Entertainment

New Season TV Treats

5 November 2014

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Looking for a new telly addiction? You're in the right place as we've tracked down the shows you really SHOULD be watching. No excuses.

BBC
Watch it: The Fall series 2 begins on BBC Two on Thursday 13 November at 9pm.
In a nutshell: Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson return as Paul Spector and DSI Stellla Gibson. The show sees Jamie Dornan playing a serial killer, and a handsome one at that. The new series picks up 10 days after the last series ended with the revelation that Spector's last victim had regained consciousness. Gripping stuff!
Watch it: House of DVF will premiere on Tuesday 4 November at 9pm, on E! so mark your diaries.
In a nutshell: Diane von Furstenberg (she of wrap-dress superstardom) mentors a new generation of hard-working young women ready to take their careers to the next level at DVF. We’re predicting tears, tantrums, exceptional clothes, and Diane being her fabulous self.
Watch it: From 13 October 2014 at 9pm on Channel 5
In a nutshell: Ben McKenzie (aka Ryan from The O.C. ) is back on our TV screens as Commissioner Gordon in the new TV series Gotham. The gritty TV show tells the original story behind Commissioner James Gordon's rise in Gotham City, prior to the arrival of Batman, and follows his rise through a corrupt and dangerous city. Jada Pinkett Smith, Donal Logue, Sean Pertwee, and Robin Lord Taylor also star in the series.
Watch it: From 11th July 2014 , only on Netflix
In a nutshell: Expect to have your heart in your throat once again, as serious two of thriller Hemlock Grove returns. The new series picks up as the town is coming to grips with the shocking massacre caused by one of its deadliest creatures.
Roman (Bill Skarsgård) and Peter (Landon Liboiron) are now faced with new responsibilities as adulthood looms. For starters - Roman’s relationship with mother is under strain as she struggles with his Upir birthright and the disappearance of his sister. And meanwhile, Peter moves in with Destiny and is on the hunt for a job. And to rock the boat further, there’s a few newcomers in the shape of Madeline Brewer (you might remember her from fellow Netflix Original Orange is the New Black, series 1) and Madeleine Martin of Californication fame.
All ten episodes will go live at 12:01 on the 11th, so you might want to write off the next day, and have your snacks at the ready for a serious telly-watching binge.

Sky
Game of Thrones
Watch it: From 7th April 2014, Sky Atlantic
In a nutshell: Spring may be but around the corner, but there’s only one season on our minds: Winter. Following a heart-stopping series three (honestly, we’re still recovering from the Red Wedding. And still wearing our gormless gawps), the brains behind our favourite fantasy epic have promised a truly electrifying fourth season, with more danger, more dragons and more deaths. Golly. From what we’ve heard, our favourite silver-tongued TV dwarf, Tyrion is finding himself in hot water almost every episode, Daenerys is facing the teething troubles that come with freeing many a’ slave, and there’s ANOTHER Wedding on the horizon. Although this time, it’s ‘purple’ - and ‘tween skin-crawling King Joffrey and the ball-busting Margaery Tyrell. There’s also word that the goodies will make a comeback this season. And no doubt that Jamie Lanister will grow hotter upon the hour. To say we can’t wait would be an understatement.
BBC
Inside No 9
Watch it: Episode one on BBC iplayer, then Wednesdays 9PM, BBC2
In a nutshell: This intriguing, utterly-eccentric season of comedies stemmed from the dark and twisted brains behind The League of Gentlemen. Each episode in this anthology series is standalone; featuring separate shady characters and situations all linked by events happening behind doors marked number 9… Deliciously-dark humour riddled with unexpected twists, fans of Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s past works will love the growing feeling of claustrophobia and intensity muddled with many a’ LOL moment.
Sky
Penny Dreadful
Watch it: May 2014, Sky Atlantic
In a nutshell: We are rather excited about Penny Dreadful, truth be told. Described as a psychosexual horror; linking literary antiheroes Dracula, Dorian Gray and Frankenstein’s monster; boasting the stellar acting talents of Eva Green and Josh Hartnett; and created by Skyfall pairing John Logan and Sam Mendes - need we say more? Seriously? Pass the remote, pronto.
Netflix
House of Cards
Watch it: Now on Netflix
In a nutshell: The latest Netflix hit that’s got everybody talking, this political thriller’s second series kicks off Valentine’s Day 2014, but that’s where the slushy romance ends. Robin Wright’s Golden Globe winning performance as the ballsy bride of Frank, Kevin Spacey’s deliciously slimy, ruthless US Democrat, make for an explosive exploration into the sordid inner-workings of DC politics. Conflicted characters, heart-breaking turns and stunning cinematography made us lap up the first season and Frankly, no pun intended, we can’t wait for more.

