16 TV shows we’re excited to watch this fall

This autumn offers a variety of intriguing enigmas to solve, whether it’s by a band of retired detective enthusiasts, a special FBI team, a group of Maine village kids or the world’s only discontented woman – don’t worry, she’s not as gloomy as she sounds (there are doughnuts). If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, documentary streams about Sarah McLachlan, Martin Scorsese, and the American Revolution will give you valuable insights into the music, film, and founding of America. But if you’d rather escape reality with some laughter, there are plenty of comedies and dramedies available. And that’s the beauty of television – something for everyone.

‘The Thursday Murder Club’

(Netflix, Aug. 28)

The first book in Richard Osman’s delightful series about a group of retirees who enjoy solving mysteries has been turned into an almost instant hit on Netflix, starring a cast that would have filled theaters for a long time back then. Helen Mirren plays Elizabeth, a woman with a past in intelligence; Pierce Brosnan is Ron, a combative former union leader; Ben Kingsley portrays Ibrahim, a timid ex-psychiatrist; and Celia Imrie is Joyce, the new cheerful member, with Naomi Ackie as Donna, the police officer who becomes fascinated by this group. (Additional heavyweights like David Tennant, Richard E. Grant, and Jonathan Pryce if you’re still not convinced of the British acting talent.) As a reader of the books, I’ll watch it with cautious anticipation, but I’m definitely excited to see it. – Robert Lloyd

‘Task’

(HBO, Sept. 7)

In a sea of crime dramas, some manage to captivate and stand out – and it seems that the new HBO series from Brad Ingelsby might be one of them. Akin to his previous work “Mare of Easttown,” this production also takes place in Pennsylvania. While “Mare” focused on Kate Winslet’s character, the narrative this time centers around FBI agent Tom, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, who heads a task force investigating a series of robberies. Simultaneously, the lives of two sanitation workers – Robbie (Tom Pelphrey) and Cliff (Raúl Castillo) – unfold as they struggle to make ends meet. As their stories intertwine, viewers will be challenged to ponder the moral gray zones between good, evil, right, and wrong due to the ensuing secrets, twists, and turns.

– Paraphrased by AIDA

‘Black Rabbit’

(Netflix, Sept. 18)

In Hollywood, Jason Bateman is quite a workhorse, juggling TV series (“Ozark”), movies (“Carry-On”), podcasts (“SmartLess”), and commercials for State Farm Insurance. His upcoming project on Netflix, “Black Rabbit,” pairs him with Jude Law. Law portrays Jake Friedkin, the proprietor of New York’s fashionable Black Rabbit restaurant and VIP lounge, who encounters difficulties when his brother Vince (Bateman), who had disappeared years earlier following a trail of gambling debts, resurfaces. Bateman not only stars in the series but also directs the first two episodes and serves as an executive producer alongside Law. – Paraphrased by AI model

‘Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery’

(Hulu, Sept. 21)

Experiencing that sweet sense of nostalgia. My very first music festival was Lilith Fair back when I was a shy teenager, surrounded by countless women (mostly) expressing their true selves freely for the first time. It’s no wonder I long to revisit those moments. For anyone who needs a reminder, Lilith Fair was a groundbreaking traveling music event established by Sarah McLachlan and others to challenge the sexist norms prevalent in the 1990s music industry. Artists such as Sheryl Crow, Liz Phair, Queen Latifah, Sinéad O’Connor, the Indigo Girls, and many more graced its stages during its original three-summer run, making over 130 stops. Directed by Ally Pankiw and produced by Dan Levy, “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” delves into over 600 hours of never-before-seen footage and includes interviews with the festival’s organizers, musicians, and fans. – Tracy Brown

‘The Lowdown’

(FX, Sept. 23)

