Top 10 Anticipated Shows of 2018
Soon, everybody will be buzzing about these new television series. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we'll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Anticipated Shows of 2018.
For this list, we're focusing on TV series that seem destined to be trending topics in 2018.
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Soon, everybody will be buzzing about these new television series. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Anticipated Shows of 2018.
For this list, we’re focusing on TV series that seem destined to be trending topics in 2018.
#10: “Lost in Space”
Netflix
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For this re-imagining of the original 1960s sci-fi series, Netflix didn’t cast A-list stars. But perhaps that will place more focus on the intergalactic narrative. It stars English actor (and son of Dame Maggie Smith) Toby Stephens as John Robinson, and Canadian actress Molly Parker (from “House of Cards”) as Maureen Robinson, the heads of a family (“Swiss Family Robinson”, right?) forced astray in space to do battle with aliens . . . and themselves. Hey, “Stranger Things” was also off the radar before it took off, and this series seems to have all the ingredients for success.
#9: “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”
Netflix
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Believe it or not, James Franco is working on another project. Yet “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” isn’t just another art house indie, it’s a brand-new offering from the legendary Coen Brothers. Yes, you heard that right: The Coen Brothers are joining the Netflix juggernaut. And with this western anthology, featuring six different storylines, Netflix takes another giant leap forward, and reunites James Franco with his co-star from HBO’s “The Deuce,” Zoe Kazan. Expect offbeat comedy, quotable dialogue and general cinematic virtuosity. This will be unlike any other Netflix series, and that’s because it’s a Coen Brothers production – a true Netflix Original.
#8: “Ozark” Season 2
Netflix
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In 2017, this Netflix Original crime drama was a sleeper hit. Jason Bateman plays against type as a financial planner with many dark and dangerous secrets (the Mexican cartels even get involved). As Marty Byrde, Bateman brings a familiar face to this series, but its supporting cast, which includes Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz and Julia Garner, also give terrific performances. Hopefully, season two will only expand on the high tension, thick atmosphere and rich characterizations established in season one. With “Arrested Development”’s fifth season also on its way, 2018 is looking to be a good year for Jason Bateman and Netflix.
#7: “Castle Rock”
Hulu
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Stephen King has, yet again, some major pop culture cred right now. Andy Muschietti's “It” adaptation still has people freaked out, while “Gerald’s Game” and “1922” were big hits for Netflix. For Hulu’s “Castle Rock,” King’s creepy story (or, stories) are in very good hands, with J.J. Abrams running the show. Pennywise himself, Bill Skarsgård, has a starring role, along with underrated performers like Jane Levy, Melanie Lynskey and André Holland. Given that Netflix and Amazon Studios keep pushing hard with innovative new series, you can bet that Abrams will deliver the goods with this Hulu horror.
#6: “Luther” Season 5
BBC1
Since 2010, the charming Idris Elba has starred in this BBC One series about a police officer who sometimes cares too much. Like so many classic TV characters, Detective John Luther is a flawed human being; a guy either bound for glory or tragedy. The show is a brilliant, English character study which flies somewhat under the radar stateside, as many people still associate Elba with “The Wire’s” Stringer Bell. With Elba’s film star on the rise (007? please?), it seems like “Luther” Season 5 might be his network swan song, at least for now.
#5: “Watchmen”
HBO
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Now that “The Leftovers” has concluded, the series creator, Damon Lindelof, can focus his attention elsewhere. In September 2017, news broke that he’ll officially be adapting “Watchmen” for HBO, based on the original comic book series. This is exciting news for DC Comics fans, but everybody else should also be ecstatic about its potential. The storyline features an alternate dystopian world where superheroes are under suspicion and attack. These themes are sure to resonate in America’s tense political climate, and HBO’s “Watchmen” will surely add to the network’s canon of edgy, thought-provoking shows.
#4: “Waco”
Paramount Network
Based on the infamous 1993 federal siege on a cult compound in Waco, Texas, this series will most definitely make headlines. With its cast of renowned actors, including Oscar-nominated Michael Shannon as an FBI hostage negotiator, it’s set to become the first big hit for Paramount Network (formerly known was Spike TV). Taylor Kitsch plays the Branch Davidian cult leader David Koresh, who burned to death along with more than 75 children, women and men from his sect. This won’t be a fun series, but it could potentially be THE breakout hit of 2018.
#3: “Making a Murderer” Season 2
Netflix
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Here’s a documentary series that is both disturbing and very revealing about America’s justice system. In Season 1, “Making a Murderer” was full of WTF moments, as Steven Avery’s life is anything but normal after he’s released from prison after 18 years. While many shows can be ruined with spoilers, this story is ongoing and far from a closed case. Recent developments suggest that Season 2 will be especially explosive, as prosecutors have been let go, jurors have made accusations and, oh, Brendan Dassey got his conviction overturned.
#2: “Maniac”
Netflix
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If the Coen Brothers’ take on black comedy doesn’t tickle your fancy, then maybe this Cary Fukunaga series will do the trick. He’s known for directing “True Detective” episodes, along with the acclaimed 2015 film “Beasts of No Nation.” For this Netflix Original, Fukunaga turns to fantastical dark comedy, and has two modern humor icons to rely on, with Jonah Hill and Emma Stone playing patients at a psychiatric institution who inhabit elaborate visionary worlds of their own. Based on a Norwegian series from 2014, “Maniac” should be challenging, disturbing, uplifting and hilarious, all wrapped up together,
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Jessica Jones” Season 2
Netflix
“The Terror”
AMC
“Taboo” Season 2
FX
#1: “Westworld” Season 2
HBO
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No other show challenged and thrilled viewers in 2016 quite like season one of this sci fi fantasy western, based on the 1970s novel by Michael Crichton. The show features lifelike androids catering to the whims of human guests at a Wild West theme park, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. It’s dark themes and unpredictable twists and turns were enhanced by a stellar cast (including Evan Rachel Wood, Anthony Hopkins, and Ed Harris), that made it the toast of TV. Season 2 promises to be even more intense and provocative. Yee ha!
