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FALL 2020 TV SURVEY: 30 MOST ANTICIPATED NEW SHOWS
For Rotten Tomatoes’ annual Fall TV Survey, we asked 1,000 of our users what they’re most looking forward to in the coming TV season and to reflect on the best shows from seasons past.
When film and television production shut down in March, it threw a wrench into the TV production schedule for the rest of the year. Sadly, plenty of series that were initially supposed to premiere in 2020 are now being pushed to 2021 (and potentially beyond). So, while Rotten Tomatoes users were most pumped about the first Disney+ MCU series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, it looks as though they’re going to have to wait a little longer for the Anthony Mackie–Sebastian Stan vehicle.
But there’s still plenty of great television hitting the small screen this year: The No. 1 new show that Rotten Tomatoes users are most looking forward to seeing is The Stand, CBS All Access’ take on the post-apocalyptic Stephen King story that premieres later this year. In second is The Haunting of Bly Manor, the follow-up to The Haunting of Hill House from the same creative team (and much of the same cast).
The gender splits were pretty even, with men and women anticipating each of the titles in pretty similar amounts, though more women are excited for the latest Ryan Murphy–Sarah Paulson collaboration, Netflix’s Ratched (inspired by One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), and more men are looking forward to Hulu’s remake of the beloved animated series Animaniacs.
Disagree with the survey results? Tell us in the comments who you think should have made the list or have been ranked higher.
Updated: The list has been updated since publication to correct an error in the ranking.
Synopsis: A coming-of-age documentary series following a tight-knit group of deaf students at Gallaudet University.
Starring: Rodney Burford, Cheyenna Clearbrooke, Tessa Lewis, Alexa Paulay-Simmons, Renate Rose, Daequan Taylor, Dalton Taylor
Synopsis: Docu-series chronicles the evolution of comedy from within the walls of the legendary L.A. club.
Starring: David Letterman,
Jay Leno,
Chris Rock,
Andrew Dice Clay,
Joe Rogan,
Whitney Cummings,
Jimmie Walker,
Michael Keaton,
Jim Carrey,
Whoopi Goldberg,
Marc Maron,
Damon Wayans, Bill Burr, Byron Allen
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: The Trouble With Maggie Cole is that it's logical leaps and tonal incongruities make for a dizzying viewing experience - albeit one with fun performances that's maybe a little confusing, but never dull.
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: John Slattery is convincing as a charismatic genius, but neXt's procedural formula could have used more of the intelligence possessed by the series' rogue A.I.
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Beautiful, but slight, A Teacher's attempts to unpack its cautionary tale are admirable, even if its approach is too muted to make a meaningful impact.
Synopsis: A raw and sometimes scary front-line search to identify the chain of events that could cause the next global pandemic.
Starring: Chris Golden, James Longman
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Alex Rider's first season takes a minute to find it's footing, but once it does it proves a solid entry into the espionage game that the whole family can enjoy.
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: A modern crime family masterpiece, Gangs of London builds its own empire atop tried and true mafia turf -- complete with engaging drama, exhilarating action, and fine performances all around
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Ethan Hawke dazzles in The Good Lord Bird, an epically irreverent adaptation that does right by its source material's good word.
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Devils has production values and star power to spare - if only the same attention was paid to the writing.
Synopsis: Two-part documentary series about the rise, fall, and epic comeback of global icon Tiger Woods, from executive producer Alex Gibney.
Starring: Tiger Woods (photo by: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Despite some impressive performances, The Comey Rule's chaotic approach to current events clarifies very little, further obscuring the facts of already confusing circumstances without adding much insight.
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Though it struggles to find a strong through line, Monsterland's cross-country scares are a perfect showcase for its talented cast and crew
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Flesh and Blood's non-linear storytelling doesn't always play, but there's no denying the engrossing glory of its colorful mystery.
Synopsis: Ambition knows no bounds, nor does corruption in a political thriller written by David Hare about a scheming UK government minister.
Starring: Hugh Laurie, Helen McCrory
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Though its depiction of France is tré cliché, Emily in Paris is rom-com fantasy at its finest, spectacularly dressed and filled with charming performances.
Synopsis: The six-episode series is a workplace comedy that follows three subpar astronauts living at NASA’s Moon Base Simulator with high hopes of being chosen to travel to the moon.
Starring: Fred Armisen, Tim Heidecker, John C. Reilly
Synopsis: From David E. Kelley, private detectives Cassie Dewell and Cody Hoyt join forces with his estranged wife and ex-cop, Jenny Hoyt, to investigate a kidnapping.
Starring: Kylie Bunbury, Ryan Phillippe, Katheryn Winnick
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Utopia's cast and mystery at times transcend its overtly cynical and overly violent tendencies, but even those willing to look past the torture may find the whole thing too timely - in a bad way.
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Helstrom's strong visual effects can't save it from the fact that its characters simply aren't interesting enough to overcome their familiar setting.
Synopsis: In this reimagining of the classic series, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn.
Starring: Queen Latifah, Chris Noth, Lorraine Toussaint
Synopsis: Following the climactic ending to season 12, this coming holiday season will see the return of one of the Doctor’s biggest and most feared enemies – the Daleks.
Starring: Jodie Whittaker, Tosin Cole, Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: World Beyond's strong performances and new perspective within The Walking Dead universe aren't enough to make it stand out in an increasingly crowded franchise.
Synopsis: A program of eight genre thrillers, the stories are centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces.
Starring: Mireille Enos, Peter Sarsgaard, Joey King, Mamoudou Athie, Phylicia Rashad, Amanda Christine, Sarita Choudhury, Sunita Mani, Omar Maskati, Sydney Sweeney, Madison Iseman, Jacques Colimon
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: The Undoing is a beautifully shot mystery that benefits greatly from Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant's performances - if only its story was as strong as its star power.
Synopsis: Warner brothers, Yakko and Wakko, and the Warner sister Dot, wreak havoc and mayhem in the lives of everyone they meet.
Starring: Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille, Jess Harnell, Maurice LaMarche
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Ratched is undeniably stylish, but salacious plot holes and cartoonish characterizations undermine its gorgeous production and committed performances.
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: It may not be as scary as its predecessor, but with plenty of spooky tricks inside its haunted halls and a strong sense of heart, The Haunting of Bly Manor is another solid entry into Mike Flanagan's growing horrorography.
Adjusted Score: -1%
Critics Consensus: Despite an A-list ensemble and a smattering of poignant moments, The Stand's extended runtime doesn't make for better storytelling, leaving its expansive cast stranded in a cluttered apocalypse.
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