I’ll be the first to admit that binging on TV shows is great. You can wear your pajamas all day, eat in bed, and happily forget what sunlight feels like. You don’t care what your hair is doing and you have no idea what the time is, because it doesn’t matter. You have nowhere to be except in front of that bright screen. However, there’s also a specialness that lies in catching a show from the beginning, and dutifully following it every week.
Being one of the first people who has watched a popular show is one of the most satisfying bragging rights life has to offer. I always wished I was one of the first to watch one of the long-running hit shows -- like "Breaking Bad" or "Pretty Little Liars" -- but sadly, I was not. So today, I am familiarizing myself with upcoming TV show premieres, setting them to record on my TiVo, and hoping to love them before anyone else does. I encourage you to do the same, and check out these highly anticipated shows based on your current television favorites — hopefully you can find one that suits your fancy!
If you love "The Mindy Project", "30 Rock"…
...then you should set your DVRs right now for NBC's upcoming show “Great News”. Created by writer Tracey Wigfield, who formerly wrote on “30 Rock” and “The Mindy Project”, “Great News” is about an overbearing mom, played by Andrea Martin, who lands an internship at her news producer daughter's (Briga Heelan) TV station. This new take on the mother-daughter dynamic is sure to keep fans laughing and engaged. Also, with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock (both from "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and "30 Rock") holding the title of executive producers, it’s sure to be a hit. The show premieres on NBC on April 25, at 9pm.
If you like "The Flash", "Jessica Jones", and other superhero-based shows…
...then you should check out the new spin on the superhero genre called “Powerless”, about the group of people who make products for real humans who are constantly finding themselves in the middle of super-human battles. One product, for example, is an umbrella that can protect you from falling rubble. This is the first comedy from DC, so it should be an interesting mix of action and laughs, which is a fun take on the superhero genre. Whenever a TV show aims to try something new and fresh, in my opinion, it’s worth looking into and seeing for yourself. Plus, High School Musical actress Vanessa Hudgens is the star, and that’s a good enough reason for us. The show premieres on February 2 at 8:30pm on NBC.
If you like Netflix's "Love" and HBO's "Girls"…
...then you will probably find the show “Crashing” to be another perfect blend of drama and comedy -- a dramedy, if you will. Judd Apatow does it again, releasing another show that gets us excited and potentially introduces one of our new favorite actor/writer combos. This show centers on a standup comedian who, after learning of his wife’s infidelity, reevaluates his New York City existence and crashes on the couches of friends. The show looks like it will be painfully funny, but in true Apatow fashion, it will probably offer relatable commentary on life. Crashing premieres February 19 on HBO.
If you like "Workaholics" and "Broad City"…
...then the show “Detroiters” is for you. “Detroiters” is a buddy comedy featuring the hilarious and effervescent Sam Richardson ("Veep", Office Christmas Party) and Tim Robinson, former SNL writer and feature player. Sam and Tim are best friends who make awful, low-budget local commercials, but they have a lot of fun doing it. They are odd and over-the-top in all the best ways that make a comedy worth watching. If you need any more convincing, Jason Sudekis and Lorne Michaels are also signed on as executive producers. The show premieres on February 2 at 10:30pm on Comedy Central.
If you like "The Goldbergs"…
...then get ready for "Imaginary Mary"! Developed by the same creator as "The Goldbergs", this show is unique because, although it is a live-action comedy, one of the main characters is a cartoon imaginary friend, Mary, voiced by "SNL" alum Rachel Dratch. Mary the main character Alice’s (Jenna Elfman) former imaginary friend, who resurfaces to help her acclimate to a committed relationship with a divorced father of three. Mary gives her life advice and adds some Disney-style cuteness to the mix. This is sure to be a charming comedy, with the kind of leads that you can root for. It’s reminiscent of the movie Ted, but Mary seems to be better behaved. "Imaginary Mary" special sneak preview premieres on March 29 at 8:30pm; the show will then move to Tuesdays at 9:30pm starting April 4 on ABC.
If you like "Pretty Little Liars" and "Shake It Up"…
...then get excited for Freeform’s "Famous in Love". Created by I. Marlene King, the same woman who helmed "Pretty Little Liars", "Famous in Love" is a novel-turned-TV adaptation about a normal college student (Bella Thorne) who is thrust into stardom when she is surprisingly cast in a major Hollywood movie. Much like "Pretty Little Liars", this show is sure to bring the drama. The trailer gives us "90210" and "Gossip Girl" vibes, but it has a completely fresh storyline that hasn’t been done before. "Famous in Love" premieres April 18 at 9pm on Freeform.
This is only a snippet of the great TV shows that 2017 will be throwing our way, but it’s a great place to start. So, mark your calendars and get ready for new shows to laugh, cry, and maybe even scream to.
(Image via NBC/YouTube)
- Taylor Carter, YH Contributing Writer