Critics Consensus: Black Sails boasts visual appeal, but the show's bland characters aren't strong enough to keep the show from being dragged down into its murky depths of aimless exposition.

Starring: Toby Stephens, Hannah New, Luke Arnold, Jessica Parker Kennedy

Critics Consensus: Firefly earns its audience's adoration with the help of Nathan Fillion's dry delivery, a detailed fantasy world, and compelling storylines -- even if it doesn't stand with creator Joss Whedon's most consistent work.

Starring: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Sean Maher

Critics Consensus: It's familiar stuff, but The Librarians offers family-friendly fun with a mixture of silliness and adventure.

Starring: Rebecca Romijn, Christian Kane, Lindy Booth, John Harlan Kim

Critics Consensus: Sleeper Cell approaches its provocative high-concept with a respectful exploration of religious extremism, but the series works better as a gritty thrill-ride than the nuanced drama it aspires to be.

Starring: Michael Ealy, Oded Fehr, Henri Lubatti, Alex Nesic

Critics Consensus: The nonsensical time travel in 12 Monkeys makes it less watchable than its original source material, but the high quality execution and cool characters are top-notch.

Starring: Aaron Stanford, Amanda Schull, Kirk Acevedo, Barbara Sukowa

Critics Consensus: Joss Whedon's provocative procedural poses troubling questions about autonomy and consciousness, but repeatedly hitting the reset button on Eliza Dushku's character makes Dollhouse feel dispiritingly empty.

Starring: Eliza Dushku, Tahmoh Penikett, Olivia Williams, Fran Kranz

Critics Consensus: The premise of ordinary people gaining superpowers has been done before, but this irreverent yet gritty drama stands out from the crowd by making its heroes a group of young offenders doing court-mandated community service.

Starring: Robert Sheehan, Lauren Socha, Antonia Thomas, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

Critics Consensus: Odd and ambitious, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency sometimes overdoses on pure weirdness but offers absurdist rewards to those who stick with it.

Starring: Samuel Barnett, Elijah Wood, Aaron Douglas, Dustin Milligan

Starring: Daisy May Cooper, Charlie Cooper, Paul Cooper, Paul Chahidi

Starring: Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine, Anders Holm, Maribeth Monroe

Critics Consensus: Bouyed by strong acting and a sharp, funny script, Better Off Ted is a fresh, clever satire, even if it may not appeal to a particularly broad audience.

Starring: Jay Harrington, Andrea Anders, Portia de Rossi, Jonathan Slavin

Critics Consensus: Though sometimes juvenile in nature, Getting On finds the funny, even in a somber setting, with humorous yet sensitive narratives and characterizations.

Starring: Laurie Metcalf, Niecy Nash, Alex Borstein, Mel Rodriguez

Critics Consensus: Before shows about struggling actors were done to death, there was Party Down.

Starring: Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Ryan Hansen

Critics Consensus: Aided by Chris Rock's humorous narration, Everybody Hates Chris' first season offers refreshingly honest insights into real life by addressing race, class, and adolescence.

Starring: Tichina Arnold, Terry Crews, Tyler James Williams, Tequan Richmond

Starring: Josh Thomas, Thomas Ward, Debra Lawrance, David Roberts

Critics Consensus: Difficult People makes the unlikable likable with mean-spirited, unhappy characters who still can't help but amuse.

Starring: Julie Klausner, Billy Eichner, Andrea Martin, James Urbaniak

Critics Consensus: Smartly written, well acted, and emotionally resonant, Awkward captures the anxiety of teenage life with wit and insight.

Starring: Ashley Rickards, Beau Mirchoff, Molly Tarlov, Jillian Rose Reed

Critics Consensus: An odd couple sitcom with a modern twist, Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 is sleeker and smarter than expected, thanks to strong acting and snappy dialogue.

Starring: Krysten Ritter, Dreama Walker, Liza Lapira, Mookie Blaiklock

Critics Consensus: Happy Endings has its moments, but overall, it's an uneven sitcom that strands a likeable cast in unbelievable situations.

