Top 10 Upcoming TV Shows

Although I'm a little late to the game, already over a month into the year, I thought I'd share with you the top 10 upcoming tv series that have caught my eye this year. Enjoy and leave a comment on anything I've missed that I should check out. 

Collateral- 12^th February
BBC2

-          The series has just begun, with the first episode airing on the 12^th February.  A political thriller with a star cast including Carey Mulligan, John Simm and Billie Piper and written by David Hare, Collateral looks promising. When a pizza delivery driver is murdered, with a headstrong Detective on the case, a politician wrapped up in a conspiracy and an ex with something to hide, the show tackles a lot of different issues in its short time span.

IZombie Season 4- 27^th February

Netflix

-    Return of the Zombie series based on the DC Comics, by writer Chris Roberson and artist Michael Allred. This TV series is produced by Warner Bros but is available on Netflix in the UK. The story follows Liv, a morgue attendee, turned zombie, who, by ingesting brains of the recently deceased inherits their memories. While previous seasons followed a light-hearted zombie twist on the crime genre- with Liv using her inherited memories to solve crimes. The last season saw a shift, as the existence of zombies is revealed to the greater public. It will be interesting to see how the genre and direction of the show will change with this.

Marvel’s Jessica Jones Season 2- 8th March

Netflix

-    Netflix returns to Hells Kitchen for season 2 of the sassy, pessimistic, superhero detective Jessica Jones for her return after the Defenders. The trailer appears to show Jessica delving into her backstory and uncovers how she got her powers. The thing I’m most excited for, the return of David Tennant as Kilgrave. The enemy from last season, the charming yet creepy character had the power to control others against their will. However, he met his end in the season finale. I’m intrigued as to how he will return although Jessica Jones apparent PDSD may be behind it.

Bodyguard- To be announced

BBC1

-    This new thriller/drama has a pretty simple premise with a lot of potential. An ex-veteran, bodyguard must protect an MP who stands for everything he hates. It depicts an inner conflict between duty and belief. With a recognisable cast lead by Keeley Hawes and Richard Madden, the six-part drama looks like one to look out for.

Patrick Melrose- Spring/Summer
Sky Atlantic

-    Based on the book series by Edward St. Aubyn, Benedict Cumberbatch has taken mantel as the titular character in a series that tracks different areas of his life from early, abusive childhood, through drug addiction and treatment. Trailers show a light-hearted take with undercurrents of serious issues. Sky Atlantic have yet to confirm the release date, however it will be aired in 5 parts.

Vanity Fair- Summer/Autumn

ITV

-    Another book adaptation, ITV and Amazon have teamed up to recreate William Makepeace Thackery’s Victorian novel ‘Vanity Fair’. Olivia Cooke will play the lead, the Georgian socialite Becky Sharp. With the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, this show is lined up to be another successful period drama for British television.

Mammoth Screen

A Discovery of Witches- Autumn

Sky One

-    A more modern book adaptation is coming to Sky One. This is Deborah Harkness’ ‘A Discovery of Witches’. This romantic fantasy brings magic, monsters and adventure to modern day Oxford. With vampires, witches and daemons it promises a lot of action. Harkness has said that the first series would cover the first book of the series. After watching the trailer I’m interested in trying to read the book before the series comes out and will definitely be ordering a copy.

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Butterfly- To be announced

ITV

-    In a new turn, this new ITV drama approaches the issue of gender. It tells the story of Max/Maxine a boy who identifies as female, on the cusp of puberty his dysphoria increases. The show also focuses on the parents, played by Anna Friel and Emmett L Scanlan, who disagree on what is best for their child. The premise sounds promising, and although gender dysphoria and transgender can be difficult to capture on TV, I am hopeful for this series.

MCPIX/Mark Campbell

War of the Worlds- To be announced

BBC 1

-    I must admit a very personal excitement for this one. I am a huge fan of H. G. Well, especially War of the Worlds which I read age 11. I also a fan of Jeff Wayne’s musical adaptation and have been waiting for a faithful film or TV show on the subject. Set at the end of the 19^th Century, the story depicts an alien invasion on earth which humans are powerless to stop. It follows a journalist over the course of a few days as he tries to survive. Penned by Peter Harkness, this retelling promises to be faithful to the original.

BBC Radio 4

Good Omens- To be announced

Amazon Prime and BBC 2

-    Following Amazon’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods comes ‘Good Omens’. Part of Terry Pratchett’s legendary Discworld series, co-written by Neil Gaiman, Good Omens shows the unlikely pairing of an Angel and a Demon to save the world. This adaptation will see David Tennant as demon Crowley, and Michael Sheen as the angel Aziraphale. Pictures have been released, however, there are rumours that release date may be pushed back to 2019.  

Twitter- @neilhimself

     What are you looking forward to most? 
     Leave a comment or tweet me @Caitlin_Earley