With the turning of the leaves and the crisp cool air we know two things—fall is coming and along with it a whole new lineup of television series premieres. I don’t know about you, but I am about as giggly as a kid in a candy store when I think about all the new series premiering this fall. Let’s take a look at a few of them, and what they are all about.
Maniac – Netflix
With the cast consisting of fan favorites Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, this series revolves around two individuals who are involved in a clinical trial that takes a brain-bending turn. Limited to a ten episode season, the assumed villain of the story is the doctor in charge, Justin Theroux. He promises those involved in the trial that all their ills will be cured, with the latest batch of new pills. The rest of the plot is under lock and key, but we can also tell you that Sally Fields stars, in what is her sci-fi debut.
Jack Ryan – Amazon Original
Based on Tom Clancy’s spy thriller series, but with a bit of a different take than with the movies preceding the series. In this version, Jack Ryan (portrayed by John Krasinski) is a CIA analyst, who suddenly finds himself working in the field in an attempt to track down what could be the next Osama Bin Laden. Full of action and espionage, it is said that the bad guys seem to be written better than the good guys. We will let you be the judge on that one.
The Purge – USA
Following in the footsteps of the immensely popular movie franchise, and produced by the same studio, Blumhouse, this limited series is sure to push the envelope of what is and is not allowed to be shown on television. Set in the same near-future timeframe as the movies, the premise is also the same—citizens allowed twenty-four hours, once a year, to give way to all sorts of lawlessness without facing any criminal consequences. What this has that the movies did not is that of an interweaving of three separate stories, coinciding during the eventful twenty-four hours. They include the story of a couple attending a political fundraiser, the story of a construction worker, and a sister whose Marine brother is attempting to rescue her from a doomsday cult. Talk about intense.
The First – Hulu
Sean Penn
Heading up the cast of this new series is Sean Penn, as the title character Tom Hagerty. Penn’s character, an astronaut, has been pulled out of retirement to head up the crew for the first mission to the red planet, Mars. However, the timing could not be worse, as he is grieving his wife (who has gone missing and presumed dead), as well as being in the middle of making amends with his twenty-something daughter. The show remains down to earth (excuse the pun) while integrating the tech of today, into the vast backdrop of tomorrow. This show, at preliminary glance, seems to have all the right stuff.
American Horror Story: Apocalypse – FX
Entering into what will be its seventh season, this time around the series is being billed as a cross-over. Blending the feel of previous seasons Murder House and Coven, this is sure to be one of the best seasons yet. With the cross-over feel comes the news that some alums from previous seasons will be returning. Included are Evan Peters, who will take on two roles, and Sarah Paulson who will be appearing as three different characters—a challenge she more than met in previous seasons AHS: Hotel. The producers and creators of the show warn that if you have never seen the series, this is probably not the season to start with. Talk about intense!
As you can see, this season’s crop of new series, as well as returning favorites are sure to keep us glued to our television screens. So, pop some popcorn, get a warm blanket, and settle in. Its gonna be a great fall.
