Spring is here! Though we may be nearing the month where most of your favorite TV series wrap up for summer (I’m looking at you, May!), that doesn’t mean this is the end. In fact, there are a whopping 10 series premiering this month, four of which are brand new and demand your attention. Jump after the break for what you need to know.
THE COMEDIANS /Thursday, April 9, 10PM, FX
FX’s latest comedy is a must-see, first and foremost, thanks to its headliners: Comic legend Billy Crystal and rising funnyman Josh Gad (Frozen) star as pretty much heightened versions of themselves. The logline goes like this: “Crystal plays a comedy legend who is reluctantly paired with Gad, an edgier up-and-coming star, in an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at a fictional late night sketch comedy show where egos and generations collide.” Sounds like a good time to me; looks it too. See the teasers here.
MARVEL’S DAREDEVIL /Friday, April 10, Netflix
Marvel’s TV takeover continues with Daredevil; the Charlie Cox-led series is added to Marvel’s current slate which also includes ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter. Cox (pictured at the top of this post) plays the blind attorney-by-day/vigilante-by-night Matt Murdock aka Daredevil. Netflix’s latest drama is described as “a live action series that follows the journey of attorney Matt Murdock, who in a tragic accident was blinded as a boy but imbued with extraordinary senses. Murdock sets up practice in his old neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen, New York where he now fights against injustice as a respected lawyer by day and masked vigilante at night.” Daredevil is the first of three Marvel superheroes coming to the streaming service; Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage will follow, and all four will eventually culminate in an Avengers-esque mini-series event called The Defenders. For now, anticipate Netflix’s first original splash into the Marvel universe with Daredevil trailers right here.
Scheduling note: As is the case with all Netflix original series to date, all thirteen episodes of Daredevil will unspool on the tenth of April.
STARTALK /Monday, April 20, 11PM, National Geographic Channel
Did you dig FOX’s highly educational and equally entertaining journey into space with Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey? Well, here’s your closet thing to a sequel. Cosmos host and prominent astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is about to host his very own late night talk show on the National Geographic Channel. It’s called StarTalk and it will feature Tyson sitting down with world-renowned cultural luminaries across science, entertainment, and politics.
Tyson’s talk show StarTalk is based on his popular podcast of the same name and it’ll work like this: “The hour-long, weekly series infuses pop culture with science, while bringing together comedians and celebrities to delve into a wide range of topics. Each week, in a private interview, Dr. Tyson explores all the ways that science and technology have influenced the life and livelihood of his guests, whatever their background.” Following the one-on-one interviews, Tyson, a comedian co-host, and other special guests will sit down in front of a studio audience at the American Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City to expand further on the week’s topic. Additionally, Tyson’s colleague and friend Bill Nye the Science Guy will pop in every week to weigh in on the week’s theme with a pre-taped segment. Upcoming guests includes George Takei, Christopher Nolan (I sense a riveting discussion about the science of Interstellar!), Dan Savage, Ariana Huffington, Richard Dawkins, President Jimmy Carter, Chris Hadfield, Biz Stone, Charles Bolden, and Norman Lear.
“Expanding the StarTalk radio show and podcast into a television show on National Geographic Channel offers a unique opportunity to show viewers how pervasive science is in our culture and how entertaining science can be,” said Dr. Tyson. “Throughout the show we explore current issues with top industry leaders and pair that with comical, but informed, commentary. From politicians and actors to scientists, social activists and more, the impact of science knows no bounds.”
To get a grip on the kinds of fascinating and mind-expanding discussions to surely come out of this talk show, check out NDT’s aforementioned podcast.
HAPPYISH /Sunday, April 26, 9:30PM, Showtime
Steve Coogan (Philomena, Tropic Thunder), Kathryn Hahn (Transparent, Parks And Recreation), and Bradley Whitford (The West Wing, Trophy Wife) star in Showtime’s new satirical dark comedy Happyish. The pilot was originally shot with Phillip Seymour Hoffman in the leading role; following his unfortunate passing the network remained bullish about the series and brought on Coogan to carry it forward. The Office director Ken Kwapis serves as executive producer and directed most of the first season’s 10 episodes.
“Thom Payne [Coogan] is a 44 year-old man whose world is thrown into disarray when his 25 year-old “wunderkind” boss arrives, saying things like “digital,” “social” and “viral.” Is he in need of a “rebranding,” or does he just have a “low joy ceiling?” Maybe pursuing happiness is a fool’s errand? Maybe, after 44 years on this ludicrous planet, settling for happyish is the best one can expect.”
Scheduling note: Showtime is previewing the Happyish pilot on Sunday, April 5 at 10pm following the season finale of Shameless. So, if you’re looking to get a head start on the series, go for it! If not, the network that brought you Homeland will re-air the pilot on official premiere night, the twenty-sixth of April.
Returning series premiering this month:
MAD MEN resumes its seventh and final season on Sunday, April 5 at 10PM on AMC. The “End of an Era” will unfold across seven episodes that will wrap up the lives of ad man Don Draper and his Sterling Cooper & Partners cohorts. Watch a nostalgic teaser here.
The abbreviated fifth season of LOUIE unravels its eight-episode run starting Thursday, April 9 at 10:30PM on FX. Comedian Louis C.K. is red-hot off his acclaimed fourth season of the show which last year featured memorable installments such as the award-winning “So Did the Fat Lady” and the introspective “Into the Woods.” Can’t wait to see what Louie has cooking next. View this season’s black-and-white teaser campaign here.
On Sunday, the twelfth of April, HBO is launching new seasons of its hit drama Game of Thrones (season 5) and comedies Silicon Valley (season 2) and Veep (season 4) at 9, 10, and 10:30PM, respectively. Is it Dany’s time to rise to power, and will Tyrion help her? Will Pied Piper make a solid dent in the tech world and beyond? Will now-President Selina Meyer remain in the Oval for long? Click the links above to preview HBO’s upcoming Sunday lineup.
Orphan Black returns for a third season on Saturday, April 18 at 9PM on BBC America. If you’re a member of the Clone Club, you’ve been waiting so patiently to learn more about Project Castor’s male subjects. Now, it’s time. Preview the new season here.