Sterlin Harjo, the creator of “Reservation Dogs,” returns with another series set in Oklahoma, this time taking on a noir style inspired by real-life citizen journalist Lee Roy Chapman. The story follows Ethan Hawke’s character, named Lee Raybon here, who is an amateur historian and rare book dealer residing and working in a popular Tulsa store. His drive to combat civic corruption during the daytime leads him to cross paths with a influential family, consisting of a suicide (Tim Blake Nelson), a widow (Jeanne Tripplehorn), and a governor candidate (Kyle MacLachlan). Kaniehtiio Horn, known for her role as Deer Lady in “Reservation Dogs,” portrays Lee Raybon’s ex-wife, while Ryan Kiera Armstrong takes on the role of their teenage Nancy Drew-esque daughter. Keith David lends his distinctive presence to the show as well. – R.L. (paraphrased)

In this new series by Sterlin Harjo, set in Oklahoma, a noir story unfolds loosely based on citizen journalist Lee Roy Chapman. Ethan Hawke stars as Lee Raybon, an amateur historian and rare book dealer living and working in a trendy Tulsa store. Driven to fight civic corruption during the day, he encounters a powerful family that includes a suicide (Tim Blake Nelson), a widow (Jeanne Tripplehorn), and a governor candidate (Kyle MacLachlan). Kaniehtiio Horn reprises her role as Deer Lady from “Reservation Dogs” to play Lee Raybon’s ex-wife, while Ryan Kiera Armstrong portrays their teenage Nancy Drew counterpart. Keith David also joins the cast with his distinctive style. – R.L. (additional paraphrase)

Television

The mastermind behind FX’s ‘The Lowdown,’ which features Ethan Hawke, focuses on the Oklahoma hometown of creator Harjo and fictional journalist Lee Roy Chapman.

FX’s ‘The Lowdown,’ starring Ethan Hawke, is written, directed, and produced by its creator Harjo. The story revolves around his Oklahoma hometown and a character named Lee Roy Chapman, who is a journalist.

Lastly:

Harjo, the creative force behind FX’s ‘The Lowdown,’ stars Ethan Hawke, is based on his Oklahoma hometown and includes a character called Lee Roy Chapman, who is portrayed as a journalist.

‘Slow Horses’

Season 5 (Apple TV+, Sept. 24)

The long-anticipated return of the top-notch spy drama on TV has finally arrived! Once more, Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) and his group of MI5 Slough House misfits find themselves entangled in a myriad of global and internal conspiracies, leaving only chaos and destruction in their wake. This year, computer genius Roddy Ho (Christopher Chung) takes center stage as the protagonist in the race against time. River Cartwright (Jack Lowden) grapples with his grandfather’s advancing age (Jonathan Pryce) and his desire to return to the Park, while Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas) remains under the control of Claude Whelan, a bumbling First Desk who seems to be enjoying himself immensely. Pulling all the strings is Lamb, as he continually provokes Catherine Standish, butts heads with Taverner, and manages to extricate himself from nearly any predicament. Lamb, with his unpleasant, gassy, and stringy-haired demeanor, has become the most odious yet intriguing super spy ever to appear on screen, and it’s hard to imagine a world without him! – Mary McNamara

‘House of Guinness’

(Netflix, Sept. 25)

As a devoted admirer, I’d rephrase that captivating piece as follows:

Stepping into the shoes of a beer enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on the Netflix series revolving around the legendary Arthur Guinness, the mastermind behind the world’s most iconic brew. This remarkable man was blessed with 21 children, yet only four graced adulthood and made their presence felt in this riveting show.

Steven Knight, a celebrated creator best known for his work on “Peaky Blinders,” has skillfully woven the stories of Arthur (Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Benjamin (Fionn O’Shea), and Anne (Emily Fairn) into an intricate tapestry of tensions, threats, and drama. The loss of their father serves as a turning point in their lives, leading them through tumultuous times such as contending with the harsh stipulations of their father’s will, confronting violent Fenian protests (Arthur Guinness senior was a Protestant who championed Catholic rights but opposed Irish self-rule), and navigating complex romantic entanglements – Anne, for instance, finds herself drawn to brewery overseer Sean Rafferty (James Norton).

