There's no denying that we're in a Golden Age of Television, and it's only about to get better. Yes, we're losing some wonderful shows in the New Year [1], but there's a lot of good stuff happening too. Shows that ended years ago are returning, big-budget live musicals are premiering, and finally, for the love of God, Scandal [2] will be back. Before you plan your vacations and major 2017 events, take a look at when these big events are happening.
The Premiere of A Series of Unfortunate Events
Between the cast [6] and the trailer [7] for Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events, we're almost positive this is going to be one of the most enjoyable shows of 2017. Neil Patrick Harris [8] is playing the evil Count Olaf, and his costumes are outrageous [9].
When: Naturally, season one begins on Friday Jan. 13.
The Final Season of The Vampire Diaries
Of all the shows ending in 2017 [10], we may miss this one the most. The Vampire Diaries has shocked and thrilled us for seven seasons, and there are only a handful of episodes left in its shortened season. We need a June wedding for Caroline and Stefan [11]. We need closure for Damon. We need Elena to come back [12]. And yeah, if Kai returns [13], that could be cool too.
When: The final episodes will kick off on Jan. 13, and the series finale airs on March 10.
The Return of Scandal
Even with Grey's Anatomy [14] and How to Get Away With Murder, Thursday nights have been so empty without Scandal! You can't have a proper Shondaland evening without Kerry Washington [15]'s Olivia Pope, and this upcoming season is picking up on election night [16], so you know it's going to be crazy.
When: Season six premieres on Jan. 19.
The Premiere of 24's Spinoff, Legacy
We just can't seem to let go of 24. Nearly two years after Jack Bauer returned for 24: Live Another Day, a new superagent is stepping into his shoes. The reboot features Corey Hawkins (The Walking Dead [17]) as Eric Carter, a war hero who has returned to the US and who must immediately fight terrorists. Let's do this, CTU!
When: 24: Legacy kicks off on Feb. 5.
The Final Episodes of Pretty Little Liars
This is it, you guys. After seven seasons, the Rosewood gang's story will come to a close. The trailer for the last episodes [18] is intense, and we're primed to say goodbye after all those pictures of the cast's last days on set [19]. Still, it's hard to believe we won't have another murderous mystery to unravel!
When: The final episodes kick off on April 18.
Dany and Jon Finally Meeting on Game of Thrones
The characters on Game of Thrones are typically strewn all about their universe, which means it's always exciting when two of them come together. Sansa and Jon's reunion is one of the highlights of season six, and the meeting between Dany and Jon is an even bigger deal when you consider the popular Ice and Fire theory [20]. It's not guaranteed that it will happen, but set pictures basically gave it away [21].
When: The show is premiering later than usual this year [22], but we can estimate we'll get to see this by Summer.
The Premiere of Riverdale
While this new series is inspired by classic Archie comics, it looks like a completely different world — partially because it's a dark murder-mystery show [23]. There are lots of fresh faces in the cast, along with seasoned actors like Luke Perry and Molly Ringwald. It has all the ingredients to be our new guilty pleasure!
When: The first season will kick of on Jan. 26 on The CW.
The Premiere of The Defenders
Marvel's first new Netflix series of 2017 is actually Iron Fist [24], but The Defenders is The Big One. It's the culmination of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, meaning it's basically the Avengers of Netflix.
When: The release date is to be announced, but it will definitely be in 2017!
Ryan Murphy and Jessica Lange Reuniting For Feud
American Horror Story [25] hasn't been the same since Jessica Lange left, and a new collaboration between her and Ryan Murphy is exactly what the doctor ordered for 2017. Feud is Murphy's latest anthology series, and Lange and Susan Sarandon are starring in the first season as legendary rivals Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. More of Murphy's favorites, like Sarah Paulson and Kathy Bates, will star as well, plus Catherine Zeta-Jones [26], Stanley Tucci, and more.
When: Season one doesn't have a release date yet, so stay tuned!
