You Need to Be Watching These ABC TV Shows Right Now

In case you didn’t realize, summer is ending and a slew of new programming and premieres are about to hit some of the biggest networks, including ABC.

Among the prized 18-49 demographic, ABC has been leading the way as the No. 1 network on television, according to Nielsen ratings — and for good reason. The network is enjoying a revival of sorts with its groundbreaking series, many of which are returning this fall. From comedies to suspense and socially aware programming, there is a lot to watch and satisfy the taste buds of American audiences. But before their anticipated returns, it’s time you catch up on some of the best the network has the offer.

Between, Netflix, Hulu and ABC Go, there are a lot of places to watch ABC’s favorites. The best part is, Pop Culture has narrowed it down for you and picked out the very best to tune into before their fall premieres next month.

“Designated Survivor”

From The West Wing to Scandal, there have been so many political dramas over the years that have graced the small screen, but none has been so affecting than ABC’s Designated Survivor. Premiering shortly after the election last year, Kiefer Sutherland headlines this series about a man who becomes the President of the United States after an attack on the nation’s capital during a State of the Union Address.

Still in in its infancy, the series has a lot of depth and is incredibly immersive, with plenty of room for drama, social commentary and espionage. If Homeland is a show you regard as good TV, this show is the next best as it’s packed with action, suspense and very thoughtfully written too.

Returns: Sept. 27, 10 p.m. EST.

“Fresh off the Boat”

Based on the memoir of the same name by celebrity chef, Eddie Huang, this sitcom follows a Chinese family in the early ’90s moving from Washington, D.C. to start a new life in Orlando, Florida. Funny, “fresh” and featuring a talented cast (including the cutest kids!), it’s your classic fresh-out-of-the-water comedy.

Living in a predominantly white, yuppie neighborhood, the family sets out to fulfill their American Dreams, while facing struggles and a very evident cultural clash that approached with much sensitivity and hilarity, and not aimed at either culture, just the situations they find themselves experiencing.

Returns: Oct. 3, 8:30 p.m. EST.

“Quantico”

This show might be the best series you’re not watching. Starring the first South Asian actress to ever headline a series on a major network, the show follows Alex Parrish (played by Indian film actress, Priyanka Chopra) as a bright FBI recruit who becomes the prime suspect of a terrorist attack.

While audiences might be confused with the two timelines moving back and forth to tell recount the incident, it’s a clever show with socially aware commentary on today’s climate, while being packed with drama, suspense and romance similar to Grey’s Anatomy. Not to mention, it’s incredibly diverse in its casting and has a lot more twists than a fishtail braid.

“The Goldbergs”

With Netflix’s Stranger Things helping to revive the ’80s in an era that definitely needs more oomph, another series that has been doing that for quite some time now is the ABC sitcom, The Goldbergs.

Treading a bit of The Wonder Years mixed with everything you love most from life in the 1980s, this sitcom does not disappoint. Based loosely on film producer and writer, Adam Goldberg’s life, the series has magnificent writing and acting from a hilarious cast, stellar fashion and hair, a soundtrack you can definitely get behind, references galore from the ’80s, and the family dynamic led by actress, Wendi McLendon Covey is a real gem. Not to mention, it is narrated by the always amazing, Patton Oswalt.

Returns: Sept. 27, 8 p.m. EST.

“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”

Being a spin-off of The Avengers should be reason enough. Starring SHIELD agent, Phil Coulson from Iron Man, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. picks up on events happening in the Marvel Universe, which makes it an incredibly fun watch. The series feels almost like a really fun post-credits scene from the MCU movies thanks to its twists and turns.

And with movies inundated with so many superheroes nowadays, this is a series that never feels oversaturated because it’s not really enough superheroes. It’s about the agency that keeps them all in check. If you want to see a straight-up show about somewhat regular people just doing their best in a world of superscience and aliens, this is the one.

Returns: Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. EST.

“How to Get Away With Murder”

This ABC smash hit is one of the most thrilling shows you are going to feast your eyes on. Grab a drink and watch this one with a friend because you’re definitely going to need one after the first few episodes.

With an incredible cast led by Viola Davis, this soap, legal thriller is unafraid of diversity, strong women and LGBT relationships, which makes it also a very important watch when it comes to broadening the arch of television. It twisted murder plot is one that will have you at the edge of your seat with every episode ending in a cliffhanger. And in the same vein of Game of Thrones, you better not grow accustomed to any character. Anything can happen…

Returns: Sept. 28, 10 p.m. EST

Photo credit: Twitter / @wTVPC