It’s January already. A new year! And with it, a bunch of shows to look forward to.
While 2018 promises a slew of new series and old favorites, we have our eyes peeled on the coming month. Here’s what we’re looking forward to watching.
The Bachelor
Last year, “The Bachelorette” brought us something unprecedented: a black protagonist, in the form of the charming, funny Rachel Lindsay. This year, ABC dug through their bag of has beens and came up with Arie Luyendyk Jr. But never fear: If nothing else, “The Bachelor” franchise delivers in the most basic ways. There will be drama, there will be tears, there will be fights. It might not be as interesting as last season, or as entertaining, but it will be a solid watching experience nonetheless.
“The Bachelor” premieres January 1 on ABC.
The Chi
Created by Lena Waithe — one half of the award winning duo behind the Thanksgiving episode in the second season of “Master of None” — “The Chi” is a coming-of-age story, set firmly in, you guessed it, Chicago’s south side. It promises to be timely and, perhaps more importantly, to give a voice to a new and necessary perspective. And that’s something the television landscape desperately needs more of.
“The Chi” premieres January 7 on Showtime.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace
The second volume in the American Crime Stories series, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace” follows 2016’s mega successful “The People Versus O.J. Simpson.” For what it’s worth, “Gianni Versace” looks promising, glamorous and — dare we say it? — very entertaining. And with a cast that includes the likes of Penelope Cruz (as Donatella Versace herself), Edgar Ramirez and Ricky Martin, it might just deliver, too.
“The Assassination of Gianni Versace” premieres January 17 on FX.
High Maintenance
Good ol’ “High Maintenance.” The series — which began on web before making the leap to HBO — is a reliable, good time. Lessons will be learned, marijuana will be toked and interesting characters will be introduced, all within the span of a half-hour. Made perfect for bingeing.
“High Maintenance” premieres January 19 on HBO.
Another Period
You may have been like me, spending the last two years of your life having never laid eyes on “Another Period.” And that’s a mistake. Sometimes, you need nothing more than an easy, hilarious series to look forward to after the drudge of your 9 to 5. And “Another Period” is literally that. It’s sharp, fun and Natasha Leggero is at the height of her comedy prowess.
“Another Period” premieres January 23 on Comedy Central.
