By Dan Auty on Sep 03, 2018 08:41 pm
We're now well into the second half of 2018, but there's loads of great TV to come. While fans will have to wait until 2019 before we get more Stranger Things and Game of Thrones, there are still a ton of small screen goodies worth getting excited about. There's more offerings from Marvel and DC (Daredevil, Titans, The CW's Arrow-verse), reworkings of classic and contemporary sci-fi and horror properties (The Haunting of Hill House, The Purge), long-running favorites (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Doctor Who, The Walking Dead) and a handful of intriguing new titles (Maniac, Nightflyers). So here's the biggest TV shows to watch over the rest of the year...
The Purge
Syfy, September 4 The Purge is one of the most successful horror franchises of recent years--the three movies to date have made more than $319 million worldwide on modest budgets, and the fourth movie is set to hit theatres in July. But if that weren't enough, there's also a 10-episode TV show on the way. It's being produced for Syfy and will be overseen by franchise creator James DeMonaco, who also wrote and directed the first three films. It's set once more in a dystopian future where the annual Purge allows citizens to get all their violent, criminal impulses out, and according to early reports, will focus on a Marine who returns home to protect his sister on Purge Night. There's no premiere date yet, but it was recently announced The People v. O. J. Simpson director Anthony Hemingway will helm the first episode, so there's a good chance we might see it before the year is out.
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Season 13
FXX, September 5 It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia is on course to become the joint longest-running live-action comedy in American TV history--it's already been renewed for a 14th season, which will see it tie with the '50s classic Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. But before we get to that, we have Season 13, which premieres in September. This is the first season since Glenn Howerton, who plays Dennis, left the main cast (although he is expected to reappear at some point in this season). The rest of the gang are still there though, including Mac (Rob McElhenney), Charlie (Charlie Day), Dee (Kaitlin Olson) and Frank (Danny DeVito), so expect another darkly funny season of scheming, lying, and general bad behaviour for the staff of Paddy's Pub.
Iron Fist
Netflix, September 7 After impressive early seasons for Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage, Netflix's roster of Marvel shows came a bit unstuck last year with the critically-panned first season of Iron Fist. Hopes are high that the upcoming Season 2 can deliver on the promise of a kung fu-themed superhero show by actually giving us some decent action and a compelling plot. To be fair to Marvel, they seem to recognize that Season 1 didn't work, with Marvel TV boss Jeph Loeb telling fans at the recent San Diego Comic-Con that the makers planned to "up their game" when it comes to fight choreography in Season 2. The show sees Finn Jones and Jessica Henwick back as Danny Rand and Colleen Wing, and they will be joined this time by Luke Cage's Simone Messick as Misty Knight and Alice Eve as the villainous Typhoid Mary. We'll find out in September if they've got it right this time.
American Horror Story: Apocalypse
FX, September 12 Nip/Tuck might have brought awards, and Glee might have a huge mainstream audience, but for many viewers, American Horror Story is Ryan Murphy's greatest show. The eighth season of the anthology horror series premieres on September 12, with the subtitle Apocalypse. Many actors from the previous seasons return, including Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates, Billie Lourd, Jessica Lange, Cheyenne Jackson, Billy Eichner, and rock legend Stevie Nicks. Murphy has described this as the season where the AHS mythology "explodes", with dozens of characters from previous seasons appearing and the seemingly unrelated plots connected. Specific story details are still under wraps, but at a recent Television Critics Association panel, producer Alexis Martin Woodall stated that the show "begins with the end of the world. It starts in the real world. It's very tangible, and it's a familiar panic."
Maniac
Netflix, September 21 Maniac will probably be one of the weirder series of the year. Given the names attached, though, the show comes with huge buzz. Cary Fukunaga helms the dark comedy, which stars Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, and Justin Theroux. The story centers on a patient living in a psychiatric hospital who escapes reality by living his life inside a fantasy world maintained solely inside his own mind. It sounds bonkers, but if Fukunaga brings the same sensibilities he brought to True Detective, the network may have a winner on its hands.
The Good Place, Season 3
NBC, September 27 One of the funniest, smartest sitcoms returns this month. Created by Parks & Recreation's Michael Schur, this hilarious look at the afterlife mixes warm, witty storytelling with ambitious philosophical concepts. Season 2 ended with all four of the main human characters returning to the living world, with their memories wiped and a second chance to live their lives. Quite how their stories will intersect and how Ted Danson's morally-flexible immortal Michael will figure remains to be seen, but it's sure to stimulate both the heart and the brain.
Big Mouth, Season 2
Netflix, October 5 Netflix's uproariously funny animated show looking at the trials of adolescence is back for a second season in October. The show is co-created by The League's Nick Kroll, who provides the voice for a fictionalised seventh grade version of himself as he navigates the nightmares of parents, girls, and puberty. The show's gimmick is the foul-mouthed hormone monsters Maurice and Connie (voiced by Kroll and SNL's Maya Rudolph), who appear throughout, occasionally helping but mostly hindering Nick and his friends.
