Read on for a list of new and noteworthy TV shows that are worth watching, made by the TV show addict herself:
1. "11.22.63"
"11.22.63," originally a novel, is the brainchild of Stephen King and has just been brought on-screen this year by noteworthy executive producers such as J.J. Abrams and Stephen King himself. "11.22.63" is an American science fiction thriller and, unlike other TV shows, it’ll only have eight episodes, with each episode being around one and a half hours long.
The series is essentially about a teacher by the name of Jake Epping, played by James Franco, who discovers a secret time portal that gives him the opportunity to travel back in time to 1960, where he attempts to prevent the assassination of JFK. But he quickly learns that the past does not want to be changed, and is met with obstacles along the way.
Currently, there are only two episodes out, but they’ve already managed to keep me gripped and left me wanting more. Fair warning, though: The series is relatively dark and twisted, and is intended for mature audiences only. After watching each episode, I’m always left feeling a little uneasy and disturbed (but in a good way), which is probably what J.J. Abrams and Stephen King are aiming for, so don’t watch it if you’re not in the mood for something a little more suspenseful and gloomy.
Where to watch: Hulu; new episodes are released every Monday.
2. "The Magicians"
"The Magicians" is another new TV show that’s definitely worth a watch if you enjoy fantasy. It’s based on a series of best-selling books written by Lev Grossman and is brought on-screen by John McNamara and Sera Gamble. It’s currently still in its first season with six episodes out, but it’s already been picked up for a second season.
The series revolves around Quentin Coldwater, who as a kid has always had a deep fascination with “Fillory” books, which were about a magical world called Fillory. Quentin then discovers that not only is magic real, but Fillory is too. He is propelled into a world of magic at Brakebills University, where he meets fellow magicians and learns how dangerous the magic world can actually be despite its initial allure.
"The Magicians" is basically like a darker and more mature version of "Harry Potter." Unlike "Harry Potter," though, "The Magicians" focuses on an older cast of teenage freshmen, each with their own, rather dark, problems as they transition into adulthood. In fact, the main character, Quentin Coldwater, fights with depression.
Where to watch: Syfy.com, Syfy channel on TV; episodes air on Monday nights at 9 p.m. ET on Syfy.
3. "Limitless"
The "Limitless" series is an offshoot from the movie by the same name that was released in 2011 and starred Bradley Cooper as Eddie Morra, a struggling writer who discovers the existence of a drug called NZT-48 that can enable users to access 100 percent of their brain but with dangerous side effects.
The "Limitless" series was released late last year and focuses on Brian Finch, a struggling musician who also discovers NZT-48. In the series, Eddie Morra is now a U.S. senator after successfully concocting a second drug that can counteract NZT’s deadly side effects, which allows Morra to take NZT every day without any consequences. After an incident with the FBI, Brian is hired as a consultant to aid the FBI in solving cases with his enhanced abilities. The FBI thinks that Brian is immune to NZT-48, but he’s actually being provided the immune booster by Morra, who enlists Brian as a double agent. The series follows Brian’s journey as he struggles to keep both worlds separate.
The "Limitless" series is still on its first season with 16 episodes out, and despite its slightly complicated plot, it’s actually a comedy-drama. Unlike other detective shows, it has a fresh angle by adding humor, which makes it very light and fun to watch. Sometimes things even get really weird (expect to see funny graphics and witty dialogue), but that’s what makes the show so interesting and unexpected.
Where to watch: CBS.com, CBS channel on TV; episodes air every Tuesday 10/9c
4. "The Grinder"
"The Grinder" is a half-hour comedy TV series that follows two brothers, Dean (played by Rob Lowe) and Stewart Sanderson (played by Fred Savage). In the series, Dean Sanderson is an actor who plays the lead role in a legal series called "The Grinder." On the other hand, Stewart Sanderson is a real-life lawyer who works at their father’s law firm, Sanderson & Yao, in Idaho. After "The Grinder" ends, Dean Sanderson decides to move back to Idaho and join his family’s law firm, convinced that his experience playing a lawyer on television makes him qualified to practice law.
If you love watching "Modern Family," you’ll probably love "Grinder." It’s definitely a good show to watch for a study break since it isn’t that long and will help de-stress you by getting some laughs out of you.
Where to watch: Hulu, Fox.com, Fox channel on TV; episodes air on Tuesdays, 9:30/8:30c
