because everyone knows the midseason (which runs from
the start of the new year until spring) is where all the best
programming airs right now. And that certainly holds true
for new shows. Whereas we had a heck of a time coming up
with our most anticipated new shows list for the fall , we
had a heck of a time narrowing down our initial list of
nominees for the 2015 midseason.
I polled the TV.com writers about which upcoming new
shows they're most excited about, and we've compiled
them below in handy-dandy list form. Use it as a guide for
new shows to keep track of, use it as information to
impress your friends, just use it!
11. The Last Man on Earth (Fox)
WHEN IT'S ON: Sundays beginning March 1; the series
debuts with a one-hour premiere at 9pm, then takes over
its regular timeslot of 9:30pm on March 8
WHO'S IN IT: Will Forte and no one else because he's the
last man on Earth! Although the show is also squeezing in
January Jones, Kristen Schaal, and Mel Rodriguez, too.
Probably in flashbacks?
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Forte stars as Phil Miller, the sole
human being on the blue marble known as Earth after an
unknown event wipes out everyone else. He'll search the
U.S. for other survivors, but mostly he'll roam around
wearing pajamas and a big bushy, beard.
WHY WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT IT: The trailer feels like it
erupted out of the mind geyser of Spike Jones. It's indie as
F and embraces its minimal premise, unlike most network
comedies, which generally follow the stale formula of set up
> joke, pause for laughter > kid says adorable thing. Forte
is also one of our favorite Saturday Night Live alums, and
the man knows how to grow a beard. But mostly, The Last
Man on Earth feels different and fresh, which is the exact
opposite of what we'd say about the show it's replacing
(Mulaney ). The challenge will be making a high-concept
comedy into a sustainable series.
10. Babylon (SundanceTV)
WHEN IT'S ON: Thursdays at 10pm, beginning January 8.
Season 1 is comprised of six parts.
WHO'S IN IT: Brit Marling (Another Earth ), James Nesbitt
(The Missing ), Bertie Carvel, and Jonny Sweet.
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: The London police force is looking for a
little help rebuilding its image, so it asks an American PR
specialist to cross the pond and help 'em out. But the job
isn't an easy one, due to police bureaucracy, prying news
networks, and a meddling deputy with a knack for
undermining people. Expect dark comedy and some drama.
WHY WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT IT: The show has already
received positive reviews in the U.K., where it just finished
airing, for its fast pace and witty commentary on modern
society. SundanceTV has a knack for only importing the
best international television shows, and the recent spate of
excellent limited series on niche cable networks points to
Babylon being a winner. And if you're looking for talent
behind the camera, Danny Boyle ( Trainspotting) directed
the pilot and co-wrote the first season.
9. Marvel's Agent Carter (ABC)
WHEN IT'S ON: Tuesdays at 9pm beginning January 6; the
series will air for eight weeks, filling Agents of
S.H.I.E.L.D. 's timeslot while Coulson and the gang are on
hiatus.
WHO'S IN IT: Hayley Atwell (reprising her role from the
Captain America films), James D'Arcy, Chad Michael
Murray, Enver Gjokaj, and Shea Wigham.
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Just like Marvel's Agents of
S.H.I.E.L.D. is The Avengers' TV cousin, Agent Carter is a
1946-set blood relative of the Captain America movies. The
titular Peggy Carter must balance her work for the Strategic
Scientific Reserve (the precursor to S.H.I.E.L.D. ) with her
secret job helping out Howard Stark (Papa Iron Man).
Mostly it's Peggy beating up a lot of dudes.
WHY WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT IT: At this point, the Marvel
Cinematic Universe doesn't need to expand any further, but
Agent Carter has a unique setting and a strong heroine to
root for. Plus, since it's only airing as an eight-episode
limited series during S.H.I.E.L.D. 's winter break, it has the
potential to tell a fast-paced, compact story. And hey, no
annoying punctuation in the title! (However, we could do
without Marvel slapping its name all over its TV shows.)
8. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
WHEN IT'S ON: Sometime in March, and since it's airing on
Netflix, all of Season 1 will drop at once
WHO'S IN IT: The adorable Ellie Kemper ( The Office ), plus
Tituss Burgess( 30 Rock), Sara Chase, and Jane Krakowski
(30 Rock). Honestly, it sounds like the show still has a bit
of casting to do.
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Kimmy (Kemper) escapes from a
Doomsday cult and starts her life over by moving to New
York City. Imagine drinking a cup of hot dog water for the
first time when you're in your 20s!
WHY WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT IT: We were already on board
with the idea of this series when it was announced as part
of NBC's midseason lineup, but in an unusual switcheroo ,
Netflix swooped in and took it off NBC's hands, renewing it
for a second season in the process.