"Powerless" — Feb. 2
Although Superman and Batman help protect the world from villainous threats, their confrontations often get messy. In “Powerless,” the wacky staff of an insurance company specializes in products that protect a helpless world from the collateral damage of superheroes and supervillains. Set loosely within the DC expanded universe, Alan Tudyk and Vanessa Hudgens attempt to bring a lighter side to superhero TV shows.
"Santa Clarita Diet" — Feb. 3
Thanks to mysterious “Weight Watchers” style previews, audiences have been curious about Netflix’s new dramedy for months. A recent trailer revealed the bloody truth: “Santa Clarita Diet” follows Drew Barrymore’s suburban housewife as she returns from the dead — not to mention Barrymore’s dead career — with a taste for human flesh. Squeamish viewers may want to avoid this one, but those with a strong stomach may find this diet is the one for them.
"Legion" — Feb. 8
Forget the recent run of formulaic superhero movies and shows — FX’s “Legion” is set to shake up the genre with a trippy tale about mysterious mutant David Haller. Inspired by the comic, the show will follow the long-lost son of Professor X. Showrunner Noah Hawley, who also created “Fargo” for FX, said the show may line up with future installments in the X-Men expanded universe. For now, look forward to watching Dan Stevens, Aubrey Plaza and more try to figure out what is real and what is in their heads. When you’re an ultra-powerful mutant, it can be tough to tell.
"Big Little Lies" — Feb. 19
A powerhouse team of Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley and Zoe Kravitz team up for HBO’s new drama about murder, motherhood and scandal. The series follows three mothers of first-graders who get mixed up in some dark business when a new single mother moves to town.
"The Handmaid’s Tale" — April 26
Margaret Atwood’s novel about an oppressive dystopian future has been a favorite among English classes and feminist bookstores for decades, and now it’s headed to the screen. Hulu’s upcoming adaptation stars Elizabeth Moss, Alexis Bledel and Samira Wiley as handmaids who are forced into sexual subjugation in Atwood’s imagined future world. If “The Handmaid’s Tale” lives up to people’s expectations, Hulu could catch up with the major power-players in today’s streaming race.
"American Gods" — April 2017
Neil Gaiman’s popular novel about forgotten gods and mysterious destinies is making its way to screens later this year, courtesy of Starz. Showrunner Bryan Fuller, who created “Hannibal” and “Pushing Daisies,” is an expert in turning dark, depressing material into visually sumptuous successes. With a divine cast including Ian McShane, Gillian Anderson, Orlando Jones, Kristin Chenoweth and more, these gods are like no deities you’ve ever seen.
"Star Trek: Discovery" — May 2017
CBS is bringing the "Star Trek" universe to unexplored heights with the newest installment of the classic show. Michelle Yeoh is in the captain’s seat this time around, and with a diverse and exciting young cast, “Discovery” may inspire a whole new generation of Trekkies.
