With leading names behind the camera and in front of it, these new series already have people talking, long before their arrival on the air. For those whose New Year's resolutions do not include spending less time in front of the small screen, here is a selection of ten new must-see series to look forward to throughout 2015.
Better Call Saul
After bidding farewell to their favorite program in September 2013, "Breaking Bad" fans will soon reunite with some of its characters in a spin-off. Walter White and Jesse Pinkman will not necessarily be in the picture, but their shady lawyer Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk, should help to make up for their absence. Viewers will learn about his life prior to meeting the two meth dealers, starting six years earlier, when his name was still Jimmy McGill.
The dramatic comedy premieres February 8 on AMC, just after "The Walking Dead," and will then air on Monday nights from February 9.
Battle Creek
There is some impressive star power in this new CBS police series, both behind the scenes and on the screen. Hailing from Vince Gilligan and David Shore (the creators of "Breaking Bad" and "House MD," respectively), the show will debut with an episode directed by Bryan Singer. Josh Duhamel and Dean Winters co-star as two detectives who have opposing worldviews but are forced to work together to tackle crime in Battle Creek, Michigan.
The show premieres March 1 on CBS.
Bloodline
An introspective psychological thriller, this new production from the creators of "Damages" revolves around themes of competition, jealousy and betrayal among brothers and sisters. The siblings' secrets and private wounds come to light when one of their own, the black sheep of the family, returns to the fold. Netflix has compiled an all-star cast for the drama, including Kyle Chandler, Sam Shepard and Sissy Spacek.
The drama is due to premiere in March on Netflix.
Wayward Pines
Following in the footsteps of "Twin Peaks," M. Night Shyamalan's first small-screen project will combine suspense and crime drama with fantasy elements. Matt Dillon, Melissa Leo, Terrence Howard, Juliette Lewis, Carla Gugino and Toby Jones are cast in this miniseries, which will center on a federal agent's complex investigation into the disappearance of two colleagues in a strange town in Idaho. Soon after his arrival, Agent Ethan Burke comes to realize that getting out of Wayward Pines will not be an easy task.
The drama will debut May 14 on Fox and simultaneously in 125 countries worldwide.
Daredevil
The first series resulting from Marvel and Netflix's recent tie-up, "Daredevil" will join a growing roster of superhero productions for the small screen. Following in the footsteps of Ben Affleck, who starred in a movie adaptation of the comic, Charlie Cox portrays Matt Murdoch, a blind lawyer by day who by night becomes Daredevil, a superhero with enhanced senses. Vincent D'Onofrio and Rosario Dawson also feature in the series, which will be followed in the coming years by three others dedicated to other Marvel heroes -- Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist -- and an event mini-series on "The Defenders," a group that will likely unite the four superheroes.
The drama is scheduled to arrive on Netflix in May.
True Detective - Season Two
While not a new series, technically speaking, HBO's crime anthology show will take on an entirely new cast and setting for its second cycle, echoing the format of "American Horror Story," among others. The decor has moved from Louisiana to California, and Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson have given way to a cast with similarly renowned names. Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, Kelly Reilly and Taylor Kitsch will pick up the baton with a new investigation in 2015.
The second season premieres this summer on HBO.
Scream
The new spin-off on Wes Craven's franchise reflects two separate trends taking over the American airwaves: movie-to-series adaptations and horror series. So far, no plot details have been revealed regarding the 10 episodes ordered so far. But fans of the "Scream" movies shouldn't be disappointed, as the project is headed up by Wes Craven himself, who is a producer of the project.
The series is due to debut close to Halloween on MTV.
Martin Scorsese's rock 'n' roll series
When Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger, Terence Winter and HBO work hand in hand on a new musical series, the result is bound to be interesting, to say the least. Their untitled project has piqued the curiosity of viewers and critics alike. Set in the music industry of the 1970s, the drama will center on Richie, the founder and president of a New York record label with an ear for fresh, promising talent. Bobby Cannavale plays this title character and is joined by Olivia Wilde, Ray Romano, Juno Temple and James Jagger, the son of the Rolling Stones front man. With its star-studded cast and top-notch production team, it's no surprise the show is among the most eagerly anticipated of 2015.
The rock 'n' roll drama is due to arrive on HBO before the end of the year.
Sense8
Sci-fi fans are likely to be more interested in the latest project from Lana and Andy Wachowski, the directors of "The Matrix" and "Cloud Atlas." The story will follow eight strangers in different locations around the world, who find themselves mentally and emotionally linked to one another after a tragic death. While attempting to understand what is happening to them, these individuals must also escape from the organization trying to eliminate them. The drama will feature Daryl Hannah, who played the mermaid in "Splash" and Elle Driver in "Kill Bill I & II," and Naveen Andrews, known for playing Sayid on "Lost."
The sci-fi drama is set to premiere on Netflix before the end of 2015.
Westworld
J.J. Abrams, Jonathan Nolan, Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, James Mardsen, Miranda Otto and Jeffrey Wright... there is no shortage of prestige in the credits of this HBO project. Inspired by Michael Crichton's 1973 feature, the series will be based on the same premise, depicting a futuristic theme park where life-like robots allow visitors to time-travel virtually.
HBO will debut the series sometime in 2015.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Sun Jan 04 2015
"Better Call Saul" will attempt to fill the void left by "Breaking Bad" in fans' hearts. - Ben Leuner/AMC
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.