The 15 hottest TV shows of 2018: From sci-fi reboot 'Lost in Space' to Marvel's 'Cloak & Dagger'
If you believe all the excitement and action goes down only at the big screens, you might want to think again. Simply put, the small screen is sizzling all year around with quality television taking over our "must-watch-lists." Why flock to the theaters, when from the comfort of the couch, it is possible to binge on engaging dramas, gripping thrillers, and rebooted versions of fan-favorite sci-fi TV shows?
So much so that, the entire plethora of superhero universe is also making a move towards television. On one hand, streaming services like Netflix has continued to reign supreme with its catalog of comics adaptations (read 'Luke Cage,' 'The Punisher' and so on) and on the other hand, younger and newer Marvel stories - a certain 'Cloak & Dagger' - is taking shape over at Freeform.
Hand in hand, quality content and entertainment value together, have helped us compile this ultimate line-up of 2018's fifteen hottest TV shows - a list worth bookmarking, lest you miss out.
1. 'Everything Sucks' - Netflix
Riding high on the '90s nostalgia, back in February, streaming giant Netflix treated viewers to the high school dramedy, 'Everything Sucks', which in more ways than not reminded people of a certain Loser Club (from the thriller, 'IT') or the fellow fab 5 from 'Stranger Things'. The premise of the show is pretty simple - a quiet town of Boring, a bunch of high-school misfits, one will they/won't they couple, and Kate Messner (starring Peyton Kennedy) who is a sophomore coming to terms with her sexuality.
It's no easy task being the one who stands out in high-school, and even more cumbersome when the topic is as personal as sexuality. Treading along the lines of LGBTQ issues, the show explored serious characters and storyline through the eyes of teens. Unfortunately, just after one season, Netflix canceled this show - even more reasons to binge-watch and join the ongoing campaign to bring back 'Everything Sucks.'
2. 'Killing Eve' - BBC
A show touted as Sandra Oh's breakout role after spending 10 years on Shonda Rhimes medical drama 'Grey's Anatomy' as Dr. Cristina Yang, 'Killing Eve' has made it to this list for reasons more than just Oh. Of course, the actress' portrayal of a bored MI5 agent Eve is one to watch out for, but what makes the psychopathic-assassin-meets-cop-thriller more exciting is the villainy of Villanelle (played by Jodie Comer).
As this brilliant combination engages in a game of hunt and chase, they risk nothing, and they will stop at nothing. It's one stylish spy-thriller worth watching.
3. Barry - HBO
From Alec Berg and Bill Hader, HBO's 'Barry' is ramshackle of a comedy and that's what makes it brilliant. The plot deconstructs a typical struggling actor in LA storyline by using the titular character Barry (Hader) and his backstory. He is a Midwestern hitman, who has traveled all the way to Los Angeles to kill someone. Wait for it... here's where it gets legend...Upon his arrival in the city, Barry finds himself gravitating towards the local arts scene. He even takes up an acting class, thus rolling the ball on a hilarious 30 min-episode, premiering early in March.
The good news - the show is coming back for a second run.
4. 'Trust' - FX
The show has a 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.7 rating on IMDB. But that's just what the critics have to say, and rightly so. Created by Simon Beaufoy for FX, 'Trust' is a 10-episode anthology series, set in 1973 and revolving around the life of the outrageously wealthy Getty family. Tension begins to skyrocket within the four walls of this dynasty especially after the kidnapping of then-teenage John Paul Getty III, the heir to the Getty family fortune.
If not for director Danny Boyle's flawlessness, the show is a must watch for Donald Sutherland, Hilary Swank, and Brendan Fraser, who have brought their Emmy game to the show.
5. 'Vida' - Starz
'Vida' is the call of the times. A Mexican-American drama, at the heart of this involving Starz series, are sisters Emma and Lyn, incredible in their own ways and extremely distanced when brought together in close quarters. From the comfort of the Eastside of Los Angeles, a family tragedy forces the siblings to touch base on their roots - an experience that brings out a million shades of their character and tragic flaws.
Based on Richard Villegas Jr' short story 'Pour Vida', the half-hour drama is elevated by the sheer talent of leading duo, Melissa Barrera and Mishel Prada. No wonder, the series has a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
6. 'Lost in Space' - Netflix
If this recent offering from Netflix sounds familiar it's because the show is a reboot of the 1965 original of the same name. It all begins with the Robinson family and their misadventures. Aimed at exploring the vast unknows of the space, this pioneering space colonist family becomes witness to strange beings and robots after crash-landing on an alien planet.
In a survival of the fittest situation, writers Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless do their best to deliver thrills wrapped in mystery while showrunner Zack Estrin executed them via leading stars Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins.
