13 Best New Shows of the Season

13 Reasons Why is one of the most controversial shows on the air right now. The acting alone is enough to tune in. The story was heartbreaking, and I cannot wait to see where it goes in Season 2. - Paul

Tom Hardy's passion project Taboo was the epitome of Peak TV. It was unafraid to be itself, and was a true trailblazer for any period drama that dares to follow. All that and unlimited Tom Hardy grunts-what's not to love? - Ron

Trial and Error could have been incredibly stupid, but it turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable series. John Lithgow was hysterical and really made the show, but the supporting cast definitely brought the laughs too. The story was absurd, but that's what made it so fun to watch. - Stacy

The show has humor, heart, quirky characters, and a complex mother-daughter relationship. It's almost like someone mashed 30 Rock, The Mindy Project, an The Newsroom together, and created a perfect hybrid of their best parts. - Mandy

You can never go wrong with Christine Baranski especially when she's playing Diane Lockhart. It was so great watching Diane lose it all and have to start her life all over again at a new firm. The dialogue was amazing. The characters were beyond entertaining. They even brought back fan favorites. It had some of the best aspects of The Good Wife but managed to be even edgier and refreshing. - Jasmine

Riverdale. I was so sure this was going to become another Pretty Little Liars, with mysteries dragged on for dear life, but most of the mystery was resolved in the Season 1 finale, with exciting storylines set up for Season 2. - Paul

I love Joel McHale, love laughing at millennial foibles. Kind of knew this one wouldn't last but enjoyed it while it was around. Always nice to see Maggie Lawson back on my TV. - Diana

Big Little Lies had everything going for it: stellar casting, brilliant writing, beautiful settings, and thoughtful direction. It's hard to find flaws while watching the seven episodes. Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman were magnificent. The portrayal of spousal abuse was hard to watch at times, but was such a thoughtful and fleshed out story of abuse. If this show doesn't win any Emmys, I might riot. - Amanda

Imposters is a diamond in the rough. It didnt seem like it would be as entertaining as it turned out to be. The premise was interesting: three scorned lovers/victims of a con artist hunting her down for retribution and/or another shot at love. The chemistry amongst Ezra, Richard, and Jules was the highlight of the series. The core three slowly becoming the type of people they fell victim to is what made this dark comedy a dark comedy. They're hilarious. - Jasmine

This Is Us was the surprise hit of the TV season. It was difficult not to fall in love with the Pearson family. Jack and Rebecca were expecting triplets until one died during childbirth. Facing tragedy, Jack took their doctor’s advice and, took the sourest lemons life offered made something resembling lemonade when they adopted the abandoned baby brought into the hospital that day. This Is Us allows viewers to see this family grow and change over decades, and it’s amazing to watch. There’s nothing else like this family drama on TV, and we just can’t get enough.

The Handmaid's Tale took an intriguing concept in a book and expanded upon it in a very natural way. It plays as if any additions have always been a part of the plan. While the casting might have seemed interesting at first, it's hard to imagine anyone but Elisabeth Moss as Offred or Joseph Fiennes as The Commander, and Samira Wiley as Moira is an absolute delight. The timing of the series and the discussion resulting from the deep drama are worth watching every episode more than once. - Carissa

The Arrangement hit the spot for a soapy show that still made me think. It's a conspiracy show wrapped up in an unconventional love story. There is part Hollywood dream, part Cinderella and part faux-Scientology-type group as the big bad. It's so much fun, and as soon as one episode ends, I'm ready for the next one to start. It's absolutely captivating, and the cast seems to be having a good time, too, which makes it that much more fun for the viewer. - Carissa

The first few episodes were god awful, and the acting was not all that. However, the series hit its stride in the second half of the season and was like a different show by the end. It also introduced an exciting mystery in the closing moments. It needs to be renewed for Season 2! - Paul