The world of entertainment has seen a major shift in recent years with television battling film for audiences and critical acclaim. While Hollywood continues to spew out sequels, remakes and spinoffs, the world of TV is taking risks and as a result top talent are turning to the once less-preferred outlet to show off amazing writing, directing and acting. New trends such as limited-episode series are allowing big-screen names to take a short time away from the film world to take advantage of brilliantly written small-screen productions without having to forgo other projects.
Of course the world of film and TV are two different entities and there are still some holes that only the big screen can fill. But if you are a fan of excellent storytelling, there are increasingly more options that don’t involve you having to leave home. Shows such as Breaking Bad, Homeland, and Downton Abbey have become huge cultural sensations and provide the added benefit of following beloved characters and their transformations through years of their lives rather than focusing on just one event – as is more common in feature length films.
The landscape of television and how and what we watch is only going to continue to change with internet based outlets such as Netflix, which is growing at such a furious rate that they are continuing to produce more of their own content. It is an exciting time for us as an audience and with this is mind we decided to look at just some of the offerings to look forward to as we serge into 2014…
24: Live Another Day | Fox
Fox recently announced that the highly-anticipated revival of the hugely popular 24 will premiere on May 5th, 2014. The makers say that although it is only a 12-episode series it will still work with the original premise of covering a 24-hour day in the life of Jack Bauer – only this time set in London, England. I can already taste the tension.
Tooken | NBC
Tina Fey is back doing what she does best: writing funny shiz. Starring gal pal Ellie Kemper, this sitcom tells the story of a young woman who escapes from a doomsday cult and attempts a fresh start in New York City. Although an air-date has not been released it has been given the green light by NBC and is expected to air in the early fall.
Californication, Season 7 | Showtime
The 7th and final season of the sexually charged, highly excessive comedy-drama follows star Hank Moody (David Duchovny) as he joins the writer’s room as his never-released movie, Santa Monica Cop, is turned into a television show. If the past six seasons are anything to go by, we can expect copious amounts of sex, drugs and general debauchery. Rock on.
Wahlburgers | A&E
Reality television has become terrifyingly popular with new concepts being pumped out on the regular. It is such a big deal that even big stars are getting in the act and this one is full of star power in the form of the Wahlberg family; yup, Mark of movie fame and Donnie of New Kids on the Block hysteria (ah, the memories) alongside their lesser known sibling Paul. The show follows the trio and their mum as they run the family burger joint in Boston. It premiered on the 22nd of January, but you can catch up with the Wahlbergs every Wednesday at 10:30pm on A&E.
The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon | NBC
The hilarious and super talented Mr. Fallon is set to take the reins of one of television’s most beloved institutions and as a huge fan of the man, I could not be more excited. It’ll be interesting to see what Jimmy’s fresh and animated style will bring and how the audience will react. Tune in on February 17th to be part of this historic TV moment.
Hannibal, Season 2 | NBC
The second season of this slick thriller is expected to be just as gruesome and dark as the first as we continue to follow Mr. Lecter (Mads Mikkelson) and tormented FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) on their psychologically twisted journey. The season kicks off on February 28th. Fans may enjoy their viewing alongside a celebratory dinner involving fava beans and a nice Chianti.
The Leftovers | HBO
Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof is hoping for another smash with this post-apocalyptic tale which follows residents of New York three years after a global “rapture” which erases 140 million people from across the planet. The characters we follow are of course the ‘leftovers’ and just happen to be some of the hottest people on the planet… obvs. The show stars Justin Theroux and Liv Tyler amongst others, and although no official date has been released it is expected to be on screens by this summer.
House of Cards, Season 2 | Netflix
Producing this show was the first big gamble for the now hugely popular online theatre and as with the first season, they plan to release Season 2 in its entirety. So if you know any avid fans, don’t be alarmed if they go MIA for a few days following its release on February 14th. It’s likely that they’ll be holed up at home binging on political dramatics – best to give them their Kevin Space-y. (Terrible I know, I just couldn’t resist.)
