Spring TV Veterans


Usually in this weekly space I look at new scripted series, but the schedule affords us a small break in the flood of new original content. Don't worry, more new shows premier this week (starting tonight, actually), so we'll be able to start our summer roundup next week. But for now, I thought I'd pause a moment and highlight some of the veteran shows that are back, or are about to be back, that are available for you to binge and enjoy.

The Americans, Season Six, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on F/X (Premiered March 28)
About: This is the final season for "The Americans," the fine period drama on F/X that focuses on a couple of Russian sleeper agents (Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys) in Washington, D.C. in the 1980s. The final season bowed a few weeks ago, and is nearing the mid-point of its 10-episode final season. If you haven't seen this show, I recommend going back and catching the first five seasons. But for fans, it's thrilling to see how this story is going to come to an end. My guess is not happily. But that's life. It's worth it for the excellent writing and craft, particularly the performances of Rhys and Russell in the lead roles.

Bosch, Season Four, Now Streaming on Amazon Prime (Premiered April 13)
About: I look forward to the annual spring release of "Bosch," the detective series based on the novels from Michael Connelly. The series was developed by Eric Overmeyer, a long-time collaborator with David Simon on shows like "The Wire" and "Treme." And this show boasts a few "Wire" vets in Lance Reddick and Jamie Hector, but it's the performance of Titus Welliver in the lead role of LAPD Det. Harry Bosch that is the anchor for the series. I enjoyed the first season, but I've thought the successive seasons have been even better. This fourth season was a really fun ride, with episode four being one of my favorites this year. If you enjoy interesting crime dramas, all four seasons of "Bosch" are waiting for you on Prime. Just know it will be hard to stop once you get going. "Bosch" remains one of my favorite shows in the TV landscape, and one of the rare prestige dramas not taking 2018 off.

Brockmire, Season 2, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on IFC (Premiers April 25)
About: The first season of "Brockmire" caught me by surprise. And if you want to savor it, you can catch all eight episodes in a marathon tomorrow on IFC leading into the season two premier. Hank Azaria is great as the boozy, down-on-his-luck baseball announcer, and Amanda Peet was incredible in a supporting role. This was one of the most consistently interesting and funny shows I saw last year, and I can't wait to see what it does for an encore in season two.

The Handmaids Tale, Season 2, Streaming on Hulu (Premiers April 25)
About: "Brockmire" isn't the only highlight of 2017 that returns tomorrow. Hulu brings back "The Handmaids Tale," with the first two episodes debuting tomorrow before new episodes appear each subsequent Wednesday. I will say this, the series based on the novel from Margaret Atwood, is bleak to put it kindly. The dystopic future society presented in the show is harsh, and this is certainly not a binge-worthy show since I can't imagine watching more than a couple at any one time. But the craft here is incredible, including the rich performance from Elisabeth Moss, who won the Emmy last year. Doubtless this new season will offer fresh horrors, and will at times be a chore to watch (moreso given some of our actual world climate that makes the tenets of this series not seem so far off), but if you're a fan of well-crafted fare, it might be worth diving in again.

Legion, Season 2, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on F/X (Premiered April 3)
About: There was no show in 2017 that had a more fascinating and dynamic visual aesthetic than "Legion." Sometimes the story was difficult to follow and went in strange directions, but the performances were great, and the story was fascinating. Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, really everyone in the show was great. And Noah Hawley continues to be one of the most interesting showrunners on TV. "Legion" was bold, different and exciting. Season two has continued that trend. Each episode features incredible, mind-blowing visuals. And while I don't always understand where it's going, I'm certainly enjoying the ride with "Legion." If you're looking for something that's completely unique, this is the show for you. And it's quick, eight-episode first season is an easy binge.

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