Sound In The Signals - 20 Best NEW Shows of 2015!
I was excited as soon as I heard about this show. It's a creative idea and definitely boasts an unusual and excellent cast. I didn't expect the ultra-modern quick wit and fantastical dialogue. Many people love American Horror Story. I imagine Scream Queens keeps that audience and finds a new audience, as well. It is less outrageous and less over dramatic, but more modern and more captivating. Yes, I'm aware that some people dislike the outright cheekiness and the sometimes surprising and silly dialogue. However, I find that this show excels in delivery and that the outright cheekiness is one of the most endearing things about it. Each character brings something to the show and I believe that casting got it just right. It's easy to scoff at their antics in one scene and feel sorry for them in the next. Finding out who the Red Devil killer is definitely leads the season, but it almost feels like it's not the most important part of the show. I almost wanted to see what would happen next as opposed to just wanting to know who the killer is/was. One glance down the casting list will encourage you to check it out and you might just be hooked after one episode.
Finally! A female superhero show that is able to be a female superhero show without leaning on old tropes and stereotypes. Jessica Jones, played proficiently by Krysten Ritter, is a tough, intelligent, yet confused and relatable character who isn't sure if she wants to be the hero or if that is even possible. This show is a great answer to Netflix's and Marvel's other show, Daredevil. You almost wish that we could get a major show crossover after watching them both. We do get a special and pivotal appearance from a character from Daredevil at one point and an introduction to a character who we will see in a future show. The villain, while vastly different from Daredevil's villain, is also portrayed excellently albeit quite sinister and chilling. It captures strange, comical neighbors in a way that the Punisher movie wished it could have accomplished. There are plenty of twists, chilling scenes, and surprises along the way. This is a definite must see show!
Speaking of Marvel and Netflix, we also have Marvel's Daredevil. It premiered earlier than Marvel's Jessica Jones and introduced us to what a compelling and grittier superhero show could become. It is well cast, which I believe is part of what makes it a great watch. You can connect with each character including the villain, at times. Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio) plays antagonist to Matt Murdock and also to Daredevil in many ways. His business is often in conflict with the cases of Murdock and the moral values of Daredevil. They each have a superb team that backs them 100%. In one way it's the story of how two men grew themselves out of misfortune and troubled pasts, but the difference is how they accomplished that and what they plan to do now that they have done it. It's definitely better than the preceding movie version. It's grittier, but still has humorous undertones to the otherwise serious tone. The action sequences are well planned and gracefully demonstrated. There are multiple fight scenes that show off Daredevil's talent and toughness. It's a great show to get you started with the new Marvel and Netflix lineup.
Breaking Bad was definitely fan loved and ended before some were ready. I know some fans were looking forward to its prequel/spin-off and others were concerned that it wouldn't be as good or maybe not good at all. Better Call Saul follows James Morgan "Jimmy" McGill (Bob Odenkirk) who we knew from Breaking Bad as Saul Goodman, a sometimes aloof but endearing lawyer. Like Breaking Bad, we get drama and we get comedy. Some might appreciate Odenkirk for his comedic background, but this show displays his acting ability and casts him as the funny, yet dramatic lead. It does not disappoint and it does not rely on Breaking Bad. Sure, it's great if you saw both and can find similarities or connections between them, but it can be a stand alone show. It definitely stands apart and will easily earn the attention of old and new viewers.
Explosive! That's one way to describe Empire. It follows the founding family of the hip hop music company, Empire Entertainment. It would be unrealistic not to compare it to Nashville, but it stands apart in many ways. It's creative, funny, dramatic, and very entertaining. Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) is the perfect opposite of Lucious (Terrence Howard). A lot of the show focuses on their power struggle over the company and over their three sons' careers and loyalty. Henson shines and is a bright spot on the show. She brings a softer side when needed, but she can also be a fierce lioness protecting over her legacy and children. There have been many guest singers and musicians on the show. You feel like they may also be alluding to others in the storyline or in subtle jabs at fictional characters, at times. It's already in its second season since the first was shorter. It does lean on soap opera style at times and may be a bit too melodramatic for some viewers. It's fun, engaging, and sure to have you waiting anxiously for what will happen on the next episode.
I was interested in 12 Monkeys ever since Syfy announced the adaptation. I was pleasantly surprised once I started watching it. It provided a rich, vibrant expansion of the world from the film and delved more into the back story. It was captivating and I always looked forward to the next episode. You will enjoy it if you have ever questioned time travel, fate, and/or free will. The show follows James Cole (Aaron Stanford), a time traveler, as he travels back from the year 2043. His mission is to stop the release of a virus that is destined to destroy the world. He encounters many people along the way who wish to stop him for various reasons. The finale was crafty, thought-provoking, and endearing. I'm definitely ready to see what happens next.
