In recent weeks the US networks have been unveiling their slate of new shows that will be debuting in the 2014-15 season.
While we’ve had to wave goodbye some old and new favourites that inevitably got the axe from the network, we’ve also spotted a fair few shows that we can’t wait to tune into. We’ve trawled through the list of new shows coming to the networks and selected the 10 that we’re most excited about seeing.
Find out which of the new shows have made out Top 10 list of must-watch shows.
10. The Whispers
Cast: Lily Rabe, Barry Sloane, Milo Ventimiglia
Plot: A race against time to defeat an unseen alien enemy out to destroy the world using the Earth’s most precious resource, children.
Why? We admit that the premise of this one sounds a little on the dodgy side but the calibre of the cast makes us think there must be more to the show than we see from the trailer. American Horror Story’s Lily Rabe leads the cast with Revenge’s Barry Sloane and Heroes’ Milo Ventimiglia. We have our fingers crossed this is a gripping sci-fi thriller and not a high concept show with nothing to back it up.
9. Secrets & Lies
Cast: Ryan Phillippe, Juliette Lewis, KaDee Strickland
Plot: A family man finds the body of a young boy while jogging and becomes the prime suspect. He has no choice but to try to find the real killer as his marriage, his kids, his reputation, and his sanity are all at stake.
Why? First of all the stellar cast. Ryan Phillippe proved he can tackle more serious roles with his stint in Damages and anything with Juliette Lewis in is generally worth your time. It’s also a return to TV for former Private Practice star KaDee Strickland. We could do with another gripping drama in our lives and we like the sound of this one.
8. Satisfaction
Cast: Matt Passmore, Stefanie Szostak, Blair Redford
Plot: Satisfaction tells the story of Neil Truman (Passmore) whose life changes when he discovers his wife Grace (Stephanie Szostak) having sex with another man (Blair Redford). Chasing the man down, Neil discovers that his wife has paid a male escort and decides to try out the lifestyle himself with the help of his wife’s lover’s phone.
Why? Matt Passmore oozed charm in The Glades so we can’t wait to see him in a more dramatic role. Satisfaction sounds a little bit like short-lived series Hung but we think it’s going to be a whole lot more serious. Perhaps not the most original premise but Passmore should ensure the show’s success.
7. State of Affairs
Cast: Katherine Heigl, Alfre Woodard, Adam Kaufman
Plot: A CIA officer plucked from the field to become the president’s daily briefer, assuming responsibility for targeting America’s most critical threats while navigating the unique lifestyle that comes with such a high-powered job.
Why? The main reason this is on our list is that it marks the return of Katherine Heigl to TV. It’ll be interesting to see if the former Grey’s Anatomy star can tackle a meatier more dramatic role. She has a lot riding on this show and the so-so trailer doesn’t give a clear indication of which way it’s going to turn out for her.
6. The Leftovers
Cast: Justin Theroux, Liv Tyler, Chris Zylka
Plot: Revolves around the Rapture and follows a group of people who are left behind in the suburban community of Mapleton. They must begin to rebuild their lives after the sudden and mysterious disappearance of more than 100 people.
Why? The Leftovers is one of those high concept shows that could prove to be either amazing or terrible. It boasts a stellar cast and has a truly intriguing premise. We’re looking forward to Justin Theroux finally finding a vehicle worthy of his talents. Let’s just hope it doesn’t turn into a huge Lost-like disappointment.
5. The Flash
Cast: Grant Gustin, Danielle Panabaker
Plot: A TV show centered around scientist Barry Allen, who suffers a freak accident that turns him into a superhero with the power of incredible speed.
Why? We’ve already had a bit of The Flash, or at least his backstory, in the second season of Arrow. Our faith in The CW to do right by this comic book legend lies with the huge success they’ve enjoyed with Arrow. We’re looking forward to the show finding its feet and enjoying some crossovers with Arrow in future seasons.
4. Stalker
Cast: Dylan McDermott, Maggie Q
Plot: In Los Angeles, the detectives of the Threat Assessment Unit tackle the toughest stalking cases for the LAPD.
Why? One of the most genuinely creepy shows of the new season, Stalker is led by Dylan McDermott who always brings eye-balls to a show. He’s a great actor and his track record on TV is fairly solid. Add Maggie Q into the mix and all the signs are looking good for this show.
3. Bad Judge
Cast: Kate Walsh, Christina Moore, Chris Parnell
Plot: A hard-living, sexually unapologetic woman who plays with the law, and whose life on the edge is constantly in balance as she also happens to be a judge in the Criminal Court system.
Why? Anything Kate Walsh is in we’ll watch. The former Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice star takes on a full-on comedy role for Bad Judge. We’ve seen her do bits of comedy before but from the look of the trailer she’s hilarious leading the charge in this new show.
2. Gotham
Cast: Benjamin McKenzie, Sean Pertwee
Plot: Gotham tells the origin story of Detective James Gordon (Benjamin McKenzie) as well as Bruce Wayne, Catwoman, The Riddler, The Penguin, The Joker and Poison Ivy.
Why? Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. may have almost ruined our faith in comic book TV adaptations but Gotham looks like a different kind of beast. Dark, mysterious and with plenty of source material we think this show will be one of the biggest hits of the autumn.
1. How To Get Away With Murder
Cast: Viola Davis, Matt McGorry, Billy Brown
Plot: A sexy, suspense-driven legal thriller about a group of ambitious law students and their brilliant, mysterious criminal defense professor. They become entangled in a murder plot that will shake the entire university and change the course of their lives.
Why? Shonda Rhimes is behind this new thriller series and with her track record we’re pretty sure this going to be a must-see series. How can you go wrong with Oscar nominee Viola Davis in the lead role and a cast of pretty young things providing the support. The trailer looks intriguing and it looks like we’re in for the suspense of Scandal combined with the drama of Grey’s Anatomy. Winner.
Which new US shows can’t you wait to see? Leave your comments in the usual place and let us know.
