2018 Midseason TV Survey: Winter’s Most Anticipated New and Returning Series

We surveyed TV fans and asked which midseason returning and premiering series they were most looking forward to in the first quarter of 2018. The top series, according to 623 Rotten Tomatoes users (out of 1,359 total survey respondents), include The Walking Dead (returning from its midseason break), The X-Files (returning for its 11th season), The Alienist (a new TNT miniseries), and, in the reality category, American Idol (getting reboot treatment).

Click through to find out which other series made the top 10 in each category.

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Series Returning Midseason

These series, chosen by Rotten Tomatoes users, debuted their current seasons in the fall and are returning early in the new year to continue their runs.

Top 10 out of 40 titles: 

The Walking Dead: Season 8 (2017)
71%

#11%

Adjusted Score: 70.924%

Critics Consensus: The Walking Dead's eighth season energizes its characters with some much-needed angst and action, though it's still occasionally choppy and lacking forward-moving plot progression.

Synopsis: A horror drama following the survivors of an apocalyptic holocaust who are searching for a safe haven while being tracked... [More]

Starring: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Chandler Riggs, Danai Gurira

Directed By: Rosemary Rodriguez, Dan Liu, Gregory Nicotero, John Polson

This Is Us: Season 2 (2017)
91%

#10%

Adjusted Score: 91.356%

Critics Consensus: This is Us continues to tug at heartstrings with an emotional exploration of family that ensures viewers will want to keep the tissues close -- and their loved ones closer.

Synopsis: Season 2 of the drama series continues exploring the Pearsons' lives. In the past, Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and Jack (Milo... [More]

Starring: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Justin Hartley, Chrissy Metz

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 5 (2017)
100%

#6%

Adjusted Score: 78.487%

Synopsis: An action-adventure series based on the Marvel Comics secret-intelligence organization headed by Agent Phil Coulson.... [More]

Starring: Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestaecker

Directed By: Nina Lopez-Corrado, Kevin Tancharoen, Jesse Bochco, Salli Richardson-Whitfield

The Good Place: Season 2 (2017)
100%

#5%

Adjusted Score: 101.854%

Critics Consensus: By voluntarily blowing up its premise, The Good Place sets up a second season that proves even funnier than its first.

Synopsis: After Eleanor (Kristen Bell), Tahani (Jameela Jamil), Jason (Manny Jacinto), and Chidi (William Jackson Harper) discover the truth about the... [More]

Starring: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil

Star Trek: Discovery: Chapters 1 & 2 (2017)
82%

#4%

Adjusted Score: 85.352%

Critics Consensus: Although it takes an episode to achieve liftoff, Star Trek: Discovery delivers a solid franchise installment for the next generation -- boldly led by the charismatic Sonequa Martin-Green.

Synopsis: This sci-fi series follows the voyages of Starfleet on their quest to explore new planets and new life forms. Set... [More]

Starring: Jason Isaacs, Sonequa Martin-Green, Michelle Yeoh, Doug Jones

Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Season 5 (2017)
100%

#4%

Adjusted Score: 35.676%

Synopsis: A sitcom following the lives of a group of detectives in a New York precinct, including one slacker who is... [More]

Starring: Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher

The Flash: Season 4 (2017)
100%

#4%

Adjusted Score: 99.892%

Critics Consensus: After an unsteady turn in season three, The Flash returns to its roots with a fourth season packed with humor, spectacle, and a whole lot of heart.

Synopsis: Scientist Barry Allen acquires super speed through a freak accident and becomes known as the Fastest Man Alive in this... [More]

Starring: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes

Directed By: Glen Winter, David Mcwhirter, Harry Jierjian, Armen V. Kevorkian

The Good Doctor: Season 1 (2017)
58%

#3%

Adjusted Score: 59.711%

Critics Consensus: The Good Doctor's heavy-handed bedside manner undermines a solid lead performance, but under all the emotionally manipulative gimmickry, there's still plenty of room to improve.

Synopsis: A talented young surgeon with Savant syndrome ruffles feathers while saving lives at a prestigious hospital's pediatric surgical unit.... [More]

Starring: Freddie Highmore, Nicholas Gonzalez, Beau Garrett, Antonia Thomas

Directed By: Seth Gordon, John Dahl, Larry Teng, Michael Patrick Jann

Bob's Burgers: Season 8 (2017)

#3%

Adjusted Score: -0.143%

Synopsis: Following a hamburger restaurateur and his quirky family in this animated sitcom.... [More]

Starring: H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman

NCIS: Season 15 (2017)

#3%

Adjusted Score: -0.143%

Synopsis: The series is about criminal cases involving Navy and Marine personnel, handled by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.... [More]

Starring: Mark Harmon, David McCallum, Pauley Perrette, Sean Murray

Directed By: Thomas J. Wright, Leslie Libman, Tony Wharmby, Terrence O'Hara

Top 10 based on 1,359 overall survey responses: 

1. The Walking Dead – 10%
2. This Is Us – 9%
3. Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – 5%
4. The Good Doctor – 4%
5. Star Trek: Discovery – 4%
6. NCIS – 4%
7. The Big Bang Theory – 4%
8. The Good Place – 4%
9. How to Get Away With Murder – 3%
10. Supernatural – 3%

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