ABC, CBS; Showtime; CWThe adage goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." But what if something, for example, a TV show, isn't broken, but a few fixes—tweaks, really—here and there could make it considerably better?
There are quite a few shows on air this year that could benefit from a little less here, a little more there, just a few things that would really take them from good to OMG-so-amazing. Whether it's a shift to a larger over-arching story or a move to feature different characters more prominently, this is how to make 11 shows better.
Madam Secretary, CBS
Where this CBS drama really shines is with the conspiracy story involving the death of former Secretary of State Marsh. Please, please, please let the Téa Leoni show focus on that more and have longer stories. Not every international crisis needs to be wrapped up in 42 minutes. The Good Wife has shed the case of the week format at times, and it's earned the right to, but Madam Secretary would really benefit from it.
Marry Me, NBC
Casey Wilson and Ken Marino are thisclose to becoming your favorite TV couple. Why aren't they yet? Because Marry Me has been focusing way too much on the friends outside the couple. Less Gil, more Annie and Jake. And a little more Tim Meadows and Dan Bucatinsky wouldn't hurt either.
Scorpion, CBS
More Katharine McPhee singing. Hey, we can dream!
The Good Wife, CBS
We're unashamedly obsessed with all things Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies). One of the best dramas on TV would be even better if Alicia wasn't so isolated from the rest of the action thanks to the campaign story. Remember this simple, yet amazing, scene with her and Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski)? They are magic together. We trust Robert and Michelle King, but man do we miss Alicia mixing it up at the firm.
Gotham, Fox
More Penguin, ASAP. The best episode of the series was "Penguin's Umbrella." For whatever reason, probably because Robin Lord Taylor can pull it off, the writers have grasped Penguin while they struggle with the many other characters on the screen.
The Affair, Showtime
Give us more Maura Tierney or give us death! But really, we're very excited that The Affair season two will likely expand perspectives to include Tierney's Helen and Joshua Jackson's Cole. The finale left us wanting more…and less of the mopey leads.
How to Get Away With Murder, ABC
Now that the show is caught up to the murder, we would like a little break from the students. Yes, everybody does love Connor (Jack Falahee), but the more scenery Viola Davis gets to tear down, the better.
Scandal, ABC
Team Fitz. Team Jake. Team Whatever! Perhaps it's time for a break from the teams? Remember how The Good Wife had that love triangle and put it to bed? The show kept on going and believe it or not, got better. How about some "me time" for Olivia?
Once Upon a Time, ABC
Can we get a villain that is actually a villain? It's frustrating to have half a season of buildup only to have the bad guy realize that "true love" and "family" is all they really want in the end. What an unsatisfying way to wrap up the main story. Give us another villain like Peter Pan, who had no redeeming qualities whatsoever! Let's hope the trifecta of evil Queens of Darkness follow that route for the back half of this season.
American Horror Story, FX
Less is more here. We love the bat$#*! craziness that comes with every season, but this year, Freak Show, has been a bit overwhelming in terms of balls in the air, but then underwhelming the next second when it came time for our favorite actors to do something other than be background dressing. More focus could do wonders for Freak Show.
The Vampire Diaries, CW
Stop putting Elena (Nina Dobrev) in harm's way. Wasn't the whole point of her becoming a vampire was so she'd become badass, and would no longer be a constant damsel-in-distress? Why is everyone still risking everything to save her?!