Best New TV Shows From 2016

2016, in my view was one of the best years for new television. There were tons of new shows on cable, network, and streaming services and a bunch of them were pretty good.

Here’s how I break down my favorite new shows of 2016. Actually I may have just started watching some of these in 2016 while they came out in 2015, but this is MY list so I can do it however I want.

Westworld – definitely one of the best shows on television. It’s got the mystery of Lost, the robots of Battlestar, and the swagger of a John Wayne classic western. Michael Crichton does it again…even though he’s been dead a while.

Stranger Things – This was a great surprise. 80s nostalgia with a great story, wonderful kids, and Dungeons & Dragons – what’s not to like!

Preacher – This one’s a bit gritty but a lot of fun. Based on a classic comic book series, this dark show brings together angels, demons, vampires, and hitmen, and if they’re gonna be true to the comic…John Wayne may show up next season.

People of Earth – This show is truly fun. Think 3rd Rock from the Sun but where the humans are experiencers and the aliens are multiracial and incompetent. I don’t watch too many comedies, but this one works for me.

The Exorcist – This is the winner of the battle of classic horror movies brought to television this year. Up against Damien, this clearly is the better show and ranks up near the top of all the network shows.

Outcast – There were a bunch of shows premiering this year with a focus on the occult and religion. This one even begs the question of wether it’s a demon possession or if aliens have come down and inhabited people. Another comic book adaptation that succeeds.

Baskets – This was funny, sad, touching, and depressing, but overall it was a great watch. Louie Anderson won an Emmy for his role and I’d say he definitely deserved it. He and Zach Galifianakis make this a wonderful show to watch, but be prepared to have your heart strings tugged.

The Good Place – The other comedy I watch. Gave this a try because of Ted Danson and Kristen Bell and found it was entertaining in a Dead Like Me manner, but funnier.

The Shannara Chronicles – Epic fantasy on the television and it’s on MTV. Cool story, fun magic, and it fills the void when GoT takes it’s time between seasons.

11/22/63 – Steven King…what more do I have to say? While JFK conspiracies are not my thing, when you throw in time travel and the possibility of changing history, it worked for me.

Better Late Than Never – One of the few “reality” shows I watched this year, bringing together the legends of William Shatner, Henry Winkler, George Foreman, and Terry Bradshaw, I was pleasantly surprised with this. I’d say this fit into the spot held by Big Crazy Family Adventure from last year. Fun and silly, this one isn’t winning any awards but was enjoyable to watch.

Honorable mentions:

Into the Badlands – this showed up in 2015 but I ended up watching most of it in 2016. Fun kung fu show that raised some interesting questions I want to learn about.

X-Files – this premiered decades ago, but the latest season was a nice refresher of why I loved this show so many years ago.