Paley Fest Wish List

For 12 years now, I have been attending the annual PaleyFest in Los Angeles hosted by the Paley Center for Media. Over the course of all those years I have seen a lot of shows be spotlighted by this event, I have covered countless of those panels and even made a few wish list in preparation for upcoming events.

By the time this article is published, the Paley Center for Media will have made the initial announcement of panels for the 2016 event; and by next Tuesday, new events will be announced. Usually before the official announcements are made, though, there have been at least a few panels revealed, but for whatever reason, that isn’t happening this year.

And to make matters worse (for some ticket purchasers), those first panels will be announced early this morning (January 12) with tickets also going on sale today. This will repeat next week, making those same ticket purchasers even more irritated.

Despite all of that, I wanted to make a last minute wish list for this year’s fete – and perhaps at least a few of my choices will be announced today.

Here they are (in no particular order):

The 100 – This is the post-apocalyptic series that is now in its third season on The CW and is probably one of the most under-rated shows currently on the primetime line-up. The performances by the cast are raw, real and very moving.

Blindspot – This is the number one new drama from the fall, being the first show to get a full-season line-up from the 2015-2016 TV season; and it was also easily the most-talked about new show of the year.

Quantico – This ABC series may not have garnered the ratings that the network had anticipated, but its attractive cast certainly made heads turn; and its timely – albeit scary scenario – kept viewers on their toes.

The Fosters – This unique family drama on the newly named FreeForm (formerly ABC Family) focuses on a same sex couple who are raising five teens: one a biological son, two adopted twin siblings and two new additions.

The Librarians – This wonderfully farcical TNT drama has captivated viewers, as they follow the new librarians at the Metropolitan Public Library in their larger-than-life escapades with or without Flynn Carsen by their side.

Supergirl – This DC Comics series is the first drama that is focused on a female lead (finally!) in many, many years; and the show is holding its own on Monday nights, making a star out of its former Glee actress-singer Melissa Benoist.

Agent Carter – On the other spectrum is the Marvel Universe and its period piece ABC drama that focuses on super spy Peggy Carter, who is overlooked in the office by her co-workers, but is a marvel (pun only slightly intended) in the field.

Daredevil – This streaming series, which aired earlier in 2015 on Netflix, proved that some of the best programming isn’t on television. From the inventive opening sequence, to the fight scenes, to the villainous Wilson Fisk, this captivating series really made strides.

Orphan Black – This series has captured the hearts of people all over the world and even won over the critics. Tatiana Maslany is one of the most talented actresses on the globe and that fact alone should be the driving factor behind the show being spotlighted.

Grimm – This fairy tale drama about the world of Wesen creatures and the long line of hunters – the Grimms – who battled them is in the middle of its fifth season, and has consistently provided intriguing and imaginative stories.

Special Mentions: It is doubtful that Downton Abbey will be included in this year’s event, but that sure would be an amazing experience. It would also be delightful to have Outlander back for a second year, but that is also doubtful. Lastly, the Hallmark Channel series When Calls the Heart has a very loyal following, and I think it would be really nice if that show could be honored at some point.