Top 10 Best New Shows of 2017

On this true crime series, there are major consequences when a student pushes back against faculty. But there’s a twist: “American Vandal” is entirely fiction. From the opening sequence onward, this Netflix program takes a satirical approach while reminding us that similar events are happening everywhere, without any cameras. Spoiler alert: “American Vandal” isn’t a hard-hitting investigative report, but an examination of societal behavior. If you’re looking for something lighter yet still timely, check out this faux-documentary, which offers a fresh spin on the true crime genre.

Here’s another Netflix show riding the wave of ‘80s nostalgia. Based on a real-life women’s wrestling organization, “GLOW” is anchored by the hilarious and charismatic Alison Brie. Through her trials and tribulations, the series addresses identity and gender roles, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. “GLOW” also explores personal and professional conflicts, with an R-rated comedic edge. With its wrestling theme, retro production design and strong female characters, this show taps into pop culture trends while establishing its own identity as a binge-able series.

Created by the brilliant Ryan Murphy, this FX series explores one of classic Hollywood’s greatest feuds. Despite their experience and charm, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford are at a crossroads, and they collaborate together on “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” in the hopes of reigniting their careers. Starring Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange, “Feud” sheds light on the actresses’ state of mind, but it’s the larger revelations about good ol’ boy behavior that makes it so timely. Tune in for the personal feud and stay for the industry drama.

Directed by Mary Harron, this mini-series is another Margaret Atwood adaptation to come in 2017, after Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Set in Victorian Toronto, Sarah Gadon stars as an Irish immigrant who may or may not be a complete psychopath. With its central character’s performance and an emphasis on real-life horror, “Alias Grace” is an under-the-radar, late-2017 hit; a series that addresses timely themes with a psychological thriller feel. While it does require some patience, it’s a Netflix original that succeeds because of its pacing and immaculate direction.

To be clear, this animated Netflix series is for mature subscribers only. Voiced by a number of big-name comedians, “Big Mouth” explores adolescent sexuality with a no holds barred approach. Anything goes for this unique character study, and that’s a major part of its appeal. The humor doesn’t shy away from embarrassing scenarios, and the series also features two particularly unforgettable characters: the Hormone Monsters. Once you watch one episode, you’ll be itching for more, and more... and more. While it can be equal parts sweet and incredibly shocking, “Big Mouth” is ultimately a Netflix original that’s empathetic to the pains of growing up.

This Netflix series will mess with your head. Co-produced by Charlize Theron and David Fincher ­­– who even directs a few episodes – “Mindhunter” reminds us that serial killer psychological profiling is still a fairly new practice. Like so many great Fincher flicks, these characters seem to understand the world around them, but there’s something sinister lurking underneath – for everybody. “Mindhunter” is a binge-worthy series that focuses closely on what makes monsters in order to fully understand the larger implications. It’s a show that will both scare you and hopefully educate you.

Set in 1970s New York City, this HBO series is full of sex, drugs and mafiosos. “The Deuce” also stars James Franco in dual roles, as his characters navigate the seedy underworld pumping money into the economy. It was created by David Simon and George Pelecanos – two of the guys behind “The Wire” and “Treme” – and they bring that same energy and complexity to this grimy NYC series. The wardrobes and racy sex scenes provide loads of visual flair, while the performances are more subtle. Not only does it have nostalgic value, it also reveals the inner-workings of a booming ‘70s industry.

With its “X-Men” connection, this series received tons of hype before its premiere. Still, “Legion” flew under the radar once it dropped on FX, as it’s more cerebral in tone than mainstream viewers might have anticipated. With his lead performance as the confused David Haller, Dan Stevens brings a sense of quiet charisma necessary for the role. Plus, “Legion” creator and showrunner Noah Hawley is also the man behind “Fargo,” so he’s more than current with modern viewer expectations. Overall, the show blends various genre tropes to offer something fresh and original for Marvel fans.

Written by its creator David E. Kelley, directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and based on a novel by Liane Moriarty, this Emmy Award-winning HBO miniseries shows what a strong team of women can do when they get together. Starring Hollywood A-listers like Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern and Shailene Woodley, with some outstanding supporting work from Alexander Skarsgard, “Big Little Lies” is a murder mystery on its surface – but it’s so much more than that at its core. A story about keeping up appearances, friendship and abuse, this dark comedy was released at the perfect time, when women in Hollywood finally decided that enough was enough – and we couldn’t get enough.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
- “Riverdale” (2017-)
- “The Gifted” (2017-)
- “American Gods” (2017-)

Here it is: a dystopian fiction series eerily similar to the present day. Based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale” imagines a future American society in which women have lost their rights and become infertile, except for a group known as the “Handmaids.” Everything comes together in this Hulu original, from Elisabeth Moss’ lead performance to the cinematography and extraordinary direction. With her work on “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Reed Morano became the first woman to win an Emmy for directing a drama, and she did it with a series that set the tone for an unforgettable year in TV and pop culture.