16 Noteworthy New TV Shows from 2017
7. Mindhunter
In the late 1970s the FBI was just beginning to understand serial killers and such criminal monsters. The creation of a whole division devoted solely to understanding such minds is what the Netflix Original drama, Mindhunter, focuses on.
Jonathon Groff plays the role of Holden Ford, a young FBI Agent who is looking to better how the bureau tracks and classifies their most monstrous criminals. Along with Bill Tench, a superior and senior agent, Holden travels the country teaching local police how to handle such criminals. Together, these two men visit the worst serial criminals of the time and learn how to profile them on a psychological level.
As a real-life version of Criminal Minds, the show is based on the accounts of former FBI Agent John Douglas, this show captures the country’s fascination with the worst of society. By making it all about a revolutionary time in our criminal justice system this show gives viewers a front row seat to the psyche of such killers as Ed Kemper.
8. 13 Reasons Why
This Netflix Original series is told through two narratives: Clay Jensen and Hannah Baker. The narrative told by Clay centers on present day as he wades through the aftermath of his classmate, and crush, committing suicide. On the other side, the viewer gets to hear Hannah’s narrative which details out the events, or thirteen reasons, that led to her suicide.
What makes 13 Reasons Why so great is that it doesn’t shy away from the difficult subject of suicide and sexual assault. The viewers get to see it all, which can be a bit much for some to watch.
However, this narrative is one that has needed to be written for a long time. It breaks down the walls of suffering in silence that is a big part of being in high school.
9. SEAL Team
David Boreanaz wasn’t gone from our TV for long at all. Following the end of Bones, he moved on quickly to star on the CBS drama SEAL Team, and it may be his best role yet.
SEAL Team is more than just a military drama. It’s an inspiring, feel-good show that focuses on complex characters you can’t help but become invested in quickly. Sure, there’s a lot of action, but there’s also a lot of heart.
10. Marvel’s Runaways
The second of 2 Hulu Originals on our list is a Marvel Universe creation. Runaways follows a group of teens, who used to be friends but haven’t spoken to each other in a year, after they find out that their parents are villains in disguise. They are all a part of an organization called PRIDE.
Once the kids find out the truth about their parents, they all runaway to make up for all the bad things their parents have done and figure out how they play into everything.
This show is well-received in a season that is overrun with Marvel and DC creations. It manages to stand out. What teen doesn’t think their parents are evil?
These teens having actual evil for parents and choosing to take the opportunity and create their own family from it gives everyone hope in their own lives. It encourages us to face our darkness and our “evil” with the love and support of close friends/family.
11. One Day at a Time
One Day at a Time is one of the most refreshing shows out there, and while technically it’s a reboot – it feels like a brand new show. The short comedic series embraces tackling some major social issues including feminism, war, sexual orientation and religion (just to name a few). The entire cast is phenomenal and they do a superb job with comedic timing and profound moments.
This series has by far the best representation of pretty much everything we want to see from a show today. One Day at a Time also won the Tell-Tale TV Award for best new comedy series this year.
12. Dear White People
At a predominantly white Ivy League college a group of students of color stand up against racism and social injustice. Dear White People is based on the 2014 movie of the same name.
It’s a comedy, but still raises a lot of serious issues about white privilege and how the world is viewed mostly from a white lens.
With the world in a state of turmoil over social injustice towards all marginalized groups this show hits home. By using comedy and fun Dear White People allows a wider focus to be present in all that we see. It opens eyes to just how far we still must go as a society regarding all being treated fairly and equally.
Mads Misasi
Mads is a part-time entertainment journalist and full-time marketing content creator. They love any and all TV Dramas with a few sitcoms mixed in. Join in the fun talking about TV by following them on Twitter: @dorothynyc89.