In 2015, every network seems to be going off its hinges with the return of highly acclaimed shows still showing their youth, such as “Broad City” premiering Wednesday. With original online shows that now seem like cultural icons, such as “House of Cards,” premiering Feb. 27, and the final seasons of shows that have held American hearts for years, like “Parks and Recreation” premiering Tuesday, television is receiving a boost of award-winning programming this season. There’s so much television that this preview only focuses on new releases, a plentiful bunch of programs that vary from a ludicrous comedy featuring Will Forte to a binge-worthy drama courtesy of Vince Gilligan.
“Man Seeking Woman”
FXX
Wednesday
Clearly, the best way to get at new, refreshing romantic comedy ideas in 2015 is to not base them in reality whatsoever. Based on “The Last Girlfriend on Earth,” a collection of short stories by Simon Rich, “Man Seeking Woman” has monsters, time travel and dangerous adventures. Starring Jay Baruchel as the socially inept Josh Greenberg and Eric André as his encouraging best friend and wingman Mike, “Man Seeking Woman” has the eccentricity that the currently underrepresented FXX brand is looking for. Just don’t be frightened when the women are depicted as literal trolls.
“12 Monkeys”
Syfy
Friday
Terry Gilliam’s great dystopian sci-fi thriller “12 Monkeys” mixes the intense fun of time travel with the intensity of Bruce Willis. But how will it fare on the small screen? ’90s film-to-television adaptations have a bit of recent popularity to run with – think “Fargo” – so maybe Syfy can pull this one out of the bag. Aaron Stanford takes Willis’ role of James Cole, a time traveler from the future who must stop a catastrophic pandemic before it happens. Amanda Schull stars as virologist Cassandra Railly, while Emily Hampshire plays psychiatric patient Jennifer Goines, a gender-reversed role from Brad Pitt’s original award-winning role.
“Backstrom”
Fox
Jan. 22
“Backstrom” finally answers one of America’s most burning questions: “What has Dwight Schrute been up to?” Apparently, growing a bit of stubble out and becoming sufficiently deranged. Like all good crime-solving dramatic TV heroes, detective Everett Backstrom (Rainn Wilson) has irascible, rude tendencies, but he’s also brilliant enough to get away with it. By Everett’s side are his much calmer, less destructive colleagues Nicole Gravely (Genevieve Angelson), John Almond (Dennis Haysbert), Frank Moto (Page Kennedy) and a wealth of other criminologists that seem to tolerate him for some reason.
“Fresh Off the Boat”
ABC
Feb. 4
Judging from “The Goldbergs” and “Fresh Off the Boat,” ABC seems to have a thing for telling stories about fitting in with the cultural stereotypes of the 20th century. Based on the memoir of the same name by chef Eddie Huang, “Fresh Off the Boat” follows young Eddie (Hudson Yang) as he navigates through the relocation of his immigrant family’s from Washington, D.C., to Orlando. His father Louis (Randall Park, who plays Kim Jong-un in the now-infamous film “The Interview”) takes charge with his dream to open his own steakhouse, while his mother Jessica (Constance Wu) finds the spirit of America a little off-putting.
“Better Call Saul”
AMC
Feb. 8
Never has television been so readily accepted into the category of prestige art as when Vince Gilligan announced he’s making a spin-off. Bob Odenkirk returns to his “Breaking Bad” role as Jimmy McGill, the next charismatic guy whose life is going to take many turns for the worst. Before Jimmy becomes the titular Saul Goodman, however, he’s a hapless lawyer looking for a big opportunity, coupled for the long road ahead of him with private investigator Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks, also reprising his role). Before Heisenberg, there was Saul, and all the unfortunate comings that make for inevitably great binge-watching.
“The Odd Couple”
CBS
Feb. 19
“The Odd Couple” has been tried and tried many times over – most recently as a sitcom in the ’80s, a revitalization of the famous show from the ’70s, itself an adaptation of the 1968 movie, based on Neil Simon’s 1965 play. This recent attempt stars Matthew Perry as Oscar, the most easy-going, laid-back fellow in the neighborhood, and Thomas Lennon as Felix, his very punctilious college roommate. After being thrown out by both of their wives, Oscar and Felix are brought together again for more platonic adventures. “The Odd Couple” airs the night of “Two and Half Men’s” series finale, an appropriate time for one of television’s best “bromantic” love stories.
“Last Man on Earth”
Fox
March 1
To say that “Last Man on Earth” is the strangest offering of new television coming this winter season is a gross understatement. Will Forte, of “Saturday Night Live,” stars as Phil Miller, the last man on a mysterious barren Earth, slowly going insane as he wanders the planet looking for someone to talk to. Understandably, the show should then only feature Forte, but the likes of January Jones, Kristen Schaal and Mel Rodriguez have all signed on as cast members. So who knows what vicious lies this comedy is spreading. At the very least, “Last Man on Earth” is guaranteed to have a healthy amount of Will Forte walking around aimlessly, if that’s your thing.
– Sebastian Torrelio