A new year heralds fresh drama, intriguing new premises and succeeding seasons of our favourite shows. There were so many wonderful debuts in 2015, and this year is destined to exceed expectation, without a doubt. From a reboot to real-life crime, here are five picks for 2016.
If you can make it through 2016 without being asked for your opinion on the verdict captured in Making a Murderer, that would make for a remarkable feat.
Narcos
If the cliché ‘something for everyone’ were ever to be true in the case of a television series, it would apply to Netflix’s Narcos. The crime drama follows the rise and unwilling fall of infamous Colombian cocaine lord Pablo Escobar, a name everyone is familiar with – or should be. It’s an evergreen reminder of the power that can be held and manipulated with money – made all the easier in a third world country where an unfortunate lack of education and an abundance of naiveté collide with terrifying outcomes. The story is narrated largely from the viewpoint of American DEA agent Steve Murphy, a character based on a real person who, along with other individuals and government bodies (both Colombian and American), eventually bring down the tyrant. So far, season one has seen rave reviews, and in September, season two was confirmed for 2016.
Why watch? To witness captivating fact become compelling television. It’s also an aesthetically-pleasing period drama – with no holds barred against the 1970’s and ’80’s attitudes and fashion.
If you can make it through 2016 without being asked for your opinion on the verdict captured in Making a Murderer, that would make for a remarkable feat.
Making a Murderer
If you can make it through 2016 without being asked for your opinion on the verdict captured in Making a Murderer, that would make for a remarkable feat. Controversial and frustrating, the show was filmed over a decade as it follows the unprecedented case of Steven Avery, a small-town Wisconsin man who has already spent 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. As an exoneree, he sues the local law enforcement for wrongful imprisonment – but in the midst of the mess a firecracker explodes as he is accused, again, of a new – and significantly darker – crime. It boils down to a battle between the Manitowoc County and Avery. Was he framed? What actually happened? Will we find the truth in the detail?
Why watch? If you love quality courtroom drama; have an interest in human rights; or enjoy debating finite, forensic details. Prepare to feel torn at times.
Outlander
Based on a series of books by best-selling American author Diana Gabaldon, published from 1991 onwards, Outlander is a fusion of historical fiction, romance, mystery, fantasy and adventure. Set in Scotland, the show, just like the books, centres around former war nurse Clare, who at the end of World War II finds herself on holiday in Inverness with her husband, but not for long. Just a few days into their trip, she is transported back in time to the year 1743, amid the turmoil of clashing Scottish clans and the often violent and cruel English Redcoats.
It’s during this time that Clare, as stubborn as she is independent, meets Highland warrior Jamie Fraser, becomes embroiled in the politics of the area and – in her foiled plots to find her way back to her husband – finds herself in increasingly unusual and dangerous situations. Season one performed well, with the second season expected around April.
Why watch? For the unadulterated, addictive escapism. Also, the show is easy to follow, even if you haven’t touched the books, which are on the New York Times Bestseller list.
The X-Files
This is a big one for old fans of the original mystery sci-fi show, which ran from 1993-2002. Debuting in America in January this year, The X-Files has been rebooted in the format of a six-part mini-series, with original stars of the show, Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, back on board. Anderson and Duchovny were widely reported to be pleased to be working on the show again, with Anderson relieved it wasn’t a full 24-episode commitment. What exactly happens in this series is unknown at the time of writing, but the trailer indicates the show has retained much of its original flavour, only with a modern twist. Lots of conspiracy theory; no shortage of poorly-lit storehouses; and plenty of suspicion surrounding the government. As to when The X-Files will air on Channel 10 later this year.
Why watch? Well, why did we watch in the first place? Because we want to believe.
The Catch
Set for release by the United States’ ABC network in late March, The Catch stars Mireille Enos as Alice Vaughan, a top Los Angeles’ fraud investigator who is shocked to discover she has become a victim of fraud herself – and not just by anyone, but her fiancé. He has taken millions. She grows determined to find him before her career is jeopardized. She show looks incredibly slick, and with a glance at the trailer it seems safe to assume that at least the majority of season one will be occupied by a cat-and-mouse game between Vaughan and her con of an ex.
Notably, The Catch is being produced by Shonda Rhimes, who is behind the success of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder.
Why watch? The Catch was named on TIME’s Most Anticipated New Shows of 2016.
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