Star Wars Resistance
Disney XD, October 7 The hugely popular Star Wars Rebels ended back in March, but fans of Disney's animated Star Wars output won't have long to wait for the next series. Star Wars Resistance has been created by Dave Filoni, the man behind both Rebels and The Clone Wars, so we know it's in good hands. This show is set before the events of the 2015 movie, The Force Awakens, and will focus on a young pilot named Kazuda Xiono, who is recruited by the Resistance and tasked with a top-secret mission to spy on the growing threat of the First Order. As well as a host of new characters, fans can expect appearances from some of the recent Star Wars movie cast members, such as Oscar Isaac (as Poe Dameron) and Gwendoline Christie (as Captain Phasma), plus droid favorite BB-8.
The Haunting of Hill House
Netflix, October 12 Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Gerald's Game) is one of the best horror directors working today, and 2018 will see him turn his talents to TV. Produced by Steven Spielberg's Amblin TV, this is an adaptation of Shirley Jackson's 1959 novel, which was also turned into the classic 1963 movie The Haunting (the less said about the 1999 remake the better). Annabeth Gish (Sons of Anarchy, The West Wing) stars as Mrs. Dudley, the caretaker of a haunted estate, with roles for Timothy Hutton (All the Money in the World) and Gerald's Game's Carla Gugino. Flanagan has written and directed the whole 10-part series, and this could be one of the year's great horror shows.
Titans
DC Universe, October 12 While the quality of DC's movie output has been variable (to say the least), its roster of TV shows remains remarkably consistent. Titans is the latest addition. A live-action version of the Teen Titans, it's been in development since 2014, but shifting channels and cancelled pilots has meant very slow progress to the screen. But it is finally set to premiere in 2018, on DC's new digital service. Australian actor Brenton Thwaites (Gods of Egypt, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales) plays Dick Grayson/Robin, leading a team of young superheroes that includes Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy.
The Conners
ABC, October 16 The massive success of ABC's Roseanne revival was quickly overshadowed by the actions of its famous star, when a racist tweet by Roseanne Barr's led the network to cancel plans for Season 2. But last week, it was confirmed that the cast (minus Barr) will return for a spin-off show The Conners. Season 1 will premiere in the fall, taking Roseanne's 8 PM Thursday slot, and will run to 10 episodes. It's currently unknown how the show will address Barr's absence, but fans of this much-loved working classic sitcom family will have much to look forward to when Sara Gilbert, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalfe, and company return to screens.
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Netflix, October 26 Channeling the success of Riverdale, another Archie Comics story was in the works at The CW. But due to their concern of having too many witch shows--the network's Charmed reboot is still on the horizon--the untitled Sabrina the Teenage Witch series was handed over to Netflix. The series will explore the origins of the half-witch, half-mortal as she battles the evil forces that threaten her friends and family. Tonally, Deadline describes the series as being "in the vein of Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist."
Castlevania, Season 2
Netflix, October 26 Season 1 of Netflix's animated gothic fantasy Castlevania premiered in 2017 and has became one of the streaming service's most acclaimed new shows. Season 2 of the video game adaptation was initially rumored for this summer, but it has now been confirmed that it will debut in October and will run for eight episodes. Not only that, but actor Richard Armitage has also revealed that a third season is in the works.
The Walking Dead Season 9
AMC, October 31 While much has been written about The Walking Dead's falling ratings, it remains a hugely popular show, so don't expect it to go anywhere any time soon. The zombie drama returns later this year for its ninth season under new showrunner Angela Kang. Her predecessor Scott Gimple remains involved as AMC's chief content officer, and last month, he told Variety that Season 9 would see the show "evolve in a huge way." Could this mean the two-year time jump that occurred at the same point in the comic books? We'll find out in the fall.
Doctor Who Season 11
BBC, October It's always exciting when a new actor takes on the role as the iconic Timelord, but the debut of the thirteenth doctor this October is a really big deal. Jodie Whittaker replaces Peter Capaldi and is the first woman to play the Doctor. Whittaker had a brief appearance at the end of the recent Christmas Special, but fans will have to wait until October to see how her portrayal differs from previous incarnations. There's a new showrunner too, as Broadchurch's Chris Chibnall succeeds Steven Moffat. Finally, the Doctor's assistant is to be played by comedian Bradley Walsh.
