The holidays might be over, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to look forward to this winter. The word “mid-season” used to be a loaded term that was associated with low-quality replacements to recently canceled shows, but nowadays some of the best shows on television premiere during the mid-season. The premiere of these five fan-favorite shows are sure to keep the winter blues at bay.
30 Rock
Premieres on January 12
After the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il, comedy fans everywhere where left wondering “What does this mean for ‘30 Rock?’” Last season’s finale featured Jack’s wife Avery being kidnapped by the mad dictator (played by comedienne Margaret Cho) and previews for Season 6 show the plot line continuing, despite the leader’s recent death. Season 6 will also be Alec Baldwin’s last, so expectations are high that Tina Fey will pull out all the stops to mark the occasion.
Justified
Premieres on January 17
The death of Mags Bennett in last season’s finale left us wondering how the show could ever find a more perfect foil for Raylan. However, her death did solidify the notion that no character is safe in the world of “Justified.” The additional revelation that Winona is pregnant is going to lead to some very interesting drama for Season 3.
The Voice
Premieres on February 5, after Super Bowl
When “The Voice” premiered last year it poised itself as the perfect replacement for “American Idol” fans who were feeling lukewarm to the show when Simon left. We can expect big things from “The Voice” this year when Cee-Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine return to the giant, rotating judge’s seats.
Mad Men
Premieres on March 16
When “Mad Men” went on a year-long hiatus it sent many fans into a panic since the Season 4 finale left a lot of unanswered questions. Will Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Price go out of business? Is Don really going to marry his secretary? Will Greg discover that Roger is the father of Joan’s baby and not him? Thankfully, fans don’t have to wait much longer to find out what happens next.
Game of Thrones
Premieres in April
The surprise HBO hit “Game of Thrones” enthralled audiences last season with it’s adult storytelling in a fantasy world. After such an intense conclusion to last season, fans are dying to know what happens next to the Stark family as they prepare for war against the Lannister clan. Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen’s newly hatched baby dragons are going to make Season 2 a lot more interesting.