BBC
Line of Duty
Watch it: First episode available on BBC iplayer. Then Wednesdays 9PM, BBC2
In a nutshell: The first series of Line of Duty was BBC2’s most highest-rated drama of the past decade. More of an anthology; this season we’re dealing with a new case and a new cast. Jessica Raine has swapped the genteel world of Downton Abbey for the tough-talking streets of modern Blighty, while Keeley Hawes is also getting badged up as a bad-ass detective who may or may not be all she seems… Gripping. Unashamedly complex, Line of Duty looks set to be the most-talked about British drama of the season, you’d best get watching if you don't want to be left out.
Channel 4
Babylon
Watch it: Don’t miss the first episode on BBC iplayer now, with more coming soon
In a nutshell: Directed by Danny Boyle, written by the peeps behind Peep Show, and starring a bevy of TV’s best including James Nesbitt, this new police ‘dramedy’ had a lot to live up to. And with a sweet melange of laddish laughs and dystopian drama, we weren’t disappointed. The pilot saw random Londoners picked off by a deranged sniper – and with it, the police are in need of some serious PR. With the promise of several juicy cameos and even more big and profound statements about the state of modern times to come in the next already-commissioned episodes, we’re rather thrilled at what more Babylon has to offer.
Jim-Bridges/HBO
True Detective
Watch it: 22nd February, Sky Atlantic
In a nutshell: Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey? As a pair of oddball detectives? In a kind-of Southern America, noir, serial killer murder mystery? Well, that’s us sold. This new HBO show takes the archetypal crime narrative and completely batters it, giving it a gritty, non-linear, 21st century makeover – which, what’s more, pits you the viewer as the ‘true detective’. Geddit? Meth dealers, hallucinatory visions, satanists and some strong literary references thrown in for good measure – the Stateside critics are already hooked, and for us this side of the water, the 22nd couldn’t come soon enough.
Fox
The Following
Watch it: Catch up on Sky On Demand now, and then Mondays 10PM, Sky Atlantic
In a nutshell: Following (no pun intended) on from the gawp-inducing first season, which saw Kevin Bacon’s ass-kicking, wise-cracking FBI agent attempt to foil the sadistic cult of serial killer Joe Carroll – season two sees Bacon’s distraught Ryan Hardy once again targeted by a band of bat-sh*t crazy followers, and the return from the dead of Caroll himself. Littered with twists, cliff-hangers and enough shocks to choke a critic, prepare yourself for the scare-fest crime drama of the century. A bold statement, yes – but well-deserved.

Justin Downing/Sky
Fleming
Watch it: Catch the first episode on Sky On Demand now, and then Wednesdays 9PM, Sky Atlantic
In a nutshell: This star-studded new four-part drama suggest that the man behind Bond was a bit of a roguish playboy spy himself, whose real-life exploits were not too far from the womanising super-spy he would go on to create (Moore-style eyebrow-raise whilst reading optional). Brit eye-candy Dominic Cooper plays our eponymous hero - with a penchant for cocktails of the jiggled, not whisked variety – and the drama kicks off as the future author meets his match in Ann, the woman he would later marry, while working in naval intelligence. Licensed to thrill. Get involved.
Wenn
24
Watch it: April 2014, Sky One
In a nutshell: Calling all 24 fans – it’s BAAACCKKKK! Yes, this spring sees the return of the Jack Bauer Power Hour with, erm, 12 (huh?) episodes hitting our screens in April. Kiefer Sutherland is currently here in London filming the series, with fan favourite Chloe is along for the ride. The action starts four years after the last season, with Bauer remaining a fugitive at large and CIA agent Kate Morgan hot on his heels – but when the president makes his way to our fair shores for a summit, something rotten’s afoot, and it’s up to Jack to save the day. In a day. #Jackisback.
Sony
Bonnie & Clyde
Watch it: 16th February, CI (Crime Investigation) or Sky on Demand
In a nutshell: The latest screen version chronicling the life and crimes of America’s most infamous outlaw couple concluded earlier this week... ‘Huh?!’ we hear you cry. Well, luckily, Bonnie & Clydehas enough repeats and catch-up opportunities scheduled that there’s really no excuse not to watch this truly entertaining romp of a miniseries. The cautionary tale about the charismatic Depression era outlaws has been brought bang up to date with Oscar-nominated Director Bruce Beresford at the helm, and the eye-pleasing Emile Hirsch and Holliday Grainger as the iconic duo. Fiery, fearless – with more focus on entertainment than education – it’s a rather enjoyable watch to brighten these grey days.
Sky
Duck Quacks Don’t Echo
Watch it: Fridays, Sky One
In a nutshell: Lee Mack hosts this new comedy panel show with a difference. Putting statements of fact to the test, it’s QImeets Bang Goes The Theory, and answers some of life’s most probing questions such as… does dog urine glow under UV light, and will individuals copy the stupid actions of a group? Dara O’Briain, Mel C and GLAMOUR favourite Ruth Jones made up the myth-busting panel in episode one, and there’s a whole host of celebrity faces from the comedic arena, including Miranda Hart and Ricky Tomlinson, to giggle and gawp at as the series progresses.

Channel 4
My Mad Fat Diary
Watch it: From 17th February, E4
In a nutshell: The heartfelt comedy-drama – set in the cool Britannia heyday of 1996 and based on the real-life diaries of Rae Earl – was the surprise indie hit of last year. Over 1.2 million peeps tuned in each week to watch troubled, boy-crazy, music-mental 16-year-old Rae tackle her demons – and luckily for those peeps (and us) a second series was commissioned. Far from your average teen TV protagonist, Rae isn’t perfect; yet charming and utterly compelling all the same. Season two promises more twists, more tears, more belly-laughs – and muchos more awesome 90s tunes.
BBC
In The Flesh
Watch it: Spring 2014 - TBA
In a nutshell: One of 2013's surprise hits, the zombie apocalypse drama returns for a second series this spring. PDS (partially deceased syndrome) sufferer Kieren is back, attempting to fund an escape from the hostile town of Roarton but, as forces collide, he finds himself caught in the crossfire and soon that much longed for ‘quiet zombie life’ is no longer an option. The much-anticipated second season see moustachioed ex-Hollyoaker Emmett Scanlan joining the cast as Simon, a charismatic disciple of the Undead Prophet. Gosh, right?
AMC
Mad Men
Watch it: 16th April 2014, Sky Atlantic
In a nutshell: Sexy ‘60s drama Mad Menreturns for its seventh stylish season this Spring – with seven episodes airing in 2014 and seven more - the show's final run - following in 2015. Sob. Is Don and Megan's marriage doomed? Is Ted really gone? What's next for Peggy? Will the wardrobes be even more covetable? And will Pete do more than just storm about the office, looking harassed?? One thing's for certain... we can’t wait to find out.