Legends Of Tomorrow, Season 4
The CW, Fall The CW's roster of DC shows continues to go from strength to strength. Its most addition was the hugely entertaining Black Lightning, while Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl all remain extremely popular. Season 4 of Legends Of Tomorrow arrives in the Fall, and with Netflix's Defenders proving to be a boring disappointment, it remains the one TV superhero team-up to watch. Focusing on heroes such as White Canary, Atom, Heat Wave, Vixen, and Steel, this year the team will be join by John Constantine, who is played once more by Matt Ryan. Ryan previously played the character in the now-cancelled show Constantine, as well as in episodes of Arrow and last year's animated movie Justice League Dark. In short, he's really good at playing one of DC's coolest, edgiest heroes, and is a welcome addition to Legends of Tomorrow.
Nightflyers
Syfy Long before he created the world of Game of Thrones, author George RR Martin wrote the short novel Nightflyers, a sci-fi horror story about a group of scientists who embark on a mission into deepest space to make contact with alien life. The story was adapted into a movie in 1987 and has now been turned into a new TV show by SyFy. This is one of the network's biggest productions to date, and the first trailer suggests that it will be as much a horror story as a space adventure. Boardwalk Empire's Gretchen Mol stars.
The Umbrella Academy
Netflix A comic book property outside of Marvel's purview is on its way to Netflix. The Umbrella Academy comes from the mind of My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way. The series tells the story of some not-pregnant women who suddenly give birth to a bunch of superpowered babies. Taking place in an alternate timeline--one where JFK is still very much alive--the story follows seven kids as they undergo training to save the world. Ellen Page has been tapped to star in the program, and Way will serve as producer.
Daredevil, Season 3
Netflix Although the third season of Netflix's Daredevil series is yet to be given a premiere date, it is still expected this year. A trailer was revealed at San Diego Comic-Con back in July, where Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed that we'd see it in 2018. It's been well over two years since Season 2, in which time we've had several other connected shows set within the MCU version of New York--some have been great (The Punisher), others less so (Iron Fist). But hopes are high for the return of Matt Murdock, particularly because the villainous Wilson Fisk is making his return. Actor Vincent D'Onofrio helped create one of the most interesting and complex villains in the entire Marvel universe, and it is rumored that Season 3 will be an adaptation of Frank Miller's classic Born Again series from the '80s Daredevil comic book.
Luther, Series 5
BBC Fans of Luther were both excited and dismayed when the series returned for a two-episode fourth season in 2015. With a busy actor like Idris Elba playing the title role, sometimes schedules can be tight. That said, it looks like Elba has donned his signature tweed coat for another go-round as brilliant detective John Luther. We don't know what sort of gruesome crimes he will be investigating, but one thing is for certain: Idris Elba is at his best when the world is at its worst. Right now, John Luther is the hero we need and deserve.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
Netflix It's been more than a year since this prequel to Jim Henson's classic '80s fantasy movie The Dark Crystal was first announced via this teaser, and while Netflix rarely announces release dates very far in advance, there's a good chance we might see it in 2018. We know that the show will consist of 10 episodes and will be overseen by Louis Leterrier, who is best known for directing Now You See Me and Marvel's The Incredible Hulk. While the original 1982 movie was only moderately successful at the time, it has gained a considerable cult following over the years, and with Netflix's deep pockets we can expect something lavish and highly imaginative.
Mindhunter Season 2
Netflix This is another Netflix show without a confirmed release date, but star Jonathan Groff has said that the second season of the period crime thriller is to start shooting early this year, so a late 2018 premiere is possible. The first season of Mindhunter showed that producer David Fincher was just at home with small-screen serial killer thrills as he is in movies such as Zodiac and Seven. The balance between a seriously dark crime procedural and a beautifully performed, character-driven drama was exceptional, so hopes are extremely high for Season 2.
Black Mirror, Season 5
Netflix Netflix has confirmed that Charlie Brooker's hugely acclaimed sci-fi anthology series will return for a fifth season. While the streaming giant is yet to announce a release date, the previous two seasons arrived a year apart, so there's good chance we might see Black Mirror Season 5 before the end of the year. Season 4 was the strongest season to date, so expect the next one to deliver more disturbing but darkly funny predictions about the way technology continues to shape our lives. Can't wait.
New Warriors
TBC While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is highly focused and tightly controlled, the same can't be said for its TV counterparts. Shows like Daredevil, Luke Cage, Runaways, Agents of SHIELD, and Cloak and Dagger are all technically part of the MCU too, but you'd hardly know it from the wildly different tones, styles, and general lack of references to each other. But many of these shows are great (let's forgot Inhumans ever happened), and they will soon be joined New Warriors. The offbeat superhero team includes Squirrel Girl, Mister Immortal, Speedball, and Microbe, and it's been described as much more of a comedy than other Marvel shows. New Warriors was originally set to premiere this year on Freeform, but despite the fact that the pilot reportedly test very well the network dropped in due to "programming issues." It's currently being shopped around other networks by ABC, so hopefully, we'll see it soon.
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