The Year So Far: Best New TV
American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson (FX)
One of the first shows of the new year, "American Crime Story: The People Vs. O.J. Simpson" surprised audiences and took the nation by storm. Featuring fantastic performances from a high-profile cast, the FX program captured attention with its bold retelling of O.J. Simpson’s notorious trial.
From riding with O.J. in the white Bronco to becoming a part of meetings between Johnnie Cochran and Robert Shapiro, the show provided a compelling look into the trial from many different angles, revisiting the drama that played out in the 90s every day on the televisions and radios of nearly every American.
"The People Vs. O.J. Simpson" is a fascinating story--one that kicked off a great year in new television.
The Night Of (HBO)
HBO’s marquee summer drama is an incredible dive into the details of the criminal justice system. "The Night Of" begins with a murder in excruciating detail and goes down a rabbit hole of intricacies of what results from that.
John Turturro plays a lawyer of questionable character named John Stone who meets the accused murderer, Nasir Khan. What is incredible is Turturro’s role was originally meant for James Gandolfini (who is listed as an executive producer on the show). Robert DeNiro was also a serious consideration for the part. But ultimately, the role landed with Turturro, who truly appears to be the man best suited for the role.
The show is shot by Robert Elswit, the cinematographer who frequently works with Paul Thomas Anderson. His frames are beautiful and haunting, capturing details and emotion in new and unique ways.
But as much as the visuals are cinematic, the storytelling tends towards the novelistic. "The Night Of" dwells on details and minutiae. It revels in the small, precise moments which weave their way through the story. This incredible storytelling, and many more reasons, make "The Night Of" one of the best dramas of the first half of 2016.
Preacher (AMC)
Based on the comic of the same name, "Preacher" tells the story of Jesse Custer, the disheveled minister of a small church in Texas who becomes imbued with a mysterious power. Along the way he becomes friends with an Irish vampire, reunites with an ex, and battles a pair of angels.
Despite being set in the middle of Texas, the show shoots in Albuquerque, the same setting as "Breaking Bad". In fact, the two shows share showrunner Sam Catlin and some crew members, which gives "Preacher" a similar vibe to both "Breaking Bad" and its spinoff, "Better Call Saul." And yet, "Preacher" is entirely different: the quirky characters, fast-paced story, and stark colors combine to make this show one of the most unique and fun shows on television right now
Stranger Things (Netflix)
The surprise show of the summer was released on a quiet Friday in the middle of July. It was instantly lauded as one of the shows of the summer, and rightfully so.
The eight-episode run of "Stranger Things" is a storytelling at its finest, featuring perfect pacing and just the right number of episodes. The show is complete with a unique 80’s nostalgia that seeps through the show, giving it an unmatched quality of both sentiment and substance.
"Stranger Things" is one of the most enjoyable shows to come out this summer--and certainly one of the best of the year.
Vice Principals (HBO)
Danny McBride is back with his second HBO comedy. Following the success of "Eastbound and Down," McBride and creative partner Jody Hill reworked a feature script they had been working on since 2006 and formed it into the show "Vice Principals." The first of two seasons is only three episodes in, but already the show has hit its stride.
McBride plays Vice Principal Neil Gamby, an uptight jerk who is vying to be principal of North Jackson High School. His rival Lee Russell (played by Walton Goggins, best known for his role in Django Unchained) is a smooth-talking but ruthless man, hellbent on beating out Gamby for the title of principal.
The show is over the top and outrageous, with quick, sharp humor and a story that is engaging and ridiculous. All of these elements make Vice Principals the best new comedy of the first half of 2016.