As the seasons change, so does the television landscape. While returning shows hold their charm, there's nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a fresh series. The anticipation! The possibilities! The chance to meet a new favorite TV doctor, lawyer, or cop while navigating their tumultuous personal lives—or chuckling through the antics of a workplace comedy in an office where no one appears to have a clue about their job.
Now that's the dream of television!
After the actors and writers strikes last year, which paused the usual stream of new content, the 2024 fall TV season is back in full swing, brimming with exciting new shows. Expect everything from spin-offs of beloved CBS dramas to creative sequels of your favourite CBS comedies, new offerings from Ryan Murphy, and Greg Berlanti, and plenty of titles that feel familiar, echoing hits from other networks.
Here’s a roundup of the major new series premiering this fall:
English Teacher (FX)
Image: Steve Swisher/FX
Created and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez, this comedy is a cable-ready version of Abbott Elementary. Alvarez plays a high school English teacher in Austin, Texas, who adores his job but constantly finds himself ensnared in bureaucratic red tape that stifles his true self. English Teacher humorously tackles themes like freedom of expression, cancel culture, and the struggles of innovators feeling trapped within rigid civil service rules. Think Dead Poets Society—but with students glued to their phones. Premiering Monday, Sept. 2 at 10/9c on FX.
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Image: Peacock
If you love seeing Samuel L. Jackson unleash his signature intensity, you’re in for a treat from the get-go. This '70s-set heist drama, created by Shaye Ogbonna, features Kevin Hart as Chicken Man, an Atlanta hustler who throws a huge bash to celebrate Muhammad Ali’s comeback, only to have the festivities interrupted by armed robbers. Joining Hart and Jackson are Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard (hello, Empire reunion!), Don Cheadle, and Chloe Bailey, all clad in fabulous '70s attire. Premiering Thursday, Sept. 5 on Peacock.
The Perfect Couple (Netflix)
Image: Netflix
Ah, the glamorous lives of the rich and infamous! The Perfect Couple continues the trend of wealthy murder suspects, adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s novel. The series features Nicole Kidman as a famous author whose son is set to marry during Nantucket's biggest wedding of the year—only for the celebration to be interrupted by a dead body. Kidman shares the screen with Liev Schrieber, Eve Hewson, Dakota Fanning, Meghann Fahy, Jack Reynor, and Billy Howle. Premiering Thursday, Sept. 5 on Netflix.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Hulu)
Image: Disney/Fred Hayes
Let your brain take a break and dive into this reality series reminiscent of The Real Housewives, following a group of Mormon families in Utah who gained internet fame thanks to influencer wives showcasing a different side of the stereotypical Mormon lifestyle on TikTok. The drama escalates when one wife admits to a swinging lifestyle, catapulting them to stardom. Can you really call it a “secret life” when it’s all over TikTok? Premiering Friday, Sept. 6 on Hulu.
Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos (HBO)
Image: HBO
Some shows are so iconic that even a documentary about their creators can capture our attention. David Chase, the mastermind behind The Sopranos, takes Tony Soprano’s place on the psychiatrist’s couch for an insightful conversation with filmmaker Alex Gibney, exploring Chase’s life and the behind-the-scenes secrets of creating the beloved crime drama.
Universal Basic Guys (Fox)
Image: Fox
Joining Fox’s animated comedy lineup, Universal Basic Guys centers around two friends who find themselves out of work due to automation. They navigate life on a universal basic income, using their newfound time to explore their identities, which primarily involve a lot of beer-drinking camaraderie.
Agatha All Along (Disney+)
Image: Disney+
While the Marvel universe may be slowing down, Agatha All Along remains a highlight. This spin-off from the critically acclaimed WandaVision features Kathryn Hahn reprising her role as the nosy neighbor Agatha Harkness, as she assembles her own coven and prepares to navigate the challenges of Witches' Road. With Hahn leading the way, it’s a must-watch.
The Penguin (HBO)
Image: HBO
HBO’s strategic release of a DC series right after a Marvel premiere is bold, but they’re banking on one of Batman’s iconic villains to draw in viewers. Colin Farrell returns as Oz Cobb/The Penguin from 2022's The Batman, showcasing the character in a new light without the Caped Crusader overshadowing him. Notably, The Penguin is not expected to be part of James Gunn's new extended DC universe.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Netflix)
Ryan Murphy's crime anthology returns with its second season, shifting focus to the infamous 1989 murders of José and Kitty Menendez, killed by their sons Lyle and Erik. Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch portray Lyle and Erik, respectively, while Oscar-winner Javier Bardem and past Murphy collaborator Chloë Sevigny play the doomed parents.
Nobody Wants This (Netflix)
Image: Netflix
Picture this: a rabbi and a podcaster walk into a bar… This rom-com, featuring ’00s stars Kristen Bell (from Veronica Mars) and Adam Brody (of The O.C. fame), centers on a sex advice podcast host and a man of faith. Both struggle with their romantic lives, setting the stage for comedic mishaps and witty banter as they navigate love in Los Angeles. Nobody Wants This draws inspiration from creator Erin Foster’s life, highlighting that good things in life require effort.
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