By Neia Balao
10:50am PST, Dec 31, 2019
With a new year comes new TV shows! We can feel it — 2020 is going to be yet another fantastic year for television. To celebrate, Wonderwall.com has put together a list of 20 of the most anticipated series premiering in 2020, and who better to start off our list than the ever iconic RuPaul? "AJ and the Queen" is a Netflix series about a hapless drag queen (RuPaul as Ruby Red) and a rough-around-the-edges 11-year-old boy who embark on a cross-country tour from club to club. The unlikely pair develop a bond in this heartwarming, quip-filled comedy series that focuses on spreading a message of self-love and acceptance. "AJ and the Queen" premieres on Jan. 10. Keep reading for more must-see series of 2020…
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"Lizzie McGuire" reboot
Alright… give us a moment while we process the fact that "Lizzie McGuire" debuted nearly 19 years ago! While we can't seem to wrap our heads around how it's possibly been so long since this truly iconic show premiered, at least we have the reboot to look forward to! The series will follow Lizzie as she navigates life in New York City in her 30s. At the D23 Expo in August 2019, Hilary Duff, who's reprising her role as the titular character, shared more details about the reboot's premise. "Lizzie has grown up, she's older, she's wiser, she has a much bigger shoe budget," she said. "She has her dream job, the perfect life right now working as an apprentice to a fancy New York City decorator." While Lizzie's main love interest on the series is still unknown, her middle school crush, Ethan (played by Clayton Snyder), and best friend, Gordo (played by Adam Lamberg), have confirmed they will be reprising their roles. The entire McGuire family will be returning too! The "Lizzie McGuire" reboot is expected to hit Disney+ sometime in 2020. Until then, you can watch the entire original series on the streaming service.
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"Little Fires Everywhere"
"Little Fires Everywhere" is the forthcoming Hulu series starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington that's based on the Celeste Ng book of the same name. The show follows Elena Richardson (Reese) and her picture-perfect family whose lives are shaken up when their new renter, Mia Warren (Kerry) arrives. As it deals with secrets, deception and the complexities of motherhood, "Little Fires Everywhere" promises some top-tier drama that'll keep you wanting more. The "Big Little Lies" and "Scandal" stars also teamed up behind the scenes too — both Reese and Kerry serve as producers. "Little Fires Everywhere" debuts on Hulu on March 18.
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"Run"
Created by frequent collaborators Vicky Jones and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (pictured), "Run" is a romantic comedy-thriller series that stars Merritt Wever and Domhnall Gleeson as exes who reconnect when they decide to fulfill a pact they'd made together many years before. When monotonous worker Rubie Dixie (Merritt) receives an impromptu text message from her ex-boyfriend (Domhnall), she decides to embark on an adventure that leads to love and reinvention with one of her oldest flames. The series is slated to premiere on HBO sometime in 2020.
"Mrs. America"
"Mrs. America" starring Cate Blanchett chronicles the real-life political battle to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and the backlash that anti-feminist movement conservative Phyllis Stewart received in response to her opposition of it. The series also stars Uzo Aduba, Sarah Paulson, Rose Byrne and James Marsden. Cate is also an executive producer on the limited series, which will premiere on Hulu as one of four FX shows slated to debut on the streaming service.
"Jan 22nd"
Written by and starring the "Chewing Gum" alum herself, "Jan 22nd" is the latest drama series from Michaela Coel. It will explore the importance of sexual consent in the modern world of dating and relationships. Michaela plays Arabella Essiedu — a confident, fun-loving Londoner with a supportive group of friends, a budding romance and a promising career as a writer whose entire world is turned upside down after she's spiked with a date-rape drug. "Jan 22nd" boldly throws into question the issues surrounding sexual consent in today's society in a raw yet entirely compassionate way. The BBC series will debut on HBO in 2020.
"The Outsider"
"The Outsider" is an upcoming miniseries based on the bestselling Stephen King novel of the same name. The show follows the investigation of the mysterious and gruesome murder of an 11-year-old boy in an unsuspecting suburban town. But what starts off as a seemingly straightforward case quickly turns into a complex, disturbing undertaking after the murderer is revealed to be a seasoned cop. The inquiry is led by Detective Ralph Anderson (played by Ben Mendelsohn), a man still grieving the loss of his own son, and unconventional P.I. Holly Gibney (played by Cynthia Erivo). "The Outsider" will premiere on HBO on Jan. 12.
"High Fidelity"
A television adaptation of "High Fidelity," which is based on the Nick Hornby novel of the same name, is coming in early 2020. While the 2000 film version of the book starred John Cusack as the self-centered, pretentious record store owner and notorious list-maker, the TV series will take on a female-driven narrative with Zoe Kravitz in the role of a top-five list-creator and record shop owner in Brooklyn. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Zoe talked about what viewers can expect from the gender-flipped show. "We, of course, had to modernize the world," she said. "Now we are dealing with people who are not only obsessed with pop culture but also nostalgia. Surprisingly, I don't think the character has changed much. Of course, it's my own interpretation, but the heart of the character is very much the same. Changing the character from male to female did not change the kind of person we are dealing with." Developed by writers Veronica West and Sarah Kucserka, "High Fidelity" has a 10-episode order and premieres on Hulu on Feb. 14.
"Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist"
"Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist" tells the story of coder Zoey Clarke, a woman who aspires to establish herself in the San Francisco tech world. But after a peculiar event, she begins hearing people's deepest thoughts through songs! Though initially perplexed by her odd new ability, Zoey comes to realize that it might just be the gift she never knew she wanted. The musical drama stars Jane Levy and other notable stars including Skylar Astin, Lauren Graham and Alex Newell. "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist" premieres on Jan. 7 on NBC.