Starring: Elisha Cuthbert, Eliza Coupe, Zachary Knighton, Adam Pally

Starring: Julian Barratt, Noel Fielding, Michael Fielding, Rich Fulcher

Starring: Jessica Hynes, Simon Pegg, Julia Deakin, Nick Frost

Critics Consensus: Amusingly surrealistic and enjoyably odd, Man Seeking Woman is easy to fall for, taking a ridiculously funny approach to a common theme.

Starring: Jay Baruchel, Eric André, Britt Lower, Maya Erskine

Critics Consensus: Carried by Desiree Akhavan's dry wit, The Bisexual explores identity politics with humor and heart.

Starring: Desiree Akhavan, Maxine Peake, Brian Gleeson, Saskia Chana

Critics Consensus: Legit is proudly rude, crude, and politically incorrect, but thanks to strong writing and sharply-drawn characters, it's frequently hilarious and often oddly charming.

Starring: Jim Jefferies, Dan Bakkedahl, DJ Qualls, Andy Dick

Critics Consensus: Well-acted and quite funny, Terriers breathes quirky new life into the detective show.

Starring: Donal Logue, Michael Raymond-James, Laura Allen, Rockmond Dunbar

Starring: Rosie Cavaliero, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Katherine Parkinson, Joyce Veheary

Critics Consensus: Though Nos2a2 strains to build the necessary atmosphere to pull off its ambitious premise, it does capture the spirit of Joe Hill's singular work and provide a new psychopath for Zachary Quinto to sink his teeth into.

Starring: Zachary Quinto, Ashleigh Cummings, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Jahkara J. Smith

Critics Consensus: The Exorcist doesn't come close to its classic source material, but still boasts a tense narrative that manages some legitimate scares and credible special effects.

Starring: Alfonso Herrera, Ben Daniels, Kurt Egyiawan, Hannah Kasulka

Critics Consensus: The Strain makes the most of its familiar themes through an effective mix of supernatural thrills and B-movie gore -- though it may not appeal to everyone.

Starring: Corey Stoll, David Bradley, Mía Maestro, Kevin Durand

Critics Consensus: While the horror scenes are well-executed, Salem lacks enough substance to sustain even a guilty-pleasure interest.

Starring: Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel, Ashley Madekwe

Critics Consensus: In the Flesh exists within several genres, growing into profound entertainment that haunts as it entertains.

Starring: Luke Newberry, Harriet Cains, Emily Bevan, Steve Evets

Critics Consensus: Despite its overstuffed plot, Sleepy Hollow is a fun romp with exciting action scenes and sparkling production values.

Starring: Tom Mison, Nicole Beharie, Orlando Jones, Katia Winter

Critics Consensus: Stan Against Evil is a light, gruesome horror-comedy with a fun premise, but the series has yet to solidify its tone and characters.

Starring: John C. McGinley, Janet Varney, Nate Mooney, Deborah Baker Jr.

Critics Consensus: The Fades succeeds as a genuinely unnerving horror chronicle, striking a fine balance between gruesome set-pieces and likable characters.

Starring: Natalie Dormer, Iain De Caestecker, Ian Hanmore, Daniel Kaluuya

Critics Consensus: A thriller wrapped in a prestige drama package, The Terror makes for gripping, atmospheric supernatural horror.

Starring: Jared Harris, Tobias Menzies, Ciarán Hinds, Paul Ready

Critics Consensus: Creepy and strange in the best way possible, Wayward Pines is a welcome return to form for M. Night Shyamalan.

Starring: Matt Dillon, Melissa Leo, Carla Gugino, Toby Jones

Critics Consensus: Too tasteless for mainstream viewers and too silly for horror enthusiasts, Scream Queens fails to satisfy.

Starring: Emma Roberts, Jamie Lee Curtis, Oliver Hudson, Lea Michele

Critics Consensus: Medium may have a unique premise, but with bland storytelling, the outcome -- well, you can see it coming.

Starring: Patricia Arquette, Jake Weber, Miguel Sandoval, Sofia Vassilieva

Critics Consensus: Siren turns traditional lore on its tail with a unique, well-paced show that presents dangerous, violent mythical creatures in a surprisingly empathetic and exciting light.

