The Skinny: Upcoming Fall TV

Guys, it’s FALL (more or less, anyway)!!! You know what that means, right? If your answer was “It means the start of another excellent year of television,” then congratulations–you win! Well, when it comes to new TV, we all win, really. 🙂 I’ve got a beast of a post for you today talking about all of the new and returning TV shows that I will be keeping an eye on this fall. We’ve got a lot to discuss, so let’s dive right in!

#1: The Bastard Executioner (Sept. 15)

Synopsis: “Bastard Executioner tells the story of a warrior knight in King Edward The Thirds charge who is broken by the ravages of war and vows to lay down his sword. But when that violence finds him again, he is forced to pick up the bloodiest sword of all.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: I’m still kicking myself for not getting into Sons of Anarchy while it was on air because I’ve heard nothing but excellent things. However, now I’ve got another shot at keeping up with a Kurt Sutter series with FX’s The Bastard Executioner, which looks pretty freaking cool. It seems to have a Game of Thrones vibe, yet it’s a little more grounded in reality, I think. It definitely has that dark, gritty tone going for it that Sutter seems to like. I’m definitely willing to give it a go!

#2: Doctor Who (Sept. 19)

Synopsis: “The further adventures of the time traveling alien adventurer and his companions.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Well, it’s BBC’s Doctor Who, so of COURSE I’m interested! I will say though that last season was one of the weakest seasons for me. Capaldi has been a good enough Doctor, but he’s so different from the likes of Tennant and Smith that it’s been an adjustment. However, I’m confident that his sophomore season will be an improvement. Also, Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) is popping up in a mystery role (I’m hoping she’ll be the Doctor’s daughter) and River Song (Alex Kingston) is returning for the Christmas special! Lots of promise. Let’s hope it lives up!

#3: Gotham (Sept. 21) 

Synopsis: “The story behind Commissioner James Gordon’s rise to prominence in Gotham City in the years before Batman’s arrival.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: After a fun first season and a whole slew of origin stories for some of the most famous supervillains around, Fox’s Gotham is coming back for round two, and I can’t wait! The teasers seem to be suggesting that it’s going to be even more focused on the villains, which is all good with me–especially because there’s a lot of young Joker (Cameron Monaghan), and he’s brilliant. However, that’s not to say I’m not equally excited to spend more time with good ol’ Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) and little Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz). This show is already doing a lot of cool things with Batman lore, and I think it’s in great shape for another season.

#4: Minority Report (Sept. 21)

Synopsis: “10 years after the end of Precrime in Washington DC one of the three PreCogs attempts to lead on a normal life while still suffering from visions of the future. Will they be able to hold it together or mentally breakdown and give up?” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Weird confession: I’ve never seen Minority Report all the way through. I think I’ve seen most of it–and what I’ve seen I’ve really liked–but I’ve yet to actually sit down and watch it beginning to end. That said, I think taking some of the concepts from that film and inserting it into a Fox TV show could be really, really cool. At least, it looks cool. Of course, I thought Almost Human was cool, but we all know how that worked out (but I’m not bitter…totally not bitter). So we’ll see. Crossing my fingers!

#5: Scream Queens (Sept. 22)

Synopsis: “After a 1995 sorority pledge gone wrong, someone is out for vengeance when a college campus is rattled by a series of murders at the twentieth anniversary of the crime.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Okay, this one…this has to be a winner, right? I think Fox’s Scream Queens looks like an absolute blast, and I’m really hoping that’s the case. A Ryan Murphy creation, the show seems to be combining the witty humor of his more lighthearted efforts (i.e. Glee) with the dark material of his horror stuff (i.e. American Horror Story). I’d like to believe it’s the best of both worlds. It looks a lot like Scream in that it seems very self-aware and willing to make references to other horrors. Of all the new shows coming out, this is easily one of my most anticipated.

#6: Limitless (Sept. 22)

Synopsis: “A man gains the ability to use the full extent of his brain’s capabilities. A television adaptation of the 2011 film, ‘Limitless’.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Another movie turned TV show! Maybe it’s a fad that’s starting to wear a little thin, but if it works, why not? And I think this CBS show could actually work. Here’s something encouraging: not only is Bradley Cooper supporting Limitless as an executive producer, but it looks like he’s going to have a recurring role on the show, too. If the movie’s superstar leading man is so behind this one, then why shouldn’t we believe in it, too? Plus, I think the ending of the film is kind of perfect for leading into something more. Personally, I think the potential for this show is…wait for it…LIMITLESS. Oh, shut up. You know I’m hilarious. 😀

#7: Heroes Reborn (Sept. 24)