"Normal People"
Adapted from the popular book written by Sally Rooney (pictured), "Normal People" focuses on the complex relationship between Marianne and Connell, two teenagers with opposing personalities. Following their lives since secondary school, the story explores the pair's deepening bond through their university years as it reveals the inherently deep-seated insecurities and flaws that make them who they are. "Normal People" stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal. The anticipated coming-of-age series will premiere on Hulu sometime in 2020.
"Gossip Girl" reboot
Listen up, Upper East Siders: If you're anything like us, you were ecstatic when news broke that this iconic catty series was coming back for a reboot! Although it will take place in the same universe as the original, according to writer and executive producer Joshua Safran, the new "Gossip Girl" will have an entirely new cast of diverse characters. "I was the only gay writer I think the entire time I was there. Even when I went to private school in New York in the '90s, the school didn't necessarily reflect 'Gossip Girl,'" he revealed at the 2019 Vulture Festival. "So, this time around, the leads are nonwhite. There's a lot of queer content on this show. It is very much dealing with the way the world looks now, where wealth and privilege come from, and how you handle that." There's one familiar voice that is confirmed to return — and that's Kristen Bell! The "Veronica Mars" alum will reprise her role as the voice of Gossip Girl and will narrate the reboot. The 10-episode revival will premiere on HBO Max sometime in 2020. You know you can't wait… XOXO, Gossip Girl!
"Selena: The Series"
"Selena: The Series," which stars Christian Serratos, is the forthcoming biographical series chronicling the life and career of Tejano icon Selena Quintanilla. Selena's family is also involved in the project. "Selena will always have a lasting place in music history, and we feel great responsibility to do justice to her memory," the slain star's sister Suzette said in a statement. "With this series, viewers will finally get the full history of Selena, our family and the impact she has had on all of our lives." The series also stars Richard Chavira, Gabriel Chavarria, Seidy Lopez and Noemi Gonzalez. "Selena: The Series" will debut on Netflix in 2020.
"Nine Perfect Strangers"
Based on the latest book from "Big Little Lies" author Liane Moriarty, "Nine Perfect Strangers" tells the story of nine people who check into a boutique wellness resort in hopes of experiencing a 10-day retreat filled with rest and relaxation. However, the resort's director, Masha, soon becomes determined to reinvigorate these nine stressed individuals — and things quickly take a wild turn. Nicole Kidman is set to star and executive produce the forthcoming Hulu series, which premieres sometime in 2020.
"I Am Not Okay With This"
Sophia Lillis stars in "I Am Not Okay With This," a coming-of-age drama series about a teenage girl who navigates high school, family and sexuality all while coming to grips with the newfound superpowers burgeoning within her. The show also stars Wyatt Oleff, Katherine Rose Perkins and Sofia Bryant. Based on the graphic novel by Charles Forsman, "I Am Not Okay With This" is an eight-episode series that is slated to premiere on Netflix sometime in the New Year.
"Katy Keene"
"Katy Keene" is the latest spinoff in the "Riverdale" Archieverse and it stars "Pretty Little Liars" alum Lucy Hale. Set in New York City, the series follows the life and career of aspiring fashion designer Katy as she desperately strives to achieve her dream. The series will also focus heavily on Katy's social circle, which includes fellow Archie characters like Josie McCoy (played by fan favorite Ashleigh Murray), Ginger Lopez, Pepper Smith, Alexandra Cabot, Gloria Grandbilt and K.O. Kelly. "Katy Keene" is slated to premiere on The CW on Feb. 6.
"Star Trek: Picard"
"Star Trek: Picard" is the forthcoming series that focuses on beloved Starfleet captain Jean-Luc Picard. Picking up 20 years after Jean-Luc's final appearance in 2002's "Star Trek: Nemesis," the series follows him as he copes with the destruction of Romulus and the tragic death of Data. Various "Star Trek" alums including Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Jeri Ryan and Brent Spiner will reprise their roles on the CBS All Access series. "Star Trek: Picard" is slated to debut on Jan. 23.
"Monsters at Work"
Boo! This forthcoming animated series — a sequel to 2001's critically acclaimed film "Monsters, Inc." — picks up six months after the events in the movie. With the city of Monstropolis now full of laughter, a mechanic on the Facilities Team tries to bring his aspiration of working with role models Sulley and Mike Wazowski to fruition. John Goodman and Billy Crystal voice these two iconic monsters once again. "Monsters at Work" is slated to hit Disney+ sometime in 2020.
"Duncanville"
"Duncanville" is a forthcoming FOX animated comedy co-created by Amy Poehler, Mike Scully and Julie Scully. The show focuses on the life of ridiculously average teenager Duncan Harris, his parking enforcement officer mother, his well-intentioned father and his sister, Kimberly. The voice cast includes Amy, Ty Burrell, Riki Lindhome, Rashida Jones and Wiz Khalifa. "Duncanville" is slated to premiere on Feb. 16.
"The New Pope"
Jude Law and John Malkovich star in this drama from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino. A continuation of the 2016 series "The Young Pope," "The New Pope" will pick up with Pope Pius XIII (Jude) in a coma as the Holy See finds a replacement in Sir John Brannox (John). The Guardian praised the spinoff, calling it "just as rich and ravishing and gloriously enigmatic." The newspaper also lauded the series for its exploration of the hidden world of Vatican City. The nine-episode series premieres on HBO on Jan. 10.
"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"
"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" is the upcoming Disney+ series that takes place after 2019's "Avengers: Endgame" — after Steve Rogers appointed Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprise their roles as the titular characters, respectively, in this highly anticipated spinoff of the acclaimed Marvel Cinematic Universe film franchise. Daniel Brühl, Emily VanCamp and Wyatt Russell will also appear on the six-episode superhero series, which is expected to debut in late 2020.
