Holy cow is there some great TV coming this month. Hope you’ve finished binge watching Daredevil!
Alright, don’t get excited. We’re not returning to blogging (at least not this instant), but for the purposes of a month-long, trailer-filled preview of TV debuts, the Facebook group isn’t a great forum (Side Bar: shout out to the many people who have been so diligently interacting with us on FB – keep it up!).
With that in mind, here’s the rundown of what’s premiering in the month of April. We’re going to go ahead and recommend that you bookmark this page for future reference.
Also, in case you’re interested, the shows that are marked with the double asterix (**) are ones we’ll be watching.
Friday, April 1:
The Ranch S1 (Netflix, 3am EST)
- What is it? A That 70s Show reunion of sorts as Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson as brothers trying to run a business together. The latest “all in one” Netflix show also stars Elisha Cuthbert, Debra Winger and Sam Elliot.
- Should you watch? Depends on whether you found anything in the trailer funny. On paper this looks fairly broad, falling closer to the conventional TV sitcom than most of Netflix’s other series. With that said, some of the early reviews are quite positive so perhaps the rush to judgment is misguided.
- Number of episodes: 10
Banshee S4 (Cinemax, 10pm)**
- What is it? The last season of one of TV’s great action series finally debuts (it was originally supposed to come out in January). Can Hood and Carrie finally get their happy ending? That question is perhaps less interesting than the ridiculous fight sequences we can look forward to. After all, you basically have to punch and kill your way out of Banshee, Pennsylvania.
- Should you watch? It’s doubtful anyone is jumping in cold, so at this point you’re either onboard and excited or not even reading this. Here’s Hitfix‘s review of the final season.
- Number of episodes: 8
Wynonna Earp S1 (Syfy, 10pm)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcdgoOs4Nto
- What is it? The latest TV adaptation of a graphic novel, this IDW property tells the story of Wyatt Earp’s descendant Wynonna as she battles demons. Yes, you read that right, but no, it’s probably not as fun/cheesy as you want it to be.
- Should you watch? This Canadian production inherits the genre mantle from recently concluded series like Lost Girl, Continuum and (in a few weeks) Bitten. Unfortunately it looks pretty schlocky, so either the trailers aren’t telling the whole story or this is whole lot of nope. Here’s The AV Club’s mixed review.
- Number of episodes: 13
Sunday, April 3:
Call The Midwife S5 (PBS, 8pm)
- What is it? The latest season of UK import focusing on the lives of midwives in London’s East End in the early sixties.
- Should you watch? If you’re not already watching, but you do have a Downton sized hole in your life, you can do worse than the critically acclaimed Midwife (or you can watch Grantchester, just sayin’).
- Number of episodes: 8
Thursday, April 7: The Odd Couple S2 (CBS, 8:30pm) -> no comment. Everyone involved should be ashamed of themselves.
Friday, April 8:
Catastrophe S2 (Amazon, 12pm)**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InsRBLwwLoQ
- What is it? The second series of acclaimed UK/Ireland collaboration about the unlikely, hilarious and profane relationship that develops when an American businessman impregnates a UK woman and they decide to keep the baby, get married and ruin their lives. The second series features a time jump so be prepared to dive right in.
- Should you watch? We watched the entire second series when it aired in the UK and this new batch of episodes is every bit as enjoyable as the first. This witty gem is hilarious, awkward and achingly real. If you’ve enjoyed Please Like Me or You’re The Worst, this is your new obsession.
- Number of episodes: 6
Saturday, April 9:
Outlander S2 (STARZ, 9pm)**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3VtNOjrqeQ
- What is it? The television adaptation of the immensely popular Diana Gabaldon series returns after a seemingly interminable hiatus. The time traveling romantic drama will pick up as Claire and Jamie trade Scotland for France where they attempt to infiltrate high society and change the future. Expect super fancy costumes / parties as the show enters its period spy phase.
- Should you watch? The STARZ series is our most anticipated returning series of April. The first season was a massive surprise: its uncanny ability to pivot the plot, tone and even supporting cast without missing a beat made for very exciting viewing. We’re beyond eager to see whether the show will continue to shift and morph as it transitions to its new location.
- Number of episodes: 13 (3 fewer episodes than S1, but with no break)
Sunday, April 10:
The Girlfriend Experience S1 (STARZ, 8pm)
- What is it? The television adaptation of Steven Soderbergh’s low-budget film about a young woman working as a high-end escort who provides the titular GF experience to rich clientele.
- Should you watch? The STARZ series is giving us some heavy Flesh & Bone vibes, and you may recall last year’s ballet drama was an unmitigated disaster that landed on our ‘Worst Of’ Bitch Awards list. Will this be better or worse? Variety gave it a mixed review.
