The new year has just kicked off, which means it’s time for an influx of new U.S. TV shows known as midseason series — very hot items for international buyers at NATPE. Though they don’t get as much hype as series that premiere in the fall, there’s still plenty to look forward to in the weeks ahead. Here’s what we’re most eagerly anticipating:
Alcatraz
Debuting on FOX in a two-hour episode on January 16, this series, from Lost’s J.J. Abrams, takes a sci-fi twist on The Rock. Alcatraz inmates and guards who went missing from the notorious prison decades ago start mysteriously reappearing and doing strange things in this Warner Bros. drama.
Are you There Chelsea?
Formerly known as Are You There Vodka? It’s Me Chelsea, this Warner Bros. comedy is based on the autobiography of comedian and talk show host Chelsea Handler (who is also on the show). Laura Prepon (of That 70s Show stars as Chelsea). It will premiere on NBC on January 11.
Awake
In this procedural drama (from Twentieth Century Fox), a police detective gets in a car accident and wakes up to two different realities: one where his wife didn’t survive, and one where his son didn’t. It’ll premiere on NBC but the date has not been announced yet.
Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23
Twentieth Century Fox TV Distribution’s new comedy series is about a woman from the country who relocates to the city and lives with a real party girl. It stars James Van Der Beek as himself. It will air on ABC, but a premiere date has not yet been announced.
The Firm
The drama series, from Entertainment One Television, is based on the John Grisham novel and 1993 film about a Memphis lawyer who brought down a Chicago crimeboss and has been on the run ever since. It premieres on NBC on January 8.
GCB
Premiering on ABC on Sunday, March 4, this series (formerly known as Good Christian Belles and Good Christian Bitches) is an over-the-top primetime soap (from Disney Media Distribution) that takes place in a Texas town, and follows a former “mean girl” who returns to her hometown.
The Finder
Airing on FOX January 12, this Bones spin-off (from Twentieth Century Fox TV Distribution) will follow an eccentric but amusing recluse named Walter who’s in high demand for his ability to find anything.
Napoleon Dynamite
Twentieth Century Fox brings the big-screen character to the small screen in this animated series based on the 2004 movie of the same name, which follows an eccentric 16-year-old, his family and friends. It’ll debut on FOX on January 15.
NYC 22
Originally titled 2-2, this series follows six very different NYPD rookies as they patrol the streets of Upper Manhattan. The series, which is from CBS Studios International and will air on CBS in the U.S., but the premiere date has not yet been announced.
ROB
From CBS Studios International, the comedy stars Rob Schneider as a lifelong bachelor who just married into a tight-knit Mexican-American family.
Scandal
This Disney Media Distribution drama comes from Shonda Rhimes (creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice). The series, which will air on ABC, revolves around a professional crisis management consultant and her dysfunctional staff. The premiere date has not yet been set.
Smash
Staring on February 6, NBC Universal’s new musical drama stars Debra Messing and follows characters who come together to put on a Broadway show. It’ll air on NBC.
Touch
This sci-fi Twentieth Century Fox follows a father who discovers that his mute son’s gift with numbers is more than just a way to communicate. It’ll premiere on FOX on January 25.
Work It
Premiering tonight on ABC, the Warner Bros. series follows the adventures of a couple of guys who transform into women during the workday. It may feel vaguely familiar to 1980s comedy Bosom Buddies.
Let’s not forget about cable though …
Common Law
This CBS Studios International series will premiere on USA Network and revolves around two cops who are the best detectives in their force but can’t seem to get along. On the eve of their “seven-year itch,” their captain forces them into couples’ therapy.
House of Lies
Debuting on Showtime on January 8, this series from CBS Studios, follows a consulting firm that gets corporate fat cats to overpay for their services.
Luck
Premiering on HBO on January 29, this drama revolves around a horse-racing track with a star-studded cast that includes Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Farina and Nick Nolte.
Jane By Design
This ABC Family series revolves a teenager named Jane who lands a job in the cutthroat world of fashion when she’s mistaken for an adult. It premieres tonight on ABC Family and is internationally distributed by Disney Media Distribution.
