2023 Winter TV Guide: Unveiling the Most Anticipated New and Returning Shows
Get ready for an exciting winter TV lineup in 2023! From the highly anticipated 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' to fan-favorites like 'The Bachelor,' this season promises a thrilling mix of new and returning shows across various platforms Don't miss out on the must-watch series that will keep you entertained all winter long
As the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes wrap up, the winter TV lineup is jam-packed with long-awaited premieres and comebacks. However, some shows are facing delays, and others will have shorter seasons. Abbott Elementary fans eager for more episodes of the sitcom are in for a twist. Season 3 production was temporarily halted while negotiations for fair pay took place between the writers and actors unions and major studios.
After both strikes ended in the fall of 2023, creator and star Quinta Brunson admitted that the work stoppages resulted in a reduced episode count. In an interview with Deadline in October 2023, she expressed concerns about justifying the loss of half a season and a year, since the show's schedule would no longer align with the school calendar. Brunson explained that the show used to premiere in September when school started, but that would not be the case this year. She emphasized that the show's narrative centered around events at the school, making it different from other sitcoms.
Brunson mentioned that last season they did 22 episodes, which was a lot for him as he was writing, producing, and starring in the show. He welcomed a shorter season due to the tiring and exhausting work.
In contrast, reality TV viewers have fewer worries as unscripted entertainment is more popular than ever. In January 2024, ABC will premiere season 28 of The Bachelor, following Joey Graziadei's quest for love after competing for Charity Lawson's heart.
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"It's truly surreal. It's gradually starting to sink in, but I'm doing my best to stay in the moment and enjoy it," Joey expressed during the August 2023 After the Final Rose special. "But it's incredible, I have to admit. I never saw this coming. I had no idea my life was going to turn into this. It's pretty wild! ... I set aside the search for The One for a while, but now I'm ready to make it a priority again."
Keep scrolling for a list of new and returning shows this winter.
Credit: ABC/Christopher Willard ; Robert Viglasky/Apple TV+ ; Peacock
Winter TV Preview 2023: Inside Must-Watch New and Returning Shows
The conclusion of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes has paved the way for an abundance of highly anticipated premieres and returns on the winter TV schedule. However, some shows are still facing delays, while others will be having shortened seasons.
Abbott Elementary fans eagerly awaiting more episodes of the hit sitcom will be surprised to learn that production for season 3 was delayed due to negotiations for fair pay between the writers and actors unions and major studios. Although the strikes have ended, creator and star Quinta Brunson revealed that the episode count for the season will be smaller due to the work stoppages.
"We have to come up with a reason for losing half a season, half a year. Our season will still be part of the school calendar. Last year, we started airing in September, coinciding with the start of the school year. That won't be the case this year," she explained to Deadline in October 2023. "It's not like returning to a family show where you can just drop in on the family in any sitcom-like scenario. It's really about what's happening in the school."
Brunson elaborated, "We did 22 episodes last season, and that's a significant amount of TV, especially for me since I'm involved in writing, producing, and starring in it. So, I actually welcomed a shorter season because the work was exhausting and draining."
Reality TV fans can take a breather because unscripted entertainment is more popular than ever. The Bachelor will be back with season 28 in January 2024, following Joey Graziadei's pursuit of love after his prior attempt to win over Charity Lawson's heart. "It's definitely surreal. It is sinking in very slowly, but I am trying my best just to stay present, enjoy it," Joey shared during the August 2023 After the Final Rose special. "But it's crazy, I'll be the first person to say. I never expected this at all. [I] didn't know this is what my life was turning into. Crazy stuff! ... I put [looking for The One on] the back burner for a while, [but] I'm ready to prioritize it again."