- Number of episodes: 13
Dice S1 (Showtime, 9:30pm)
- What is it? Umm…a comedy starring Andrew Dice Clay?
- Should you watch? Umm…do you know who Andrew Dice Clay is? We’re not exactly sure who the audience for this show is.
- Number of episodes: 6
Fear The Walking Dead S2 (AMC, 9pm)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X832Ti_7WjA
- What is it? The second season of the spin-off can be summed up by this logline: Zombies on a boat (and island).
- Should you watch? Viewers and critics alike weren’t particularly enthusiastic about the first season, which featured boring family drama and not enough munchy-munching. Now that the world has gone to hell, however, there’s every reason to expect that the second season will sink to the same depths of depravity as the mothership.
- Number of episodes: 15
House Of Lies S5 (Showtime, 9pm)
- What is it? Marty and his team of management consultants return for another season of adventures.
- Should you watch? Much like the final season of Banshee, if you’re not already watching, you’re probably not going to start now. Honestly, we’re just waiting for this show to end so that Kristen Bell and Don Cheadle are free to do something worthy of their talents.
- Number of episodes: 10
Monday, April 11:
The Detour S1 (TBS, 9pm)
- What is it? The series is about a family on a vacation road trip was created by Jason Jones and Samantha Bee.
- Should you watch it? TBS sitcoms typically play a bit broad, but Natalie Zea still has some of that Justified charm lingering on her. Is the central premise sustainable for more than a few episodes, though? We’re not interested enough to find out.
- Number of episodes: 10
Hunters S1 (Syfy, 10pm)**
- What is it? Based on Whitley Strieber’s best-selling novel Alien Hunter, the series centers around the disappearance of a decorated Philadelphia cop’s wife, which is the dull way of saying that it involves aliens and folks who hunt aliens.
- Should you watch it? We’ve learned to give Syfy’s shows a solid sampling as even the silly-looking ones end up worth the investment (shout out to Dark Matter, Killjoys and 12 Monkeys!). This one looks like it could go either way, but we’ll check out 2-3 episodes.
- Number of episodes: 13
Wednesday, April 13:
The Last Panthers S1 (Sundance, 8pm)**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v7rTcxz65M
- What is it? This European crime drama series is technically a fictional story, but it was inspired by the notorious Balkan jewel thieves the Pink Panthers.
- Should you watch it? At only six episodes, this is a pretty low commitment for what will likely end up being a solid series. Samantha Morton is always rock-solid and David Bowie contributed the theme song, Blackstar, which sadly turned out to be one of his final tracks.
- Number of episodes: 6
Thursday, April 14:
Orphan Black S4 (BBC America, 10pm)**
- What is it? #CloneClub is back in session as the paranoid thriller returns for its fourth season, promising yet more conspiracy, twists and (hopefully) new clones.
- Should you watch it? The marketing for the new season has been a radical departure from previous years, though that likely doesn’t mean much for the series itself. We’re hopeful that the series will bounce back from its somewhat creatively unsatisfying and overly complicated third season. Orphan Black has never been simple or straightforward, but it could do with a slightly more streamlined approach. That, plus more Felix and Krystal.
- Number of episodes: 10
Friday, April 15:
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt S2 (Netflix, 3am)**
- What is it? Tina Fey’s instant-classic burst onto the scene last year with sunny optimism, irreverent fish out of water comedy and amazing performances from Ellie Kemper (as the title character) and break-out Tituss Burgess, who routinely stole the show as Kimmy’s flamboyant roommate with a thirst for fame (and peeno noir).
- Should you watch it? If the first season didn’t win you over, it’s unlikely this Kimmified second season is your cup of tea. If, however, you still find yourself quoting Titus’ late in the season on-camera conniption-fit like we do, then you’re probably counting down the days until S2 debuts.
- Number of episodes: 13
Monday, April 18:
12 Monkeys S2 (Syfy, 9pm)**
- What is it? The second season of Syfy’s surprisingly clever and twisty adaptation of La Jetée and Terry Gilliam’s 12 Monkeys continues to explore lead characters Cole and Amanda’s attempts to thwart a dystopian future caused by a deadly virus. Of course things would be much easier if that pesky time machine weren’t constantly breaking down at the most inconvenient times.
- Should you watch it? Absolutely. The series flew under the radar in its first season, which means that a lot of people still have the chance to discover its charms. This little sci-fi series that could is definitely worth checking out.
- Number of episodes: 13
Tuesday, April 19:
Containment S1 (The CW, 9pm)**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE983cTD4Mg
- What is it? The latest series from super producer Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries, The Originals) is about a small town locked under quarantine after a deadly contagion begins killing people horribly. Interestingly it is an adaptation of a Belgian series called Cordon.
- Should you watch it? Chances are if you’re a The CW watcher, this is already on your radar. The production values look good and Plec is a staple for the youth skewing network. Intriguingly Containment also appears to be a miniseries event, so your investment is limited to one and done.
