With the Golden Globes behind us, attention turns away from 2013 and to the future with new seasons and new shows. From popular returning shows to brand-new offerings, 2014 brings something for everyone to watch.
Netflix’s “House of Cards” is an online-only political drama that became the first web-only show to win a Primetime Emmy award. You can see “House of Cards,” starring Kevin Spacey (“American Beauty”) and Robin Wright (“Forrest Gump”), on Netflix Feb. 14.
“Rake” is based on the still airing Australian show of the same name. “Rake” follows brilliant criminal defense lawyer Keegan Deane, played by Greg Kinnear (“Little Miss Sunshine”), whose personal issues lead him to self-destructive behavior and to fight with those around him, including his ex-wife, Maddy, played by Miranda Otto (“The Lord of the Rings”). “Rake” is perfect for fans of Gregory House’s brashness or courtroom dramas such as “Boston Legal.” “Rake” premieres Jan. 23 on Fox.
If you are looking for a new comedy this year, “Enlisted” may be the perfect show. The series revolves around three brothers who are assigned to the same Army base. While most of the base is deployed overseas, the two younger brothers, played by Chris Lowell (“Private Practice“) and Parker Young (“Suburgatory”), are assigned to stay behind. After punching a superior officer, the oldest brother, played by Geoff Stults (“The Finder”), is demoted and reassigned to watch over the base’s troop of outcasts, including his younger brothers. “Enlisted” premieres Jan. 10 on Fox.
No new lineup is complete without a new crime show, and this year is no exception. CBS’ latest offering, “Intelligence,” blends the standard cop-drama with science fiction in a unique twist on the genre. Gabriel, played by Josh Holloway (“Lost”), is the nation’s newest operative, a high-tech agent with a supercomputer in his brain. With the addition of a microchip allowing him to access any data the government has to offer, Gabriel becomes the most valuable object the government possesses. Marg Helenberger (“CSI”) and Meghan Ory (“Once Upon a Time”) also star. “Intelligence” airs first Jan. 7 before moving to its regular slot on Mondays on CBS.
Another popular show this year is the British series “Sherlock.” Recently completing its third season in the U.K., BBC “Sherlock’s” take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective is a contemporary adaptation to this timeless classic. Benedict Cumberbatch (“Star Trek: Into Darkness”) stars as Sherlock Holmes, who solves cases for both police and private citizens as the world’s only consulting detective. His assistant, Doctor James Watson (Martin Freeman, “The Hobbit”), provides stability to Sherlock’s often unique methods. Critics have highlighted the perfect portrayal of a modern-day Sherlock Holmes while still staying true to the original tale. “Sherlock” airs in the United States Jan. 19 on PBS.
For those who enjoy science fiction, good new shows are few and far between. The SyFy channel consistently provides for those who wish the future was just a little bit closer to today. “Helix,” the channel’s latest show, centers around a team of scientists from the Centers for Disease Control who must travel to the Arctic to investigate a possible outbreak. This new disease could spell the end of mankind, but is it natural? Billy Campbell (“The Killing”) and Hiroyuki Sanada (“The Killing”) star in this thrilling new show. “Helix” airs Jan. 10 on the SyFy Channel.
Whether it’s the new season of a critically acclaimed gem or the first episode of next year’s hit, the new year brings in a wealth of new shows. From new comedies to old dramas, 2014 has something for everyone, no matter what you enjoy.
