I’ve reviewed a number of good shows already here at the Babble. BBC America doesn’t appear to be slowing down, as they have a host of new series, movies and fresh seasons of established faves on tap for 2009. Here’s a quick preview of what’s in store for the coming months.
- Mistresses – Debuts this Friday night at 8pm. Its normal time slot will be Fridays at 9pm. Four 30-something friends ponder their relationship woes. They all share one thing in common: infidelity. Looks like a Brit version of Sex and the City. Let’s hope it’s not as obnoxious. I’ll give it a watch and do a more extensive review down the road.
- Ashes to Ashes - The eagerly anticipated sequel to Life on Mars is set to premiere March 7. I’ve been looking forward to this, being a huge fan of the original series. This chapter has female Detective Inspector Alex Drake being transported from 2008 to 1981, where she puts her psychological profiling skills to work. Gene Hunt, Ray Carling and Chris Skelton return from Life on Mars. Executive producer Jane Featherstone describes the series as, “a touch of Moonlighting teamed with a measure of Miami Vice.” Sounds good to me.
- Season 3 of Skins – The teen dramedy will return in the spring with a brand new cast of problem-laden teens battling the demons of adolescence. I’ve watched a few episodes from season two. It’s a pretty gritty show; the complete opposite of Beverly Hills 90210 and Gossip Girl.
- Season 12 of Top Gear – I really dig Top Gear. If you don’t believe me, read my review here. The new season debuted Monday, February 9. You don’t have to be a car person to like this show. It’s damn entertaining, so check it out.
In addition, the top-rated Torchwood will be back sometime this year for a five-episode run, as will the full ten-episode season 3 of Primeval. I haven’t come across exact air dates for either, but I’ll be sure to update everyone when I do.
BBC America has also acquired two new sci-fi dramas set to premiere late in 2009.
- Being Human – This has an interesting premise: an exploration into the dark, secretive world of a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Feeding off the popularity of the Underworld movies, it has potential. Six one-hour episodes have been ordered.
- Survivors - A post-apocalyptic thriller about life on earth after a deadly virus annihilates 99.9% of the population. Yikes! Centers around Abby Grant, the leader of a group of survivors, who is searching for her son. Similar to the 28 Days Later movies and I Am Legend. A 90-minute pilot and five one-hour installments are slated to air.
There seems to be a something for everyone during the coming year. So, if you’re an Anglophile like me or just an admirer of cool, inventive series, stay tuned to BBC America in 2009.
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Survivors is rubbish. Boring, poorly written and pointless.
Yikes! Not a very ringing endorsement. I’ll still give it a watch when he premieres.
Well I enjoyed Survivors. It had it’s slow moments, and was a bit cliched. It’s back for a second series over here and I’m looking forward to that.
It must be the year for remakes.. Survivors.. The Prisoner.. and Day of the Triffids are all coming back.
Ashes to Ashes was really not as good as Life on Mars, sadly.
Gene Hunt’s still Gene Hunt, which is cool & the gang, but the main character lost me with every episode that aired & the mystery was good but the episodes were much weaker.
Being Human is AWESOME! Episode 4 aired the other day on BBC3 & it’s really well done, really dark stuff.
Try grab the pilot to watch before the series is shown because they skip the backstory in the proper series (although all but the werewolf are different actors, which surprisingly isn’t a problem)
I wouldn’t compare it to Underworld though, it’s not really action packed.
I’m really enjoying Skins as well, despite it being a totally new cast (also) but the reason being they’re sticking with college age young people. The main complaints about that show is that “it promotes sex & drugs to kids” but it’s shown at 10pm so not for kids, and I’d say it reflects youth rather than promoting it. Good stuff
What about Wire in the Blood, Waking The Dead and Silent Witness ? I love these shows, great quality and casts . I know they ran new episodes in the UK recently, so when will BBCamerica bring these back. I don’t watch Top Gear (which if it’s your cup of tea cool just never got into it myself) but it seems that it’s been on non stop on Mondays for awhile. Couldn’t they bench it or move it and bring back mystery monday. I also really enjoy Hotel Babylon. It’s a fun show.
Hey you hear anything about Law and Order:UK with Jamie Bamber & Freema Agyeman. I know it’s not on BBC over there but I think BBCamerica would be smart to grab it. Two likable stars in a format that has proven popular here in the states.
just thought I’d ask?
I’m excited for the return or Torchwood (wish it was with more episodes though) and Primeval and will try out Being Human and Survivors. I’m also interested in the new cast of Skins. Really liked Tony and Maxie on there and will miss those characters.
Now I only watched one episode of Life On Mars (only have so much time and I watch tons of tv – also taped all the fall episodes of the US version but had to let it go) so I might not get into Ashes to Ashes
Nothing to report on Waking the Dead or Wire in the Blood. Waking has been removed from BBC America’s website. However, the show is on season 8 across the pond, so I imagine it will return, although maybe not this year.
Law and Order:UK premieres over there Monday night, so it will be a while before the US gets it.
Series 2 of Life on Mars will air before Ashes to Ashes starting March 7. Check it out, it’s a good show. The US version, IMO, is awful.
Another vote here for Being Human. Excellent show