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Spring typically conjures thoughts of fresh flowers, new possibilities and picnics in the park. However, for those of us who are addicted to great TV, the change in season simply means we’re on the prowl for new shows to devour.
That’s exactly why we compiled a list of the best programs available now, or coming soon. From comedy, to drama, to getting away with murder, we cover it all. So close the curtains, grab a seat on the couch and settle in. You’re welcome.
The Carmichael Show
If you like your TV shows honest, controversial and unapologetic, then The Carmichael Show is for you. The NBC series centers around stand-up comedian Jerrod Carmichael who, along with his spirited, Southern family, tackles everyday societal issues from race to gender identity. From Jerrod’s conservative mom and dad and liberal girlfriend to his uninformed brother Bobby, each family member gets to represent a perspective on the issue of the day— just like your own family. The show has even touched on taboo topics like Bill Cosby’s rape allegations, but added a hint of humor to soften the blows. It is taped in front of a live studio audience just like the good ol’ days and with three comedians in the cast (Jerrod Carmichael, Lil Rel Howery, David Alan Grier), the laughs are non-stop.
Season 3 of The Carmichael Show will air May 31 on NBC.
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Scandal
Kerry Washington alone is enough of a reason to watch Scandal all day long. In the political thriller, Washington’s character, Olivia Pope, makes problems go away before anyone even knows they exist— even for the President, who happens to be in love with her. Add the great Shonda Rhimes as the mastermind, mix in a little politics and of course some romance— and you have the recipe for a binge-worthy TV show.
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Black-Ish
With so much lack of diversity in Hollywood, representation definitely matters. Black-ish shows a side of Black Americans that many people don’t know about (or care to acknowledge). The show focuses on Dre Johnson, a family man who struggles to gain a sense of cultural identity while raising his kids in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class neighborhood. Just like it’s predecessor, The Cosby Show, the ABC series is based on a stable, Black family with good jobs, good kids and good lessons.
The show covers a wide range of topics. They’ve gone from exploring the N-word to taking a deep dive into the Presidential election. This is the perfect show to watch with the whole family.
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The Wire
Before binge-watching was a thing, The Wire was one of those shows people committed to watching every week. If you’re one of the few who missed the boat with the acclaimed drama, don’t worry because with XFINITY OnDemand and HBO marathons, it’s now easy to get your fix of Baltimore street life. The show centers around the Baltimore Police Department’s investigation a local drug kingpin who is suspected of multiple homicides. The series highlights the systemic corruption plaguing the city’s communities, schools and more. With five seasons of hour long episodes, you may want to grab your snacks.
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Chappelle‘s Show
Dave Chappelle is just as popular today as he was when he began Chappelle’s Show back in 2003. After leaving the series behind for personal reasons, fans have been waiting ten years for new Dave material. He finally gave us that in 2017 with two wildly successful Netflix specials. But if you’re like us and can’t get enough of the comedy king, or you’re simply missing Charlie Murphy, go back and watch the classic franchise with brand new eyes.
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How To Get Away With Murder
In case you haven’t noticed, most of Shonda Rhimes’s shows are binge-worthy. This one centers around Viola Davis’s character, professor Annalise Keating, who, with five of her students, becomes involved in a murder plot. Viola’s portrayal of Keating has gotten her much acclaim. She became the first black woman to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and won two SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance in a Drama Series. And that’s how you get away with murder.
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Empire
Family drama, original music and Ms. Cookie Lyon are all solid reasons to start obsessing over Empire like everyone else. The hit FOX series is a star-studded show, with Oscar nominated stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson leading the cast. As for the show’s catchy tracks, Grammy Award-winning producer Timbaland is the show’s music supervisor. It’s not too late to see why things like #CookieWentOff are always trending on Twitter. The Lyon family never disappoints.
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Greenleaf
Who doesn’t love Oprah Winfrey “The Actress”? Queen O stars in the soap opera drama, which centers around a daughter’s return to her family’s Memphis megachurch empire and all the dysfunction that comes along with it. If Oprah’s break from her acting hiatus isn’t enough to get you to tune in, Black Hollywood legend Lynn Whitfield is also on the series. She’s definitely in the running to snatch the throne of “Queen of Primetime.”
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Grey’s Anatomy
13 seasons in and Grey’s Anatomy is still one of the most talked about television shows ever. It’s very easy to get attached to a series if you’re watching episodes back to back for hours on end. But Grey’s makes it fairly easy to get caught up in the characters, their relationships and all the day-to-day drama that goes on in a hospital. You’ve heard of McDreamy and Dr. McSteamy, and now it’s time to see first hand how those nicknames were born. So what are you waiting for? Get to binging!
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Rosewood
Let’s face it— we all love a good crime-fighting duo. After years of watching Law & Order re-runs, it’s great to see another twosome tracking down bad guys, all while keeping it funny and smart, without any cheesiness. Morris Chestnut stars as private pathologist Dr. Beaumont Rosewood, who uses his sophisticated lab to perform autopsies for the Miami Police Department. Although the show will not be returning for a third season, it’s still worth the time to catch up on the first two seasons of the medical crime drama. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
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24: Legacy
Die-hard 24 fans were not interested in a reboot of the hit FOX series after Jack Bauer was replaced by newcomer Corey Hawkins. But since its debut, the court of public opinion has deemed 24: Legacy one of the best shows of 2017. If you’re missing your beloved Kiefer Sutherland, don’t fret— the actor is now one of the producers of the series.
