So you binged over the holidays until the binge-well was empty, and now it feels like you have nothing left to look forward to. WRONG. This year’s early TV shows — new and returning — aren’t the redheaded stepchildren winter season TV has traditionally brought us. Though we can’t guarantee none of these shows will disappoint, the offerings look pretty promising.
NEW SHOWS:
Colony (USA, January 14)
USA had a surprise hit last year with Mr. Robot, and it looks like they are hoping to repeat their success by bringing back Lost star (Josh Holloway) as a family man living under a military regime in Los Angeles. Colony is set in my personal favorite era of “the near future,” and I look forward to being fearful for what tomorrow might bring.
Billions (Showtime, January 17)
Nicholas Brody lives! Damian Lewis is returning to Showtime as the sole survivor of a hedgefund that was impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Paul Giamatti plays a frustrated U.S. attorney who hates one percenters. All that’s missing is Gordon Gecko.
Baskets (FX, January 21)
Louis C.K. is the co-creator of this odd-sounding ensemble comedy about a man named Chip Baskets who decides to pursue his dream of becoming a professional clown. Naturally, Zack Galifianakis is the star. We’re in.
Mad Dogs (Amazon, January 22)
Amazon could use another big hit besides Transparent, and it looks like they might get it in Mad Dogs, a dark comedy about a group of old friends who reunite at the home of the wealthiest member of the group, where big trouble ensues. Billy Zane, Michael Imperioli, and Steve Zahn star.
The X-Files (Fox, January 24)
It’s finally happening! Mulder and Scully are coming back to us, and each other, for an X-Files revival miniseries. As David Duchovny said in a featurette released last month, the new X-Files will feature a mix of “Mythology” episodes and standalone “Monster of the Week” episodes. The truth is out there…
Vinyl (HBO, February 14)
Bobby Cannavale stars as a high-strung (and frequently high) record executive in this 1970s music industry drama. Mick Jagger and Martin Scorsese both having a producing credit.
11/22/63 (Hulu, February 15)
Normally, we have no tolerance for dates as titles, but are giving this one a pass because it’s from Stephen King: Hulu’s most promising original series (technically a miniseries) is based on King’s book of the same name about a time traveler who tries to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Love (Netflix, February 19)
Again, really dumb name for a show but we still can’t wait for the new sitcom from Judd Apatow, Leslie Arfin, and Paul Rust, who also stars alongside Gillian Jacobs as a couple navigating the rocky road of romance.
RETURNING:
Better Call Saul (AMC, February 15)
Season two of the Breaking Bad spinoff/prequel returns in a little over a month, after its debut season landed in the third place slot for the highest-rated cable series first season ever.
Broad City (Comedy Central, February 17)
Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson are returning for a third season of the stoner comedy, which is expected to feature a cameo from Hillary Clinton. And that’s not all: Broad City was just renewed for two more seasons.
Togetherness (HBO, February 21)
Season 2 of the Duplass brothers’ relationship comedy fell a little under the radar, but we’re hoping that the show’s small but enthusiastic fan base will bring more viewers to its sophomore season, when we’ll find out exactly what happened in that hotel in the season finale cliffhanger. If you’re not already watching, do. Two words: Amanda Peet.
Girls (HBO, February 21)
On the same day as Togetherness, Girls will return for a fifth season. When we last saw Hannah Horvath, it looked like she and Adam may have been done for good, but we’ve been surprised before. But they’d better figure out how to wrap this thing up, as it was just this week announced that Girls will end after its sixth season in 2017.