It’s September, which means it’s time for an onslaught of new TV shows. This year, viewers will be treated to a steady diet of horror comedies, sci-fi titles and the Muppets’ first primetime series in decades. But what if you’re a “mature” viewer in search of more substantial fare? Fortunately, you’re in luck, as there are plenty of shows to keep you and your DVR busy.
To help narrow the field, here are four shows we’re betting will leave you thinking, laughing and even crying.
“The Man In The High Castle,” Amazon, Premieres Nov. 20
This provocative new series, based on the highly acclaimed novel of the same name by Philip K. Dick, provides a peek into what America might have been like if the Nazis had won WWII. In what could be Amazon’s first big saga hit, the drama portrays America in the year 1962, divided into two — with the Nazis controlling one half and the Japanese the other. With executive producer Frank Spotnitz (“X-Files” alum) at the helm, we’re expecting great things.
“The Grinder,” Fox, Premieres Sept. 29
With a cast like this — Rob Lowe, Fred Savage (of “The Wonder Years” fame) and Jason Alexander, this is a comedy worth checking out. Lowe, who cut his comedic chops on “Parks and Recreation,” plays an egotistical TV lawyer who returns to his Idaho hometown after his popular legal drama is cancelled. Once there, he locks horns with Savage, who plays his much more mature real-life attorney brother. According to early reviews, the chemistry between the two is immediately palpable.
“Fargo,” FX, Premieres Oct. 12
When fans found out that none of the cast members from the first season of the critically acclaimed “Fargo” series were coming back for season two, they were understandably disappointed. But then the new cast was revealed — which includes Ted Danson, Jean Smart and Nick Offerman, among others — and viewers breathed a collective sigh of relief. This new chapter, set in South Dakota and Minnesota, will tell the story of a small-town married couple who gets caught up in a fight between two mob families. We can’t wait.
“Life in Pieces,” CBS, Premieres Sept. 21
For “Modern Family” fans, this new CBS sitcom, with a stellar cast, is worth checking out. Starring James Brolin, Dianne Wiest, and Colin Hanks, the series tells the story of one big semi-happy family from the viewpoint of each individual character based on their own perception of events. If you liked “Parenthood,” this show is for you.