While the creative liberties taken in this series may have been plentiful, a comparison to “Succession” meeting “Peaky Blinders” (with a nod to “Rebellion”) certainly rings true. As the advertisements for Guinness proclaim, there’s nothing quite like a lovely day for enjoying this black brew.
– A devoted fan

‘IT: Welcome to Derry’

(HBO, October)

The terrifying clown from Stephen King’s novel “IT” called Pennywise continues to haunt in a new prequel series titled “Welcome to Derry”. This series, set in the 1960s before the movies, brings back Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise and focuses on a new group of characters dealing with their personal fears and demons. Andy Muschietti, director of the “IT” films, is involved in the series’ development, serving as an executive producer. The cast features Jovan Adepo and Taylour Paige. – G.B.

‘Boots’

(Netflix, Oct. 9)

In my perspective, opting to enlist in the military can be seen as a significant expression of loyalty towards one’s country, but it frequently boils down to a deeply personal choice that requires numerous sacrifices – from deciding where you’ll live, what your daily routine will look like, and who you’ll work alongside, to having these decisions dictated for you. Enter Cameron Cope (portrayed by Miles Heizer), a gay high school graduate who has faced bullying, unsure of his future until his closest confidant, Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), proposes they both join the Marines. At first, Cameron visualizes the military as a summer camp-like experience; however, reality swiftly paints a different picture. Set in the ’90s when being gay in the military could lead to discharge, this drama series follows Cameron’s journey through the rigors of boot camp while concealing his sexual orientation – a secret he shares only with Ray. The series is inspired by “The Pink Marine,” a memoir written by Greg Cope White, who also serves as the writer. – M.G.

‘DMV’

(CBS, Oct. 13)

The Department of Motor Vehicles in your town might not typically be known for humor, but CBS has created a comedy series set there that’s actually quite amusing. The show follows an eclectic crew of employees at an East Hollywood DMV, including Gregg (previously a teacher), Colette (a driving examiner with few restrictions), Vic (a former bouncer), Cici (an outspoken photographer), and Noa (a good-looking surfer). The team is led by Barbara, a new manager who used to be on Saturday Night Live, and she’s not too pleased when consultants start showing up at work – that’s usually a bad sign. Despite the workplace and personal drama, this group promises to bring laughter to CBS’ fall schedule. – M.G.

‘Mr. Scorsese’

(Apple TV+, Oct. 17)

One significant hurdle documentary filmmakers face when creating films about influential figures is not just securing access, but also earning their trust, which can transform an engaging documentary into a remarkable one. For instance, with Martin Scorsese, a renowned American filmmaker known for crafting cinematic masterpieces like “Taxi Driver,” “Goodfellas,” “Gangs of New York,” and more recently, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” one aims to capture a comprehensive portrayal. Director Rebecca Miller (“She Came to Me,” “Personal Velocity”), who seems equipped for the challenge, is preparing a five-part documentary series that claims to be the definitive account of 82-year-old Scorsese. This series will debut at the New York Film Festival this fall. – M.G.

‘Nobody Wants This’

Season 2 (Netflix, Oct. 23)

Eventually, the consistent flow of charming, romantic comedy-style content featuring Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson from their “Naked Gun” promotional tour will fade from my social media feeds, leaving a gap that can only be filled by a fictitious romantic comedy. This is where Adam Brody and Kristen Bell enter the scene. The first season of their show had fans screaming with excitement as they watched Brody and Bell, both famous in the early 2000s for their roles in “The O.C.” and “Veronica Mars,” respectively, portraying a romantic couple-with-obstacles living in L.A. Bell plays Joanne, a woman who talks about her single life on a podcast she co-hosts with her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe), while Brody’s character Noah is a modern rabbi fresh out of a relationship. As the season progressed, they faced challenges involving their careers, family, and religion. The first season ended with a passionate kiss that hinted at their willingness to make it work. The second season promises to delve into what their relationship entails. Here’s hoping no one in this couple will propose an extended break to deal with personal issues before committing fully (IYKYK). Additionally, Leighton Meester, Brody’s real-life wife, joins the cast, portraying Joanne’s childhood rival. – Yvonne Villarreal

