The CW's 'Riverdale' and Freeform's 'Famous in Love' could be your new guilty pleasures as 'The Vampire Diaries' and 'Pretty Little Liars' are nearing their ends.
- Dec 28, 2016
AceShowbiz - Sometimes the best entertainment is the one that can make you laugh or cry. Thus, soapy dramas and comedies never run out of their course despite the fact that superhero series and gritty shows have begun to show their domination. Continuing the discussion about the Must-Watch New TV Series in Midseason 2017, AceShowbiz is back with the third and final part of the guidance that highlights these lighter, yet seriously fun newbies.
The likes of "Famous in Love", which is developed by "Pretty Little Liars" creator I. Marlene King, and "Riverdale", which has been dubbed a sexy take on Archie Comics, come from networks which are known for successfully bringing shows targeting teen and young viewers. For older adults, on the other hand, there are "Still Star-Crossed" from Shondaland and "Victoria", which has been touted as the next "Downton Abbey".
FAMOUS IN LOVE
To help aid "Pretty Little Liars" fans in coping with withdrawal syndrome once the show is over, Freeform has prepared "Famous in Love". Based on Rebecca Serle's novel with the same name, the new teen drama series is also from "PLL" creator I. Marlene King. At the center of the story is Paige Townsen (Bella Thorne), an ordinary college student who gets her big break after auditioning for the starring role in a Hollywood blockbuster. She must now navigate her new star-studded life and undeniable chemistry with her two co-leads while uncovering the truth about what happened to a famous missing pop star. Trading the depiction of a simple life in a small town with flashy lifestyle, the new series is still expected to deliver similar complex mystery and drama.
RIVERDALE
You may know Archie Comics as teen comics with romance, crime and humor, but The CW's take on the comic books are dark and sexy, as reflected in the color palette in the promo that is not brighty and cartoony like in the comics. Titled "Riverdale" after the name of the fictional town where majority of the events take place, the adaptation still follows high-school teenager Archie Andrews (KJ Apa), who is caught in the mysterious death of a golden boy, an affair with his teacher and a love triangle. Having been dubbed "Gossip Girl" meets "Twin Peaks", it's soapy and cheesy, but in a way that you expect The CW shows to be.
STILL STAR-CROSSED
We all know what happens to Romeo and Juliet at the end of William Shakespeare's play, but who knows what happens next after the tragic end of the star-crossed lovers? Based on Melinda Taub's book, "Still Star-Crossed" (title may change) picks up where the famous tale left off, charting the treachery, palace intrigue and ill-fated romances. Created by Heather Mitchell from Shondaland, the period drama follows Juliet's cousin Rosaline (Lashana Lynch), who once rejected Romeo as a suitor, and Benvolio (Wade Briggs) of Montague who are betrothed against their will by Prince Escalus (Sterling Sulieman), in order to end the feud between the two families. Both resolve to find a way to end the violence without having the union.
TRIAL & ERROR
Most of recent new comedies couldn't last beyond their first seasons, but "Trial & Error" shows a glimmer of hope with a mix of quirkiness, workplace drama and personal growth - the same formula used on previous sitcoms such as "30 Rock" and "The Mindy Project". The upcoming series stars Nicholas D'Agosto as a bright-eyed New York lawyer who heads to a tiny Southern town for his first big case, which is to defend an eccentric "rollercizing" poetry professor accused of the bizarre murder of his beloved wife. He soon realizes that winning his first big case will not be easy, especially when his client is always making himself look guilty. The show boasts a starry cast with John Lithgow, Sherri Shepherd and Jayma Mays taking the main roles.
24: LEGACY
More than five years after "24" was canceled, Jack Bauer's (Kiefer Sutherland) legacy is carried on Corey Hawkins' Eric Carter. Featuring all-new characters, this spin-off is led by the "Straight Outta Compton" star, who plays a war hero dealing with PTSD and a new terror threat back home. He's described as different than Bauer in many ways, yet co-star Jimmy Smits was confident that the character wouldn't go undetected once he debuted on the new series. Despite promising a refreshed storyline, the show is still expected to have the visual and emotions trimmings you loved from the original series, as the mastermind behind "24", Howard Gordon, is back as showrunner for "24: Legacy". FOX has given the show a vote of confidence by giving it a post-Super Bowl slot.
VICTORIA
Before Queen Elizabeth II, there was Queen "Victoria". Having been dubbed the next "Downton Abbey", the upcoming period drama charts the early years of her reign. With the emotional and political struggles she endured after ascending to the throne at just 18 years old and a love story between her and Prince Albert, the show had "the stuff of great drama," said executive producer Rebecca Eaton. "Doctor Who" alum Jenna Coleman gets the honor to portray this strong figure in the history of the British kingdom. The show has delivered strong ratings in its homeland, making a second season renewal a no-brainer decision.
