New TV Shows of 2015 That Are Worth Watching

Television programming is stronger than ever, and 2015 gave us some impressive new shows. The downside is that we all have a finite amount of time (well, most of us), and can’t watch them all. With that in mind, here are some TV shows that debuted this year that are worth checking out:

American Horror Story: Hotel

Yeah, it’s not a new show technically, but it is anthology format, so it warrants a mention. The season’s not over yet either, but so far it’s proven to be the best season since the first, Murder House. The main storyline and character back stories have been compelling and there’s been enough sex, blood, violence, and general shock value to satisfy. Although Jessica Lange’s presence has been missed, Lady Gaga has been surprisingly good in her role as The Countess, a vampire who secretly controls the hotel. Evan Peters impresses once again too as James Patrick March, a wealthy serial killer (based off of real life serial killer, H.H. Holmes) who haunts the hotel.

Ash vs. Evil Dead

This is what Evil Dead fans deserved, not the lousy and unneeded remake that came out in 2013. While the first season isn’t quite over yet, so far it’s done everything right and is well in cannon with the trilogy. It has the right mix of horror and comedy, a great supporting cast, and most importantly, Bruce Campbell! Groovy!

Better Call Saul

It’s more than simply a Breaking Bad spin-off, nor was it created just to ride on the coattails of the former series’ success. The first season is practically flawless as it explores the pre Breaking Bad days of Saul Goodman, when he was a struggling lawyer known as Jimmy McGill, with just the right amount of humor and drama. Bob Odenkirk is once again phenomenal as McGill/Goodman, and Jonathan Banks returns as Mike Ehrmantraut, who even steals a few episodes. We see a more vulnerable side of Mike in these episodes and this strong character development/back story is just one of the many reasons why the show works and stands on its own.

Big Time in Hollywood, FL

It’s like the Breaking Bad of sitcoms. It follows two ambitious, yet dimwitted brothers who are filmmakers looking to make a name for themselves. Things go from bad to worse for them after their plan to extort their parents for money to fund their cinematic projects backfires. It really pushes the envelope as far as basic cable TV violence goes and Cuba Gooding Jr. plays himself, and totally nails it! Keith David and Michael Madsen also have great supporting roles. It’s required viewing for any amateur or low budget filmmaker.

Daredevil

The 2003 film was certainly lackluster, but thanks to Marvel & Netflix, they’ve finally done Matt Murdock/Daredevil justice. It’s violent, gritty, compelling, and faithful to the source material. Charlie Cox is flawless as Murdock and Vincent D’Onofrio is quite terrifying as Wilson Fisk (aka “Kingpin”), the antagonist. Season two is already looking promising with the inclusion of Frank Castle (aka “The Punisher”).

Fargo: Season 2

It’s not a new show, but it is anthology format like AHS, so it gets a mention too. Season one was great and this season is a worthy follow up that’s slightly better, mostly because it feels more in tone with the Coen Brother’s film. The season becomes super tense in the second half and it perfectly captures the look and the feel of the late 70’s. A lot of great acting once again too, especially from Patrick Wilson as a younger Lou Solverson, a MN state trooper, Kirsten Dunst as Peggy Blumquist, the beautician who sets the horrid events of season 2 into motion, and Bookeem Woodbine as Mike Milligan, a poetic mob enforcer. Bruce Campbell appears as Ronald Reagan too!

Jessica Jones

A dark and gritty show that’s some of Marvel’s best work to date. It explores how vulnerable “heroes” can be and introduces some strong and complex female characters to the MCU. Krysten Ritter is perfect as Jessica and brings a lot of wit to the role. David Tennant pulls off being both evil and charming as Kilgrave, the antagonist who constantly tortures Jessica and hurts those around her. His complete lack of remorse while doing so easily makes him the most terrifying villain in the MCU thus far.

Man Seeking Woman

Adapted from a book of short stories The Last Girlfriend on Earth by Simon Rich, it’s a surreal and creative take on the romantic sitcom. The show benefits from the always likeable Jay Baruchel as Josh Greenberg, the protagonist. He’s so great at playing awkward and naïve characters and nails it here. Every episode in season one is both funny and charming as Josh struggles to find love amidst surreal circumstances. It’s a smart and creative approach to the subject matter and resonates with viewers who’ve also struggled to find love and romance in their lives.

Master of None

Parks & Recreation may have ended, but Aziz Ansari has a new sitcom on Netflix to further showcase his talent. Ansari plays Dev, an actor living in New York and the series follows his personal and professional life. It’s as relevant as it is funny, exploring issues such as: racial typecasting in film & TV, the problems that come with dating in the modern world, the burden and loss of freedom that comes with having children, and the struggle for second generation immigrants to relate with their parents. The relationship between Dev and Rachael, played Noël Wells is well explored too, and they make for quite the cute couple.

