Best-Reviewed Returning TV Shows 2015

Critics Consensus: Season two of Fargo retains all the elements that made the series an award-winning hit, successfully delivering another stellar saga powered by fascinating characters, cheeky cynicism, and just a touch of the absurd.

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Ted Danson

Critics Consensus: Family-driven drama and psychological themes propel The Americans' tautly drawn tension, dispensing thrills of a different ilk this season.

Starring: Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich, Holly Taylor

Critics Consensus: The Knick delivers an addictive second season with stunning visuals, knockout performances, and disturbing moments adding up to a period drama that's anything but dated.

Starring: Clive Owen, André Holland, Eve Hewson, Jeremy Bobb

Critics Consensus: Peter Capaldi and the writers have settled into an emotionally engaging tone, allowing the show to raise the stakes for the Twelfth Doctor.

Starring: Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman, Maisie Williams, Michelle Gomez

Critics Consensus: Bloody action and extreme power plays return full throttle, as Game of Thrones enjoys a new-found liberation from the world of the source material, resulting in more unexpected thrills.

Starring: Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Critics Consensus: Bryan Fuller serves up another delightfully demented season of Hannibal, featuring a hearty helping of gorgeous gore, paired with a sweet side of twisted humor.

Starring: Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Laurence Fishburne, Aaron Abrams

Critics Consensus: Thanks to its blend of potent comedy and rich character work, Orange is the New Black remains a bittersweet pleasure in its third season.

Starring: Taylor Schilling, Uzo Aduba, Laura Prepon, Kate Mulgrew

Critics Consensus: Expertly balancing character growth against edgy humor, season two of You're the Worst elevates the show's excellent writing and talented cast to a new level.

Starring: Chris Geere, Aya Cash, Desmin Borges, Kether Donohue

Critics Consensus: The Affair shifts its emphasis in season two, moving psychological drama to the foreground and expanding the show's central crime story to include two new points of view.

Starring: Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney, Joshua Jackson

Critics Consensus: With masterfully melodramatic writing and gloriously glam performances, Empire is not backing down on the soapy spectacle in its second season.

Starring: Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Y. Gray