April brought with it a variety of new shows and May is no different. The only reprieve is that the majority of your favourite network series are wrapping up, so you should have more time to sample all that May has to offer.
Let’s bitch it out…
Another month has passed, which means that it is time to catch up on all of the new and returning shows arriving this month. Thankfully there are fewer scripted series than last month (all the better to prepare for the June onslaught – batten down the hatches, folks!).
Without further ado, here’s a rundown of what’s to come (shows marked with a ** are ones we’re watching):
Sunday, May 1
Penny Dreadful S3 (Showtime)**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCFABhWtqVc
- Where did we leave of? Well the show basically blew itself up by scattering the cast in as many directions as possible: Ethan (Josh Hartnett) was carted off to the US, the Creature (Rory Kinnear) sailed off, Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton) packed up to Africa and Dorian Gray (Reeve Carney) and Lily (Billie Piper) ascended to supervillain status. It. Was. Awesome.
- Why should you care? In its second season, the John Logan series upped its game dramatically. Penny Dreadful was consistently good/interesting in its first season, but introducing a human villain for S2 helped ground the conflict. The writers also gave meaty plots to secondary characters and generally allowed the cast to interact and converse more which resulted in some truly dynamic interactions. If S3 continues this upward trajectory, we’re in for a treat. This is our most anticipated returning show of the month.
- # of episodes: 9
- Returns: Sunday, May 1 @ 10pm
Monday, May 2
Houdini & Doyle (Fox)
- What is it? This British-Canadian-American co-production is based on the friendship of Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The logline is basically that they work supernatural cases together, which isn’t exactly unique in today’s TV landscape.
- Why should you care? Umm, maybe you shouldn’t? The reviews are pretty solidly “meh” which means that unless you have a strong interest in the characters this may be one to pass over. If you’re looking for a historical period piece to fill the void in your heart, however, then maybe this is your new favourite show.
- # of episodes: 10
- Debuts: Monday, May 2 @ 9 pm
Tuesday, May 3
Person of Interest S5 (CBS)
- Where did we leave off? Here’s the official plot synopsis for the premiere: Reese and Finch attempt to rescue the Machine’s source code before it deteriorates beyond repair. Also, Root fights for her life against an onslaught of Samaritan’s agents and Fusco is faced with hard questions following the deaths of Dominic and Elias.
- Why should you care? Long considered one (if not the) most unique and stylish series on CBS, POI is being put out to pasture for its final run (be warned: the scheduling is beyond confusing). For loyal fans, the Eye’s treatment of the series has been very disappointing, so let’s hope the show runners saw the writing on the wall and manage to give the sci-fi infused series the suitable send-off it deserves.
- # of episodes: 13
- Returns: Tuesday, May 3 @ 10pm
Thursday, May 5
Marseille S1 (Netflix)**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WvqgV7-kSc
- What is it? The latest all-at-once Netflix binge centers on Robert Taro (Gérard Depardieu), the mayor of Marseille for 25 years. Now Robert faces a merciless election against his young, ambitious former protégé, Lucas Barres (Benoît Magimel). Expect lots of backstabbing as the rivals go up against each other for the future of the city.
- Why should you care? This is the first (of many) international foreign language collaborations the online streaming giant will unveil over the next few years. Depardieu brings a certain gravitas to what could be the French House of Cards and there’s a great deal of anticipation to see how Netflix handles an unconventional drama (there’s a great deal at stake in Marseille‘s success). With only 8 episodes, let’s hope the series is more evenly paced than the Frank Underwood drama.
- # of episodes: 8
- Debuts: Thursday, May 4 @ 3am EST
Friday, May 6
Grace and Frankie S2 (Netflix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAcRVxj7h5I
- What is it? S2 will presumably adhere to the same trajectory as the first, which followed Grace (Jane Fonda) and Frankie (Lily Tomblin) as they became unexpected friends in the aftermath of the revelation that their respective husband were gay and dating.
- Why should you care? The series has its share of great performers and the popularity of the series (it has already been renewed for S3) proves that there is an audience for Netflix shows that skew a little more traditionally “sitcomy”. If you enjoyed S1, there’s no reason to suggest that you won’t like S2.
- # of episodes: 13
- Returns: Friday, May 6 @ 3am PST
Friday, May 20
Lady Dynamite (Netflix)
https://youtu.be/1gSxKR0Cirs
- What is it? The series, according to Deadline, is “based on what Bamford has accepted to be ‘her life.’ The occasionally surreal episodes, refracted across multiple periods inspired by the actor/comedian’s life, tell the story of a woman who loses – and then finds – her shit.”
- Why should you care? The trailer looks a bit…how shall we say this…cheap? The talent, however, speaks for itself: in addition to comedian Bamford, the show is exec produced by Arrested Development‘s Mitch Hurwitz. If nothing else, the introduction of another show that dares to dramatize the very real challenges of living with mental illness could be worth checking out.
- # of episodes: 13
- Debuts: Friday, May 20 @ 3am PST
Sunday, May 22
Preacher (AMC)**
- What’s it about? A supernatural Preacher (Dominic Cooper), his gun-toting ex (Ruth Negga), and an Irish vagabond (Misfits‘ Joseph Gilgun) get entangled in a major religious event.