Rob Thomas and Diane Ruggiero-Wright are the team behind the show and are proving once again that they can write and produce a quick-witted, creative story. They were the team behind Veronica Mars and fans would be correct to assume that there are some similarities between the shows. It's clever and has snappy and humorous dialogue. iZombie is the story of Olivia “Liv” Moore and her ability to absorb the memories and abilities/talents from brains she procures at her workplace, the morgue. Formally a medical resident, she now uses her new found ability to help solve the cases of those who find their way to the morgue. The cases are mostly episodic, but there are looming threats that take precedence at times. I will admit I'm missing the overarching story from the first season. (The first season was shorter and so it's already in its second season.) The overarching story in the second season is good, but it's not fully developed yet. Yes, an unknowing viewer may find the initial idea of a high school teenager or a zombie medical resident solving mysteries daunting or laughable, but fans of Veronica Mars and those who watch iZombie will know that there's way more to each series than that.
Yes, it's another post-apocalyptic show. However, it's vastly different in tone and in context. Will Forte is cast as the last man on Earth after something, only briefly described as a deadly virus, happened and we get to see a very different world. No, he's not battling zombies, nor a contagion, but his adventures and story is just as captivating as if he were doing those things that other shows do. Although it's technically in its second season, since the first season was only thirteen episodes, it still has that fresh and cutting feel to it. It's funny, has many surprises along the way, and is very charming. I won't give much away considering the title and the premise, but he's not alone forever. (Whether that be in the past, present, or future...) It's a fun show that offers many laughs and lots of heart.
This is a masterful show with creative stories, clever humor, and relatable characters. It features a talented cast who fill each role perfectly. Dev (Aziz Ansari) and his friends might remind you of what it's like when you're hanging out with your friends. There are many moments when you'll laugh at something and think yep, that's how it really is. The casting of Ansari's parents as his parents on the show was a great choice. They bring humor and heart to the show. “Parents”, episode two, is a great representation of the modern relationship between parents and their aging children and features several of those moments that will remind you of your relationship with your parents. It's heartwarming, funny, and often a true depiction of real life. The show tackles many topics that are relevant in the technology-dominated world we live in today. It provides a unique take on issues such as aging, relationships, and racism, while illuminating how relatable these topics and people are. It's a great show. Ansari shines in his role, proves he is a leading man, and reminds us how funny observational comedy can be.
It's no surprise that Mr. Robot made the list. It was big in 2015. It gained major acclaim and has been nominated for several awards. Rami Malek shines as the main character. He is able to surprise, confuse, and captivate the audience in every scene. He works for a major cyber security company, but he isn't sure how he feels about that company or others that his company works for, including a company called E Corp. He is approached by people who want to expose certain people and things because they believe he can help them. I won't go into much detail because there are all sorts of twists and turns in this show that will keep you guessing well into the finale. I'll warn you; don't look anything up about it if you haven't seen it yet. Spoilers exist that you do not want to know about. Of course for those who have watched it, it's clear that there is more mystery to uncover next season.
Marvel was doing big things in 2015. I don't see that ending anytime soon. This show follows Agent Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell who reprises her role as the long-lost love of Captain America, who you may remember from the Captain America films. It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, it has a story of its own. We follow Agent Carter in the 1940s, which provides the background and context for the show. She is a secret agent and often has to hide her involvement and overwhelming success in her missions. She's playing in an all boys club, which can be an overplayed premise, but she doesn't struggle at all with it or with being a powerful lead and graceful agent. She finds herself helping Edwin Jarvis, played excellently by James D'Arcy, who wants to clear his boss, Howard Stark, of a crime. The story becomes twisted and she encounters many surprises along the way. It's fun to see the story of what happened and how it created the future that we have come to know in the films.
DC Comics made the list with their newest comic adaptation, Supergirl. It's definitely lighter in tone than the shows presented by Marvel and Netflix. However, what it lacks in grit it makes up for with style and creativity. It seems like it would fit on the CW, what with their success with other DC Comics shows and style, but it found its home on CBS. Supergirl, the cousin of Superman, was sent to protect him but found herself trapped in the Phantom Zone for 24 years. She didn't age, but Superman did and he no longer needed her protection so he introduced her to the Danvers family, her new adoptive family. She grew up hiding her powers, but like all superheros she has to reveal them once a disaster strikes. What follows is an onslaught of attacks from criminals who were also trapped in the Phantom Zone. There are some twists along the way, but they're not always surprising. I hope that as Kara finds footing as Supergirl that the show finds footing among the other superhero shows.
Like those who wondered if Better Call Saul would be a worthy spin-off there were those who wondered if Fear the Walking Dead, a spin-off of The Walking Dead, would be bad, good, or better than its predecessor. It had a short order for the first season and offered a glimpse into a different part of the world as it was taken over by walkers. It gave us what The Walking Dead couldn't simply because Rick Grimes was in a coma at the beginning of the outbreak. It shows how it started, what actions were taken to contain it, and ultimately how it failed. It's a great companion show and it stands on its own, as well. It focuses on another family and offers a new look at the impending collapse of civilization. It takes us back to when people thought they could contain it, a time when they were still conflicted with the actions they would have to take if someone turned, and it delivers a new story among a story we have been familiar with for many years with The Walking Dead. It's a definite watch if you're a fan. This group will quickly become like family and you'll be cheering for them, as well.
