The Most Anticipated TV Shows of Fall 2014: Premieres and Returns

Fall - the most wonderful time of the year... for all TV lovers. It's the time when new series are being released and old favorites are back with new seasons. That's why we decided to make a list for you all. This time, though, we have it all together - both new and old titles written down. The reason behind it is that they all have what it takes to become smashing hits. The Walking Dead and Sons of Anarchy are coming back, God bless them, but newbies like Constantine, The Flash, Gotham or The Affair will also have a shot at winning the audience's hearts. If you guys are into comics, then you're gonna be very happy this fall, as the majority of the most exciting debuts are based on graphic novels.

Some occasional spoilers may come up in this article, but all related to the TV series that have been already aired. This time we arranged our list in a chronological order by date.

Boardwalk Empire

This year we're going to find out what's new with Nucky after seven years. (Source: Yahoo!)

The success of Broadwalk Empire was not something totally unexpected. After all, the stories about gangsters living in the times of prohibition are known for stimulating viewers' imagination. It's even more understandable when you have guys like Martin Scorsese and Mark Wahlberg on board and Steve Buscemi casted as a main character. Within four seasons we've experienced a lot as viewers. We've got episodes all action and intrigue packed while the very feel of the '30s was captured quite remarkably as well. This year we're getting together with "Nucky" one last time, Nucky being a character inspired by Enoch L. Johnston - a man living in the same era. Prepare to be surprised from the very first episode, as we're going to catch up with Nucky seven years after the season 4 finale.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. The time jump is what gives the screenwriters a chance to shine.

2. Steve Buscemi delivers the role of a lifetime.

Sons of Anarchy

Fear the Reaper. Will he use his scythe? (FX)

Kurt Sutter had it all planned out, right from the start. Having a clear vision of what he wanted his show to be like, he's been consequently implementing his ideas of The Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club throughout all its six seasons. What he created was an action and drama packed series that left its fans in awe. There's a big finale coming up this year and hopefully we'll get all the answers we need. 'Cause there are some big questions, you know! Is Charlie Hunnam's Jex Teller going to rescue himself and his sons from the vicious cycle of violence? Or is he going to give in and become something he's been fighting against so desperately? Just when you thought he finally had his club all sorted out and legal, destiny made him evaluate his humanity once and for all. And the tricky thing is... The Reaper rarely forgets.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. Kurt Sutter never disappoints - all seasons are gripping and up to the mark.

2. The mix of violence, motorcycles and rock 'n' roll is quite an explosive mash-up.

Gotham

Gotham is one of the most interesting debuts of this year. (FOX)

Gotham makes one of the most interesting debuts of this year. Originally it was supposed to be a story about Commissioner Gordon's early days on the Gotham City Police, Gordon being a character perfectly known among all the Batman fans. Since then, however, the idea evaluated and now we're gonna see the origin stories of iconic villains like Penguin, the Riddler, Catwoman and Poison Ivy. What makes the very core of the plot is the mysterious murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne, as well as the blooming friendship between detective Gordon and orphaned Bruce - the boy soon to be dreaded by all the Gotham's villains. It can easily be a dark horse of this year's listing, but only if the creators succeed in handling the massive cast and focus on depicting the gloomy feeling of the eponymous city. Portraying a gripping crime story is crucial here - much more than introducing some youngish sociopaths.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. Let's be honest, guys - everything Batman related can be interesting.

2. The creators decided not to take the easy way out and make the 'Bat' story maverick.

The Blacklist

The Blacklist is a one-man show, but it makes a good one! (NBC)

The Blacklist is one of the most smashing hits that made an entrance last year. Some say it's all because of James Spader who masterfully portrayed Red - the representative of the most dreadful criminals out there - suddenly turned legal and ready to neutralize a bunch of his former partners in crime. If, and only if he gets a chance to co-operate with Elizabeth Keen - a rookie FBI agent played by Megan Boone. Although the series can be schematic and patchy at times, it gathered quite a massive audience. The second season has a real chance of being even better that the first one. Don't forget that brilliant Red didn't have a proper villain before - not until Berlin who made an appearance in the final episodes of the season 1.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. Outstanding performance by James Spader.

