14 of the Most Highly Anticipated TV Shows of 2017

Updated on Jan 3, 2017 at 7:30 PM

What's on the horizon in 2017? There's a lot we can't foretell about the future, but at the very least, we can tell you all about the exciting TV that's to come. So far, we've already given you a look at the most promising midseason TV shows and everything that's coming to Netflix in the New Year, but now we're broadening our scope. What exhilarating new projects will finally come to light in the next 12 months? We're breaking down the best and the brightest new TV shows that will hit the small screen at some point before 2017 ends. Check it out.

Taboo

Network: FX
Who's starring: Tom Hardy
What it's about: Set in the early 1800s, it follows James Keziah Delaney, who returns home to London from Africa long after he's been presumed dead. He tries to rebuild what is left of his father's shipping empire.
Why we're excited: I mean, Tom Hardy is super sexy and incredibly badass. What's not to be excited about?
The premiere date: Jan. 10

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Network: Netflix
Who's starring: Neil Patrick Harris and Patrick Warburton
What it's about: The long-awaited adaptation of Lemony Snicket's popular book series that tells the tragic story of the Baudelaire orphans and their nemesis, the evil Count Olaf. The first season will handle the first four books.
Why we're excited: Seeing as the movie franchise never quite got off the ground, we've been dealing with a rather, well, unfortunate yearning for closure. Based on the trailer alone, it seems like Netflix will get it right this time.
The premiere date: Jan. 13

The Young Pope

Network: HBO
Who's starring: Jude Law
What it's about: The new series follows the controversial rule of Pope Pius XIII.
Why we're excited: As an established film actor, Jude Law is poised to positively shine on HBO. Plus, considering all the debauchery we see in the trailer, we're going to be soaking up every second of the drama.
The premiere date: Jan. 15

Frontier

Network: Netflix
Who's starring: Jason Momoa
What it's about: Although it premiered in Canada, Frontier will be available to the United States next year. The central focus is the dark, dangerous world of fur trade in the 1700s.
Why we're excited: Well, it's hard to feel blasé about something starring Jason Momoa. Plus, it just looks really good.
The premiere date: Jan. 20

Riverdale

Network: The CW
Who's starring: KJ Apa and Cole Sprouse
What it's about: The Archie comics serve as inspiration for this take on the dark underbelly of small town life.
Why we're excited: Are you kidding?! This looks like Archie meets Gossip Girl meets How to Get Away With Murder. Just try to unglue us from the couch. Just try.
The premiere date: Jan. 26

Legion

Network: FX
Who's starring: Dan Stevens
What it's about: Based on the comic book of the same name, it tells the story of a troubled young man with extraordinary abilities.
Why we're excited: When you consider how the Marvel Comics Universe is only getting more complex and intense, this should certainly be a compelling experience. Plus, it's FX, which is notorious for its dark but transfixing shows.
The premiere date: Feb. 8

Big Little Lies

Network: HBO
Who's starring: Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley
What it's about: The adaptation of a novel that follows a group of moms who struggle to keep it together as their perfect lives fall apart.
Why we're excited: Not only is this a pretty stellar cast, but the novel was such a sound hit that it's hard to imagine this not being good. Plus, with all the buzz around mysteries ever since Gone Girl, we'll never turn down a murderous thriller.
The premiere date: Feb. 19

Iron Fist

Network: Netflix
Who's starring: Finn Jones
What it's about: The latest addition to the Marvel Comics universe that focuses on a man with incredible martial arts skills and strange, mystical powers.
Why we're excited: Considering how Iron Fist is the last chapter before we get to see The Defenders, it's thrilling to see how the whole world will come together.
The premiere date: March 17

Twin Peaks

Network: Showtime
Who's starring: Kyle MacLachlan
What it's about: More than 25 years after the original series, we're returning to the sleepy, strange town of Twin Peaks to catch up with all those familiar faces . . . and some new ones, too.
Why we're excited: The original series is an iconic piece of TV history, and at this point has a staggering cult following. With David Lynch at the helm once again, we're in for a serious treat.
The premiere date: TBA

American Gods

Network: Starz
Who's starring: Ian McShane, Kristin Chenoweth, Gillian Anderson, and Ricky Whittle
What it's about: The adaptation of Neil Gaiman's dark masterpiece takes us into a fantasy world where the Old Gods and the New Gods are at war.
Why we're excited: This is one of the most striking examples of modern fictional fantasy. After more than five years in the making, it's finally coming to life.
The premiere date: TBA

Downward Dog

Network: ABC
Who's starring: Allison Tolman and Lucas Neff
What it's about: A struggling woman and her talking dog.
Why we're excited: Of all the pilots I watched over the Summer, this was one of my absolute favorites. I was visibly upset when I realized it wouldn't be on until midseason, but the wait is nearly over. Fargo's Allison Tolman is wonderful, and the dynamic with her dog is refreshing and real. (I can't believe I just wrote that.)
The premiere date: TBA

The Defenders

Network: Netflix
Who's starring: Krysten Ritter, Finn Jones, Mike Colter, and Charlie Cox
What it's about: Marvel's much darker Netflix world comes together, uniting Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Daredevil.
Why we're excited: It's like the Avengers, but with a set of much darker, grittier, and more complex characters. Bring it on.
The premiere date: TBA

Feud

Network: FX
Who's starring: Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon
What it's about: This new anthology series will focus on the iconic backstage battle between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis.
Why we're excited: We already know that Ryan Murphy and Jessica Lange are a match made in heaven, and we're thrilled to seem them reunite. Plus, who doesn't want to watch a behind-the-scenes (fictional) exposé of one of the biggest feuds in Hollywood history?!
The premiere date: TBA

Star Trek: Discovery

Network: CBS
Who's starring: Anthony Rapp and Sonequa Martin-Green
What it's about: Much of this new show is cloaked in mystery, but we do know it's obviously tangled into the Star Trek universe.
Why we're excited: It'll be exciting to see Star Trek back on TV in a new and exciting way.
The premiere date: TBA