EVERY year, major cable networks around the world premiere shows with hopes that they will become the next big television series. Some inevitably get axed just a few episodes in, but others will stand the test of time and go on screening for years and winning all sorts of awards in the process. Here are live it’s five favourites that premiered in 2014.
Gotham
In this retelling of the Batman story, the focus is on the period between the death of Bruce Wayne’s parents and when he becomes Batman. We get to meet the rise of some of Batman’s biggest foes: Penguin, Catwoman, Riddler, Two-Face, Scarecrow and Poison Ivy, among others. It examines all the characters’ relationships, particularly the one between young Bruce Wayne and James Gordon (the future Commissioner). The story about Gotham City’s underworld is also intriguing.
The Flash
Networks seem to be cashing in on the revitalisation of superhero movies in recent years. The Flash TV series is no different. Featuring the DC Comics character, we follow him as he fights crime using his superhuman speed. The Flash is made by the same people who created hit TV show, Arrow. There are many similar elements in both shows. So, if you like one, you’d probably like the other!
BBC Life Story
Ever since BBC revolutionised the world of nature documentaries in 2006 with their incredible series, Life on Earth, the first nature documentary to be shot in high definition, they have gone on to produce ever more breathtaking shows. This year, David Attenborough is back again with Life Story, a six-part series that follows various animal species throughout the stages of their lives. At the end of each episode, viewers are treated to a 10-minute behind-the- scenes view of the filmmakers’ astoundingly difficult job of getting the best shots.
Forever
Step aside, vampires. It’s time for another sort of immortal... a doctor! Forever follows Dr Henry Morgan, a 200-year-old immortal who works as a medical examiner in New York City. Morgan uses his job to study the dead in an attempt to solve the mystery of his own immortality. In his 200 years, he has died numerous times — first while working as a doctor in the African slave trade, and then resurrecting. Forever is an interesting take on immortality and the quest to uncover its secrets.
How to Get Away with Murder
Shonda Rhimes, creator of hit TV series Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice is back again, this time with How to Get Away with Murder, a legal drama series about law professor, Annalise Kating, who becomes entangled with a murder plot, along with her students. Critical reception of How to Get Away with Murder has been phenomenal, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a rating of 86% based on 57 reviews.
This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on December 16, 2014.