2. Red may finally face a worthy opponent in form of Berlin, which could bring a new perspective to the series.

Person of Interest

The characters of Person of Interest will face many changes. (CBS)

Secret organizations, government agencies, Meta conspiracies, a machine that detects future acts of terror... Throughout the years Person of Interest became one of the most interesting thrillers out there. It's a common practice now that every CBS' debut of the same genre is compared to it and let's just say that in most cases there's no competition. This show perfectly captured the sense of post-9/11 paranoia of invigilation that hit the States right after, which frankly became show's greatest asset. Season 3 upped the ante and introduced new players gathered around the machine. It revealed some of the secrets but also raised new questions - questions we want to have answered immediately. Luckily, we don't have to wait much more, as season 4 will air in September.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. It's hard to find something better in this genre.

2. By turning the story upside down, the authors proved always having something up their sleeve to surprise the audience.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Hopefully the second season of Agents will be more like the end than the beginning of the first one. (ABC)

The first shot at adding TV series into Marvel's film universe was spectacularly bad. Main characters seemed like a bunch of amateurs, there were no real connections with the universe itself and some of the episodes were just too schematic - with poor attempts at raising awareness or with inevitable happy endings. After a few of such episodes, only most devoted comic fans remained loyal to the series. Their patience was rewarded after, say, half of the first season, when its standard started to get better. The final episodes were a crazy ride with some truly surprising turns. If only we could have this with season 2, it might be quite a pleasant series for the mass public, making fall evenings much more pleasurable.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. The first season had a slow start, but once it hit its stride, there was no turning back

2. Agents of SHIELD is bringing in another fresh face - best known to comics fans as Mockingbird.

Stalker

Stalker focuses on one of the most disturbing problems of our times. (CBS)

Stalking is one of the most disturbing problems of our times. It's a malicious behavior based on ongoing voyeurism, fixation or general harassment that could put someone's safety at risk. It was only a matter of time before someone made a TV series about such crime. Kevin Williamson, known for his job on The Following, is now the man behind the production of Stalker. Dylan McDermott and Maggie Q play policemen who deal with the issue of stalking. Although after the pilot's screening there were voices that it's too similar to Williamson's former project, the man himself claims that we just have to wait for other episodes to air. We are supposed to notice how different the two of them actually are.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. In the Facebook era we all participate in stalking, on some level.

2. Williamson will try do make it up for us after the reasonably successful The Following.

Homeland

Agent Carrie will face some major changes. (Showtime)

A truly dramatic season three finale of Homeland - a show based on Israeli television series called Hatufim (or Prisoners of War) - happened to move everything in the new direction and gave its viewers hope that season four will bring a breath of fresh air to the popular series. Claire Danes' CIA agent Carrie Mathison is going to face new challenges within agencies, as well as some major issues while staying in Istanbul - both professional and personal. We can't help but hope that the creators took some notes after a so-so reception of the previous season. Let's keep our finger crossed for action scenes being outnumbered by much more interesting themes, like struggling for power or conspiracy.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. A new setting is like a new beginning for the series.

2. Clarie Danes' critically acclaimed role.

The Flash

Flash will try to outrun Arrow. (The CW)

Although DC Comics is far behind Marvel when it comes to creating consistent cinematic universe, it definitely wins TV world with its adventures of Batman and Superman. Arrow laid the grounds for such a specific world and this year, we're gonna meet yet another superhero - lightning fast Barry Allen aka Flash. He was actually featured in the second season of Arrow and it was sort of a subtle introduction to this totally new CW's spin-off. It's such a bummer, though, that DC's series won't be intertwined with an upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie. It totally works in case of Marvel TV series, non?

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. DC is simply better at doing TV shows than Marvel.

2. Quicksilver of X-Men: Days of Future Past movie proved that being fast as nobody else in this world can be a superpower extremely fun to watch.

Supernatural

We're gonna meet the Winchester brothers again, for the tenth time. (The CW)

Supernatural was originally planned for three seasons but later it was expanded to five. Eric Kripke's success was undeniable and letting go was never an option. The story of Sam and Dean Winchester was just renewed for its tenth season, in which brothers hunt supernatural beings. Throughout all nine seasons our men didn't waste their time - they were in Hell, prevented Apocalypse and got in the middle of conflict between angels and demons. Some complain that this series became a soap opera and it should've been finished a long time ago. The fandom is still a thing, though, and Supernatural potential - apparently unfailing.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. After all, this gigantic fandom didn't come out of nowhere, right?

2. Despite its 9 seasons, the show is still going strong, so it's safe to say that the next series is not going to be much worse.

