ON THE SMALL SCREEN

CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
LAW & ORDER
NBC
It went off the air in 2010, after 20 popular seasons. But we all know it has kept on going in reruns, so why not bring the original Law & Order back to NBC? That’s what legendary producer Dick Wolf thought, and the network agreed. So, fans of the crime and punishment show, rejoice! It’s back, with Sam Waterston and Anthony Anderson both returning in their original roles, supported by Jeffrey Donovan, Camryn Manheim and Hugh Dancy.

PAM & TOMMY
Hulu
If you’re old enough to remember the sex-tape scandal that surrounded then-married couple Pamela Anderson (of Baywatch fame) and Tommy Lee (from Motley Crue), you may not care about this eight-part miniseries that chronicles it from start to finish. But when you see Lily James channeling Pam and Sebastian Stan doing Tommy, together with the crazy twists and turns the story takes, you’ll change your mind and get sucked right in.

REACHER
Prime Video
Bringing Jack Reacher to the small screen, after the ridiculous Tom Cruise two-film interlude that first brought novelist Lee Child’s larger-than-life character off the pages, the new series producers are trying a little harder to get it right. Standing 6’5” in the books (Cruise is a foot shorter) and using his size as a key part of his tough persona, Reacher is a big bruiser. This time, 6’2” Alan Ritchson takes on the lead, which ought to be better. But why Joe Manganiello isn’t the go-to guy to star as Reacher we will never understand.

SUSPICION
Apple TV+
Uma Thurman stars as an American media mogul whose son is kidnapped in the first episode of this tense series. International authorities identify four Brits as the possible kidnappers and the chase is on. Meanwhile, the suspects (including Kunal Nayyar of The Big Bang Theory) and Elizabeth Henstridge (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) claim innocence as the action heats up and the mystery deepens.

DRAMAS OLD AND NEW
BEL-AIR
Peacock
Rebooting The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as a drama seems like an odd choice, but that’s the way series executive producer Will Smith is taking it, using Morgan Cooper’s vision as a guide. Think tough streets of Philly vs. wealthy Bel-Air in SoCal, complete with gritty streets and posh private schools. Jabari Banks is the new face playing Will, with Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman and Olly Sholotan also starring.

THE GIRL BEFORE
HBO Max
Gugu Mbatha-Raw stars in this four-part miniseries that follows a British woman who moves into a house designed by a famous architect, only to find that there may be something scary in the house (and in the architect’s stringent rules for living there). David Oyelowo costars in this creepy psychological thriller based on JP Delaney’s best-selling novel.

INVENTING ANNA
Netflix
Marking Shonda Rhimes’ first foray as a Netflix showrunner after her $100 million deal with the streamer, this series follows a real-life story of a German woman who conned New Yorkers out of nearly $300,000 before she got caught. Ozark favorite Julia Garner stars, with Anna Chlumsky, Laverne Cox, and Anna Deavere Smith offering support in this much-anticipated show from the creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal.

VIKINGS: VALHALLA
Netflix
It’s 100 years after the exploits of Vikings, the History Channel hit, as this sequel begins. Now found on Netflix, this time the characters include familiar historical names like Leif Eriksson and William the Conqueror. Set during the 11th century, this action-packed series is once again created/executive produced by Vikings Michael Hirst and Sheila Hockin, along with showrunner Jeb Stuart, so fans of the original show will find much to love here.