We’re halfway through 2017, and whilst the world seems to have been plunged into chaos for a variety of different reasons, there’s always the solitude of great television to get us through the hardest of days. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look back at some of the new series to hit the small screen this year, and have here put together what we consider to be The 5 Best New TV Shows Of 2017 So Far…
1. The Handmaid’s Tale
Adapted from the beloved classic novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale tells a dystopian story like no other, where a totalitarian society in what was formerly the United States has come together, ranking women based on their fertility. Those who are poor but fertile will be taken in by rich households as handmaids, treated as slaves and forced to conceive with the man of the house in a last ditch, desperate attempt to repopulate the world. With the majority of women unable to fall pregnant, one particular handmaid we follow, Offred, must do her best to survive in a world that would use her only for her uterus. In a world where she already has a daughter that’s been stripped from her however, she has one goal in mind; reuniting with her family.
2. I Love Dick
Also based on the novel of the same name, I Love Dick is a new comedy series from Transparent creator Jill Soloway, alongside Sarah Gubbins. When a married couple’s relationship hits the rocks, it’s for the most unique of reasons, as both the husband and wife fall for the same male professor. Kevin Bacon and Kathryn Hahn lead the series, bringing brilliance to their roles alongside an all-star cast which also includes Griffin Dunne, Roberta Colindrez and India Menuez.
3. American Gods
Yep, you guessed it! Here’s a show based on yet another novel of the same name, by Neil Gaiman, which takes the America many know and love, but flips it on its head and delivers one of the most enthralling and beautiful stories television has ever seen. Ricky Whittle and Ian McShane lead the show as Shadow Moon and Mr. Wednesday, with the backdrop of impending war between the old and new gods serving the pair of them, and the eccentric characters they meet on their journey. For those who haven’t read the book, the show might at first seem quite a hard one to follow, but for those that stick with it, the payoff is tremendous.
4. Legion
Not based on a novel this time, but on a Marvel comic series! Legion is created by Noah Hawley and brings the Marvel Comics character David Haller, also known as Legion to live adaptation for the first time. Dan Stevens takes on the role and really shines, given meaty scenes to sink his teeth into alongside the always brilliant Rachel Keller and Aubrey Plaza. Just eight episodes made up the first season, but now that all eight are out and available, it’s a show worth binging ahead of its return in 2018.
5. Taboo
And finally, a BBC drama series that is entirely original, based on private works from lead star Tom Hardy and his father, as well as series co-creator Steven Knight. Tom Hardy plays lead character James Delaney in the show; a man who returns to England after spending 12 years in Africa, with 14 stolen diamonds in his pocket. Following the death of his father and with the war against the United States coming to an end, Delaney has access to land that the British would like to acquire, but refuses to sell up, making many enemies in the process. A dark and often thrilling ride, this is a period drama like no other for those who don’t usually step into the genre.