The spring TV season is upon us. The broadcast networks are debuting their midseason programming, while the cable networks continue to churn out one intriguing project after another.
Returning Shows
*1. “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” *
The CW, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m.
The CW successfully revived the popular comedic improv franchise last season, swapping out former host Drew Carey for a fresher choice in comedian Aisha Tyler. The show’s enduring popularity ensured its second season.
*2. “The Voice” *
NBC, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.
America’s favorite singing competition series returns for its sixth season. Shakira and Usher are back, once again serving as temporary replacements for Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green. Other than that, the show will be the one fans remember. The question is, will this season’s winner become the show’s first genuine star?
*3. “The Americans” *
Feb. 26 at 10 p.m.
This FX drama, set during the latter period of the Cold War, wowed critics and audiences with its potent blend of romance and suspense last winter. This season, the Jennings’ marriage will be tested once again and the wigs will be as plentiful as ever.
*4. “Vikings” *
Feb. 27 at 10 p.m.
History Channel might not be known for scripted shows, but this historical drama was praised last season for embracing the simplicity of its premise and featuring memorable performances from its stars Travis Fimmel (“Chase”) and Katheryn Winnick (“The Art of the Steal”).
5. “Hannibal”
Feb. 28 at 10 p.m.
NBC might be a dying network, but the iconic serial killer Hannibal Lecter is alive and well on this gory, poetic horror drama. Mads Mikkelsen (“The Hunt”) breathes chilling new life into the character made famous by the Thomas Harris novels and Anthony Hopkins’ Oscar-winning performance in “The Silence of the Lambs,” and the rest of the cast is similarly sterling. This season, Will Graham (Hugh Dancy, “The Big C”) will fight from his jail cell to bring Hannibal’s crimes to light.
6. “Bates Motel”
A&E, March 3 at 10 p.m.
The creepy hijinks of Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore, “The Art of Getting By”) and his mother (Vera Farmiga, “The Conjuring”) are back on A&E.
7. “Suits”
USA, March 6 at 9 p.m.
This slick USA drama has steadily grown in popularity since its first season. This season marks the show’s first time airing in the 9 p.m. hour, but the cast insists that the show’s penchant for profanity is alive and well.
8. “Game of Thrones”
HBO, Apr. 6 at 9 p.m.
HBO’s signature show and the grandest fantasy series on television returns to continue its foray through George R.R. Martin’s beloved books.
9. “Orphan Black”
BBC America, Apr. 19 at 9 p.m.
Tatiana Maslany returns to blow our minds with a multitude of colorful characters in this sci-fi drama, which was notable for Maslany’s awe-inspiring performance and the efficiency of its plotting last season.
10. “Mad Men”
AMC, Apr. 13 at 10 p.m.
AMC split this critically revered show’s final season in two parts, with the second half to premiere next spring. Nonetheless, these first six episodes will give a sense of the characters’ direction heading into the home stretch.
New Shows
1. “Late Night with Seth Meyers”
Feb. 24 at 12:35 a.m.
After 13 years at “Saturday Night Live,” six of those at the “Weekend Update” host, comedy star Seth Meyers has made it to the big leagues, inheriting the hosting slot from Jimmy Fallon, the new host of “The Tonight Show.” With Fred Armisen as bandleader, Meyers will attempt to carve out his niche as Fallon did to great success.
2. “Mixology”
ABC, Feb. 26 at 9:30 p.m.
The entire first season of this half-hour comedy will take place over the course of a single night out at the bar.
3.“The Red Road”
Sundance, Feb. 27 at 9 p.m.
A sheriff (Martin Henderson, “Rake”) tries to keep his family together while balancing the communities of his small town and a nearby Native American tribe in the Ramapo Mountains. The cast includes Jason Momoa (“Game of Thrones”), Julianne Nicholson (“Masters of Sex”).
4. “Resurrection”
ABC, March 9 at 9 p.m.
This chilling drama sounds eerily similar to the French import “The Returned”: dead people come back to life as real people, not zombies. Omar Epps (“House”) and Devin Kelley (“The Chicago Code”) star.
5. “Mind Games”
ABC, Feb. 25 at 10 p.m.
Creator Kyle Killen returns to TV, hoping that “third time’s a charm” is no myth. (His last two series, “Awake” and “Lone Star,” lasted a combined 15 episodes, with the latter only airing two before Fox cancelled it.) This time, Christian Slater (“Bullet to the Head”) and Steve Zahn (“Treme”) star as brothers who can influence any life-altering scenarios.
6. “Believe”
NBC, March 10 at 10 p.m.
Oscar favorite Alfonso Cuaron (“Gravity”) directed the pilot of this intriguing fantasy series, which follows a young girl with supernatural powers and the evil forces that try to prevent her from exercising them.
7. “Fargo”
FX, April 15 at 10 p.m.
This miniseries will adopt the tone of the Coen Brothers’ acclaimed film without re-creating its story. Martin Freeman (“Sherlock”), Billy Bob Thornton (“Parkland”), Colin Hanks (“NCIS”), Oliver Platt (“The Big C”) and Kate Walsh (“Scary Movie 5”) topline the impressive cast.
8. “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”
HBO, April 27 at 11 p.m.
After his substitute stint as host of “The Daily Show” attracted much acclaim, the former correspondent for Comedy Central’s popular comedic news show bailed out to headline his own program, which will also deal with current events in a humorous fashion.
mlieberman@theeagleonline.com
