You probably already have April’s Game of Thrones premiere marked on your calendar, but what else will you be turning on this spring? Killing Eve is returning, as are Veep and Jane the Virgin for their final seasons (sob). Brand new shows are also stepping up, including a family comedy starring Idris Elba (okay then) and a Taika Waititi–helmed vampire mockumentary. Sign me up!
1
Shrill (Hulu, March 15)
Who’s in it? Aidy Bryant, Lolly Adefope, Luka Jones, Ian Owens, and John Cameron Mitchell
What is it? There aren’t many TV shows that feature a fat female protagonist, but this six-episode series is due to change all that. Plus, it’s an all-star production, from executive producers Lorne Michaels and Elizabeth Banks to co-writer Lindy West (whose book the show is inspired by) to star Saturday Night Live‘sAidy Bryant as a journalist who is trying to deal with a trying work life, also-trying love life, and the limitations society places on her.
2
Turn Up Charlie (Netflix, March 15)
Who’s in it? Idris Elba, Frankie Hervey, Piper Perabo, JJ Feild
What is it? IDRIS ELBA plays a STRUGGLING DJ who becomes a MANNY to his FAMOUS BEST FRIEND’S DAUGHTER. Honestly, it’s like a madlibs for all my interests. Fun fact: Elba’s a DJ in real life. A Renaissance man!
3
The Act (Hulu, March 20)
Who’s in it? Patricia Arquette, Joey King, Chloe Sevigny, AnnaSophia Robb, Calum Worthy
What is it? True crime aficionados will be thrilled about this adaptation of Michelle Dean’s viral article about Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blancharde, a mom with Munchausen’s by proxy and her daughter, who was charged with murder after Dee Dee was found dead. And if this is up your alley, stay tuned. It’s the first in an anthology series featuring true crime stories.
4
Jane the Virgin (The CW, March 27)
Who’s in it? Gina Rodriguez, Andrea Navedo, Yael Grobglas, Justin Baldoni, Ivonne Coll
What is it? The fifth and final season of The CW’s telenovela adaptation, starring Gina Rodriguez as the titular Jane Villanueva, is “going to be the Jane you love times ten,” according to co-producer Chantelle Wells. Among many other answers we need, the identity of the mysterious narrator is going to finally be revealed, and you have plenty of time to catch up on all the clues before the first episode airs.
5
Jane the Virgin (The CW, March 27)
Who’s in it? Gina Rodriguez, Yael Grobglas, Justin Baldoni, Ivonne Coll, Andrea Navedo, Jaime Camil
What is it? The fifth and final season of The CW’s adaptation of a Venezuelan telenovela is returning, starring Gina Rodriguez as the titular Jane Villanueva. Given the giant cliffhangers that farewelled viewers last season, it’s lucky the show will be picking up right back where it ended. And among many other answers we need, we’ll finally discover the identity of the series’ mysterious narrator.
6
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix, April 5)
Who’s in it? Kiernan Shipka, Ross Lynch, Lucy Davis, Miranda Otto, Chance Perdomo, Michelle Gomez
What is it? The second season of Netflix’s witchy reboot will darken our screens this spring. Sporting a new look—all black wardrobe, platinum hair—Sabrina will be delving into her Satanic self. New characters, including Mary Wardwell’s boyfriend (played by Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s Alexis Denisof), will make an appearance, causing who knows what kind of havoc. But the big question is: Will we finally get a Riverdale crossover?
7
Killing Eve (BBC America, April 7)
Who’s in it? Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw, Nina Sosanya
What is it? The second season of BBC America’s cult hit, which is as much dark comedy as it is a spy thriller. Sandra Oh won her second Golden Globe for her portrayal of Eve Polastri, an MI5 agent recruited to a top-secret cell devoted to charismatic assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer) and the shadowy Twelve who hire her. Fans will be raring to find out what happened after the first season’s unexpected cliffhanger.
8
Fosse/Verdon (FX, April 9)
Who’s in it? Michelle Williams, Sam Rockwell, Margaret Qualley, Aya Cash, Norbert Leo Butz, Nate Corddry
What is it? Love Hollywood history, Broadway, and dance? FX’s limited series about Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, based on a biography by Sam Wasson, will hit the middle of your Venn diagram. Both romantic partners and professional collaborators, Fosse was a filmmaker, choreographer, and the only person ever to win an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony in the same year; he’s also responsible for Cabaret, All That Jazz, and Chicago.Verdon, a talented dancer and multiple Tony Award winner herself, became his wife, his dance partner, and muse.
9
Game of Thrones (HBO, April 14)
Who’s in it? Emilia Clarke, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gwendoline Christie, Iain Glen
What is it? You’re kidding, right? Arguably the biggest television event of the decade, the final season of HBO’s Game of Thrones will finally debut this spring. Containing six feature-length episodes, season 8 will have been anticipated for almost two years. Join millions of viewers to find out what happens in the final battle between the warring Westerosi families and the Night King’s army.
10
What We Do in the Shadows (FX, March)
Who’s in it? Kayvan Novak, Harvey Guillen, Natasia Demetriou, Matt Berry, Mark Proksch
What is it? Directorial snack Taika Waititi and Flight of the Conchords‘ Jemaine Clement made a movie about vampires trying to adjust to the modern dayback in 2015. Now, the duo are bringing the concept to television, though this time around they aren’t playing the lead bewildered bloodsuckers they portrayed in the original. But don’t be sad! The mockumentary-style show will have a new twist, being set in New York City instead of Wellington.
Be the first to comment