Given our busy schedules, watching all the new television shows is impossible.
Now that many are on hiatus, it’s the ideal time to binge or rewatch some to prepare for many of their returns this Fall.
Now that streaming has become more accessible, settle in for a fun night. Grab some popcorn and find your new favorite show!
These were our favorite freshman hits that you should check out before their sophomore seasons begin.
They include intriguing medical dramas with rich character arcs, blue-sky procedurals detailing cozy murder mysteries, and romances.
Other freshman hits feature the legal drama Matlock and The Hunting Party, which kept viewers in suspense as the team chased serial killers each week.
Check out our highlights, and chime in with which one resonated most with you!
Brilliant Minds (NBC)
While medical dramas have become one of the most popular genres, Brilliant Minds is extraordinary because it focuses on the mind.
The series was one of NBC’s earliest freshman offerings and received positive feedback from both critics and audiences.
It received nearly 30% of the votes in TV Fanatic’s poll, “Which Bubble Show You’d Want to Save From Cancellation?”
That showed that our readers grew attached to Dr. Oliver Wolf (Zachary Quinto) and the different way he taught his patients to adapt to their conditions. He related to them because he struggled with neurodivergence.
The series showed his tenacity in solving cases. Brilliant Minds Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger, leaving Dr. Wolf with his biggest professional and personal challenge yet. It received a full-season order for Season 2, leaving ample time to address it.
The series isn’t just about medical cases, though. It also showcases the doctors’ personal and romantic lives; the interns were some of our favorites.
Brilliant Minds returns in September on Mondays at 10/9c on NBC
Brilliant
Murder in a Small Town (FOX)
FOX’s Murder in a Small Town brought back the blue-sky procedural. Executive Producer Jeff Wachtel is an expert in this genre and has created several notable series, including Monk and Suits.
The weekly murders aren’t as graphic as some crime dramas, as they focus on the blossoming romance between Det. Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland) and librarian Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk).
The show delves into Karl’s past and quirks, utilizing his trusty team to help him solve cases.
Part of the appeal of this series was the wealth of guest stars who appeared, such as James Cromwell, Stana Katic, and Erica Durance.
Fans of Will Trent may enjoy this series, as it is also loosely based on a series of books, and Detective Karl Alberg teaches his team to think critically and see things from different perspectives.
We’re unsure how many episodes Murder in a Small Town Season 2 received, but hopefully, it will explore even more character arcs.
Murder in a Small Town returns in September on Tuesdays at 8/7c on FOX.
Murder
Doc (FOX)
Compared to other medical dramas, Doc is distinctly different, which is likely why viewers connected with it and why it’s one of FOX’s two scripted renewals.
While many medical dramas focus on weekly cases, Doc’s strength lay in its rich character arcs, which showcased complex and messy emotions and relationships.
Amy Larsen (Molly Parker) is the heart of the series, since the series starts after she awakens from an accident and realizes she’s lost nearly a decade of memories.
Doc Season 1 explored how Amy managed to put her life together, which was challenging both in her relationships and at work. We felt for her during both her successes and failures.
While it differs from The Resident, Doc has the potential to last several seasons with its rich characters and talented actors. This compelling drama is a keeper.
Doc returns in September on Tuesdays at 9/8c on FOX.
Doc
High Potential (ABC)
ABC’s High Potential is another delightful blue-sky procedural. It stars Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Guillory, a single mother who eventually utilizes her unique crime-fighting skills to assist the LAPD.
Part of the series’ charm was in watching Morgan and Det. Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) find their rhythm via their fantastic chemistry. Although the entire cast is excellent.
High Potential Season 1 ended on a significant cliffhanger, introducing a new antagonist played by David Guintoli (A Million Little Things).
The sophomore season has been supersized to 18 episodes, leaving ample time to explore this new character and Morgan’s past.
High Potential is the only ABC Tuesday night scripted series returning in the fall and will return in September.
high
Matlock (CBS)
You’ve heard us complain about the abundance of reboots, but CBS hit the jackpot with Matlock.
The new Matlock succeeds because it doesn’t try to be the Andy Griffith classic, which would have angered viewers.
It utilized a few key points from the original, while modernizing it, including the use of a female lead, Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock.
Leading this legal drama is one of Bates’ best roles. Madeline Matlock is a complex character as she fights for justice, beginning with grieving and looking for answers for her daughter’s death.
Matlock Season 1 included a strong ensemble cast that showcased rich character arcs, and we can’t wait to see more of Madeline and her team next season.
Matlock returns in September on Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS.
matlock
The Hunting Party (NBC)
NBC’s The Hunting Party became a fan favorite this season. With an unusual conspiracy theory lurking in a secret prison, it drew audiences in.
Bex Henderson (Melissa Roxburgh), Jacob Hassani (Patrick Sabongui), and Shane Florence (Josh McKenzie) showcased strong team dynamics similar to those of the Time Team on Timeless. We loved that!
The series featured intriguing serial killers, an underlying mystery, romance, and many compelling character arcs. Every character has buried secrets and motivations, and that’s part of the wild ride.
The Hunting Party Season 1 ended on multiple cliffhangers, leaving us relieved that Season 2’s renewal includes a full-season order and more time to address those and the characters’ backstories.
The Hunting Party returns in September on Thursdays at 10/9c on NBC.
Watch The Hunting Party Online
Over to you, TV Fanatics. Which one of these freshman hits do you plan to binge this summer?
Still here? You’re our kind of people.
Drop a word in the comments or share this with a fellow fan — it’s the best way to support indie TV coverage that actually cares about the shows.
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