- Number of episodes: 13
The Night Manager (AMC, 10pm)**
- What is it? The latest adaptation of a John LeCarré property finds Tom Hiddleston playing an undercover spy for Broadchurch‘s Olivia Coleman, tasked with infiltrating Hugh Laurie’s arms dealing operation. As you see in the trailer, the results look both dangerous and glamourous.
- Should you watch it? The production was a ratings smash in the UK when it aired earlier this year (sparking rumours that Hiddleston was in contention to succeed Daniel Craig as Bond). At only 6 episodes, this is another one of those easy investments, especially considering the talent involved.
- Number of episodes: 6
Wednesday, April 20:
Time Traveling Bong (Comedy, 10:30pm)
- What is it? Broad City‘s Ilana Glazer is a creator and co-star on this limited series which “centers on two cousins, played by Glazer and Paul Downs, who discover a time-traveling bong and ride high as they blaze through time. Their buzz is killed when the bong breaks and the cousins are forced to bounce around the space time continuum, learning to appreciate there’s no time like the present.” Sounds appropriately silly.
- Should you watch it? If you’re a fan of the webseries (that’s it above) or Broad City, it might be worth a look. After all, not every series needs to be a heavy, weighty drama.
- Number of episodes: Unclear
Thursday, April 21:
Inside Amy Schumer S3 (Comedy, 10pm)
https://youtu.be/n8p2DPqIJ4c
- What is it? According to the just released trailer, Game of Thrones jokes? In all seriousness, we expect Schumer, whose starpower exploded last year thanks to the series and the theatrical release of Trainwreck, to continue delivering skits that tackle sexism, sex and
occasionalfrequent dirty jokes. - Should you watch it? If you like Schumer’s brand of commentary, you know what you can expect and whether the series appeals to you.
- Number of episodes: 10
Sunday, April 24:
Game Of Thrones S6 (HBO, 9pm)**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuH3tJPiP-U
- What is it? HBO’s fantasy series returns for a sixth season of shocking deaths, depictions of sexual violence and brand new material, having once again beaten author George R.R. Martin to the punch (Book 6, The Winds of Winter, still has no official release date). What can we expect from the latest batch of episodes? Early reports (or book content that has yet to be covered) indicate that Arya will face more adversity than ever before, the Greyjoy clan will get their own subplot, Bran and Hordor return after a year on the sidelines and the show delivers its most ambitious action-packed episode yet. Can’t wait!
- Should you watch it? The sixth season is, without a doubt, the TV event of the month. The latest trailer racked up 30 million hits in under 24 hours, proving just how popular the series has become. At this point if you’re not watching, you’re missing out on major water cooler discussion fodder.
- Number of episodes: 10
Silicon Valley S3 (HBO, 10:00pm)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmqGH9qOszM
- What is it? S3 of the Mike Judd produced sitcom about a start-up company in Silicon Valley will likely explore the fall-out of S2’s cliffhanger which saw Pied Piper CEO Richard fired.
- Should you watch it? We’ve never watched the series, but it continually lands on critics’ end of year Best lists and looks amusing though we’ll confess that the show’s response to its lack of diversity was disappointing. You can do better, white guys!
- Number of episodes: 10
Veep S5 (HBO, 10:30pm)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDesAgis8NU
- What is it? Arguably one of HBO’s most critically adored series (Dreyfus has 4 consecutive Emmys for her portrayal of inept politician Selina Meyer), S5 of the HBO political comedy satire picks up immediately after the election tiebreaker, which hints that Hugh Laurie’s Tom James took the presidency, plonking Selina back in the VP role.
- Should you watch it? The series lost its creator and show runner, Armando Iannucci, at the end of S4, so it will be interesting to see if Veep can maintain its quality (Interesting footnote: the series has scored stronger reviews for each consecutive season since its debut).
- Number of episodes: 10
Monday, April 25:
- Mike and Molly S7 (CBS, 8pm): Melissa McCarthy has broken free of her CBS shackles, which likely means that we will never see her on TV again after S7 wraps up.
- Reign S3 continues (The CW, 8pm): Yes, this show is still on (it’s even been renewed for S4 despite shockingly low numbers!)
TURN: Washington’s Spies S3 (AMC, 10pm)
- What is it? AMC’s period drama based on Alexander Rose’s book Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring, which has quietly stuck it out for two whole seasons despite practically no one watching it.
- Should you watch it? The series has been a stable, albeit unspectacular performer for AMC which means it has a core audience and that’s probably about it. This is one of those shows that falls prey to the glut of #PeakTV, so the third season should probably be considered a victory. People interested in revisionist history period pieces may want to give it a sample?
- Number of episodes: 10
Annnnd that’s it. See you back here for the May preview.