With autumn officially here, there’s no better time to settle in and enjoy a new TV show as the evenings get colder and darker this October. Fortunately, there’s a lot to choose from on regular channels and streaming services this month.
Some of the most anticipated programs include the return of Sally Wainwright, the creator of Happy Valley, and fresh series starring Aimee Lou Wood from The White Lotus and Ruth Wilson of The Affair.
Here, Digital Spy has rounded up 8 must-see series to add to your watchlist.
What to Read Next
Frauds
This fresh ITV thriller brings together two popular television actors: Suranne Jones, known from Hostage (and also a co-creator of the show), and Jodie Whittaker of Doctor Who.
Frauds is a captivating tale about friendship, lies, and staying alive. The story follows two female con artists who reconnect after a long time when Bert (Jones) is freed from prison due to illness.
She convinces Sam (Whittaker) to join her for a major robbery, bringing together a crew to steal a painting from a gallery in Spain… but their operation is jeopardized by a conflict for control between them.
Premieres on ITV on 5 October.
Film Club
Jones has a lot going on this month! You can also see her in the new BBC drama series Film Club, which has been described as “smart, sweet and punchy”.
This series, co-created by and starring Aimee Lou Wood, centers around two friends in a local film club. Their friendship is tested when one gets a fantastic job far away, leading them to wonder if their connection could be something more than just friendship.
The show will also include performances by Nabhaan Rizwan, known from Kaos, Owen Cooper from Adolescence, Liv Hill who starred in The Serpent Queen, and Adam Long of Happy Valley.
Premieres on BBC iPlayer on 7 October and BBC One on 8 October.
Riot Women
Following her recent Disney+ show Renegade Nell, Sally Wainwright is back with a new BBC drama. This series features Slow Horses‘ Joanna Scanlan, Tamsin Greig known from Friday Night Dinner, and Lorraine Ashbourne who starred in Sherwood.
Riot Women tells the story of “five menopausal women” who start a punk rock band. They juggle the challenges of everyday life – like kids, jobs, and relationships – and unexpectedly discover they have a lot more to express than they thought.
Premieres on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this month.
Murder Before Evensong
If you enjoy a comfortable and intriguing murder mystery, the new adaptation of Reverend Richard Coles’s popular book Murder Before Evensong might be just what you’re looking for.
The story unfolds in the 1980s and centers around Daniel Clement (played by Matthew Lewis), the Rector of Champton. His simple plan to add a new toilet to the church unexpectedly causes friction within the community. Things take a darker turn when a body is discovered inside the church, pulling him into a murder investigation.
The show also includes Amit Shah, known from Happy Valley, Tamzin Outhwaite from EastEnders, and Amanda Redman who starred in Scoop, all appearing in supporting roles.
Premieres on 5 on 7 October.
Down Cemetery Road
As a big Slow Horses fan, I’m really excited about Down Cemetery Road! It’s based on a book by Mick Herron, who also writes the Slow Horses novels, so I have a feeling I’m going to love it. Definitely keeping an eye out for this one!
Featuring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, the narrative unfolds in a peaceful Oxford neighbourhood when an explosion happens and a young girl goes missing. This prompts a local resident, Sarah, to employ a private detective named Zoë, and together they become entangled in “a complex conspiracy” that involves those who have passed away.
Killing Eve‘s Adeel Akhtar, Culprits‘ Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, and Baby Reindeer‘s Tom Goodman-Hill will all appear together in this new series. Similar to Slow Horses, it will be available to watch on Apple TV+.
Premieres on Apple TV+ on 29 October.
Nobody Wants This season 2
This Netflix comedy series unexpectedly became very popular last year, and the eagerly awaited second season will be released later this month.
Nobody Wants This features Adam Brody and Kristen Bell as Noah, a rabbi, and Joanne, a podcaster. They unexpectedly fall in love while navigating difficulties, and the show’s new episodes will continue their story.
Gossip Girl lovers have something to look forward to! Leighton Meester is reuniting with a former castmate, Blake Bell, playing Abby – a former middle-school rival of Joanne who now has a popular online presence as a mom influencer.
Premieres on Netflix on 23 October.
The Diplomat season 3
The popular political thriller is returning to Netflix for a third season, picking up right after that surprising moment with the president at the end of the last season.
Returning to their roles are Keri Russell as ambassador Kate Wyler and Rufus Sewell as her husband, Hal. Also reprising their parts are Allison Janney as Grace Penn and David Gyasi as British Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison.
According to creator Debora Cahn, season 3 completely changes the game – it “flips the chessboard” – so viewers can anticipate the exciting twists and turns they’ve grown to love in The Diplomat.
Premieres on Netflix on 16 October.
Lazarus
Harlan Coben, the author behind many popular Netflix series like Fool Me Once and Missing You, is releasing a new thriller. Lazarus will be different, however, as it’s being produced for Prime Video as an original story specifically written for television.
Created alongside Danny Brocklehurst, who also made Brassic, this series centers around a man who comes back to his hometown following his father’s passing. He then begins to have unsettling experiences and becomes involved in investigations surrounding old, unsolved murders.
Lazarus boasts a talented cast, with Peaky Blinders star Sam Claflin, Bill Nighy from Living, and Alexandra Roach of Killing Eve all taking on roles.
Premieres on Prime Video on 22 October.
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2025-10-01 18:21