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The 18 most exciting new TV shows you'll want to watch

From "Black Lightning" to "Young Sheldon," Business Insider checked out the newly announced shows and made our picks for the most promising ones in the bunch.

Sonequa Martin-Green plays First Officer Michael Burnham on Star Trek: Discovery.

The dust is settling and the dirty business of cancellations and renewals is mostly over, so it's time to take a look at the new batch of TV show offerings from the broadcast networks.

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There are plenty of themes that are still very much recurring in this year's new shows — from revivals and reboots like NBC's "Will & Grace" and "Roseanne" to shows based on already established franchises, such as spin-offs of "Grey's Anatomy," "The Big Bang Theory," and "Star Trek," alongside a few new shows based on Marvel and DC comics.

Business Insider took a look at what we know about the new shows and made some snap judgments on the ones we're most looking forward to watching.

Here are the 18 most exciting new TV shows from the broadcast networks:

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"Black Lightning" (The CW)

The CW has had a good run with shows based on DC Comics properties. We also really enjoyed Cress Williams as the mayor on "Hart of Dixie." Aside from the black lead, the show shares some similarities to Netflix and Marvel's "Luke Cage" in its story of trying to leave behind the superhero life and then being pulled back in when the protagonist's community is in need of his help. What gives "Black Lightning" a point of difference is its family dynamic and the tease that his daughter may also have superpowers.

"The Crossing" (ABC)

ABC is touting "The Crossing" as the next "Lost." Those are big shoes to fill, but the show looks promising. It follows the sudden arrival of dozens of apparent shipwreck survivors to a small American town who are seeking refuge from a war in their country. The catch is that they're Americans and there's no war in the US.

"The Gifted" (Fox)

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The latest addition to Marvel's TV offerings,

"The Good Doctor" (ABC)

It feels like a reboot of "Doogie Howser," but with more than just youth to overcome.

"The Gospel of Kevin" (ABC)

A story about a selfish person who tries to reform himself with the help of divine intervention isn't a new concept. But "The Gospel of Kevin" makes up for its lack of originality with some really exciting cast members, including Jason Ritter ("Parenthood"), JoAnna Garcia Swisher (“Once Upon a Time”), and Cristela Alonzo ("Cristela").

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"For the People" (ABC)

ABC is applying the "Grey's Anatomy" formula to a new legal drama. Shonda Rhimes' new show, "For the People," follows young attorneys in New York's fabled "Mother Court." We fully expect the Rhimes formula of a lot of office dating, high-stakes conflicts, pithy dialogue, and really long-winded speeches.

"LA to Vegas" (Fox)

Okay, Dylan McDermott and that mustache? That's comedy gold already. But in addition, "LA to Vegas" has some pretty good people behind it: the producers behind "Anchorman" and "Talladega Nights," as well as one of the creators of "Modern Family." Plus, a comedy about an airline crew is so timely right now after all the attention airlines have gotten for their treatment of passengers. They're ripe to be made fun of.

"Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders" (NBC)

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The world turned back to O.J. Simpson. Now it's doing the same with the Menendez brothers.

Yes, NBC is pretty much copying FX's "American Crime Story." But from the looks of the wig that Edie Falco ("The Sopranos," "Nurse Jackie") is wearing as defense attorney Leslie Abramson, we the viewers are the winners.

As with the Simpson trial, the trials of the handsome and wealthy Erik and Lyle Menendez for the 1989 murders of their parents had America captivated. We're all in for this new series from the man behind NBC's "Chicago" franchise and all the "Law & Order" shows, Dick Wolf.

"Life Sentence" (The CW)

What does one do when they're dying, ticked off their bucket-list items, prepared their loved ones for their death, and then find out they've been cured? That's the premise of "Life Sentence." It's a pretty fun twist on the dying storyline that has been used on several shows over the past few years, such as Fox's "Red Band Society" and Freeform's "Chasing Life." Plus, there's our love for its star, Lucy Hale from "Pretty Little Liars."

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"Marvel's Inhumans" (ABC)

After the cancellation of "Agent Carter" and the ratings challenges for "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," it's a wonder that Marvel feels ABC is the home for its new show, "Marvel's Inhumans." But they're both in the Disney family and clearly intent on making the relationship work.

Based on the popular comic books, "Inhumans" follows an alien royal family that escapes to earth after a military coup threatens their lives.

"The Mayor" (ABC)

The premise of a rapper turned city mayor wasn't instantly exciting to us, but it really comes down to the execution. In the hilarious trailer, lead actor Brandon Michael Hall has charisma to spare and the show appears to have a lot of heart. Plus, "Community" star Yvette Nicole Brown is always a welcome sight. Oh yeah, and Lea Michele ("Glee") is in it, too.

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"Me, Myself & I" (CBS)

Bobby Moynihan left "Saturday Night Live" to star in this series about the defining moments in a man's life. We can't wait to see if it was worth it for him.

"The Orville" (Fox)

With a new "Star Trek" series getting a lot of hype, it's pretty genius of Fox and Seth MacFarlane to do a parody of the famed series.

"The Resident" (Fox)

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Every season brings us new medical dramas and many of them don't survive. We have high hopes for "The Resident." Two of our favorite actors from some favorite shows are on it: "Gilmore Girls" and "The Good Wife" actor Matt Czuchry and "Revenge" star Emily VanCamp. There's a good tension here between young and older doctors that's intriguing.

"Splitting Up Together" (ABC)

Whether for financial reasons or for the kids, a surprising number of divorced people choose to continue living together. That's what "Splitting Up Together" explores. We're pretty excited to see "The Office" star Jenna Fischer in a role that has some good comedy writing. (Sorry, "Man with a Plan"!)

"Star Trek: Discovery" (CBS All Access)

Why are we excited? It's the first "Star Trek" TV series in 12 years! We still don't know a lot about the show, which will take place about a decade before the original "Star Trek" series. CBS All Access released a teaser for the series, but it doesn't include Jason Isaacs, who was tapped to play the captain of Discovery.

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"Will & Grace" (NBC)

Duh. "Will & Grace" was funny and we'll absolutely watch more.

"Young Sheldon" (CBS)

This spin-off of "The Big Bang Theory" follows Sheldon ("Big Little Lies" actor Iain Armitage) as a nine-year-old genius who's starting out high school in Texas. Jim Parsons, who plays the adult Sheldon, will narrate. Apparently, we're not the only ones excited about "Young Sheldon." Its first trailer had been viewed more than 22 million times in less than a week.

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