Stay tuned for these midseason subs
Published 12:00 am Monday, September 15, 2014
- Andrea Mohin / The New York Times file photoTwo years after the end of “30 Rock,” Tina Fey is back with “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” starring Ellie Kemper of “The Office” fame. The show, airing on NBC, is among a number of shows debuting in 2015, long after the fall premieres.
Networks are saving what looks like some of their best series for beyond the fall season. Here are 15 new shows we’re looking forward to that won’t premiere until 2015.
“Better Call Saul,” AMC
The anticipated Breaking Bad spinoff focuses on Saul Goodman’s criminal (in every sense) lawyer within a shifting timeline before and after the events of Bad. Bad creator Vince Gilligan is co-running the show with Peter Gould, and Jonathan Banks will reprise his role as fixer Mike. Approach with cautious optimism.
“Last Man on Earth,” Fox
Saturday Night Live alum Will Forte stars in this new drama as the titular, heavily bearded man. Forte’s turn in 2013’s Nebraska showed he can handle dark comedy, but can he handle being the only person on the planet and, more importantly, this show?
“Empire,” Fox
This new hip-hop drama has lots of pedigree: Created by Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels (Precious) and Emmy winner Danny Strong (Game Change), it stars Terrence Howard as the ailing patriarch of a music empire. Oh, and all-star producer Timbaland is on board to compose original music.
“Battle Creek,” CBS
Two cops — Dean Winters (you’ll recognize him from those Allstate Insurance commercials) and Josh Duhamel — have to solve cases while not getting along in Battle Creek, Michigan. Notable for its ties to Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan; it’s developed from a script he wrote a decade ago.
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” NBC
The new comedy from Tina Fey and 30 Rock writer Robert Carlock is about a woman who is rescued after 15 years of living in a cult. Odd premise; it helps that it stars the wide-eyed Ellie Kemper (The Office), who excels in the weird.
“Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll,” FX
This 10-episode comedy was created by Rescue Me’s Denis Leary, who also stars in it as a middle-aged rocker who failed to become rich and famous in the early ’90s. Decades later, he’s trying to get the band back together. Prepare for very questionable period-esque fashion choices: tight pants, white jackets, mullets.
“Backstrom,” Fox
Rainn Wilson (Dwight from The Office) plays a House-like antihero — brilliant at his job, lousy at everything else — in this crime drama. We’re excited to see Wilson tackle drama, but sheesh, this is not an original premise.
“Mr. Robinson,” NBC
Craig Robinson, aka Daryl from The Office, stars as a rock band lead singer and keyboardist who finds himself short on cash and decides to take a job as a substitute teacher. Robinson’s smooth singing, plus cute kids? We’re in.
“American Crime,” ABC
New show from John Ridley, who won an Oscar for writing 12 Years a Slave. Of all the new network pilots, this crime drama about a suburban murder looks the most cable-y. Leads Felicity Huffman and Timothy Hutton are sure to bring impressive acting chops.
“Wayward Pines,” Fox
M. Night Shyamalan is behind this 10-episode thriller with an all-star cast: Academy Award winner Melissa Leo, nominees Matt Dillon, Terrence Howard, Juliette Lewis and more.
“Aquarius,” NBC
David Duchovny (The X-Files) plays a police sergeant hunting Charles Manson in the ’60s. Presumably, it’ll lead to the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders.
“Agent Carter,” ABC
Another show from the Marvel universe, this time based on the Captain America story line. In 1946, Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) works for the Strategic Scientific Reserve, doing administrative work and going on secret missions while pining for her beau Steve Rogers (aka Captain America).
“Galavant,” ABC
We can’t not mention this musical comedy fairy tale that features knights singing to music from legendary Disney composer Alan Menken.
“Fresh off the Boat,” ABC
Based on chef Eddie Huang’s memoir, this comedy is about an Asian family that moves to Orlando of all places to start a restaurant. On one hand: Yay, diversity! On the other: Yikes, that title!
“The Odd Couple,” CBS
Matthew Perry gets another shot at headlining a sitcom, this time as one-half of an odd couple in this remake starring Perry as Oscar Madison and the always game Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!) as Felix Unger, two recently divorced men who move in together.