The wind is howling, the snow is falling and even your dog doesn’t want to go outside. We could tell you to curl up with a good book, but we’re sure most of you would rather put on your Snuggie and watch these guilty pleasures.
House of Lies
Oscar-winner Don Cheadle gets what he wants – by any means necessary – as cutthroat management consultant Marty Kaan, who charges America’s one per cent for his high-priced advice (and the occasional night of strip club debauchery). It’s fascinating to watch the serious, intense Cheadle morph into such a charismatic con man. Airs Mondays on The Movie Network and Movie Central
Alcatraz
Alcatraz, the island prison off of San Francisco, already holds plenty of intrigue – and even more so in this drama when former inmates who were presumed dead become linked to modern crimes. Add the storytelling prowess of J.J. Abrams and familiar Lostie Jorge Garcia, and we’re already formulating conspiracy theories. Airs Mondays on Citytv
Luck
Deadwood creator David Milch is back on HBO. This time, he’s got Dustin Hoffman and director Michael Mann with him for a series on one of his passions: horse racing. Milch creates beautiful TV (you just need a little patience when watching his densely layered epics). Add the allure of thoroughbreds, gambling and Hoffman, and Luck is a sure bet. Premieres Jan. 29 on HBO Canada
Smash
American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee stars as a wannabe Broadway star who auditions for a musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe. Debra Messing and Anjelica Huston also star. Basically, every network’s been trying to figure out how to mimic the success of Glee with their own musical series; NBC nails it with this behind-the-Broadway-scenes drama from Steven Spielberg. It’s going to be, well, a Smash. Premieres Feb. 6 on CTV
The River
Paranormal Activity creator Oren Peli brings his mastery of “found footage” scares to the small screen. The host of a nature series goes missing in the Amazon, so – cameras in tow – his wife and son go searching for him. If you’re not already creeped out by what’s lurking in those waters, the supernatural elements to this will provide plenty to shriek about. Premieres Feb. 7 on CTV
