CRITIC'S CUT: Top 10 Most Hotly Anticipated Spring Premieres

BWW TV World is thrilled to present our weekly Critic's Cut: slicing the best (and the worst) moments of pop culture into ten little digestible pieces.

Critic's Cut runs each Friday afternoon, presenting television's 'Best Of' moments, characters, shows, and more!

This week's inaugural edition presents the most anticipated spring premieres and returns. Check out the top 10 below!

10) ZERO HOUR
Series Premiere: Feb. 14 (8 PM, ABC)
ABC promises that this is not THE DA VINCI CODE. Which means, it's probably THE DA VINCI CODE - with Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards). Edwards plays a conspiracy theorist who becomes enraptured in a centuries-old mystery - whose wife is then kidnapped by an international terrorist. The last hook leaves us scratching our heads. But if the series' writers can successfully weave historical conspiracies with modern security fears, adding just a dash of Nazism along the way, the network might have something worthwhile on its hands.

9) THE FOLLOWING
Series Premiere: Jan. 21 (9 PM, Fox)
This psychological thriller starring Kevin Bacon follows one FBI agent's obsession with hunting down an escaped serial killer (who may be a genius) who's bent on forming a cult of rapists, sadists, and murderers. The premise isn't the most original in the upcoming spring lineup, but its all-star cast, including Bacon and James Purefoy, gives it immense promise.

8) THE WALKING DEAD
Season 3.5 Premiere: Feb. 10 (9 PM, AMC)
Many claim that The Walking Dead is past its prime: that it needs more zombies, that it needs characters who are remotely likeable. In its defense, the show undoubtedly keeps viewers on their toes. With its penchant for killing off series favorites with no remorse, it's hard not to admire. But ultimately, should the the survivors fear the humans living in this post-apocalyptic world - or the show's writers?

7) SHAMELESS
Season 3 Premiere: Jan. 13 (9 PM, Showtime)
SHAMELESS doesn't necessarily understand boundaries - much like the insanely nutty Gallagher family, headed by their alcoholic patriarch (William H. Macy). With powerhouse performances from Emmy Rossum and Macy, this Showtime pseudo-drama manages to stay comfortably buzzed, without reaching that point of being blacked-out snockered.

6) SMASH
Season 2 Premiere: Feb. 5 (9 PM, NBC)
The first season was not, to be punny, a smash. There were definitely flaws: wonky characters arcs, shakey plot points, and some eye twitchingly bad songs. But with a new showrunner and a slew of stage stars, we're curious as to whether or not this Broadway crybaby can improve upon its promising subject matter.

5) GIRLS
Season 2 Premiere: Jan. 13 (9 PM, HBO)
Lena Dunham's post-modern hipster tale follows four girls trying to live in New York post-college. The show explores the realistic grit of a twenty-something trying to make relationships - and life in general - work. Dunham shot straight to the top of the millennial generation following the first season - and we're excited to see if GIRLS can retain the buzz come season two.

4) BATES MOTEL
Series Premiere: March 18 (10 PM, A&E)
LOST producer Carlton Cuse proclaims this PSYCHO prequel series will be void of the supernatural: which either means it might actually be good, or another 'just because' show, intent on milking cash from the iconic horror film in which its premise originates. Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore play Norma and Norman Bates respectively.

3) THE AMERICANS
Series Premiere: Jan. 30 (10 PM, FX)
The FX drama from Joe Weisberg centers on two Russian spies transplanted into 1980s American suburbia during the Cold War. The couple, played by Kerri Russell and Matthew Rhys, explore the woes of marriage, and you know, overthrowing the United States government.

2) ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
Season 4 Premiere: May (Netflix)
Let's all let out an exhaustive, all-encompassing "WHOO." The Bluthes are back, and it might just be the greatest TV miracle ever. Following its cancellation in 2006, the Mitchell Hurwitz-created series is now back on its feet with a 14-episode order set to air sometime in May on Netflix. A slew of guest stars are set for the much anticipated fourth season, including Liza Minnelli and Conan O'Brien.

Image via EW

1) HOUSE OF CARDS
Series Premiere: Feb. 1 (Netflix)
Kevin Spacey plays a ruthless (read: typical) congressman, bent on conquering the D.C. political landscape. The series is a corrupt, wicked taste of modern bureaucracy, exploring the humanity (and inhumanity) of those elected to office. CARDS comes from David Fincher (THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, THE SOCIAL NETWORK) and is set to premiere on Feb. 1 on Netflix - perfect for binge-viewing.

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