7. 'The Terror' - AMC
Not for no reason has AMC's 'The Terror,' starring the best of British and American talents - Game of Thrones' Tobias Menzies, Jared Harris, and Paul Ready amongst others - become such a talking point amongst fans. The genre is interestingly a mixture of drama and horror and oddly enough, set in the Canadian Arctic. When the crew of Royal Navy's polar explorer ships gets stuck in the ice, those aboard must fight the worst of nature, harsh weather conditions, isolation, and a horrifying creature who is out there haunting the lot. Since the series premiere back in March, AMC has quickly renewed 'The Terror,' banking on the show's rave review and popularity with the fans of the horror genre.
8. 'Pose' - FX
Another masterpiece from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, American drama 'Pose' explores the "juxtaposition of several segments of life and society in New York." Namely the rise of the Trump' political era and literary and social scene downtown in 1987. Members of the 'House Evangelista' form the vehicle through which this acclaimed FX drama takes an acute look at the Harlem ball scene. While the subject couldn't be more relevant in the present times, what makes the series more real is its stunning cast boasting names like MJ Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, Evan Peters and Kate Mara.
9. 'Sharp Objects' - HBO
Amongst the many reasons to keep an eye on this psychological thriller - premiered this July on HBO - is Oscar-nominated actress Amy Adams, who brings to life the lead character of Camille Preaker. Confident in its very approach, the plot is centered on Preaker, a crime reporter who after battling her own mental issues is back to the base, solving murders mysteries in her home-town. Since its premiere, the Marti Noxon-created series has already earned rave reviews, and we can only hope the producers continue with the saga beyond its current 8-episode plan.
10. Marvel's 'Cloak & Dagger' - Freeform
In times, when superhero movies are all the rage, it was only a matter of time before Marvel brought its A-game to the small screen. Following in the footsteps of the many comic-based adaptations that came before it, Marvel's 'Cloak & Dagger', however, brings all the action to New Orleans - the place where teenage heroes-to-be, Tandy Bowen (aka Dagger) and Tyrone Johnson (Cloak) come to terms with their powers and develop a romantic relationship.
As is the case with every Marvel offerings, some way or the other, the studios will find a way to integrate the storyline with the other ongoing shows in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - just enough impetus to pay attention to the young heroes?
11. 'Altered Carbon' - Netflix
One hand there is superhero reality and on the other hand, lies the scope of dystopian futures. Exploring the limitless possibilities the latter offers, Netflix's 'Altered Carbon' is set 300 years in the future, and the plot toys around with engineered chips that can control human memory.
In this futuristic world, human beings are reduced to mere sleeves or vessels - and this is where Joel Kinnaman's lead, Takeshi comes in. After waking up from a deep sleep, Takeshi is left with limited options - solve a murder case or spend his entire life in prison.
12. 'Succession' - HBO
History has it - dysfunctional American media moguls make for great drama. And HBO's latest, 'Succession' aims at experimenting with this very formula with the help of the Roy family - a powerful, wealthy, and overreaching group who exert control over the biggest media and entertainment conglomerates. Things start spiraling out of control when the future is left uncertain in the wake of an aging Logan Roy stepping down from his position at the company.
Created by Jesse Armstrong, the drama deserves a watch for its lead cast - Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox, and Kieran Culkin.
13. 'Dietland' - AMC
It won't be much of an exaggeration to say AMC is ruling the 2018 roster of quality television. Again, a series hatched from the brains of Noxon, 'Dietland' is based on Sarai Walker's novel of the same name and against all odds, hopes to create a lasting impression with a 300-pound protagonist. While one would be inclined to believe it's an unattainable feat, actress Joy Nash effortlessly achieves it, lighting up the screen each time she breaks into one of her monologues.
14. 'Cobra Kai' - Youtube
If you loved the Karate Kid film series, chances are, this latest American comedy-drama series that premiered on YouTube Premium would appeal to your taste as well. Thirty-four years after the events of the original movie, the series starring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka in returning roles as Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence picks up with a rekindled rivalry between the pair. If nostalgia is one reason making 'Cobra Kai' a binge-essential, the series' talented creatives is another. It's already been renewed for a second season, and we can't wait.
15. 'Castle Rock' - Hulu
Netflix might have been leading the game with 2018's newest offerings, but Hulu is about to break the streak with its upcoming release, 'Castle Rock' - also the only show on our list which is yet to premiere. Based on the stories of Stephen King, the series falls in the psychological horror genre, revolving around the fictional town of Castle Rock.
With intertwining characters and themes, and Bill Skarsgård's appearance, 'Castle Rock' has caught out eyes. Bring on the chills!