Best TV Shows of 2016

In the charming town of Uchiura, near Numazu, Shizuoka, a small high school, Uranohoshi Girls' High, is home to nine determined students. Led by Chika Takami, they're united by a big dream: to become the next generation of school idols. They believe hard work and dedication can make anything possible, so they dive into the School Idol Project. Combining their talents, teamwork, and unwavering spirit, these young women strive for fame, performing with energy and harmony as they chase their dreams.

Teachers is a hilarious comedy from The Katydids, who wrote and star in this film. It follows six elementary school teachers navigating the chaos of their classrooms and their own messy lives. The movie highlights the comedic talent of the cast as each teacher hilariously struggles with love, careers, and past mistakes. Their misadventures are both funny and relatable. Teachers blends humor with heartfelt moments, taking audiences on a memorable journey through the joys and challenges of being both educators and people. The Katydids bring a fresh, distinctive comedic style to the school comedy genre, resulting in a film that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly touching. Get ready to laugh as these well-meaning but often misguided teachers try to be good role models while dealing with life's everyday problems. Teachers is a tribute to the often-overlooked heroes of education and the funny side of being human.

Elena "Yo-Yo" Rodriguez, a super-speeding Inhuman, is forced to sign the Sokovia Accords – international rules governing people with superpowers. These restrictions directly conflict with her critical personal mission, which demands she use her powers to the fullest and confront some of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s best agents. Torn between her personal beliefs and loyalty to the Accords, Yo-Yo must navigate difficult choices as she risks everything to achieve her objective.

Humanity has unlocked limitless energy from the fourth dimension, "W," but a single company, New Tesla Energy, controls the production of the essential coils needed to harness it. These coils are highly prized and frequently used illegally, creating a demand for skilled collectors to recover them and maintain order. Kyōma, a seasoned freelance collector who dislikes coils, takes on a new mission when he meets an android who insists she's human. Disturbed by this encounter, Kyōma finds himself partnering with her, leading to an uneasy alliance that challenges their views on humanity and artificial intelligence. Together, they embark on a thrilling journey through the dangerous world of coil hunting, uncovering a complex story that forces them to question what it truly means to be alive.

A shocking murder in a quiet countryside town launches a complex investigation. When a well-respected doctor is brutally killed in front of a playground, local police face a baffling case that quickly becomes international. The detectives find unexpected help from a mysterious figure calling themselves the "Ghost Detective," who sends cryptic clues. As the team follows leads across Europe and encounters dangerous individuals, they discover that nothing is as it appears in this intricate mystery.

Set in the 1960s, this comedy follows a typical suburban family whose peaceful life is upended by an unexpected guest. Against a backdrop of American social change, the story highlights the hilarious disruption caused by this uninvited visitor and the family's attempts to keep things together. The film blends humor, reflections on societal shifts, and family dynamics, offering a lively glimpse into a memorable decade.

When Anna Macy’s best friend Gillian disappears near their town of Kettering, Anna's life is forever altered by a shared experience of strange lights in the sky. Years later, Anna returns to confront her past and finds Kettering fractured by a conflict between environmentalists and loggers fighting over deforestation. As Anna investigates Gillian's disappearance and reconnects with her old life, she uncovers secrets that reveal the truth about what happened to her friend and expose the darker side of human greed. This compelling story explores friendship, loss, and the fight to protect a community facing internal destruction.

This gripping story centers on the complex relationship between a powerful lawyer and a driven TV producer. Both are highly influential in their careers, and their professional lives become deeply intertwined with their personal lives, revealing how power affects relationships. The story expertly examines control and manipulation as they compete for dominance in the media, the legal world, and in their own connection. Featuring compelling characters and intense situations, this series offers a deep dive into ambition and the human mind.

Seventeen-year-old Nozomi Kaminashi is a gymnastics star, attracting attention from top colleges. But with her family struggling financially, her path takes an unexpected turn. She enters the world of "Keijo," a high-octane gambling sport where athletes compete on floating platforms, trying to push each other into the water using only their buttocks or breasts. Nozomi must navigate this thrilling, dangerous arena while fighting for her family's future. The competition tests her physically and emotionally as she faces rivals, obstacles, and unforeseen circumstances in her quest to win.

A musician in an indie band experiences bizarre time slips, finding himself in different realities. In each one, his girlfriend is struggling with terrible misfortune – her life falling apart without him. He journeys through these altered timelines, desperately trying to change her fate while confronting the dangers of altering time. The story explores destiny and love's power, weaving together music, emotion, and connection across different moments in time.

