It’s the end of March, the time when many television networks must decide which shows will remain and which shows will be unplugged. Many fan favorites will be making a reappearance.
“Hawaii Five-O”
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This series began in 2010 and is based on the 1968 series set on Oahu, otherwise known as paradise. It follows the specialized task force, Five-O, as they solve high-profile crimes and navigate their personal lives in Honolulu. Though Five-O team has substituted a myriad of members over time; the original four have remained within the team, and their characters have grown significantly within the last seven years. Former Navy SEAL Steve McGarrett, played by Alex O’Loughlin, is the leader of Five-O. He is partnered with his second-in-command, New Jersey native Danny ‘Danno’ Williams, played by Scott Caan. Cousins Chin Ho Kelly, played by Daniel Dae Kim and Kono Kalakaua, played by Grace Park, are native Hawaiians that round out the original Five-O team. Filled with plenty of action, gunfire, explosions, personal vendettas and often dark crimes, it’s no surprise this show has been renewed for its upcoming eighth season. Book ’em, Danno!
“Blue Bloods”
This police procedural and legal drama premiered in 2010. It features the Reagan family in New York City, who are each somehow involved in law enforcement. Veteran actor Tom Selleck plays Frank Reagan, the family patriarch and NYPD Police Commissioner. Donnie Wahlberg, Will Estes and Bridget Moynahan play Frank Reagan’s sons and daughter. Wahlberg and Estes are police officers and Moynahan is Assistant District Attorney Erin Reagan. Every Sunday, the family gathers at their childhood home for dinner and debate over their cases, which sometimes intersect. They’ll continue cleaning up the streets of the Big Apple for an eighth season in the upcoming year.
“Bull”
This legal dramedy, loosely based on the real-life experiences of Dr. Phil McGraw, premiered in 2016. Michael Weatherly stars as Dr. Jason Bull, a psychologist and “trial science” expert that leads a consulting firm called Trial Analysis Corporation. Bull’s mission is to select the right jurors in trials for his respective clients, as well as analyze argument tactics that will ensure winning jurors over. This series is perfect for anyone currently studying or honing an interest in psychology or criminal justice. “Bull” has been renewed for a second season, so there’s plenty more “trial science” to discover.
“Kevin Can Wait”
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This sitcom, which stars Kevin James as Kevin Gable, premiered in 2016. Gable is a recently retired police officer who looks forward to his newfound free time with his wife, kids and fellow retired officers. He quickly discovers things at home may be just as messy as they are out on the streets. Funny and upbeat, this show is a fun way to wind down, and likely laugh, at Kevin’s misfortunes in retirement. Season two is under way.
“Supernatural”
Starring Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles as brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, the series follows the two as they take on everything supernatural. Since 2005, they’ve traveled around in style in Dean Winchester’s “Baby,” a stylish black 1967 Chevrolet Impala, hunting demons, ghosts, monsters and the like. Since they make their money illegally to pay for equipment, Sam and Dean are often at odds with the law, which adds to the exciting fantasy and horror program. Take a ride with Sam and Dean for lucky season 13 in the near future.
“Lethal Weapon”
Based on the film franchise, this series is a modern-day rendition of Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs, played by Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford. This show rethinks the classic buddy cop story, providing a fresh look at the partnership of two unlikely friends. Riggs is still unstable, with plenty of witty one-liners and reckless stunts, while Murtaugh is still as grounded and annoyed with Riggs as he ever was. They’ll be back, raising hell in the way only they can, for a second season.
“This Is Us”
This hit stars Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore as husband and wife duo Jack and Rebecca Pearson, who are raising three children. They have twins, Kate and Kevin, and Randall, the Pearsons’ adopted son. This show operates both in the past and present, following the children as they grow up and detailing each of their struggles now as adults, as well as the struggles of their parents. In each episode, we are taken for an emotional roller coaster. Audiences everywhere have taken to this show, which has led to its renewal for not only a second season, but a third season as well. Stock up on those tissues.
“The Good Place”
Eleanor Shellstrop, played by Kristen Bell, is recently deceased and finds herself in “The Good Place,” a version of heaven created by architect Michael, played by Ted Danson. She quickly finds that she’s wound up in the wrong place, as she is mistaken for another Eleanor Shellstrop that’s achieved a multitude of good deeds. Afraid of her less-than-honorable past behavior being discovered, Eleanor tries to change for the better. Watch her struggle to be a good citizen in the afterlife in both the first season and the upcoming second season.
Other fan favorites from a range of different networks will be making returns in the future—“Grey’s Anatomy,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” “Supergirl,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “The Royals” and “Portlandia.”
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