OK so… q1 2016 is looking pretty solid for new release television, and overall the remainder of the fall season has a decent outlook. Keep in mind that this isn’t all the shows that are premiering in 2016, Just the ones that I am excited for.
First up: New shows for 2016
The Shannara Chronicles (MTV)
I’ve covered this one since it was originally announced and I am glad to say the first 4 episodes (released for online viewing by MTV) were pretty dang solid. I reported in the fall about the fact that the author of the series (Terry Brooks) spoke out and gave his stamp of approval on the series. Now, if the person that created the world and had the vision to generate this immense lore, who am I to judge? My friends will often remind me (and I am quite guilty of it), that I love a lot of mediocre fantasy TV. In this case, short of possibly a higher budget for the required CG, the show hits on all levels. Manu Bennett is doing a bang up job portraying the last druid, and the 3 leads (Austin Butler, Poppy Drayton, and Ivana Baquero) are definitely growing on me every episode. I definitely believe that this show will be one that MTV will carry on.
Shadow Hunters (ABC Family / Netflix)
Netflix is airing this show exclusively in all areas outside of the US, I watched the first 2 episodes this week. I am still very much on the fence about it. As always, I will give a show at least 3 episodes to hook me, if it fails to do so I will definitely not watch it religiously, and often will go back to watch the season. The first 2 episodes were a more in depth telling of the story that was told in the Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie from 2013. It appears as though this show is going to stay more true to the source material. I won’t go out of the way to say that the acting on this show is good, mostly it’s just ok. I won’t expect it to get renewed, though this is ABC family so you never know.
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (CW)
Set in the Berlanti created world of the Flash and Arrow, the rag-tag team sets out on a great adventure! Honestly, this is one of my most anticipated shows of the season, and I hope that it does well. Due to the extended costs of creating this show, the CW and producers have already said it’s unlikely that it will return in this capacity going forward. One can only hope that the show holds it’s ground and that it creates enough buzz to be kept around. After watching the pilot, I am both excited and afraid. The pilot seemed under paced. I really don’t know how to describe it. Right when I thought something was going to happen, the show was over, leaving a cliffhanger for the next episode. I personally hope that the whole season doesn’t run like that. From the acting side, it was on par with the development we’ve come to expect from the DCTV Universe. It will be interesting to see where they go with this story.
Lucifer (Fox)
I had the opportunity to view the leak and I thought the pilot had potential. I think the premise is intruiging. I will admit to never reading the comics. Lucifer as a good guy.. with a conscience. hmmmmm
The Magicians (SyFy / Showcase)
I love me some magic. GIVE ME MOAR MAGIC. Take a look at the trailer, I can’t remember if I have covered it before. But, given some pretty stellar outings in the last 2 seasons from syfy, I am pretty pumped about this one. The first episode is available to watch now on Showcase.ca. It will air Monday nights on Showcase in Canada.
Lastly.. X-Files makes it’s return this Sunday on Fox. Now, I know tons of people that are looking forward to the return of this show, I personally never got in to it. So, I’m asking all of you fine folks to let me know what you think of the re-invigorated Mulder and Scully.
Now, On to returning shows that will premier in 2016.
Marvel’s Agent Carter:(ABC)
This was one of best mid-season shows of 2015, and I am looking forward to seeing what they will do with season 2. I have not had the chance to watch the premiere yet (this week was insanely busy) but I will most definitely be catching up on the weekend.
Daredevil (Netflix)
After watching the first season I really want to say something like “oh, you know I’m going to binge watch the shit out of that” but, I know that I won’t be able to commit to any sort of binging. What I will guarantee, is that I will watch it. Probably more than once. The first clips of the show that have made thier way out in trailers have made me lust for the show, and I wants it now, precious. We can only hope that they do Punisher and Elektra correctly in this installment of them, because no one wants a repeat of those movies. There are also rumors surrounding punisher, indicating that if this incarnation of him is accepted and celebrated by the fandom, that they may be making a series based around him outside of the “Defenders” block of shows. Time will tell.
Now, Obviously I am excited for the Luke Cage show to premiere, rumors are that it will be sometime in Q3, probably during the summer lull, I think that mixed in with the 15 other shows I watch regularly… I will have to find a way to transmit content directly into my brain.
That’s it for me this week people. Is there a show you are looking forward to that I missed? I would love to hear about it, comment down below and let me know!
David Alberto is Senior Editor, Culture for aybonline.com. You can often find him making people cry in Counter-Strike. Roll percentile dice to see if his opinions change, your chances are slim.
