CarterMatt Awards 2017: SEAL Team, The Good Doctor, SWAT among Best New Show nominees
Over the past twelve months there have been dozens upon dozens of new shows that have premiered. Yet, only a select few make the list of Best New Show candidates for our 6th annual CarterMatt Awards. These are shows that were entertaining, fun, awe-inspiring, and certainly emotional. They got off on the right foot and have us excited to see what else is coming up.
There is no criteria for this category beyond just that the shows have to had premiered within the calendar year 2017. Our CarterMatt staff picks don’t necessarily have to still be in their first season.
(Note: If you are on mobile and cannot see the poll, scroll to the bottom of the article and click to view the non-AMP version.)
Now, without further ado, let’s get to the nominations.
The Brave (NBC) – There were three military-themed dramas that started the fall season; The Brave has done the best job of building up its characters and getting you excited about them. While the subject matter is important, getting to know and love the characters is equally so. We’re worried about its season 2 odds, but the writers and producers should be thrilled with its progression.
Godless (Netflix) – After the end of Hell on Wheels we were concerned that we were not going to have another great Western for a rather long time. Then, Godless came around and delivered an incredible dose of quality television. It was everything you’d want for a series in the genre — great acting, smart writing, and the perfect dose of substance and atmosphere. The only bummer is that it’s just for one season.
The Good Doctor (ABC) – It’s taken much of the country by storm and for good reason. Freddie Highmore shines as Dr. Shaun Murphy in a story about overcoming obstacles and self-acceptance. While medicine is a significant part of the show, that’s just the foundation — there is a whole lot more bubbling underneath the surface here.
Legion (FX) – A smart, visually stunning, and at times harrowing journey through the mind of a man still trying to understand himself. There is nothing quite like Legion on television, and we say that even knowing that there are about a billion other comic-book shows. Dan Stevens was a star before this thanks to Downton Abbey, but he’s even more of a star now.
Riverdale (The CW) – It’s hard to fathom that the show premiered just earlier this year, but that is in fact the case! Nobody knew whether or not a dark take on the Archie Comics mythology would work, but it’s been one of the most engrossing and entertaining shows on TV from the jump. It’s built a dedicated following and it’s not just because people grew up reading Archie; it’s earned its loyal viewers.
SEAL Team (CBS) – The second military-themed show on the list and an equally entertaining one thanks to both the performance of David Boreanaz and the producers doing a great job working these action-packed stories into a familiar CBS mold. It’s a show that feels warm and familiar for the network’s viewers, even though it does still find a way to sneak in the occasional surprise here and there. It’s absolutely worthwhile entertainment.
The Sinner (USA) – Intense, dark, and mysterious, The Sinner was the perfect summer show — it kept you guessing until the very end and, at least for a little while, helped you forget that you were even missing fall or spring TV. Kudos to Jessica Biel and Bill Pullman for giving some of the best performances of their careers.
SWAT (CBS) – Our final nominee had our attention from the moment we learned that both Shemar Moore and executive producer Shawn Ryan were involved. The end result of the collaboration is another great action-packed CBS show. It’s one that is chock full of great character moments but also timely, relevant stories that give you a true sense of the fabric of Los Angeles.