Scroll on for more new and returning shows this winter:
Credit: Peacock
‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: RHONY Legacy’ (Peacock)
The upcoming series will see the return of Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Luann de Lesseps, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer and Kristen Taekman to the infamous St. Bart’s house on Saline Beach from The Real Housewives of New York City season 5. (December 14)
Credit: Disney/David Bukach
‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (Disney+)
The Disney+ adaptation of the book series by Rick Riordan brings to life the story of 12-year-old demigod Percy Jackson (played by Walker Scobell), who finds himself accused by the Greek god Zeus of stealing his thunderbolt. (December 20)
Credit: Peacock
‘Dr. Death’ (Peacock)
The second season of Dr. Death, based on a true crime podcast of the same name, follows the story of charming surgeon Paolo (Édgar Ramírez) as he is approached by investigative reporter Benita (Mandy Moore) for a story. This sets off a series of events in which a group of doctors halfway around the world make shocking discoveries about Paolo. (December 21)
Credit: Freeform/Mike Taing
‘Good Trouble’ (Freeform)
Good Trouble is finally returning with the second half of season 5, featuring the long-awaited engagement celebration of Callie (Maia Mitchell) and Jamie (Beau Mirchoff). Also, don't miss series star and executive producer Cierra Ramirez's directorial debut in an upcoming episode. (January 2)
Credit: Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios
‘Echo’ (Disney+ and Hulu)
The miniseries delves into Maya Lopez's (Alaqua Cox) homecoming after the occurrences in Hawkeye. Over the course of five episodes, Maya grapples with her history, reestablishes ties with her Native American heritage, and endeavors to accept her family and community. (January 10)
Credit: Peacock
‘Ted’ (Peacock)
Seth MacFarlane's irreverent tale of a crude teddy bear, Ted (voiced by MacFarlane), is back in the form of a limited series for those who just can't get enough. The prequel delves into the early years of the NSFW plush toy as he resides in the suburbs of Massachusetts. (January 11)
Credit: HBO/YOutube
‘True Detective: Night Country’ (HBO)
Season 4 of the anthology series — starring Jodie Foster — follows the investigation behind the disappearance of eight men from a research station. (January 14)
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‘Death and Other Details’ (Hulu)
Mandy Patinkin takes on the role of Rufus Coteworth, a passenger on a lavish cruise ship where a baffling murder occurs. Also joining the cast are Violett Beane, Linda Emond, Jayne Atkinson, Lauren Patten, David Marshall Grant and Rahul Kohli. (January 16)
Credit: Katie Yu/The CW
‘Wild Cards’ (The CW)
The detective drama marks Vanessa Morgan’s return to The CW after wrapping up her role as Toni Topaz on Riverdale. (January 17)
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The Chicago Universe (NBC)
Chicago Med, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. are all returning to reinvigorate Wednesday nights for Us. (January 17)
Credit: NBCUniversal
The Law & Order Universe (NBC)
Rounding out Thursday nights are Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime. (January 18)
Credit: Chris Barr/SHOWTIME
‘The Woman in the Wall’ (Paramount+ and Showtime)
The BBC original six-part series revolves around a woman (Ruth Wilson) who discovers a dead body in her house. (Streaming on January 19 and on cable on January 21)
Credit: ABC/Christopher Willard
‘The Bachelor’ (ABC)
Joey Graziadei is looking for The One on season 28 of ABC’s hit reality series The Bachelor. (January 22)
Credit: Freefrom/Youtube
‘Chrissy and Dave Dine Out’ (Freeform and Hulu)
Foodies are in for a treat as Chrissy Teigen and chef David Chang team up to explore must-try restaurants in Los Angeles. (January 24)
Credit: Ilana Panich-Linsman/Netflix
‘Queer Eye’ (Netflix)
The eighth season, which was filmed in New Orleans, will be Bobby Berk’s last after he announced his exit from the show in November 2023. (January 24)
Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
‘Griselda’ (Netflix)
Sofía Vergara stars as notorious cocaine trafficker Griselda Blanco in the new miniseries. (January 25)
Credit: Robert Viglasky/Apple TV+
‘Masters of the Air’ (Apple TV+)
The series is based on the book Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany, and it follows the courageous actions of the 100th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The cast features a star-studded lineup, with familiar faces including Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Barry Keoghan, Ncuti Gatwa, Kieron Moore, and more. (January 26)
Credit: Farmer Wants a Wife/FOX
‘Farmer Wants a Wife’ (Fox)
The search for rural love continues as Farmer Wants a Wife returns for a second season. (February 1)
Credit: Amazon MGM Studios
‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (Prime Video)
Donald Glover and Maya Erskine are bringing their own twist to the action comedy genre, following in the footsteps of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's characters from nearly two decades ago. (February 2)
Credit: ABC/Matt Sayles
‘Abbott Elementary’ (ABC)
The comedy series has us all set for a fresh school year following the conclusion of season 2, which saw Janine (Brunson) and Gregory (Tyler James Williams) finally admitting their feelings for each other. (February 7)
Credit: Michael Courtney/CBS
‘Tracker’ (CBS)
Justin Hartley makes his TV return in the role of a survivalist who travels the country helping people and law enforcement tackle a variety of mysteries. (February 11)
Credit: Sergei Bachlakov/CBS
‘Fire Country’ (CBS)
Season 2 starts with Bode (Max Thieriot) making a false confession about bringing drugs into Three Rock in order to clear his friend Freddy’s (W. Tre Davis) name from a wrongful conviction. (February 16)
Credit: Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC
‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ (AMC)
Fans will be reunited with Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) in the upcoming six-episode limited series. Both characters departed from the original series in seasons 9 and 10, respectively. (February 25)
Credit: FX/Youtube
‘Shogun’ (FX)
The show, which is based on James Clavell’s book of the same name, is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. (February 27)
Credit: Justin Stephens / FOX
‘9-1-1’ (ABC)
Season 7 marks 9-1-1’s debut on ABC after it was previously canceled by Fox. (March 14)
