TV networks pack their fall schedules with compelling new dramas

By NOELLE CARLSON

Students at the University of Mary Washington, like just about everyone else in the world, enjoy binge watching their favorite television programs on streaming sites like Netflix, but there is still something to be said about weekly gatherings of friends to watch a popular television show together. Now, one may be curious as to what the popular shows might be this fall, so I have a few predictions I am willing to share.

Networks like ABC, CBS and FOX will premiere many new shows to satisfy your hankering for drama this season.  A few shows to look out for are: “Utopia,” “How To Get Away With Murder,” “Houdini” and “Madam Secretary.”

“Utopia” is a new reality show premiering Sept. 7 on FOX. It focuses on 14 Americans who travel to a very remote area, where they put their lives on hold for a year-long endeavor in hopes of successfully creating an idealistic utopian society. Few resources are provided, and controversy will arise as the contestants begin to feel the pressures of being at risk of banishment.

“Utopia” is unlike most survival shows because the audience has the ability to elect new participants and bring them on the show.

“I’m extremely interested in this show because its has a very strange concept yet its originality is enticing,” sophomore Rhee McMillen said.

For all you “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” addicts out there, famous screen writer/director/producer/TV wizard Shonda Rhimes has another hit show lined up. “How to Get Away with Murder,” set to premiere Sept. 25 on ABC, is a primetime drama about a law school professor, played by Viola Davis, and her unique approach to giving hands-on learning by working on real cases.

“I’m a big fan of Rhimes’s other popular shows like ‘Scandal’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ so I can definitely see myself watching this show” sophomore education major Isabel Perrin said.  “’How to Get Away with Murder’ will be both dramatic and thrilling but nerve-racking as well.”

Now, if the History Channel is more your style, then “Houdini” is the show for you. Oscar award winner Adrien Brody plays legendary magician and escape artist Harry Houdini. The show is set in the 1920s, at the prime of Houdini’s career. Throughout the show there are flashbacks to Houdini’s youth revealing why he became the man he did.  “Houdini” takes its viewers on a journey of the magician’s life as he works to become the best and most well known magician of all time.

CBS’s new show “Madam Secretary” is also one to watch. Set to premiere Sept. 21., Téa Leoni plays former CIA agent Elizabeth McCord, whose retired life living in her rural home with her husband and two kids is interrupted when she gets a call from her former boss asking her to serve as U.S. Secretary of State.

“After watching the trailer I would say I’d watch it because it reminds me of the show Homeland,” sophomore Spanish major Clara Martin said.

It seems Netflix will have a run for its money with all these original network dramas premiering this season. There is something for everyone to watch this fall, whether you are into drama, reality TV or something with a little more historical background. Now that you’re aware of television’s most anticipated shows, what show will you be watching? Tweet us @theBlueandGray so we can follow along with your suggestions.