Check out our indispensable guide to the best TV shows coming up this year…
The Voice (March, BBC One)
Hopeful stars in the making, celebrity judges, live sing-offs and a record deal up for grabs. It might sound as if The X-Factor juggernaut is rolling into town early, but we are in fact talking about The Voice, the much-hyped new BBC talent show coming soon to Saturday nights. With Jessie J (pictured), will.i.am, Tom Jones and Danny O’Donoghue confirmed as judges, this sing-off show with a twist is set to create a buzz.
Image: Sipa Press/Rex Features
Homeland (Channel 4)
Scooping a handful of Golden Globes for its first series, Homeland is the new thriller from the makers of 24 that everyone’s talking about. Claire Danes is mesmerising in her role as a troubled CIA agent. Investigating a newly freed American prisoner of war played by Damian Lewis, she’s convinced the intelligence that led to his rescue was a set-up and this national hero might not be as squeaky clean as he seems. Unmissable.
Titanic (ITV, April 2012)
One of the most hotly-anticipated dramas of the year is ITV’s new production of Titanic. Marking the centenary of the tragic voyage, if one person could give a fresh re-telling of the story it’s Downton Abbey’s Julian Fellowes. Expect epic drama with more than 100 characters from all parts of the ship – upper and lower class, crew and staff. Mystery, romance and tragedy and boasting a brilliant supporting cast.
Love Life (BBC One)
Our romantic natures couldn’t resist this new series made up of five over-lapping stories all of which explore the reality of love in the modern world. Each story poses a ‘what if’ dilemma. The first episode revolves around David Tennant (pictured), a happily married man who is thrown into crisis when he is unexpectedly reunited with his first love… with consequences.
Image: David Fisher/Rex Features
Dallas (Channel 5)
In the era of 80s musical comebacks, why shouldn’t our favourite TV programmes have a revival too? The good news is that the smash-hit 80s soap is coming back and we can’t wait to return to the ranch for more gripping affairs, rivalries and Dallas-esque dramas. Original cast members JR and his long-suffering wife Sue Ellen are returning too. Surely this can’t disappoint?!
The Fuse (BBC One)
It’s always a pleasure to have former Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston back on the small screen. In The Fuse he plays troubled local councilman Daniel Demoy. After a night on the bottle, he wakes up wondering if he might be responsible for a murder. With his life threatening to fall apart, he’s forced to travel a grueling journey of personal redemption.
We're also excited about…
...Bad Sugar, the new Channel 4 comedy from the creators of Peep Show and Fresh Meat; Nemesis (BBC One), a spy thriller starring Melissa George (Home & Away, Grey’s Anatomy) and US import Apartment 23 (E4) featuring James Van Der Beek. Crime fans can’t miss Ripper Street (BBC One) starring Downton’s Matthew Macfadyen (pictured) and Savage (BBC One), a new spin-off detective drama set in Liverpool.
Image: Tim Rooke/Rex Features
Spring is coming and whilst it’s still chilly outside, there’s never been a better excuse to curl up in front of the TV with the remote control and a supply of snacks to hand. Whether you fancy epic drama, a gripping thriller or the latest reality show, here’s our guide to the best new shows...
Words: Tara King
Have we missed any vital viewings off our list? What are you excited about watching this year? Tell us in the comments box below or tweet us at @tescomagazine.