Synopsis: “A year ago, a terrorist attack in Odessa, Texas left the city decimated. Blamed for the tragic event, those with extraordinary abilities are in hiding or on the run from those with nefarious motives.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Another weird confession: I have only seen the first few episodes of Heroes. I realize that might make jumping into this NBC show kind of awkward, but I’m still tempted to do it because I love the idea of the show. Plus, it looks visually spectacular. Maybe some of the references of its predecessor will be lost on me, but I think the creators will still make it easy to follow even without Heroes knowledge. At least I hope so…

#8: Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Sept. 27)

Synopsis: “Jake Peralta, an immature but talented NYPD detective in Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct, comes into immediate conflict with his new commanding officer, the serious and stern Captain Ray Holt.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: This is one that I had to actively make a point to keep up with last season because I fell far behind on season one. But I’m so glad that I’ve become a regular viewer because Fox’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine cracks me up. Guys, it’s just really, really funny. Like, everyone on the show is funny, and they all have such great chemistry. It’s probably my favorite comedy on TV right now. And the end of last season promised some interesting changes this season, so I’m pretty excited. If you’re looking for good comedy fix, try tuning in to this premiere.

#9: The Last Man on Earth (Sept. 27)

Synopsis: “Almost 2 years after a virus wiped out most of the human race, Phil Miller only wishes for some company, but soon gets more than he bargained for when that company shows up in the form of other survivors.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Fox’s The Last Man on Earth was one that I really loved in the beginning, but as the show went on…meh. I still watched and liked it well enough, but Phil (Will Forte) seemed to get douchier and douchier with each episode. Plus, I felt like the whole concept kind of lost its novelty after the first episode. I realize the show couldn’t have stayed the way it was, but I just felt the first episode was more powerful because amidst the comedic moments there was a deep, realistic sadness. I’m hoping season two explores this a little more. In a way, it’s starting off with a fresh slate again, so I think it could be great. Regardless, I’m sure it’ll be funny.

#10: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Sept. 29)

Synopsis: “The missions of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. really gained momentum last season, and I’m pretty excited to see what comes next. I think they could go in some interesting directions–particularly with the sudden, sharp focus on this Inhumans business. They’re forming their own little super team, which I think could be pretty cool. I always love seeing the adventures of Coulson (Clark Gregg) and co., and it’s always fun to see what other Marvel tie-ins the show makes. I’m predicting another solid season with this one.

#11: Sleepy Hollow (Oct. 1)

Synopsis: “Ichabod Crane is resurrected and pulled two and a half centuries through time to unravel a mystery that dates all the way back to the founding fathers.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: How does this one not have a trailer yet?! Lame. Anyway, Fox’s Sleepy Hollow has had a solid first two seasons, and the chemistry between its two star seems to grow with every episode. It’s always a lot of fun, but…I don’t know. I liked season two, but I didn’t feel it had quite the oomph of season one. That said, the show has gone in interesting directions with some things–particularly with the elimination of certain character at the end of the season. Ultimately, I think that elimination will be for the better, but I guess we’ll see. I’m just excited to see Abbie (Nicole Beharie) and Ichabod (Tom Mison) fighting the bad guys again.

#12: The Flash (Oct. 6)

Synopsis: “Barry Allen wakes up 9 months after he was struck by lightning and discovers that the bolt gave him the power of super speed. With his new team and powers, Barry becomes ‘The Flash’ and fights crime in Central City.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: The CW’s The Flash had a superb start last season (with some assistance from Arrow, of course), and I have absolutely no worries about season two. Slowly but surely, Greg Berlanti and co. and building a really great DC world on TV. I love that in contrast to Arrow’s heaviness, The Flash has been a more lighthearted show with lots of humor and cheesy villains. Plus, Grant Gustin is an absolutely adorable hero (and it breaks my heart a little that he won’t get to play the movie version of The Flash). Simply put, I can’t wait for this.

#13: iZombie (Oct. 6)

Synopsis: “A medical resident finds that being a zombie has its perks, which she uses to assist the police.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: The CW’s iZombie was a really pleasant surprise for me when it premiered earlier this year. I pre-judged the show as soon as I heard the premise and its silly title, but when I started seeing trailers for it, I couldn’t resist giving it a whirl. And you know what? I really like this show. It is silly, yes, but it’s also surprisingly witty and funny. Plus, lead zombie Liv (Rose McIver) is pretty perfect. I’m glad to see this one bumped up to a fall premiere, and I can’t wait to see more zombified adventures.

