15 TV shows that have us looking forward to April.
Does the coronavirus crisis have you housebound and dealing with the shelter-in-place blues? Here’s something that might cheer you up a bit: April is about to arrive packed with plenty of eventful television programming to keep you occupied while practicing self-isolation. Among the month’s major offerings are the series finales for “Modern Family,” “Schitt’s Creek,” “Homeland” and “Hawaii Five-0.” There’s also a country music special — featuring performances from the stars’ homes. And, yes, “The Bachelor” has given birth to yet another spinoff. Here are the 15 April shows that have us the most excited, in order of their airdates.
“HOME BEFORE DARK” >>
Palo Alto native Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians”) directed and executive produced this new mystery series. Inspired by the reporting of real-life youth journalist Hilde Lysiak, it follows a young girl (Brooklynn Prince) who investigates a cold case that everyone in her small lakeside town, including her father, tried hard to bury. (April 3, Apple TV Plus)
“HAWAII FIVE-0” SERIES FINALE >>
Book it, Danno. Say “aloha” to the popular crime drama, which ends its run with a storyline that has McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) finally solving the case his father left for him 10 years ago. (9 p.m. April 3, CBS)
“MASTERPIECE : WORLD ON FIRE” >>
This adrenalized period drama series follows the intertwining fates of ordinary people in five countries as they grapple with the effects of World War II on their daily lives. Helen Hunt and Sean Bean head the cast. (9 p.m. April 5, PBS)
“SCHITT’S CREEK” SERIES FINALE >>
Alas, the Rosebud Motel is closing for good as the beloved Canadian comedy bids farewell. Immediately following the finale is a behind-the-scenes special, “Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: A Schitt’s Creek Farewell.” (8 p.m. April 7, Pop TV, Comedy Central and Logo)
“MODERN FAMILY” SERIES FINALE >>
After 11 seasons of laughs — and a boatload of Emmy awards — the multigenerational family sitcom calls it a wrap. (9 p.m. April 8, ABC)
“WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE” >>
Jimmy Kimmel celebrates the 20th anniversary of the once-immensely popular game show with a celebrity edition. A new interactive game will allow viewers to play along from home. (10 p.m. April 8, ABC)
“THE GOOD FIGHT” >>
As the exceptional legal drama moves into its fourth season, Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) and her colleagues are chafing at their loss of independence after being swallowed by a huge multinational law firm. (April 9, CBS All Access)
“INSECURE” >>
The acclaimed comedy series returns for a fourth season that has Issa Rae and her pals evaluating their relationships — both old and new — as they navigate life in Los Angeles. (10 p.m. April 12, HBO)
“RUN” >>
Described as a romantic comedy-thriller, this new series is executive produced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”) and stars Merritt Wever and Domhnall Gleeson as ex-lovers on the lam across the country. It’s the fulfillment of a crazy pact they made 17 years earlier. (10:30 p.m. April 12, HBO)
“THE BACHELOR PRESENTS: LISTEN TO YOUR HEART” >>
Brace yourself. Bachelor Nation expands once again via a spinoff featuring men and women with a musical beat in the pursuit of love and the “perfect duet.” (8 p.m. April 13, ABC)
“MRS. AMERICA” >>
Cate Blanchett shines in this limited series about the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and the unexpected backlash led by conservative firebrand Phyllis Schlafly. She is joined in the stellar cast by Rose Byrne (Gloria Steinem), Margo Martindale (Bella Abzug), Uzo Aduba (Shirley Chisholm) and Tracey Ullman (Betty Friedan). (April 15, FX on Hulu)
“DEFENDING JACOB” >>
Adapted from the William Landay novel, this limited series focuses on a prosecutor whose teenage son is accused of murder. Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery lead the cast. (April 24, Apple TV Plus)
“PENNY DREADFUL: CITY OF ANGELS” >>
Natalie Dormer and Daniel Zovatto lead the cast of this spinoff set nearly 40 years after the original series during the golden age of Hollywood in the 1930s. (10 p.m. April 26, Showtime)
“HOMELAND” SERIES FINALE >>
After eight seasons, the spy thriller completes its last mission as Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin) and company sign off for good. (9 p.m. April 26, Showtime)
“NEVER HAVE I EVER” >>
Mindy Kaling’s latest series is a coming-of-age story loosely based on her life as an Indian American teenager. Newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan stars. (April 27, Netflix)
Contact Chuck Barney at cbarney@ bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow him at Twitter. com/chuckbarney and Facebook.com/ bayareanewsgroup. chuckbarney.