11 can’t-miss television series debuting in 2021

Mr. Mayor

Missing The Good Place? You’re not alone in that. Luckily, Ted Danson hasn’t wasted any time diving into a new comedy, and this time he’s taking on the lead role. NBC’s Mr. Mayor will premiere on January 7, and if Danson’s involvement isn’t enough to sell viewers on this new comedy, the fact that it’s written by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock might do the trick.

The show follows retired businessman, Neil Bremer, as he sets out to become mayor of Los Angeles — and actually succeeds. Of course, the world of politics isn’t as glamorous as Neil expected, and he soon becomes tangled up in all kinds of problems he’ll have to solve. Thankfully, his political-veteran deputy, Arpi, is around to help him navigate this new world, even if they don’t always see eye to eye.

Mr. Mayor is poised to be a fun take on governing with a cast and creative team that will no doubt do its premise justice. It’s a great way to kick off the year — especially for those who could really use a laugh after 2020.

Bel-Air

Television lovers are typically wary heading into remakes, but the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reboot heading to Peacock this year looks to offer a different and much-needed perspective on what it’s like to be a Black man in America in 2021. Will Smith will be heavily involved in the new series, as will Morgan Cooper, whose reimagining (video above) of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in a present-day setting inspired the show in the first place.

Titled Bel-Air, the series is slated to arrive sometime in 2021, though it’s yet to receive an official release date. This more somber and reflective take on the classic sitcom will hopefully bring about more of the discussions Americans have been having about systemic oppression over the past few years.