Starring: Eline Powell, Alex Roe, Rena Owen, Fola Evans-Akingbola

Critics Consensus: Emily Watson plays a dangerous game with exceptional finesse in Apple Tree Yard, a rattlingly intense erotic thriller that deftly explores disturbing dilemmas and themes.

Starring: Emily Watson, Ben Chaplin, Mark Bonnar, Susan Lynch

Critics Consensus: Brockmire insinuates itself as the series goes on, elevated by assured, compelling performances from Hank Azaria and Amanda Peet -- and a raw humor all its own.

Starring: Hank Azaria, Amanda Peet, Tyrel Jackson Williams, Katie Finneran

Critics Consensus: An engrossing drama with a fun '80s soundtrack, Deutschland 83 chronicles an intense spy story that brings viewers uncomfortably close to the Iron Curtain.

Starring: Jonas Nay, Alexander Beyer, Maria Schrader, Sonja Gerhardt

Critics Consensus: Bittersweet and beautifully performed, Looking For Alaska is the rare adaptation that deviates from its source material only to find something even better.

Starring: Kristine Froseth, Charlie Plummer, Denny Love, Jay Lee

Critics Consensus: With strong performances, deep writing, and skilled direction, The Path offers an absorbing observation of the human condition, even if a rushed pace occasionally blunts the impact.

Starring: Aaron Paul, Michelle Monaghan, Hugh Dancy, Kyle Allen

Critics Consensus: Smart, sharp, and effortlessly charming, Bunheads is a captivating blend of drama and comedy that succeeds on the strength of a terrific ensemble cast.

Starring: Sutton Foster, Kaitlyn Jenkins, Julia Goldani Telles, Bailey Buntain

Critics Consensus: Brotherhood achieves an authentic sense of place while unleashing ferociously good actors onto a story rife with thought-provoking moral quandaries, but some viewers may find the series too glum and patient in its storytelling.

Starring: Jason Clarke, Jason Isaacs, Fionnula Flanagan, Annabeth Gish

Critics Consensus: Underground blends credible terror with enough compelling thrills to overcome the storyline's occasional cliches.

Starring: Adina Porter, Alano Miller, Aldis Hodge, Christopher Meloni

Critics Consensus: Das Boot possesses the atmospheric pressure of its cinematic forebear while adding new depth to its compelling ensemble, making for a riveting international production.

Starring: Vicky Krieps, Tom Wlaschiha, Lizzy Caplan, Rick Okon

Critics Consensus: Harlots uses its titillating subject matter to draw the viewer into a deeper drama about the intersection of survival, business, and family.

Starring: Samantha Morton, Lesley Manville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Eloise Smyth

Critics Consensus: Despite Singleton's accurate recreation of 1983 Los Angeles and a strong lead performance from Damson Idris.Snowfall struggles to create a compelling drama from its separate storylines.

Starring: Damson Idris, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Carter Hudson, Emily Rios

Critics Consensus: With an authenticity of culture and place and strong performances throughout, Queen Sugar rises above melodrama in this alluring, unhurried and powerful portrait of a fractious black American family.

Starring: Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Kofi Siriboe, Tina Lifford

Critics Consensus: Donald Sutherland delivers a powerful turn as the titular Getty in Trust, yet another telling of the affluent family's saga.

Starring: Donald Sutherland, Hilary Swank, Harris Dickinson, Michael Esper

Critics Consensus: National Treasure offers a unique perspective on celebrity crime through the eyes of its perpetrator -- and gripping performances from a strong ensemble cast.

Starring: Robbie Coltrane, Julie Walters, Andrea Riseborough, Tim McInnerny

Critics Consensus: Thoughtful, emotional, and eye-opening, Butterfly effectively addresses the nuances of gender identity with a careful balance of sensitivity and realism.

Starring: Emmett Scanlan, Anna Friel, Callum Booth-Ford, Millie Gibson

Critics Consensus: Lodge 49 takes a surreal journey into the television dreamscape that can prove quite rewarding for viewers who stick with it.

