The 16 TV shows we’re most excited about this fall

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

As a long-time fan of captivating television shows that delve into the complexities of human relationships and experiences, I find myself drawn to the diverse array of series gracing our screens in the near future.


2020 marks an election year, and the presidential race has been quite the thrilling, unpredictable journey compared to past years. Naturally, there’s been a lot of attention on the news, and that focus will likely continue through the autumn. It appears that broadcasting networks and streaming platforms have picked up on this trend, as the abundance of TV premieres leading up to the election will gradually decrease. Additionally, football season is upon us, which means it’ll be the primary choice for many viewers when it comes to fall television programming.

Despite the election, there’s an array of TV shows coming before and after it that could pique your interest or at least offer some fun distraction from other events. These include dramatic mysteries, comedies, adaptations, documentaries, and reality dating shows focusing on older generations – a trend that seems to be gaining popularity just like the relationships portrayed onscreen. Our TV writers have handpicked a few series, both new and returning, that they’re eagerly anticipating this autumn.

‘Wynonna Earp: Vengeance’ (Tubi, Sept. 13)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

The fan-favorite supernatural western series, “Wynonna Earp,” which originally aired for four seasons on Syfy, has returned! Now streaming as a 90-minute special on Tubi. Created by the original show’s creator, Emily Andras, who also serves as executive producer, the new installment, titled “Wynonna Earp: Vengeance,” finds Wynonna (Melanie Scrofano) – the great-great-granddaughter of Wyatt Earp – returning to her hometown of Purgatory to confront a ruthless villain seeking revenge. The series ended in 2021 with Wynonna riding off with Doc Holliday (Tim Rozon), while sisters Waverly (Dom Provost-Chalkley) and Nicole (Katherine Barrell) remained on the homestead. I can’t wait to uncover what the group has been up to since then. (For those who haven’t seen “Wynonna Earp,” it’s available on Netflix.) [Tracy Brown]

‘Moonflower Murders’ (PBS, Sept. 15)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

Previously, book editor Susan Ryeland (played by Lesley Manville) was seen in the 2022 film “Magpie Murders,” on the verge of departing London due to a near-fatal encounter with her potentially homicidal employer. However, Susan managed to solve this conundrum with some metafictional assistance from Atticus Pünd (Timothy McMullan), a detective character in Alan Conway’s 1950s novels. The plot unfolded cleverly by intersecting Susan’s reality and Pünd’s investigations, as he also had a case to solve. Now, Susan finds herself managing a hotel in Crete with her partner Andreas (Alexandros Logothetis), coincidentally stumbling upon another one of Conway’s books that may hold clues for an unsolved mystery and the whereabouts of a missing woman. This brings Susan back to detective work and revives Pünd from his literary hiatus. The author, Anthony Horowitz (“Foyle’s War,” “Midsomer Murders”), once more adapts his own novel for this sequel. — Robert Lloyd

‘American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez’ (FX, Sept. 17)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

2013 saw shockwaves ripple through the sports community when it was revealed that New England Patriots tight end, Aaron Hernandez, was arrested and indicted for the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player who was in a relationship with the sister of Hernandez’s fiancée. As events unfolded, Hernandez’s life spiraled out of control; he was released from the Patriots and ultimately convicted of the crime, receiving a life sentence. In 2017, he took his own life in prison. The FX limited series aims to portray how the Bristol, Conn., football star struggled to escape his turbulent past, suggesting that the game may have played a role in his off-field struggles. This production is inspired by the Boston Globe and Wondery podcast “Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.” and features Josh Rivera (“West Side Story”), who delivers an anticipated breakthrough performance as Hernandez. — Maira Garcia

‘The Golden Bachelorette’ (ABC, Sept. 18)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

“The Golden Bachelorette” Set to Rekindle Interest This Fall, After Last Season’s Controversy

‘Matlock’ (CBS, Sept. 22)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

Fans of “Harry’s Law” starring Kathy Bates can rejoice as she returns to the courtroom in the upcoming “Matlock” on CBS, a series that shares some of the tonal qualities of the original but is not a direct reboot. In this version, Bates plays Madeline Matlock, an intelligent lawyer who’s been out of practice but has her own motivations for returning. Similar to Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, she uses her age and the invisibility it brings to her advantage, first securing a position at a prestigious law firm and then teaching the younger lawyers a thing or two. The Southern accent and casual demeanor add to her character. “Matlock,” featuring Jason Ritter, Beau Bridges, and Skye P. Marshall, offers a legal procedural with a surprising twist. Above all, it provides an excellent platform for Bates, who, without question, is always worth watching. — Mary McNamara