#14: Arrow (Oct. 7)

Synopsis: “Spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen is missing and presumed dead when his yacht is lost at sea. He returns five years later a changed man, determined to clean up the city as a hooded vigilante armed with a bow.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Yet ANOTHER CW show! Clearly, that network is doing something right. Anyway, so, yeah, Arrow. Any of you who know even a little about me knew that this would be popping up on this list. Arrow has been and remains one of my TV obsessions. Yet I’m not quite sure how this season is going to pick up after a very unusual season finale. It was just so…different. But I’m keeping the faith. Let’s face it: Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) could do nothing but stand there and look pretty for an hour, and I would still love this show.

#15: American Horror Story: Hotel (Oct. 7)

Synopsis: “An anthology series that centers on different characters and locations, including a haunted/murder house, an insane asylum, a witch coven, a freak show and a hotel.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: After a murder house, an asylum, a coven, and a freak show, FX’s American Horror Story is now checking us into a hotel. Personally, I’m psyched. I’ve heard that this season will be more similar in tone to the first season (one of my favorite seasons), which I think could be really great for the show. Returning to its roots and all that jazz. Plus, the inclusion of Lady Gaga ought to be very, very interesting. Jessica Lange will, of course, be missed, but she’d reached a point where she was pretty much playing the same character every season. Some fresh faces will do AHS some good. P.S. Did you see all these creepy teasers in the post I did a few days ago?

#16: Fargo (Oct. 12)

Synopsis: “The all new ‘true crime’ case of Fargo’s new chapter travels back to 1979 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Luverne, Minnesota, where a young State Police Officer investigates a case involving a local crime gang and a major Mob syndicate.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Wow, has it really been a year-and-a-half since this show had its first season? Guess I hadn’t realized how much time had passed. Regardless, I’m excited for FX’s Fargo to make its big return–and in a new decade! Taking things back to the ’70s, this season of the show looks just as darkly funny as season one. Plus, it, too, boasts an impressive cast (Patrick Wilson, Kirsten Dunst, Ted Danson, Nick Offerman, Kieran Culkin, etc.). If this season is as clever as its predecessor, I’m sure Fargo will be getting rave reviews all over again. Also, fellow Drop Dead Gorgeous fans, be honest–how excited are you to hear Dunst with a Minnesota accent again? 😀

#17: Supergirl (Oct. 26)

Synopsis: “The adventures of Superman’s cousin in her own superhero career.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Okay, I still have my reservations about this CBS show. I just find Superman and all extensions of him fairly cheesy in modern times. Admittedly, Zack Snyder managed to take away a lot of that cheesiness and make Superman much grittier in Man of Steel, but given that it was at the expense of making a not-so-great movie, I’d say that didn’t necessarily pay off. Supergirl is clearly going for the more traditional, cheesy tone, and I really want it to work (because female superhero yaaaayyyy), but I just don’t know. Let’s just say I’m keeping my hopes high but not my expectations.

#18: Grimm (Oct. 30)

Synopsis: “A homicide detective discovers he is a descendant of hunters who fight supernatural forces.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Ah, Grimm. NBC may have made the mistake of dropping Constantine and my beloved Hannibal, but at least they hung on to you. Grimm is a show that has really grown on me over the years, starting as a show I watched out of boredom and upgrading to one I watched out necessity. The writers are constantly thinking of fun new critters to introduce, and I absolute love some of the characters that have been added to Nick’s (David Giuntoli) team throughout the years. Plus, there’s always plenty of drama–including one particularly dramatic event that poor Nick is going to have a hard time with this season, I think. Bring it on, I say.

#19: Ash vs. Evil Dead (Oct. 31)

Synopsis: “Ash has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead until a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind and Ash becomes mankind’s only hope.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: This show. THIS SHOW. The more I see of this new Starz show, the more I want to see it. Like, right now. I think it’s going to be bloody and ridiculous and hilarious and perfect. I love that they got Bruce Campbell to revive his cocky leading man Ash for this, and I love that he is clearly so psyched about it. Maybe it’s a little too soon to put my stamp of approval on something that doesn’t premiere for another month-and-a-half, but really, guys–how could they possibly mess this up? *silently prays that she doesn’t have to eat her words*

#20: Jessica Jones (Nov. 20)

Synopsis: “A former super-heroine decides to reboot her life by becoming a private investigator.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Netflix is bringing us yet another Marvel show! After an absolutely perfect run of the first season of Daredevil, Netflix is now diving into a much lesser known Marvel character: Jessica Jones. Honestly, I know almost nothing about this girl. All I know is she’s an ex-superhero turned private investigator, and David Tennant is going to be her big, bad, purple nemesis. Yes, you read that correctly–purple. So we’ll see! Honestly, after Daredevil, I don’t doubt that this will be awesome. Plus, again, female superhero! Yay!

How about it guys? What new/returning shows are you looking forward to? Any that I didn’t list on here? I’m all ears! Really, I think it’s gonna be a great year for TV, my friends. 🙂