Top 10 Anticipated Shows of 2019
For this list, we'll be looking at the most highly anticipated television series scheduled for release in 2019, including both new seasons of popular shows and the debuts of entirely new series.
#10: “The Twilight Zone” (2019-)
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This admittedly isn’t the first time that “The Twilight Zone” has been rebooted. In fact, this 2019 iteration will actually be its third television revival. And considering that neither of the past two attempts could compete with the quality of the original 1959 series, you might be asking… “How is this exciting”? Well, we’ve got two words for you: Jordan. Peele. The comedic actor-turned-filmmaker established himself as one of the most essential new voices of horror with 2017’s “Get Out”. Serving as this reboot’s presenter and executive producer, Peele is sure to bring a unique and inspired voice to the franchise, infusing the anthology series with funny, emotionally resonant and timely social commentary.
#9: “Good Omens” (2019-)
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The weird and wonderful works of acclaimed author and comic book writer Neil Gaiman are, admittedly, tough to adapt. His magnum opus, “Sandman” has been in and out of development hell since the ‘90s. Thankfully, with the success of the hyper-stylish “American Gods”, it’s been proven that even Gaiman’s weirdest offerings can work with the right budget and creative team. That’s a good thing, because his collaboration with the similarly unconventional Terry Pratchett, “Good Omens”, is not an easy story to retell. From the looks of the series trailer however, they’ve absolutely nailed it. David Tennant and Michael Sheen are truly inspired choices for the roles of Crowley the demon and Aziraphale the angel.
#8: “What We Do in the Shadows” (2019-)
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With the success of “Thor: Ragnarok”, Taika Waititi has arrived in Hollywood, big time. As fans will be quick to point out though, the masses are late to recognize his talent. Waititi’s feature films, “Boy” and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” were both excellent. In 2014, he teamed up with fellow New Zealander Jemaine Clement — of Flight of the Conchords fame — for the critically acclaimed horror comedy mockumentary “What We Do in the Shadows”, about vampire roommates, which the duo co-directed and starred in. Now, FX is adapting it for American television. The premise certainly lends itself to a serialized format, and it thankfully has Waititi and Clement involved as executive producers.
#7: “Big Little Lies” (2017-) Season 2
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Originally a miniseries, HBO’s adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s novel “Big Little Lies” was met with rave critical reviews. Series creator David E. Kelly must’ve known he had crafted something great, as the finale included a scene hinting at a possible continuation to the story. In December 2017, after the show’s numerous award nominations, a season 2 became official. Though you might fear that a second season risks tarnishing the sterling reputation of the initial series, and while the direction of Jean-Marc Vallée will sorely be missed, Andrea Arnold is a great replacement, and we have faith in David E. Kelley’s vision. Also… the inclusion of Meryl Streep? THAT inspires confidence.
#6: “Mindhunter” (2017-) Season 2
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The problem with being among the first wave of fans to discover a show is the interminable wait for a second season. This is especially painful with a Netflix original series, because you binge all the episodes in no time rather than savoring them. Such was the case for many people with David Fincher and Joe Penhall’s brilliant ‘70s crime drama “Mindhunter”. Featuring a number of inspired performances, and delving deep into the minds of serial killers, the series has so much left to offer; we can’t wait to see what exactly it has in store for us in season 2.
#5: “True Detective” (2014-) Season 3
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Speaking of crime dramas that have kept us waiting, how about this anthology series? After a captivating must-watch first season starring Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, “True Detective” disappointed fans and critics with its notably lackluster season 2. After a few years off, series creator and writer Nic Pizzolatto returns to bat for a third time, and people are hoping this third season will redeem the anthology series, finally washing the bad taste of season 2 from our mouths. With Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali in the leading role as detective Wayne Hays, and based on what we’ve seen so far, there’s plenty of cause to hope for the best.
#4: “Watchmen” (2019-)
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When you’re talking about arguably the most celebrated and revered graphic novel ever published, adaptation efforts are always going to be tricky. Much like Zack Snyder’s 2009 film divided critics and fans alike, this 2019 HBO series is sure to inspire much debate, especially since Damon Lindelof is apparently taking the source material in bold new directions. Rather than adapt the graphic novel directly, the “Watchmen” series apparently explores a new story in the world of “Watchmen,” involving both characters we know well and new ones, like Tim Blake Nelson’s Looking Glass. Only time will tell how it’s received, but with Lindelof leading this high profile project, it’s sure to be interesting.
#3: “The Witcher” (2019-)
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The video game curse: it’s real and it’s infuriating. Where films have failed however, there’s reason to believe that a TV series could succeed . . . with the right video game franchise. Might “The Witcher” be just that property? It’s worth noting that “The Witcher” was a book series first, and that in Poland, it’s already been adapted into a poorly received film, and mediocre series, under the title, “The Hexer”. To be fair though, those productions were very... modest. In 2019, we’ll get to see Geralt of Rivia like never before in a big budget Netflix production. With Henry Cavill playing the titular character, this “Witcher” might finally take video game adaptations to great heights.
#2: “Stranger Things” (2016-) Season 3
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We might be living in the golden age of big budget, cinematic television, but modern viewers still have a nostalgic streak a mile wide. Thankfully, Netflix and the Duffer Brothers have crafted the perfect series for all those of us who long for the simple pleasures and delightful quirks of the 1980s. In 2019, the cultural phenomenon that is “Stranger Things” returns for a third season of old school scares and childhood adventures with Eleven, Mike and the gang. All parties involved have kept mum about plot details, but given how the Mind Flayer ominously towered over the upside down version of the school in the season 2 finale, we have a pretty good idea. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions “Swamp Thing” (2019-) “The Crown” (2016-) Season 3 “The Umbrella Academy” (2019-) “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-) Season 7
#1: “Game of Thrones” (2011-) Season 8
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What a mixed bag of emotions. On the one hand, we’re desperate to finally get more “Game of Thrones,” especially after having been made to wait twice as long as usual for the 8th season to arrive. On the other hand, it’s excruciating to think that this is the end of the astonishing adventure we’ve been on since 2011. What will we sit around theorizing about? These are questions for future versions of ourselves to think about. For the time being, we’re just excited to see how things turn out, now that winter and war have truly come to the Seven Kingdoms.