HBO
Bobby Cannavale (left) and Olivia Wilde of HBO’s “Vinyl,” which premieres Feb. 14.
February is notoriously cold and dreary, but the forthcoming month’s television shows will provide the jolt you need to power through the frigid temperatures. From new programs like Vinyl and The People vs. O.J. Simpson to returnees Better Call Saul and Broad City, your couch life is about to get a little bit better.
The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
FX, premieres Feb. 2
The O.J. Simpson murder case had everything: fame, fortune, drama, beautiful people and racial and economic tensions. It made national stars out of ordinary people, from reporters to lawyers to actors (I’m looking at you, Kato Kaelin and Judge Ito). The intrigue has never really gone away, and now a whole new generation is curious about the “Trial of the Century.” I wasn’t even 2 years old when Simpson infamously raced his white Bronco down the 405, but I’m itching to see the events unfold onscreen. The People v. O.J. Simpson comes from television auteur Ryan Murphy (Glee, American Horror Story), who is sure to put his dark, melodramatic signature on it. The cast, which includes Cuba Gooding Jr. and John Travolta, looks fantastic, both in terms of acting ability and visual similarities to the characters portrayed (it’s almost freakish how much David Schwimmer looks like defense lawyer Robert Kardashian). The program might open old wounds for some, but I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
TBS, premieres Feb. 8
It’s no secret that the late-night television landscape lacks diversity. People have written what seems like hundreds of think pieces on its lack of women and people of color. Enter a much-needed jolt of estrogen: The Daily Show veteran Samantha Bee, whose new weekly half-hour program will air on Mondays immediately before Conan. A correspondent on Jon Stewart’s show for 12 years, Bee is armed with experience, intelligence and wit. She has her own point of view and the confidence to succeed. I am rooting hard for Bee and not just because she’s a lady trying to put another crack in the glass ceiling. She’s got real chops for this job, and I’m hoping TBS gives the show the time it needs to find its footing.
Vinyl
HBO, premieres Feb. 14
I was elated when I first heard that this show was in the development stages. Vinyl is about a fictional 1970s record label called American Century, and it is basically everything I dig. The show was created by Terence Winter (Boardwalk Empire), and its executive producers include Martin Scorsese (who also directs the first episode) and Mick Jagger (I know, right?!). And oh yeah, it’s on HBO. With a team like this, my expectations for Vinyl are staggeringly high. The ensemble cast is full of eccentric and talented actors who seem suited to pull off the chaotic ’70s vibe the series needs. This is my favorite era in music history, and there is so much culturally that can be explored here. I have a feeling this show will live up to its hype. After all, when has Scorsese ever steered us wrong?
11.22.63
Hulu, premieres Feb. 15
Like Vinyl, this one seems to have everything going for it. 11.22.63 is an eight-episode limited series based on a 2011 Stephen King novel about a man who goes back in time to stop the JFK assassination and becomes embroiled in the events of the era. King and J.J. Abrams are executive producers, and as a Hulu original, it fits comfortably into the streaming culture landscape (though new episodes will be released weekly and not all at once). The thriller stars James Franco, and though I don’t know yet if that’s a positive or a negative, the show must be pretty damn good to pull him away from pretending to write poetry and reading Seth Rogen’s words on the movie screen.
Better Call Saul
AMC, returns Feb. 15
Spin-offs are a tricky business in both comedy and drama, and that’s particularly true in the case of a successful show like Breaking Bad. But the Emmy-nominated prequel Better Call Saul is doing a pretty damn good job. It’s centered on Bob Odenkirk’s lawyer character Saul Goodman in the early ’00s, when he was known as Jimmy McGill. Jimmy is still getting his feet wet in the legal business and has no idea he’ll one day represent the infamous Walter White. I expect the second season to be just as deliciously dark as the first. Bring on the Odenkirk!
Broad City
Comedy Central, returns Feb. 17
Let me begin by saying: YAAAAAS. Broad City is one of my favorite shows right now. Returning for its third season, the program started out as a web series until Queen Amy Poehler thought it should be a full-on scripted sitcom. It follows the adventures of best friends Abbi Abrams (Abbi Jacobson) and Ilana Wexler (Ilana Glazer) as they try to figure stuff out in New York City. Of all the shows on television depicting millennials, Broad City really captures the nuances. From FOMO to public transportation to technology, it’s a show where the characters are going through the same experiences and feelings as I am. Broad City tackles intense and weird stuff through the filter of joy, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great millennial comedy.
Fuller House
Netflix, premieres Feb. 26
I haven’t sampled Fuller House yet, so I have no clue if it will be any good. In fact, it’s probably going to be terribly cheesy — but that could make it great. Let me explain: I grew up on Full House reruns, and I have to admit it reinforced some very important life lessons, e.g. smoking is bad for you, don’t drink if you’re underage, don’t hang out with the wrong crowd and don’t accidentally marry someone by walking around the kitchen table with them. The sequel Fuller House promises to take you back to a different time in your life, and the nostalgia factor could be a huge part of the project’s success. Aren’t we all just searching to return to our childhood selves anyway?