‘Social Studies’ (FX, Sept. 27)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

Prior to Lauren Greenfield’s exploration of the “Queen of Versailles” in central Florida, her most recognized subjects were children living under the influence of Hollywood’s culture. It was Greenfield’s photography focusing on L.A.’s youth culture that brought her recognition in the ’90s: scenes of pre-teen parties at a studio lot, teenagers driving with the top down to the beach, couples dancing awkwardly at prom. Greenfield’s latest project, a five-part docuseries titled “Social Studies,” marks a return to her distinctive style, delving into the influence of social media on today’s youth. Known for her candid portraits, Greenfield has previously explored ostentatious subjects like an extravagant couple constructing the largest house in the U.S. (“Versailles”) and Imelda Marcos and her extensive shoe collection in “The Kingmaker.” With access to modern teenagers and their smartphones, we eagerly anticipate what insights “Social Studies” will provide into life as a teenager in 2024. — Amy Kaufman

‘Elsbeth,’ Season 2 (CBS, Oct. 17)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

For the record:

10:00 AM on September 5, 2024: A previous draft of this article stated that “Elsbeth” appeared in nine episodes during the first season. In actuality, she was featured in ten.

In recent months, there seems to be a noticeable absence on television of the unexpected appearance of Elsbeth Tascioni at an unusual angle, accompanied by her sharp and entertaining detective skills. Originating from the universe of “The Good Wife,” created by Robert and Michelle King, “Elsbeth” is about the popular, quick-witted, and unconventional attorney portrayed superbly by Carrie Preston. In Season 1, she moved to New York from Chicago to work with the NYPD, but in truth, she was there to collect evidence on the police captain (Wendell Pierce). Along the way, she solves murder cases with the assistance of a young officer (Carra Patterson). The show’s format features a variety of guest stars, such as Keegan-Michael Key, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Stephen Moyer. Due to last year’s Hollywood strikes, only 10 episodes were produced in the first season, but the second season will have 20. This clever and delightfully absurd television show could be just what we need during these peculiar times. — Yvonne Villarreal (Paraphrased)

‘Like a Dragon: Yakuza’ (Prime Video, Oct. 24)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

Just a short while ago, the poor history of Hollywood’s movie adaptations from video games and Japanese media caused many viewers (including myself) to be highly skeptical with low expectations. However, things have changed recently due to several notable exceptions such as high-end TV dramas, mature animation, and family-friendly blockbusters on the big screen. There are even some successful anime adaptations to add to that list. So I’m feeling optimistic about our next possible video game-based fascination. This crime thriller centers around Kazuma Kiryu (played by Ryoma Takeuchi), a yakuza warrior who served 10 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. The series, which boasts a Japanese cast and creative team, also benefits from the participation of the Japanese studio behind the popular video game franchise. — Tracy Brown

‘St. Denis Medical’ (NBC, Nov. 12)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

The mockumentary format is nothing new, but that doesn’t mean it’s tired. And after the election has come and gone, we will probably all be in need of a good laugh. That’s where this latest series from the minds of Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer, creator of NBC’s “Superstore,” comes in. It focuses on a group of nurses and doctors at a hospital in Oregon, most of whom work in the emergency room. The hospital is underfunded, understaffed and, oh, yeah, its staff still has to save people’s lives. The cast is a showcase of comedy, featuring Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier and Allison Tolman. And if that weren’t enough, you’ll also get Josh Lawson, Kahyun Kim, Mekki Leeper and Kaliko Kauahi (another “Superstore” alum). Frontline medical workers don’t get enough credit for their labor, but here’s hoping that with some humor, it shines a light on the everyday things they have to deal with. — Maira Garcia

‘Bad Sisters,’ Season 2 (Apple TV+, Nov. 13)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

“A Delightful Twist in 2022 TV: ‘Bad Sisters’

‘Say Nothing’ (FX on Hulu, Nov. 14)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

