Written by Tristan Lueck
Images compiled by Gabby Manotoc
Whether you’re waiting for the newest episode of your favorite show or looking forward to a new one’s premiere, here are eight shows to look for this season. They will give you new things to talk about with new people and something to freak out about with old friends.
Manhattan
WGN America’s new drama “Manhattan” takes place during World War II in the ‘non-existent’ town of Los Alamos, New Mexico. The show focuses on the lives of the scientists involved in the Manhattan Project – and their oblivious families – and the moral dilemmas they face, knowing the atomic bomb could be the most devastating weapon the world has ever seen. The incredible costume and set design create an inescapably dark and secretive place viewers won’t want to leave. “Manhattan” airs on Sundays at 10 p.m. and is currently leading up to its season finale on Sept. 21.
Finding Carter
A new show running on MTV, “Finding Carter” follows a plotline similar to Caroline B. Cooney’s “The Face on the Milk Carton.” Carter, the lead character, discovers her life has been fabricated by a woman who kidnapped her from her real family when she was only four. Even as Carter tries to reconcile the loving mother who raised her and the ruthless woman who abducted her, she reunites with her real family. But tension is already pulling the family apart before Carter enters the picture. It comes on Tuesdays at 10 p.m.
The Strain
Created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan and based on their trilogy of the same name, “The Strain” is a horror show that centers on a viral outbreak that could be turning humans into vampires. The main character of the show, Dr. Ephraim “Eph” Goodweather, battles something so small as a virus carried by a capillary worm in order to save millions of lives. Though gorier than the average person may be able to stomach, the show goes beyond cheap horror tricks to give us a glimpse at how the world might really react to an outbreak. Anyone still riding the vampire wave will enjoy this fresh take on in the origins of vampirism. The show airs on FX on Sundays at 10 p.m.
Outlander
Based on the books by Diana Gabaldon, the series follows Claire, a married World War II nurse who falls through time and into the waiting arms of kind and selfless Scottish warrior Jaimie. Assertive and well-educated, Claire uses her wits and knowledge of natural medicine to make a place for herself in this strange time while desperately trying to flee from it. There is no shortage of Scottish and British accents and plenty of men in kilts. The show airs on Saturdays on Starz and Starz.com at 9 p.m.
Masters of Sex
“Masters of Sex” exploded into its second season in July and announced a third season to come. History and drama blend perfectly in this series about Dr. William Masters — a pioneering researcher of human sexuality in the prudish 1950s — and his assistant and soon-to-be partner, Victoria Johnson. They discover new disorders, diseases and secrets to female sexuality that shape the knowledge of modern medicine, but it’s a battle to keep their personal lives from leaking into their research. As the title implies, there is a lot of nudity, but millennials will enjoy seeing Lizzy Caplan from “Mean Girls” play Victoria Johnson. The show airs on Showtime on Sundays at 10 p.m.
Doctor Who
The new season of the British science-fiction giant “Doctor Who” sees Peter Capaldi step into the famous title role with new adventures all over the world, through time, and around our universe and others in the blue police box known affectionately as the TARDIS. The oldest of the reboot Doctors, Capaldi initially held some concern for the newer fans, but older fans seem very pleased with what he can do. He is joined by Jenna Louise Coleman, who plays the Doctor’s most recent companion, Clara. It appears on BBC America Fridays at 11 p.m.
Under the Dome
Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel, “Under the Dome” centers on the small town of Chester’s Mill that is suddenly and inexplicably encircled by a giant dome, cutting them off from the rest of the world and causing the residents to go full-blown crazy. Army veteran Barbie, investigative reporter Julia and politician James “Big Jim” Rennie are the three main keepers of safety and sanity in Chester’s Mill. Mind-boggling effects and plot twists will keep viewers hooked Mondays at 10 p.m. on CBS.
Hell on Wheels
AMC’s western “Hell on Wheels” follows Civil War veteran Cullen Bohannon and his struggles with his deep emotional connection to the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad by Union Pacific Railroad. Cullen, played by the roguish Anson Mount, is a true cowboy — tough and more likely to solve his problems with his fists. The superb costume design and the intricate layers of conflict between Native Americans and power-hungry immigrants will attract new and old fans of period dramas and adventure stories. The show airs on Saturdays at 9 p.m.
