To skip or not to skip: Is Tom Swift on The CW worth watching?

Tom Swift premiered Tuesday, May 31 on The CW. The series, which is a Nancy Drew spin-off, slid into the 9 p.m. ET slot after Superman and Lois. The spot had previously been held by the short-lived Naomi.

The pairing seems odd at face value, but when you take into consideration that billionaire inventor Tom Swift is heroic in his own right, it seems the network is simply trying to give its viewers more stories centered on people saving the day, whether that’s with powers or their brilliant minds.

In Tom’s case, his show is a coming-of-age story. He’s got the skills and the know-how to lead his generation, and frankly the one that came before him, into a new age. One only has to look at his success in sending his father, Barton Swift, to Saturn in order to understand this.

Our hero, however, is still working on his confidence when it comes to pushing past his father’s disappointment in him that’s based on his identity. See, Tom is gay. While it’s not a flaw or shortcoming to him, it seems to be to his father. It’s the reason Tom believes he’s being overlooked when it comes to leading Swift Enterprises in his father’s absence.

While it’s true that Tom has growing to do when it comes to looking past himself, his father’s bias has bled into his decision making. But, though Tom Swift is very much a show about the complexities of a strained father-son relationship, that’s not the only focus of this series.

The CW’s Tom Swift is a spin on the sci-fi genre that’ll have you hooked

The trailer for Tom Swift is merely a taste of what viewers can expect. This inventor’s ego is about his big as his closet, but he has the talent to back it up. It’s what’s going to carry him through in his mission to save his father after a terrible incident strands him in space. To spoil you a little, this was no mere accident, someone intended to kill Barton. Now Tom, along with his best friend Zenzi Fullerton and his bodyguard Isaac, must figure out who did this and why, while also bringing Barton safely back home.

Played to perfection by Tian Richards, Tom is a character that you’ll instantly want to root for. He’s got a star quality that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. It also helps that Tom is quick with a quip, fashionable, a likeable sort of arrogant, and has a vulnerability that’s relatable.

Acting opposite Richard is Ashleigh Murray, who’s stated herself that playing Zenzi has allowed her to portray the grown woman she is. Riverdale and Katy Keene fans know the actress best as Josie McCoy, the frontwoman of Josie and the Pussycats. But, let us tell you now, Zenzi is nothing like the rocking musician.

Murray infuses Zenzi with a softness that’s paired with a kind heart. She’s also a serious businesswoman who has no time for how self-centered Tom can be, they’ve got a company to run and what needs to be done may not be what he feels like doing but that’s what’s on the agenda.

While we’re certain Tom Swift‘s story will pull you in, there’s an added bonus. Besides believing in his own ability to accomplish whatever he’s set out to do, Tom believes in great fashion, fast cars, and out of this world technology. The science in this show will blow your mind. The looks you’ll want to wear yourself. And the cars…well, the cars you’ll wish were yours.

There’s the beginnings of romance for Tom, Zenzi, and Isaac in the premiere as well as what could be an intriguing love triangle. If you’re wondering whether you should be watching Tom Swift, our answer is a resounding YES!

The CW Spiral podcast dedicated their fourteenth episode to Tom Swift check out their full reaction in the video below! To listen to the pod, go here. Subscribe to their channel for more CW content.

New episodes of Tom Swift air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on The CW. Next day streaming is available on cwtv.com and the CW App.

Stay tuned to Hidden Remote for more Tom Swift news and coverage!