Winter TV season is upon us.
From popes to aliens to cops, there are a slew of colorful characters coming soon to the small screen. Here are the most notable premieres to watch for over the next six weeks.
“Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector”: Jan. 10, NBC
Based on the novel “The Bone Collector” by Jeffrey Deaver — also a 1999 movie starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie — this crime drama follows NYPD officers Amelia Sachs (Arielle Kebbel “Midnight, Texas”) and Lincoln Rhyme (Russell Hornsby, “Lincoln Heights”) as the duo solve crimes together. She’s the rookie, he’s a paraplegic who works remotely.
“The New Pope”: Jan. 13, HBO
After a four-year hiatus (“The Young Pope” aired back in 2016) Jude Law returns in this outlandish series as Pope Pius XIII, aka Lenny. This time he’s joined by the titular new Pope, played by John Malkovich. Drama and scenery-chewing performances will abound.
“68 Whiskey”: Jan. 15, Paramount Network
Based on the Israeli series “Charlie Golf One,” “68 Whiskey” is a military dramedy following a diverse group of Army medics stationed in Afghanistan with stars Sam Keeley (“Dublin Murders”), Jeremy Tardy (“Dear White People”) and Gage Golightly (“Teen Wolf”).
“Avenue Five,” Jan. 19, HBO
This new sci-fi comedy from “Veep” creator Armando Iannucci is set in the future and follows the captain and crew of a luxury space ship as they deal with grumpy passengers and technical issues. Starring Hugh Laurie (“House”), Zach Woods (“Silicon Valley”) and Josh Gad (“New Girl”).
“Star Trek: Picard”: Jan. 23, CBS All Access
The eighth series in the “Star Trek” franchise will center on Jean-Luc Picard, starring Patrick Stewart reprising the role from previous installments. The story will pick up at the end of the 24th century, 20 years after the events of 2002 movie “Star Trek: Nemesis.” Ahead of the 10-episode first season, CBS All Access has already renewed it for a second season.
“Outmatched”: Jan. 23, Fox
This new sitcom follows Mike (Jason Biggs, “Orange is the New Black”) and Cay (Maggie Lawson “Two and a Half Men”), a blue collar couple living in Atlantic City, NJ, while trying to get by and raise their four kids. The catch? Three of their kids are certified geniuses.
“Duncanville” Feb. 16, Fox
This new animated sitcom, which hails from co-creators Amy Poehler and “Simpsons” duo Mike and Julie Scully, follows 15-year old Duncan Harris (voiced by Poehler). Ty Burrell (“Modern Family”) and Wiz Khalifa (“Dickinson) co-star.
“The Good Lord Bird,” Feb 16, Showtime
Based on a 2013 novel of the same name by James McBride, Ethan Hawke both created and stars in this historical miniseries set in the 1850s. Co-starring Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) and Wyatt Russell (“Lodge 49”), the story follows a crew of abolitionist soldiers that participate in the 1859 raid on the Army Depot in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia — instigating the Civil War.