Perhaps you've seen the Wet Hot American Summer movie or maybe not; either way you can probably find things to appreciate about this series. I was surprised when I first heard about this show because the film came out in 2001 and it didn't seem like they would make a sequel. Well they still haven't because this is technically a prequel. The cast is back and playing even younger versions of themselves in this series. Instead of seeing the end of camp we get to see the first day. It feels just like the film. It's true to the original story and it's fun to see what happened before and how each character started the summer. There are some allusions to long-running jokes from the film, explanations for things that happened in the film, and a few new things that we never knew about. If you were a fan of the film, you will enjoy the cheekiness and hijinks. I think you would still enjoy this if you were not a fan, but it might help for you to watch them together. Remember it started as a parody of teen comedies and it's a bit satirical, but there's plenty of laughs and neat moments.
You might know the movies that this series is based on, as well. If so, you are probably already a fan. The Evil Dead garnered lots of fan adoration despite being a low-budget horror movie. It eventually acquired cult film status and was developed into many different adaptations. You could watch it as a stand alone show, but you might as well go back to the beginning with the movies if you haven't watched them already. It will only add to the experience. The series reintroduces Ash Williams played, just as cunningly as in the movies, by Bruce Campbell. Campbell and the original producers including Sam Raimi are back on this one, which is only right. It wouldn't feel the same without them. Ash who is older, but just as suave (or so he thinks), has been avoiding the Evil Dead. But alas, something happens, and he must take up his chainsaw-handed, boom-stick-toting Deadite hunter role again. It is, at once, bizarre, hilarious, gory and haunting. It's a great addition to the franchise.
I've been a fan of the Scream franchise since I was a kid. I was excited when I heard about the new TV series, although I admit I was a little nervous that they wouldn't be able to capture the horror, the creativity, or the feel of the films, especially when I found out MTV was behind the new series. However, I was still interested. I appreciated the chance to see the story in a new, slightly more TV-friendly way. I was much more excited when they premiered the first eight minutes before the show debuted. It fit right in with the movies, built the anticipation for the rest of the story, and delivered a great opener to the series. You will spend the whole series wondering who is behind the slightly updated mask. I remember making lists of how and why it could have been any of the characters. But do not fret, season two and more mystery comes next year.
It's a modern romantic comedy, but it's much more complex. Taboo. Strange. Funny. Charming. Adam Brody and Lisa Joyce have great chemistry and truly draw the best from each other in every scene. It's a unique, love-hate relationship meets forbidden romance. I won't go into detail so as not to spoil anything, but there is a lot of drama and a lot questions left to be answered. The viewer and the characters will still be asking questions right up until the very end of the season. Among my questions about the story and characters, I am also still asking if it will be renewed. It's humorous, clever and quite the missed gem. I suggest checking it out and I hope that we will see a season two.
Ellie Kemper starring in a sitcom from Tina Fey. That's something that sounds very interesting. Kimmy Schmidt (Kemper) trying to readjust to life outside of an underground bomb shelter where she was held by a doomsday cult leader for 15 years. That sounds like a strange premise and far more dramatic than this show ever makes it. It's very lighthearted and goofy in the way that a lot of Tina Fey's writing and characters have been since 30 Rock. There are many scenes where I can imagine Fey or her alter-ego, Liz Lemon, playing Kemper's part. The writing is very familiar and so are some of the actors, notably Jane Krakowski who was also in 30 Rock. It's fun and quirky. I can't wait to see what happens in season two.
The Comedians was a great show that couldn't find a substantial audience. Unfortunately it was canceled because it never found an audience despite its cast and its funny storytelling. I really enjoyed watching it. I know that it is the type of show that would prosper on Netflix. Billy Crystal and Josh Gad play fictional and exaggerated versions of themselves while working on a sketch comedy show. However, most of the show focuses on how the two very different comedians try to work together offstage. Although it's different in context, it feels similar to shows like Veep and The Comeback. It's also worth some comparison to Curb Your Enthusiasm, which is not surprising since Larry Charles developed this show and also served as an executive producer on Curb. Could Netflix or another network be interested in bringing it back?
First, I'll admit that I was one of the people who wasn't upset when Heroes was canceled. I didn't think it was as creative as it once was and didn't like most of the directions they took in the later stories. I was surprised when they announced they would be creating a new miniseries that would focus on some of the past characters. I knew I would watch it. I'm loyal like that and I was interested to see if it would be better. I know a lot of people disliked it before it started and some do not think it was worth bringing back. However, I think it is an interesting addition to the franchise and honestly better than some of the later stories in Heroes. We get the best from the original cast and some new, interesting characters in this story. It takes place many years after the last events from the original show and is a complete new story. I'll admit that it does flounder a bit here and there, but it's worth watching if you like comic books or if you were ever a fan of the original show. The rest of the show airs in 2016 and I'm interested to see how they wrap it up.
Honorable Mentions:
The Magicians
F is For Family
Narcos
Chicago Med
Big Time in Hollywood, FL
The Grinder
Grandfathered
Blunt Talk
Red Oaks
We Bare Bears
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll
Moonbeam City
The Carmichael Show
Fresh Off The Boat
List & Reviews by: L.Burden
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