2 Jan 2015 11:12 PM PT
By Wrap TV Team on January 2, 2015 @ 6:53 pm ET
“Better Call Saul,” “Agent Carter” and “The Last Man on Earth.”
A sleazy lawyer, a washed-up rocker, astronauts’ wives and a slew of superheroes: Your best bets for the next 12 months of television
Every year, TV networks trot out a raft of new offerings to compete for viewers’ eyeballs — an increasingly difficult task, given the ever-growing number of options available to the public. But even in what some have dubbed the new Golden Age of Television, there are bound to be some shows that are less deserving of your time than others.
In 2015, the viewing public will be faced with choices that include, not one, but two new shows from “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan; an update on iconic sitcom “The Odd Couple;” and a comedy starring “Saturday Night Live” alum Will Forte as the last remaining male inhabitant of earth, among numerous other new prospects.
In an effort to help you prioritize your viewing time over the next 12 months, TheWrap presents the 19 new shows that we’re most looking forward to this year. Let’s hope that they live up to our expectations.
“Battle Creek” (CBS), Premieres Sunday, March 1 at 10 p.m.
Shows about mismatched police partners are nothing new, but when former “House” boss David Shore and “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan are involved, you can expect more than a few twists on this old formula.
The series, which stars Dean Winters (“Oz”) and Josh Duhamel, centers on two detectives with very different world views — one relying on cynicism and deception, the other trading in naivete and trust — who are thrown together to clean up Battle Creek, Michigan. Time will tell whether the series’ potential can be fully exploited within the strictures of network TV, but given Gilligan and Shore’s involvement, we’ll go the trusting route on this one.
Wild94 managed to get a sneak preview of Battle Creek. Here is the clip from them:
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Better Call Saul on AMC
“Better Call Saul” (AMC), Premieres Sunday, Feb. 8 and Monday, Feb. 9 at 9 p.m.
There may never be another “Breaking Bad” on TV, but we still have a chance to enjoy some of its characters thanks to upcoming AMC prequel “Better Call Saul.” Not many would be up to the task of setting up Walter White’s eventual story, but Bob Odenkirk is a borderline national treasure, and his character James M. McGill — A.K.A. Saul Goodman — is one of the finest, funniest sleaze-bag lawyers of the current Golden Age of TV. Plus, fan favorite Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) has been literally brought back to life for the show, and the possibilities that there will be more of the same should bring fans back to AMC. Considering its other hit, “Mad Men,” is on its way off the air, the cable channel could use the revival.
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The Odd Couple on CBS
“The Odd Couple” (CBS), Premieres Thursday, Feb. 19 at 8:30 p.m.
We’ve seen the original series and the spin-off movies, now “Friends” star Matthew Perry wants to chip in his take.
matthew perry thomas lennon odd coupleComing to CBS, Perry and Thomas Lennon will star, respectively, as the disheveled Oscar Madison and the tidy Felix Unger in this latest version of Neil Simon’s popular play-turned-television series that debuted in 1970. “Parenthood” actress Lauren Graham and “Community” star Yvette Nicole Brown have also signed on to the cast.
The project could serve as a welcome relaunch for Perry on television. Since his time on “Friends,” he’s endured two short-lived series, NBC’s “Go On” and ABC’s “Mr. Sunshine.” Where the show goes will be left to audiences, who’ve seen their share of reboots in recent years on television and in film. But maybe for Perry, the third time will prove a charm.
No preview available yet.
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Babylon on Sundance TV
“Babylon” (Sundance Channel), Premieres Thursday, Jan. 8 at 10 p.m.
Danny Boyle brings his film pedigree and the fresh face of indie darling Brit Marling to Sundance TV. The six-episode comedy follows an ambitious American PR exec (Marling) employed by the British police force. Her attempts to rattle the institution into the 21st century are met with supreme disinterest or outright condescension. Adultery, backstabbing, substance abuse and violence ensue — and that’s just within police headquarters. Look for fantastic supporting turns from “The Hobbit’s” James Nesbitt and cutie Nick Blood, who is sure to be one of the favorite shirtless TV stars of 2015. Marling is more than capable in commanding the ship, which makes us think we’ll stay in “Babylon” for a good while.