16 Noteworthy New TV Shows from 2017

Every year is filled with a crop of new shows to fill the void. They cover the whole spectrum of genres and capture the attention of us all.

This year was no different. There were shows about differently-abled people, superheroes, fierce women taking control, quirky characters becoming the hero, a few military/cop dramas, and a few revivals. All in all, the variety in new TV kept fans coming back for more.

Here are 16 noteworthy new TV shows from 2017, in no particular order:

1. The Good Doctor

The show that surprised everyone this year was The Good Doctor on ABC. It centers on Dr. Shaun Murphy, an Autistic Savant fresh out of medical school. His addition to the staffing at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital is a decision that is met with doubt. The doctors worry that someone with his limitations couldn’t possibly keep up with the demands and stresses of the job.

Dr. Murphy soon shows them and others that he has just as much right to be there. Over time, his presence and way of processing things teaches his superiors and colleagues a thing or two about being quick to judge. He opens the minds and hearts of everyone around him.

2. The Handmaid’s Tale

One of two Hulu Originals on our list, The Handmaid’s Tale takes place in a future United States that has been completely altered from the country we know of today. The government is completely reestablished as a form of dictatorship. In this new world, called Gilead, women are property not individual, unique entities.

The most fertile of these women must become concubines to the men who own them, and their names reflect that ownership. One of the women, Offred, is determined to rise above this new regime and find the child that was taken from her.

The Handmaid’s Tale rose to popularity, in large part, because of its content being extremely relevant to the current political climate. Many women today feel that men are undermining them by making governmental decisions for them.

The parallels between the women of Gilead and the women of today are astronomical; making this show a favorite among many groups of people.

3. Riverdale

Starting in the 1940s the comic characters of Archie Andrews, Jughead Jones, and Betty Cooper have won the hearts of many Americans. This year The CW decided to approach the Archie comic world from a darker standpoint with Riverdale.

In the town of Riverdale, teenager Archie Andrews and his friends find themselves embroiled in the mysterious death of one of their own. This murder uncovers a darker more sinister side to Riverdale than fans of the comics are used to. The clean-cut characters we know, and love are revealed to not be as squeaky clean after all.

The winning formula for this show isn’t necessarily the characters themselves, but the stories they tell. Underneath all the drama and suspense lie universal struggles. The struggle of self and finding your voice are the two biggest themes of this show.

While the characters are classic, the characterizations are far from it. This show boasts many fiercely strong women taking a stand, something that we all desperately needed to see more of this year.

4. American Gods

A common theme in this year’s crop of new TV shows was recreating old material. For American Gods that meant taking a vastly popular Neil Gaiman novel and making it into a STARZ television series.

The plot follows the misfortunes of ex-convict Shadow Moon as he realizes his wife has died leaving him without a home to return to and without a job. He is taken under the employment of the mysterious Mr. Wednesday. This takes him on a journey across the United States meeting a whole cast of characters.

He soon learns that these people aren’t average, in fact they are Gods. Turns out, Shadow Moon is the human bodyguard to Wednesday as he gears up for a war with the new Gods.

It was really fascinating and exciting to see this story finally imagined on the small screen. Casting Ricky Whittle, of The 100 fame, as Shadow Moon was perfect. This show really teaches a new generation about the myths, legends, and Gods from all the cultures that created this country.

5. Will and Grace

The most anticipated revival of the year was Will and Grace. A show that revolutionized LGBT TV in the 90s came back and it was as if they never left. The characters pick up years later, from where the original series left it, and they are all older and maybe just a little bit wiser. However, Jack is still Jack, Karen is still Karen, and Will and Grace are once again living together; surprising no one.

While the formula for this show is reminiscent of the original the stories and jokes are more modern. Right now, life as we know it is hard to laugh at, but Will and Grace manage to find a way. As it’s been said, if you aren’t laughing, you are crying.

6. Kevin (Probably) Saves the World

After surviving a suicide attempt, Kevin Finn moves in with his sister and her daughter, Reese. That’s when a messenger from God, Yvette, tells him he is one of the righteous and destined to save the world. Kevin embarks on a journey of finding out why he’s the only righteous soul left, there should be a total of 36.

Along the way he stumbles through becoming a better version of himself. His story captures our hearts because he gives a bit of hope to all that they too are destined for greatness — no matter how screwed up they think they are.

There is a bit of every man in Kevin. Also, his quirky, seemingly one-sided conversations with Yvette, because no one else can see her, make for a few light-hearted comedic moments. Kevin makes you laugh, cry, and root for the underdog.

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