Arrow

Perhaps not the Batman we wanted... But definitely the one we've deserved. (The CW)

The creators of Arrow recognized current superhero trends, used this knowledge and gained immediate popularity. 'Cause let's not pretend it was all about the show's quality, right? Thankfully, the second season was much more interesting and it pleased both the orthodox lovers of comics and the audience looking for Sunday entertainment. Plenty of mysteries, loads of action and a full respect towards its comic roots were enough to keep everyone interested. It was easy to ignore some questionable parts of the script and rather average characters. Nolan's Batman trilogy as the main inspiration couldn't do wrong in this case. If they keep an upward trend, the third season might be a dark horse of this year's programming.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. It's the best superhero series right now.

2. The upward trend is a good sign for the new season.

American Horror Story: Freak Show

A woman with a beard is one of the Freak Show's residents. (FX)

It's a tradition now, that every season of American Horror Story is a separate story set in a different time era. This year we're heading to Florida of the '50s. We're going to see one of the last freak shows remaining at the time and its performers ready to do anything to keep this thing going. The conflict between the freaks and other evil folks who just don't understand each other is what makes the story running. Jessica Lange, a real star of the series, joined the cast once again, although her role is said to be reduced. Apparently it'll be her last journey with the FX's horror anthology.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. The freak show seams like a perfect place to set the season.

2. Jessica Lange's last time on the show.

The Walking Dead

People change, but walkers remain true to themselves. (AMC)

Well, we couldn't skip The Walking Dead, obviously! The adaptation of Robert Kirkman's comic book series has bewitched the audience body and soul. Even those folks who used to dislike zombie stories have been converted. As usual, with a lot of success comes a lot of negativity and this show is not exception. But the truth is, the majority of the AMC's audience just can't help but hold their breath while watching the characters figure out how to survive in a world full of scary walkers. What's more important is that The Walking Dead continues to evolve each season and attracts bigger audience every year. In season 5 we're gonna explore Terminus, a place that was supposed to be a shelter for the survivors, yet happened to be much more darker place that we could ever think of. Well... Season 4 finale ended up with Rick saying they'll feel pretty stupid when they find out that "they're fucking with the wrong people".

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. Like Game of Thrones, it's one of the most popular shows in recent years.

2. It's getting clear that humans are far more dangerous than the walkers themselves.

The Affair

The Affair will be much darker than most of the shows. (Showtime)

We have our list filled with government agencies, superheroes, demon hunters and walkers. The Affair looks kind of unique, by comparison. Showtime's new production will have a go at presenting both emotional and psychological results of the extramarital affair between a fulfilled teacher and writer Noah and a young, attractive waitress Allison. The fact that the show tries to tell the story from the male and female perspectives and favor no one is worth mentioning. Dominic West, known among The Wire fans and Ruth Wilson (Jane Eyre, Luther) face this challenge together.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. It's good to watch something serious for a change.

2. The Wire's Dominic West deserves a big comeback.

Constantine

Matt Ryan is rated as better than Keanu Reeves in new Constantine. (NBC)

John Constantine, the character of the popular comic series called Hellblazer, was never lucky when it came to having his story adapted. The first one - a 2005 film starring Keanu Reeves as the main man - was at best a mid-range fantasy feature. And the game based on it... Let's not mention the game, shall we? Through the new NBC's show with Matt Ryan as its protagonist we have a chance to see Constantine in a new light. Although nowadays it's his orientation that is talked about - the creators decided to change it from bisexual to straight. We think it's worth to keep an eye on this show anyway - the cynical demon hunter with a dark past may sounds cliché, but there's life in the old dog yet, eh?

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. John Constantine is a character with quite a potential.

2. The game players can recognize Matt Ryan from the Assassin's Creed IV, where he performed the voice of Edward Kenway.

Elementary

It's been a great couple of years for Sherlock Holmes. (CBS)

It's been a great couple of years for Sherlock Holmes - world's most famous detective. While Robert Downey Jr. has delighted his audience as a main character in two feature films so far, we can also enjoy watching not one, but two TV series inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories, both of them highly praised by the audience. Elementary is probably the bravest at redefining the master of deductive reasoning and it offers a new approach to the source material. Not only did they make a modern adaptation and moved its setting to the States, but they also changed the sex of Watson, which brought a totally different dynamic between the two main characters. Season 2 left its protagonists being at the crossroads, so we cannot wait to find out where they're heading.

Why is it worth waiting for?

1. There's never too much of Sherlock Holmes's stories.

2. Lucy Liu as Watson.