Starring: Wyatt Russell, Brent Jennings, Sonya Cassidy, Linda Emond

Critics Consensus: Top of the Lake remains impressively idiosyncratic and ambitious in its second season, even if the plot of this six-episode arc isn't quite as tightly wound as its predecessor's.

Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Gwendoline Christie, David Dencik, Ewen Leslie

Critics Consensus: Shots Fired tackles tough topics commendably -- and remains consistently compelling despite an occasionally meandering plot.

Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Stephan James, Stephen Moyer, Will Patton

Critics Consensus: Family Matters' first season proves that a simple sitcom built from basic ingredients can still deliver plenty of laughs if there's the right kind of chemistry between the cast -- particularly one with a breakout star waiting in the wings.

Starring: Jo Marie Payton, Reginald VelJohnson, Rosetta Lenoire, Darius McCrary

Starring: Patrick Duffy, Suzanne Somers, Staci Keanan, Angela Watson

Starring: Fred Savage, Jason Hervey, Olivia d'Abo, Dan Lauria

Critics Consensus: Although the jokes don't always stick the landing, the excellent actresses alone make Designing Women worth watching.

Starring: Delta Burke, Dixie Carter, Jean Smart, Annie Potts

Critics Consensus: An exceptional ensemble and a smart sense of humor suggest The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its titular star may just make it after all.

Starring: Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Asner, Gavin MacLeod, Ted Knight

Critics Consensus: You're about to enter a show, a show not only of frights and fears but of mind. A journey into the limitless world of imagination. A show that pushes the boundaries of what a show can be. Next stop, The Twilight Zone.

Starring: Jack Warden, Charles Lane, Mary Webster, Earl Holliman

Critics Consensus: A comedian swaps standup for domestic duties in The Bernie Mac Show -- and proves you can still have a few laughs along the way.

Starring: Bernie Mac, Kellita Smith, Camille Winbush, Jeremy Suarez

Critics Consensus: Not content to settle for Twilight Zone knockoff status, The Outer Limits set the bar for gruesome monster anthology series and stands the test of time.

Starring: Philip Abbott, David McCallum, Robert Culp, Scott Marlowe

Critics Consensus: A smart teen show with magic and a talking cat, Sabrina the Teenage Witch won our hearts and went on to be a 90s TGIF staple.

Starring: Melissa Joan Hart, Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick, Nate Richert

Critics Consensus: While it is fun to watch the core quartet mingle, Living Single's ribald humor won't be to everyone's taste.

Starring: Queen Latifah, Kim Coles, Erika Alexander, Terrence "T.C." Carson

Critics Consensus: Although this sleek summertime soap oozes melodrama, Melrose Place struggles with one-dimensional storylines and shallow characterizations.

Starring: Grant Show, Andrew Shue, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Doug Savant

Critics Consensus: Although the jokes don't always stick the landing, the excellent actresses alone make Designing Women worth watching.

Starring: Delta Burke, Dixie Carter, Jean Smart, Annie Potts

Critics Consensus: While balancing sarcasm and subversive sensibility, Daria challenges social norms most teens can relate to.

Starring: Tracy Grandstaff, Wendy Hoopes, Julian Rebolledo, Amy Bennett

Critics Consensus: With a distinctive color palette and profoundly good-natured sensibility, Steven Universe beams onto screens as a fully realized gem that will appeal to all demographics.

Starring: Zach Callison, Estelle, Michaela Dietz, Deedee Magno

Critics Consensus: The Venture Bros. is both affectionate towards the science fiction hallmarks that it parodies and disdainful of its own characters, making for a pastiche that is easier to admire than love -- but viewers who enjoy dense riffs on the genre should find much to relish here.

Starring: Jackson Publick, James Urbaniak, Doc Hammer, Michael Sinterniklaas

Starring: Rob Paulsen, Frank Welker, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche

Starring: Michael Bell, Melanie Chartoff, E.G. Daily, Christine Cavanaugh

Starring: Billy West, Becca Lish, Doug Preis, Chris Phillips

Starring: Maurice LaMarche, Rob Paulsen

Starring: Tara Strong, Cathy Cavadini, E.G. Daily, Tom Kenny

Starring: Lane Toran, Jamil Walker Smith, Francesca Smith, Tress MacNeille