- Why should you care? This AMC series is based on Garth Ennis’ Vertigo graphic novels which have been routinely described as unfilmmable since its debute in the mid-90s. Perhaps it truly was since it has taken this long for someone (ie: Seth Rogen) to crack it. Advance word is immensely (surprisingly?) positive, though the tone and content will not be suitable for everyone. Consider this: a prominent character is called Arseface. Still interested? Then the show is for you. It certainly is for us: this is our most anticipation new show of the month.
- # of episodes: 10
- Debuts: Sunday, May 22 @ 10 pm
Wednesday, May 25
Wayward Pines S2 (Fox)**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3EYJIYp8sE
- Where did we leave off? Picking up after last season’s shocking events, Dr. Theo Yedlin (Jason Patric AKA second rate Matt Dillon) – a new resident of Wayward Pines – awakens from suspended animation and finds himself in the middle of a rebellion as he tries to understand what the town is and how to preserve the endangered human race.
- Why should you care? We’re still not sure how subbing out Matt Dillon for D-lister Jason Patric is going to work, but at least Carla Gugino and Hope Davis are still kicking around. Here’s hoping that the second season is every bit as compulsive and jaw-dropping as its predecessor, which proved more better than expected. If the ratings are good, don’t expect FOX to make any further insinuations that this is a limited series event (like they did last summer).
- # of episodes: 10
- Returns: Wednesday, May 25 @ 9 pm
Friday, May 27
Bloodline S2 (Netflix)**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOBrUPASutc
- Where did we leave off? The Rayburns’ past finally caught up with them as the flash forwards from the pilot revealed that (SPOILERS) Danny (Ben Mendelsohn) was murdered by his brother John (Kyle Chandler) in an effort to hide evidence of a series of botched drug deals/human trafficking crimes. The question is where does the family go next?
- Why should you care? The series’ biggest asset is its talent – both in front of the camera and behind (Bloodline hails from the creators of Damages). Its detractors, including us, labeled Bloodline exceedingly slow and not particularly engrossing, despite its amazing acting and southern-noir aesthetic. Here’s hoping that the second season will right some of the complaints leveled at the series.
- # of episodes: 13
- Returns: Friday, May 27 at 3am EST
Monday, May 30
So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation S13 (Fox)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7QKpRNqaOg
- Why should you care? Traditionally we don’t cover unscripted fare in Watch With Us posts because these series are too one-note. Of significance here is the fact that after facing down cancellation for several years, FOX and exec producer / professional creep Nigel Lythgoe made the unconventional decision to continue to show as…um, basically Junior Dance squad. Gone are the adult contestants, replaced by dancers aged 8-13 who will still work with All-Stars from previous seasons. The changes smack of desperation and the idea of watching young children perform watered-down, child-appropriate choreography is basically made of nope. Hard pass on this one.
- Debuts: Monday, May 30 at 8pm
Scream S2 (MTV)**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCAC5jAz3EQ
- Where did we leave off? The lacklustre first season finale seemingly closed the case on the Lakewood murders by revealing that SPOILER blogger Piper Shaw was the killer. Naturally it’s not as simple as that, so we’ll have to see if Shaw’s accomplice, Audrey (Bex Taylor-Klaus) manages to finish off weak-ass final girl Emma (bland Willa Fitzgerald)
- Why should you care? The first season wasn’t without its charm, even if the majority of the actors were stiffer than wood and the plot twists were straight up amateur hour. Hopefully the new show runners have kept the strengths and discarded the rest, otherwise this MTV series will end up back on the ‘Worst Of’ list.
- # of episodes: 10
- Returns: Monday, May 30 @ 10 pm
Tuesday, May 31
Powers S2 (PlayStation)
- Where did we leave off? The series, which you’ve likely never heard of, continues to tell the adventures of homicide detectives, Christian Walker (Sharlto Copley) and Deena Pilgrim (Susan Heyward), who are assigned to investigate cases involving people with extraordinary abilities, referred to as “Powers.”
- Why should you care? In this age of 400+ scripted series, this is likely one that flew completely under the radar as a result of its release on a videogame platform. For fans of the graphic novel source, this should be must-see and may be worth checking out if you’re a superhero fan. S1 started rocky (and cheap-looking unfortunately), but rumour is that Powers improved as the season progressed so perhaps the second season will see the show deliver on its initial promise.
- # of episodes: 10
- Debuts: Tuesday, May 31st @ 12:01 pm PT
Feed the Beast S1 (AMC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0EvAW3pR-I
- What is it? A drama about two best friends, Tommy Moran (Schwimmer) and Dion Patras (Sturgess), who take one last shot at their dream of opening an upscale restaurant in the Bronx.
- Why should you care? AMC has been hot and cold with the quality of its original dramas, but this series – from the producers of famed Scandinavian crime series The Bridge and The Killing – has a critical pedigree that most other AMC series haven’t had. The real question is whether a fairly low key show like this has what it takes to stand out on a network whose other offerings (Fear The Walking Dead, fellow May premiere Preacher) are much more dynamic and social media friendly.
- # of episodes: 10
- Debuts: Tuesday, May 31 @ 10 pm
That is it for May. What shows are you considering checking out? Are you more interested in non-scripted fare? Sound off below or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter!