Winter TV previews for your viewing pleasure
January 19, 2026 10:57 PM
A void left by the season finales of stellar shows such as Dexter, Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, and The Walking Dead last fall is in need of being filled. With few hours available for students to indulge in TV, this list will hopefully sort through the onslaught of new and returning shows by shining a light on those worth encroaching on studying time. Or this could be considered a list of what to watch when Glee, Grey’s and hockey are not on.
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (Starz)
While this is a prequel to Spartacus: Blood and Sand, it will more than likely live up to expectations that were high after the incredibly bloody end of season one. Actor Andy Whitfield who played Spartacus will be recast due to an ongoing battle with cancer and in the meantime this prequel without the title character will continue by fleshing out the backgrounds of the supporting cast. With plenty of sex and violence, this will satisfy the Roman plebian in viewers.
Breaking Bad (AMC)
Arguably the best drama on television, the plot follows a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal cancer who utilizes his chemistry skills to make meth in order to ensure a future for his family. Known for its cliffhanger endings and how-will-he-get-out-of-this situation moments and the moral implications involved with providing for one’s family with far reaching consequences.
V (ABC)
The second season of this sci-fi remake is tough to judge and is not for everyone. A ‘what the hell is going on’ ending to last season will bring viewers back but so far the original series box set provides more bang for a viewer’s time. Sensing this sentiment, the writers plan to bring characters from the original to support this sci-fi show.
Parks and Recreation (NBC)
Like The Office, Parks needed a second season for viewers to get to know its characters and develop its town setting. With the addition of Rob Lowe to the cast and the return of a slate of characters that have finally hit their stride, this show could be an adequate replacement for people tiring of the same weekly antics on The Office. Unfortunately it does not appear that DJ Roomba will be joining the show full time.
Greek (ABC Family)
For students that cannot get enough of college life, Greek provides a picturesque image of life on a fictional US campus rife with angst and college humour this show is back for a short run in its fourth season as most of the characters have graduated. If any show can get college life so wrong it is this one but that is where the entertainment value comes from.
Californication (Showtime)
Playing yourself on television has worked out well for Charlie Sheen in Two and a Half Men, so it is not all that surprising that David Duchovony works well as a sex-addicted celebrity author. While the plot follows his character’s four season battle with writer’s block, it is the tense situations and continuum of self-loathing left in the wake of his exploits that will keep people coming back for more.
Men of a Certain Age (USA)
For those interested in exploring the neurosis of middle-aged men this show is for you. Starring Ray Ramano and Scott Bakula (playing a washed up actor no less) as childhood friends dealing with the trials of “manopause.” With quality dramas disappearing, this show might satisfy the need for some light humor and teary moments.
Justified (USA)
At risk at being typecast as brooding U.S. marshal, Timothy Olyphant returns for a second season. For fans of the canceled Deadwood, it is great to see the actor playing something other than a Die Hard villain. The show follows a U.S. marshal in modern day rural Kentucky as he uses an itchy trigger finger to bring meth dealers to justice.
Bob’s Burgers (FOX)
A new animated show on Fox following a family of burger shop proprietors. A new addition to the famed Sunday night cartoon lineup but after the Cleveland show’s debut, expectations are low.
Episodes (Showtime)
From the network that has brought us Dexter, Weeds and Californication brings a show starring Friends’ Mat Leblanc. This comedy centers on a team of writers bringing a British series to American television screens while attempting to maintain the soul of the show.
Off the Map (ABC)
Without Lost to satisfy viewers for the first winter in half a decade, ABC is turning to a formula that seems perfect: Lost’s exotic locale with a cast of sexy doctors frolicking in the tropics. If this were not enough to garner an audience, Grey’s Anatomy fans will be pleased to know the show is by the same creative team.. Previews seem to indicate that the show will be much of the same with less shirts and more snakes.
Jersey Shore (MTV)
Jersey Shore is back for a third season. Somehow.