Mr. Robot

Perhaps the best new TV series of 2015 that came out of nowhere. It feels more cinematic because of the top notch cinematography and visuals. It’s very reminiscent of David Fincher’s recent work. Also, it’s chilling how relevant the show is because of the persistent and very real threat of cyber-attacks. The show follows Elliot Alderson, a computer hacker who suffers from social anxiety disorder. He’s recruited by a mysterious man known as “Mr. Robot” to join fsociety and help them carry out their anarchist agenda. Rami Malek is so immersed in his role as Elliot, you forget he’s acting. Christian Slater gives another solid performance as Mr. Robot too. The main female characters in the show also happen to share a unique connection with Elliot. Angela (Portia Doubleday) is a close friend and co-worker of Elliot’s. Their friendship becomes strained as the season progresses due to his social anxiety and participation in fsociety. Darlene (Carly Chaikin) is a fellow hacker at fsociety and her connection to Elliot is gradually revealed as the season progresses. Shayla (Frankie Shaw), is a drug dealer and Elliot’s girlfriend, and appears to be the only girl he’s ever had a deep and intimate connection with. The show is so damn compelling because every episode builds up to something huge and we as viewers are left questioning if everything Elliot is telling us is actually true.

Scream Queens

The dumb and campy approach certainly isn’t for everyone, but those who enjoy self-aware horror and Ryan Murphy’s previous TV work will really enjoy it. Like AHS, it’s anthology format and season one is set the fictional Wallace University, which is being terrorized by a serial killer known as the “Red Devil killer,” because they sport the costume of the school’s mascot, the Red Devil. The entire cast is brilliantly over the top; with the casting Jamie Lee Curtis as the dean of Wallace University being enough to entice any slasher fan. Unfortunately, the finale is uneven and underwhelming, but because the entire season is so much fun, you just might be able to look past it.

True Detective: Season Two

Again, it’s not a new series, but it is anthology format, so it gets a mention. Although the season is flawed and is nowhere near as brilliant as the first, it still has a lot of good things going for it. First of all, the four principal actors are great. Collin Farrell is convincing as Ray Velcoro, a washed up and corrupt cop who seeks to redeem himself. Racheal McAdams is impressive as Ani Bezzerides, a tough as nails female cop who’s fighting her own demons. Taylor Kitsch is better than expected as Paul Woodrugh, a CA Highway Patrol officer who’s traumatized by his past war experiences and tortured by his true sexuality, because he represses it. Vince Vaughn is also better than expected as Frank Semyon, a career criminal whose criminal empire becomes comprised, and who struggles to be the kind of man he wants to be to his wife, Jordan, played by Kelly Reilly. The murder of Frank’s business partner, Ben Caspere sets everything into motion and brings these characters together. The main flaw of season two is that the mystery just isn’t as strong and compelling as it was in season one. While the California setting is well utilized, the season really doesn’t feel like it gets going until the third episode, and the murder mystery becomes too convoluted. The actors also don’t seem to have the same level of chemistry that Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson had in season one. Those flaws aside, the season is still solid overall and the finale is effectively downbeat and ambiguous. Showrunner Nic Pizzolatto had quite the guts to end season 2 in such a manner.

Wayward Pines

Based on the novel series of the same name by Blake Crouch, it’s an intriguing show, like a mash up of Twin Peaks, and Lost. Matt Dillon plays Ethan Burke, a U.S. Secret Service Agent and the protagonist of the series. After being involved in a car accident while investigating the disappearance of two fellow agents near the town of Wayward Pines, Idaho, Burke finds himself stuck in the mysterious small town and gradually discovers the town is not what it appears to be at all. Dillon is great as Burke and the rest of the cast is solid too. The twist halfway through the first season really shakes things up, making for a compelling second half and a brilliant finale. Considering how it ends, it boggles the mind that Fox is going ahead with a second season. They should’ve just left it one season like they originally intended.

Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp

Wet Hot American Summer is the quintessential cult comedy of the 2000’s; much like Dazed and Confused is for the 90’s. 14 years after the film was released, David Wain brought back the entire cast to do this prequel mini-series…that’s correct, it’s a prequel. Just the thought of it is hilarious, and so is the series. Everyone involved with it obviously had love and respect for the original film to return. Some new faces such as Chris Pine and Michael Cera appear too, making it all the more entertaining.

As far as some returning shows go, Silicon Valley proved again that it’s one of the best sitcoms currently on the air thanks to a great second season, South Park had an impressive 19^th season, perhaps one of the best seasons yet, and season 2 of Gotham has been consistently solid thus far.