Following the charming sitcom “Derry Girls” and the emotional documentary series “Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland,” the nine-episode drama based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s intriguing history serves as a significant milestone in revisiting The Troubles. Published in 2018, this New Yorker journalist’s exploration into the disappearance of Jean McConville, a single mother, expands into an extensive, meticulously researched investigation of the 30-year conflict between Catholics and Protestants, nationalists and unionists that affected Northern Irish life from the 1960s to the 1990s. FX’s adaptation, with Patrick Radden Keefe, Nina Jacobson, and Brad Simpson (“American Crime Story”) as executive producers, focuses on the IRA extremists responsible for some of the most shocking acts of violence, such as sisters Dolours (Lola Petticrew) and Marian Price (Hazel Doupe), military commander Brendan Hughes (Anthony Boyle), and future Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams (Josh Finan). If the series is even half as captivating as the book, it will be one of the most discussed titles this season. — Matt Brennan

‘Landman’ (Paramount+, Nov. 17)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my excitement for the upcoming project by Taylor Sheridan titled “Landman,” featuring Billy Bob Thornton. Fresh off his success with hit series like “Yellowstone” starring Kevin Costner, “Tulsa King” with Sylvester Stallone, and “1923” with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, Sheridan isn’t slowing down. “Landman” feels like an early Christmas present!

‘Leonardo da Vinci’ (PBS, Nov. 18)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

Documentary maestro Ken Burns ventures beyond his usual America-focused projects to explore the enigmatic Leonardo da Vinci, a towering figure of the Italian Renaissance, in a two-part, four-hour series. Da Vinci, much like Elvis Presley, Miles Davis, or Bob Dylan, is a celebrated name that remains shrouded in mystery.

‘Interior Chinatown’ (Hulu, Nov. 19)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

I’m excited to join a television production that adapts a book titled “Interior Chinatown.” This engaging show delves into the distorted portrayals of Asian Americans in Hollywood through a teleplay format, focusing on a fictional series within the show called “Black & White.” The protagonist, Willis Wu, is an actor longing for greater roles, such as playing “Kung Fu Guy” instead of being typecast as “Generic Asian Man.” This production is satirical in nature and boasts a talented cast including Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng, Chloe Bennet, Lisa Gilroy, Sullivan Jones, Archie Kao, and Diana Lin. The series was conceived by the book’s author, Charles Yu, who has an impressive background in shows like “Westworld,” “Legion” and “American Born Chinese.” — Tracy Brown

‘The Sex Lives of College Girls,’ Season 3 (Max, November 2024)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

Among my preferred shows, this one stands out due to its intelligent yet playful approach, avoiding excessive melodrama. It features some exceptionally witty actresses: Pauline Chalamet as Kimberly, Amrit Kaur as Bela, Alyah Chanelle Scott as Whitney, and Reneé Rapp as Leighton. The second season finale revealed that Leighton rekindles her relationship with Alicia and decides against moving into the sorority house after hearing disrespectful transphobic comments from alumni. Unfortunately, we’ll see less of Rapp’s character at Essex College as she has chosen to focus more on her music career (she’ll still make appearances in some Season 3 episodes). It will be intriguing to observe how the women’s relationships develop further. Additionally, several other storylines need resolution: Will Bela follow through with her transfer plans after her conflicts with the Foxy crew? Will Kimberly confess her feelings for Canaan now that Whitney witnessed their kiss? I’m eagerly awaiting the answers! — Maira Garcia

‘The Later Daters’ (Netflix, winter 2024)

The 16 TV shows we're most excited about this fall

As a devoted fan of “Love Is Blind,” I’ve often found myself pondering about an age limit for the show’s participants. It seems that the complexities and intricacies of later life relationships could yield more captivating narratives than a man trying to guess a woman’s physique by lifting her during a concert. In line with this thought, Netflix is expanding its reality dating series spectrum with “Later Daters,” a show focusing on older singles seeking love and companionship. Among them are individuals who are divorced, widowed, or simply yet to find their match. Dr. Logan Dry, a behavioral scientist trained at Harvard, serves as the mentor for these hopefuls, helping them navigate through dates while analyzing their lifestyles and offering advice on rejuvenating their dating skills. Despite its heartwarming essence, “Later Daters” demonstrates that awkward moments on a date can occur at any stage of life. The series is produced by Higher Ground, the production company founded by none other than former first couple Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, who continue to collaborate extensively with Netflix.

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2024-09-07 14:20

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