Clary Fray is a normal teenager until her mother disappears without a trace. Searching for answers, Clary discovers a hidden world of Shadowhunters – warriors dedicated to protecting humanity from demons. Intrigued and driven by the need to find her mother, Clary joins their ranks. She trains to fight demons, forming new bonds and rivalries while developing feelings for a Shadowhunter. As she masters her newfound powers and responsibilities, Clary learns she's not just caught in this world – she's vital to a larger plan to avert a looming disaster. This action-packed story follows Clary as she confronts her fears, uncovers secrets about her family, and embraces her role as an unlikely hero in a fight that will redefine everything she thought she knew.

A teenage girl discovers her courage when she stops a wicked sorceress from destroying her kingdom. For her bravery and cleverness, she's named crown princess, expected to rule wisely until she's old enough to become queen. The story follows her as she learns to govern and forge alliances, all while dealing with the huge responsibility of leading a country. It’s a fantasy adventure about growing up, set against a backdrop of magic and royal tradition – exploring the challenges and successes of young leadership.

In a secluded town controlled by a ruthless mafia, Isabella’s life shatters when her family is hurt by powerful criminals. Driven by grief and betrayal, she sets out to find justice and reclaim her peace. Her quest for revenge leads her through dangerous places, revealing shocking secrets about everyone around her. As Isabella navigates the criminal world, she battles her own fears and weaknesses. The story is about courage, strength, and how far people will go to protect those they love in a corrupt world. It’s a powerful story of one woman's fight for justice and a chance at healing amidst incredible hardship.

Kae Serinuma is a devoted high schooler obsessed with romantic manga, especially inventing love stories between her classmates, particularly Igarashi and Nanashima. When her favorite anime character dies, Kae unexpectedly loses a lot of weight from stress, changing how her classmates see her. Sarcastic Shinomiya and charming Mutsumi are among those noticing the shift. As Kae deals with this new attention, she grapples with staying true to her "fujoshi" passions while navigating unexpected popularity and attraction. This funny and touching story is about finding yourself, friendship, and the courage to be who you really are.

Raquel lives a privileged life in São Paulo, but at 17, she rejects her wealthy family and academic path for a life of freedom. She chooses a different road, becoming a sex worker. The story follows Raquel's journey as she rebels against expectations and discovers who she truly is. Set against the backdrop of Brazil's city, this series explores class divisions and the challenges young women face when trying to define their own lives. Raquel’s experiences show that sometimes, breaking from traditional ideas of success can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.

This series updates the beloved game show format. Each episode, a panel of celebrities faces three contestants, each claiming to be the same individual with an extraordinary talent, job, or accomplishment. One contestant is bound by an oath to tell the truth, while the others are not.

Set against the striking landscape of Marfa, Texas, a celebrated feminist novel sparks a compelling story about Chris and Sylvere, a married couple struggling with their relationship. Their lives become increasingly complicated by Dick, a charismatic professor who draws everyone to him. The story unfolds from several viewpoints, like a Rashomon narrative, exploring the breakdown of their marriage, Sylvere's growing artistic side, and the surprising way Dick is viewed – despite his initial hesitation. This intense journey offers a close look at human relationships, complexities, and the dynamics of power within them.

In the heart of the Pride Lands, a thrilling new adventure begins with Kion, Simba's son. As leader of the Lion Guard, Kion leads a team of animal friends, each with special abilities, to protect their home. Together, they face challenges and learn the power of teamwork and the importance of safeguarding their land. The Lion Guard is an enchanting story set against stunning African scenery, offering valuable lessons for viewers of all ages.

Soon, stories of ancient Aboriginal myths become reality when incredible creatures – called Hairypeople – appear among us, possessing extraordinary powers. These beings must find a way to live with humans, facing conflict and hostility as they emerge. Their survival is a constant fight against those who want to use or destroy them. The story centers on The Cleverman, a young man struggling with his own unique abilities and the heavy task of uniting humans and Hairypeople. He must first heal the divide between himself and his brother, battling personal issues to bring peace to a world consumed by chaos. This compelling story explores identity, power, and reconciliation as the world edges closer to war.

Three strangers are drawn into an unbelievable situation: they're all experiencing pieces of the same, complex dream. As they navigate their individual dreams, they begin to sense each other, forming a connection in this strange, shared world. The story explores how we're all connected, how we see things, and the blurry line between what's real and what's not. The dream unfolds like a surreal puzzle, with the dreamers uncovering clues that hint at the meaning behind their shared dreamscape. Each discovery raises questions about dreams, memory, and what it means to be human. The audience joins them on a mind-bending journey that challenges how stories are told. The film's unique structure encourages viewers to question their own perceptions and think about what makes a story truly connected. This captivating look into the dream world will stay with audiences long after they finish watching, offering a deeply thought-provoking experience.