable Internet superstardom might get in the way sometimes, for Marlon, family really always does come first – even if he’s the biggest kid of all.

The cast includes Marlon Wayans, Essence Atkins, Bresha Webb, Diallo Riddle, Notlim Taylor and Amir O’Neil.

Check out the trailer below (and then click over to page 2 for “Midnight, Texas”):

And premiering July 25 at 10pm, “Midnight, Texas” centers on Manfred, a charming, powerful psychic who can communicate with spirits and finds safety in Midnight surrounding himself with both human and supernatural allies. Midnight is also home to Bobo, proprietor of Midnight’s local pawn shop; Fiji, a witch who owns the local wiccan shop; Olivia, a mysterious assassin with a weapon for every occasion; Joe, an angel who knows all of Midnight’s secrets having been around for millennia; Lemuel, a wise vampire with a long history in Midnight; Creek, an aspiring writer with big dreams; and Rev. Emilio Sheehan, who can’t resist the pull of a full moon.

Of note, given this blog’s stated interests, Fiji, the witch who owns the local wiccan shop is played by Parisa Fitz-Henley (“Luke Cage”); and Lemuel, the wise vampire with a long history in Midnight is played by Peter Mensah (“True Blood”).

First-look trailer below: