Beyond the Networks: More 2017 Must-See TV

What to Stream

Quality television can be found everywhere these days.  For those looking to expand their viewing options beyond the traditional network schedule, check out these offerings on cable and streaming.

'The Last Tycoon'

Matt Bomer (White Collar), Kelsey Grammer (Frasier) and Jennifer Beals (The Night Shift) star in this lushly filmed adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s final unfinished novel. Set in the 1930s, the drama revolves around Monroe Stahr’s (Bomer) tenacious climb up the ladder in the movie industry and his love-hate relationship with studio head Pat Brady (Grammer). You’ll be sucked in by the glamour and Mad Men-style period details, but stay for the great acting of Grammer, 62, and Beals, 53. FULL REVIEW

Premiere: July 28 on Amazon

'Atypical'

In this heartfelt sitcom, Jennifer Jason Leigh, 55 (The Hateful Eight), helps her 18-year-old autistic son become more independent, particularly when it comes to romantic pursuits.“ Or, as he says with all sincerity, “Mom, I’m getting older and I really, really hope that at some time I get to see boobs.”

Premiere: Aug. 11 on Netflix

'Get Shorty'

Inspired by Elmore Leonard’s humorous crime novel, which also was a basis for a 1995 John Travolta hit, the series stars Irish funny man Chris O’Dowd (Girls) as a crook who wants to make films as a way to launder money. The suddenly hot Ray Romano, 59 (The Big Sick), is the washed-up producer who shows him the Tinseltown ropes. FULL REVIEW

Premiere: Aug. 13 on Epix

'Disjointed'

Pot is hot as its use becomes more legally and socially acceptable. So why not a workplace comedy with Kathy Bates, 69 (American Horror Story), as a legendary pro-cannabis advocate who runs a marijuana dispensary alongside her young staff. Who knows? Viewers might get a contact high just from laughing. FULL REVIEW 

Premiere: Aug. 25 on Netflix

'The Deuce'

Boogie Nights, Times Square edition. The forces behind The Wire tackle the porn industry’s rise in the 1970s while exploring HIV, the drug epidemic and real estate ups and downs. James Franco plays Mob-connected twin brothers, and Maggie Gyllenhaal is a sex worker who gets caught up in the porn trade. FULL REVIEW

Premiere: Sept. 10 on HBO

'Star Trek: Discovery'

The fourth live-action series to spin off from the '60s original is a prequel that promises to be grittier. Sonequa Martin-Green (The Walking Dead) takes the lead as First Officer Michael Burham. Several key characters qualify for the 50+ club: Jason Issacs as Yorca, captain of the Discovery; Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou, captain of the Shenzhou; and Rainn Wilson (The Office) as intergalactic criminal Harry Mudd.

Premiere: Sept. 24 on CBS All Access

'Our Souls at Night'

Jane Fonda, 79, and Robert Redford, 80, starred together in the 1966 film The Chase, 1967’s Barefoot in the Park and 1979’s The Electric Horseman. In the original movie Our Souls at Night, from the soulful novel by Kent Haruf, they play widowed neighbors who strike up a relationship in their twilight years in this Colorado-set romance directed by Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox).

Premiere: Sept. 29 on Netflix

'Loudermilk'

Antiheroes are abundant in TV land, but not many provoke laughter. Here comes Ron Livingston, 50, as Dave Loudermilk, a recovering alcoholic, substance abuse counselor and die-hard misanthrope. Peter Farrelly (Dumb and Dumber) and Bobby Mort (The Colbert Report) cocreated this miserable human. 

Premiere: Oct. 17 on AT&T Audience Network/DirecTV

'Godless'

Jeff Daniels, 62 (The Newsroom), is Frank Griffin, an outlaw in 1884 New Mexico who is in pursuit of his once-partner, now-enemy (Jack O’Connell of Unbroken). He lands in the town of La Belle, which just happens to be populated entirely by womenfolk. Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) costars. 

Premiere: Nov. 21 on Netflix

Also of Interest

There are so many great movies that come out between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day that generate Oscar buzz. Here are our nine picks for the holiday movies you must see.