Top 10 Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2017
For this list, we're taking a look at the most buzz-worthy shows set to make their debut in 2017.
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#10: “Legion” (2017-)
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“Legion” is the first live-action TV series based on the “X-Men” comic books. Even more significantly, it’s the first show set in the same universe as the “X-Men” movies. Dan Stevens of “Downton Abbey” stars as David Haller, a schizophrenic mutant who might have a connection to Charles Xavier. In addition to Matthew Crawley himself, the cast features the likes of Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart, and Rachel Keller. Creator Noah Hawley previously brought “Fargo” to the small screen with stellar results. With “Legion,” he could take the “X-Men” franchise to the next stage of evolution. Let’s just hope this spinoff has more in common with “Deadpool” and less in common with the made-for-TV movie, “Generation X.”
#9: “Bill Nye Saves the World” (2017-)
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Mixing knowledge with comedy, “Bill Nye the Science Guy” was a rare educational show that actually made learning fun. In “Bill Nye Saves the World,” our favorite science guy will break out the lab coat and bowtie once again. Saving the world is no easy endeavor, which is why Mr. Nye will have a team of correspondents by his side. The lineup includes TV personality Emily Calandrelli, comedian Joanna Hausmann, comedian Nazeem Hussain, fashion model Karlie Kloss, and YouTuber Derek Muller. Premiering on Netflix, this talk show will cover a wide variety of topics, ranging from society, to politics, to pop culture while always relating back to science. Go get ‘em, Nye!
#8: “Gypsy” (2017-)
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With every passing year, more and more A-listers seem to be jumping on the Netflix bandwagon. In this drama series, two-time Oscar nominee Naomi Watts stars as Jean Holloway, a therapist who gets a little too close for comfort. Tony Award winning actor Billy Crudup plays her husband, who has his own fair share of baggage. Sam Taylor-Johnson, who walked away from the “Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise to pursue other projects, will direct the show’s first two episodes and act as an executive producer. With so much talent involved, “Gypsy” could follow in the footsteps of “Hemlock Grove” and “Bloodline” as Netflix’s next must-watch thriller.
#7: “Riverdale” (2017-)
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“Riverdale” isn’t the first live-action TV series based on the world of Archie Comics. Unlike “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” however, “Riverdale” will ditch the comic’s campy, lighthearted tone in favor of a darker, grittier story. With an ongoing murder mystery, this drama series has drawn comparisons to “Pretty Little Liars” and “Twin Peaks.” At the same time, fans will still get to see all of their favorite characters, including Archie, Jughead, and even Josie and the Pussycats. Although the project was initially in development at Fox, the CW eventually picked it up with Greg Berlanti of the “Arrowverse” as an executive producer. Wait, does that mean Archie Comics could have a crossover with DC Comics?!
#6: “Guerrilla” (2017-)
From Stringer Bell to John Luther, Idris Elba has played some of the most iconic characters in modern television. Elba will have a key role in this Showtime mini series, which centers on a couple of activists in 1970s London as the Black Power movement peaks. John Ridley, who previously worked on the Oscar-winning “12 Years a Slave” and the Emmy-winning “American Crime,” will act as a writer, director, and executive producer. With unparalleled talent in front of and behind the camera, “Guerrilla” promises to be a politically charged love story.
#5: “American Gods” (2017-)
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Bryan Fuller is one of the most gifted storytellers in television, having developed “Dead Like Me,” “Pushing Daisies,” and “Hannibal.” It’s just a shame that all of his shows seem to get prematurely canceled. With any luck, though, his latest endeavor will be a critical and ratings hit. Fuller teams with writer Michael Green of “Heroes” for this adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s bestselling novel. “American Gods” follows Shadow Moon, an ex-con who encounters the mysterious Mr. Wednesday. This stranger turns out to be the Norse god Odin, who’s traveling to American in search of old Gods. Gillian Anderson, Cloris Leachman, and Ian McShane make up an all-star cast, giving us all the more reason to check out this Starz original series.
#4: “The Defenders” (2017-)
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As much as we’re looking forward to “The Punisher” spinoff series, “The Defenders” is the preeminent event Marvel and Netflix have been building up to. The small screen equivalent to “The Avengers,” this eight-episode crossover brings together four fan favorite superheroes: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, whose own show will be making its debut in 2017. During their team-up to save New York City, the Defenders will cross paths with Élodie Yung as Elektra, Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple, and Sigourney Weaver as the big bad. This miniseries marks a major moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is showing no sign of slowing down.
#3: “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” (2017-)
Lemony Snicket’s beloved book series previously made it to the silver screen in 2004. While it was a solid adaptation, the film didn’t attract enough of an audience to jumpstart a franchise. Almost a decade and a half later, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” is getting a second life on Netflix. The story of course revolves around the Baudelaire orphans, children that attract gloom and doom wherever they go. In a dream casting choice, Neil Patrick Harris stars as Count Olaf, the devious villain hell-bent on stealing their fortune. This TV series will initially comprise of 8 episodes, with two episodes devoted to each book. The show looks like whimsical family fun, although Lemony Snicket would probably advise you to watch something else.
#2: “Star Trek: Discovery” (2017-)
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“Star Trek” might be a high-profile film series, but its roots will always be in television. “Star Trek: Discovery” sets itself in the Prime Timeline as opposed to the Kelvin Timeline, which was introduced in J.J. Abram’s 2009 reboot film. The story takes place ten years before Gene Roddenberry’s original series, following the USS Discovery crew. The first “Star Trek” TV series since “Enterprise” wrapped things up in 2005, “Discovery” will feature an overarching story that expands upon the franchise’s mythos. Nicholas Meyer, who directed multiple “Star Trek” films, and Gene Roddenberry’s son, Rod, will be involved in the project as well. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - “DuckTales” (2017-) - “Ozark” (2017-) - “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (2017-)
#1: “Twin Peaks” (2017-)
Although “Twin Peaks” was cancelled after only two seasons, it left behind a legacy unlike any other. To date, the serial drama is still viewed as one of the most influential shows in television history. It’s taken over twenty-five years, but “Twin Peaks” is finally returning to television in the form of a Showtime limited series. This continuation will reunite several familiar faces, including Kyle MacLachlan as Special Agent Dale Cooper. Creators Mark Frost and David Lynch are also back on board. This miniseries has gone through numerous delays, but that only has us more eager to see the final product. However it turns out, “Twin Peaks” is bound to offer mystery, surrealism, and damn fine coffee. Do you agree with our list? What’s your most anticipated show of 2017? For more entertaining Top 10s published everyday, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
