The arrival of 2021 brings a new year full of questions about how the coronavirus pandemic will continue to impact us all. Just as normal routines and rituals have been transformed, so has TV, which makes the Winter TV 2021 season as unpredictable as 2020 has been. Production delays caused by COVID-19 cases have already kept some shows from resuming production, and seem likely to be a factor as 2021 goes on.
With all the stress and uncertainty of a difficult time, TV has been where we turn for a bit of escapism, or enlightenment. Whether it’s shows that ignore the pandemic, or those that respond to the new reality, TV gives us something to dream about, and think about.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights coming to a screen near you, in this strange 2021 winter TV season.
“Headspace Guide to Meditation”: This series that sounds like something plenty of us could use as 2021 launches. Headspace, the online company specializing in meditation and mindfulness offerings, teams with Netflix for a new animated series, narrated by Headspace cofounder Andy Puddicombe. The new series is intended to outline some of the basics of meditation, along with information on how to begin a meditation practice. (Streaming now on Netflix)
“Mr. Mayor”: Ted Danson returns in a new sitcom created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock (“30 Rock”), in which Danson plays a retired businessman who is unexpectedly victorious in his long-shot campaign for mayor of Los Angeles. The cast includes Holly Hunter and Bobby Moynihan. With that cast, and this creative team, here’s hoping “Mr. Mayor” has a solid first term. (Premieres Jan. 7, 8 p.m. NBC)
Ted Danson as Mayor Neil Bremer and Bobby Moynihan as Jayden Kwapis in "Mr. Mayor."(Photo: Mitchell Haddad/NBC)Mitchell Haddad/NBC
“All Creatures Great and Small”: James Herriot’s books again provide the inspiration for a series about the adventures of a veterinarian in 1930s Yorkshire. Nicholas Ralph and Samuel West lead the cast in this new series, which follows an earlier TV adaptation, which premiered in 1978. It may not be the most innovative program, but right about now, seeing green countryside, animals and soft-spoken people sounds like a mini-vacation. (Premieres Jan. 10, 9 p.m. PBS)
“Tiger”: A two-part documentary that explores the life and career of superstar golfer Tiger Woods, digging into the ambitions and demons that have driven his highs and lows. Woods’ career is remarkable, both for his victories and epic mistakes, which makes this documentary sound intriguing. (Premieres Jan. 10, 9 p.m. HBO)
“WandaVision”: Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been eagerly awaiting this new series, which promises to blend superheroics with the look and feel of such vintage sitcoms as “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” The series features Marvel Comics characters Wanda Maximoff, aka Scarlet Witch, and the android known as Vision. Details of what their latest adventure involves are so far scarce, but the series takes place after the blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame” movie. Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany star. Even if you’re not the biggest Marvel Cinematic Universe expert, the visuals for this look incredibly spiffy. (Streaming beginning Jan. 15, Disney Plus)
“Firefly Lane”: Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke star in a drama, inspired by Kristin Hannah’s novel, that traces the ups and downs of two women’s decades-long friendship. Heigl and Chalke are both talented, and TV is the perfect place to explore characters, their relationships, and the complicated way they develop over time, which makes “Firefly Lane” sound engrossing. (Streaming beginning Feb. 3, Netflix)
“The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song”: Henry Louis Gates, Jr., hosts a four-hour series that looks at the 400-year-old history of the Black church in America, and the role it has played in culture, worship and inspiration. Based on Gates’ previous in-depth projects with PBS, including the powerful, illuminating “Reconstruction: America After the Civil War,” this should be insightful and emotional. (Premieres Feb. 16, 9 p.m. PBS)
The 78th Golden Globe Awards: The Hollywood Foreign Press Association members may vote for wacky choices sometimes, but at least this year’s ceremony is scheduled to be hosted again by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The two were sharp, witty and smart in their previous outings handling this gig. On the other hand, who knows what curveballs 2021 -- and the still-unfolding saga of the coronavirus pandemic – may present to what’s usually a goofy, entertaining gala. (Premieres Feb. 28, 5 p.m. PT; 8 p.m. ET NBC)
More of our coverage:
Winter TV 2021: Premiere dates for new and returning midseason shows
-- Kristi Turnquist
kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist
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January 02, 2021 at 01:54AM
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Winter TV 2021: 8 shows to look forward to - OregonLive
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