Ripper Street
BBC America’s newest original crime drama “Ripper Street” is set in 1889 London, after the notoriously elusive serial killer Jack the Ripper seemingly stops his murderous rampage. The first episode centers around a murder that makes it look like the Ripper is back in full force. When Inspector Edmund Reid (Matthew Macfadyen) comes to investigate, he has doubts, and uses all the forensic and deductive powers available to him to confirm who actually killed the young girl. This show will be a period crime drama with a different murder or crime being solved in each episode, but the overall story will focus on Jack the Ripper and Reid’s obsession with capturing him. This show is riveting and will provide viewers with a new look on Jack the Ripper that hasn’t been seen before. “Ripper Street” airs Saturdays at 9 p.m. on BBC America.
The Following
A modern serial killer and his use of social networks is the premise of FOX’s new drama “The Following.” Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), a notorious killer, escapes from prison and becomes the Mark Zuckerberg for those with murderous tendencies. This lures former FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) out of his reclusive state and into the disturbing cult following Carroll has gained. The show also follows the story of Carroll’s ex-wife and son, and how his life and his cult affects their lives. The cat and mouse game that takes place between Carroll and Hardy will undoubtably be suspenseful television, and it is sure to contain many thrilling twists and turns that will hopefully leave the audience wanting more. “The Following” airs on Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX.
The Americans
In FX’s new show “The Americans,” Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys) are a seemingly normal American married couple living out their lives in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. in the early 80s. However, they are far from normal and definitely not American. The couple is actually a team of KGB spies posing as the perfect American family along with their two clueless children. This period drama will be an interesting look at the tension between Russia and America during the Cold War and will also showcase the trials and tribulations a family with so many secrets may have gone through during this time period. This show will be a compelling mix of 80s American family life and the story of two Russian spies trying to find a believable middle ground. “The Americans” will premiere at 10 p.m. on Jan. 30.