The Final Season of Girls
Lena Dunham's groundbreaking HBO comedy is coming to a close after its sixth season, which makes these final episodes all the more precious. How will Dunham tie up Hannah's story? Will Marnie finally get her sh*t together? And what will become of Jessa and Shosh? At least the teaser [27] gives us a short peek.
When: The final season begins on Feb. 12.
The Premiere of Big Little Lies
Reese Witherspoon [29], Nicole Kidman [30], and Shailene Woodley all on one show? Sign us up. Not only is HBO's miniseries packed with stars, but it's also based on a compelling bestseller [31]. No wonder it's on our list of 2017's most exciting new shows [32]!
When: The first episode debuts on Feb. 19.
Nashville's Fifth Season
You can take Nashville off ABC, but you can't keep it off prime time forever. The show is returning to TV with a smaller cast of characters [33], only this time it'll be airing on CMT. If you were one of those who prematurely mourned its loss, you probably already have the new season set to record on your DVR.
When: Season five kicks off on Jan. 5.
Star Trek's Return to TV
Star Trek [34] was a TV staple for decades before being rebooted by J.J. Abrams for the big screen, and CBS is bringing it back! Don't expect to see it on prime time, though; the network is experimenting with putting it on its streaming service, CBS All Access. Need another reason to jump on board? The online platform is also premiering the Good Wife's spinoff, The Good Fight [35].
When: Originally scheduled for early 2017, the show has been pushed back to May.
The Return of Prison Break
Time to catch up on Prison Break [36]! The fan-favorite show is returning to Fox with new episodes, and this time, Michael is the one who needs to be rescued from prison. Given the details we have so far [37], this looks like the same show we came to love back in 2005.
When: The new season is beginning in the Spring of 2017.
Master of None Season 2
It's been over a year since season one of Master of None dropped on Netflix, and we need it back. As wonderful as Aziz Ansari was on Parks & Recreation, this series of his own creation allows him to really flex his creative muscles. Season one is funny, original, and painfully relatable. It also ended on a massive cliffhanger, with Dev (Ansari) heading to Italy. We need to know what happens!
When: Ansari says season two will probably be out in April [38], but we don't have a firm date yet.
The Return of Twin Peaks
It's really happening: Twin Peaks is coming back. After years of rumors and changed plans, David Lynch's bizarre series is being rebooted by Showtime, and nearly the entire original cast is set to reappear [39]. In addition to previous stars like Kyle MacLachlan, new faces like Amanda Seyfried [40] and Michael Cera [41] are involved.
When: We don't have a premiere date, but the show will reportedly begin airing in "early 2017." [42]
The Final Season of Bates Motel (With Rihanna!)
Bates Motel [44]'s final season is poised to be its best. Not only is the series finally showing the events of Alfred Hitchcock's classic horror film, but Rihanna is playing Marion Crane [45], Norman's famous victim. While Norma dies in season four, Vera Farmiga will be back for the new episodes . . . because Norma lives in Norman's mind now.
When: A premiere date hasn't been set, so stay tuned.
The Premiere of American Gods
Neil Gaiman's 2001 bestseller has plenty of fans, but even if you haven't read the book, the series looks great. Bryan Fuller and Michael Green adapted the book for the small screen, and the cast includes Gillian Anderson, Emily Browning, Dane Cook [46], Cloris Leachman, Ian McShane, and Crispin Glover. Ricky Whittle is starring as the main character, Shadow Moon, an ex-convict who is swept into a world filled with mythical gods.
When: Season one will premiere on Starz in the Spring.
Jennifer Lopez in Bye Bye Birdie
After the success of The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, The Wiz, and Hairspray Live!, NBC is all about live musicals. They scored huge by casting Jennifer Lopez [47] in Bye Bye Birdie, an adaptation of the hit 1960 Broadway show. Harvey Fierstein is writing the teleplay, and we can't wait to see J Lo as Rosie.
When: The show will air during the holiday season in 2017.