The new television season has begun and what do you know? It’s mostly shit, but that’s why we’re here. We watch all the crap new shows that networks spew out for Nielsen numbers and filter out the stuff not worth watching. After a lot of bad television we’ve narrowed it all down to two shows….yes only two new shows are worth watching this fall. One a comedy and the other a thrilling drama. The only criteria is that the shows need to be brand new (airing in the new fall season). So let’s get started.

 

Homeland

Channel: Showtime
Premiere Date: October 2, 2011
How do I explain this show? Ok, an American Marine who was held captive by Al-Qaeda as a POW has been found and brought home. He instantly becomes a war hero to the public, but there’s something suspicious about him…. That’s as far as I can go without spoiling it for you. Homeland is filled with more twists and turns than a Kim Kardashian prom night. The acting is top notch with great performances all around. The show stars Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers), Claire Danes (Romeo + Juliet), and my eternal dream woman Morena Baccarin (Firefly). My thoughts of the series have ranged from good to amazing to mind blowing. Almost every episode leaves you with either a cliffhanger or a sudden distrust in a main character. The show is simply amazing and makes Sundays the best day of television.


 

Life’s Too Short

Channel: BBC Two
Premiere Date: November 10, 2011
Ok, maybe declaring it the “best new show” only after one episode is a bit much, but it really is the best new comedy on television. Life’s Too Short is a cross between Extras and Curb Your Enthusiasm, but with a dwarf. Not just any dwarf, but Warwick Davis (Star Wars, Willow, The Leprechaun). Davis plays a fictionalized version of himself going through some hard times. As he tries to find work and get his life back together we meet some A-list celebrities at their comedic best. Liam Neeson, Steve Carell, and Johnny Depp just to name a few. Did I mention the show is written and created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant? If that hasn’t sold you yet, just watch the scene below.