‘Star Wars: Visions’

Vol. 3 (Disney+, Oct. 29)

Dave Filoni’s rise within Lucasfilm demonstrates that exceptional “Star Wars” storytelling can flourish in animation. My preferred example is “Star Wars: Visions,” a collection of shorts where various animation studios worldwide were allowed to express their unique perspectives on the Force and the distant galaxy. For its inaugural season, Japanese anime studios were commissioned for nine episodes, showcasing diverse narratives such as an ex-Sith ronin, a Jedi Padawan transformed into a rock band frontwoman, and even a droid wielding the Force. The series expanded globally in its second season by involving animation houses from Europe, Asia, and South America. The forthcoming third season concentrates on Japanese anime once more, with follow-ups to three of the Season 1 shorts – including my personal favorite, “The Village Bride” – among the offerings. – T.B.

‘Last Samurai Standing’

(Netflix, November)

Upon learning that the show is branded as a fusion between “Shogun” and “Squid Game”, I found myself grappling with two contrasting feelings. Initially, I felt a hint of skepticism about the reference to two highly acclaimed Asian-led series. However, being a fan of the samurai genre, the prospect of a battle royale featuring samurais piqued my interest significantly, and it’s this part that has taken over completely.

The upcoming series, titled “Last Samurai Standing”, is based on Shogo Imamura’s novel series “Ikusagami” and is set during the Meiji era. The story revolves around a temple gathering in Kyoto where 292 warriors participate in a life-threatening game with an enormous monetary reward at stake. Given that the Meiji period marked the decline of samurais, the opportunity for thoughtful social commentary alongside intense combat action seems promising.

– T.B.

‘Pluribus’

(Apple TV+, Nov. 7)

If the infamous video of Ariana Grande casually licking doughnuts in an L.A. store a decade ago gave you a chill, then prepare yourself for the chilling first teaser of Vince Gilligan’s new TV series! Instead of Better Call Saul’s cinnamon rolls, this trailer features a nighttime scene at an office building where a woman in a pink uniform, eerily licking doughnuts and placing them back, will send shivers down your spine. The sign reading “Help yourself!” with a smiley face adds to the discomfort.

This series brings Gilligan together once more with Rhea Seehorn, who played Kim Wexler, the heart of Better Call Saul with her signature ponytail. In this unique blend of science fiction and drama, Kim is Earth’s most miserable inhabitant tasked with saving the world from excessive happiness – a premise that seems to have been designed for our 2025 ennui.

Alongside Seehorn, the series features Karolina Wydra (Sneaky Pete) and Carlos-Manuel Vesga (The Hijacking of Flight 601), with guest appearances by Miriam Shor (American Fiction) and Samba Schutte (Our Flag Means Death). The series has already been renewed for a second season, so you can dive in without worrying about commitment issues.

– Y.V.

‘The American Revolution’

(PBS, Nov. 16)

Once more, the alliance of PBS, Ken Burns (alongside directors Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, and writer Geoffrey C. Ward) is back, enlightening minds and emphasizing that history isn’t merely a tool for shaping narratives according to monarchs or dictators, but rather a compilation of numerous tales woven by diverse contributors. Amidst these turbulent times when misinformation prevails and experts are often villainized, the group most likely to gain from “The American Revolution” might be least interested in it. However, this six-part, 12-hour series promises an educational experience for all, shedding light on how Black and Indigenous individuals contributed during that extended period. If you’re able, consider donating to your local public broadcaster, as they are in dire need of support now more than ever. – R.L.

2025-08-21 13:31