6 outstanding shows set to return in 2018

A few weeks ago we took a look at some of the exciting new shows still to debut in 2018. The likes of Maniac, Nightflyers and Mayans MC are just a few of the new prospects set to air over the coming weeks and months. However as intriguing as these new shows may be, there are also some long-established favorites due to return before the year is out.

We’ve already seen some fairly spectacular returns from beloved shows this year, from hard-hitting drama like The Handmaid’s Tale and cerebral sci-fi like Westworld to wrestling comedy-drama in GLOW. However, the remaining five months of the year have an equally eclectic roster of hotly anticipated shows making a grand return. These shows range all the way from dark and twisted horror to the pinnacle of horse-related animated comedy.

Luther – date tbc

Idris Elba makes his return to the deadly world of DCI John Luther later in 2018. Elba has become a bona fide Hollywood star since the show first began in 2010, but he clearly still feels a strong attachment to the character. The role has seen him deliver some of his best work to date, perfectly capturing the world-weary outlook and deeply conflicted nature of this atypical TV detective.

Show creator Neil Cross has confirmed that the show will return for four brand new episodes later this year, however exact plot details are thin on the ground. One thing’s for sure though, Luther and his team are going to be plunging headfirst back into London’s dark and grimy underworld. Expect disturbing crimes and unfurling mysteries aplenty.

Better Call Saul – August 6th

The hotly anticipated fourth season of Better Call Saul arrived on Netflix earlier this week and continues to go from strength to strength. What started off as a low-key spin off from Breaking Bad has gone on to become a critically acclaimed hit show in its own right.

The show follows Bob Odenkirk’s lovable con-man and cut-rate lawyer as he becomes increasingly embroiled in the dangerous New Mexico underworld. We are watching his journey from Jimmy McGill the affable crook to Saul Goodman the fast-talking fixer. The seismic events of season 3 will be looming large over this new season, so expect plenty more gripping twists and turns as this fascinating character study continues to unfold.

American Horror Story – Sept 12th

While the overall quality of its seasons can vary somewhat, the arrival of a new American Horror Story is always cause for excitement. This season will be entitled “Apocalypse” and while further details are scarce, co-creator Ryan Murphy has stated that this will be their first crossover season with the events of Coven and Murder House intertwining .

Fan favourite AHS alumni including Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Kathy Bates and Jessica Lange are all back aboard once more. It’s going to be very interesting to see how the show blends two of its most popular series together, but we can undoubtedly expect plenty of chills and twists along the way.

Bojack Horseman – Sept 14th

On the surface, Bojack Horseman is an incredibly funny and unashamedly silly animated comedy about a faded sitcom star. However under the surface, it’s also a dark and in-depth look at depression, self-destruction and personal demons. Last season however, we saw Bojack finally find a degree of stability in his life thanks to an unexpected familial development.

Bojack Horseman manages to skillfully combine being incisively witty one minute and delivering delightfully silly animal puns the next. The new season will undoubtedly continue that trend as well as delving further into the lives of its surreal cast of characters.

The Good Place – Sept 27th

The third season of Michael Schur’s afterlife-related sitcom arrives later in 2018 as we await answers following the major developments at the close of season 2. The show has made a great habit of keeping fans on their toes, offering unexpected twists alongside its theological questions and effortlessly endearing comedy.

The close of season 2 saw the gang sent back to earth in an alternate timeline where they never died at all. It’s going to be fascinating to now see how this huge curveball impacts their long term future in the afterlife. Whatever direction they end up going in, you can bet that the showrunners will still have a few tricks left up their sleeves yet.

Marvel’s Daredevil – date tbc

Arguably the strongest of the Netflix/Marvel crossovers, Daredevil still meandered slightly in places during its second season. At its peak however, it’s a truly exceptional piece of gritty and well-crafted superhero crime drama. Charlie Cox’s take on the blind avenger is pitch perfect and the dark brooding world of Hell’s Kitchen still pulses with danger around every corner.

Season 3 will deal with the fall out from the bloody climax of The Defenders spin off and we can expect plenty of further chaos as a result. Vincent D’Onofrio’s superb Kingpin looks poised to play a crucial role once more, and the strong rumour is that perennial Daredevil adversary Bullseye could be making his debut at some stage this season.

Read More:

The best comedy shows returning to Netflix in 2018
The most influential shows of the 21st Century so far
GLOW: Looking back at the glorious second season