As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, the television landscape is set to ignite with a spectacular array of new and returning series. Fall 2024 promises a rich tapestry of genres, from gripping crime dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies to epic fantasy and thrilling espionage tales. With content scattered across a multitude of streaming services and networks, navigating the most anticipated releases can be a challenge. This comprehensive preview highlights 25 television shows you won’t want to miss, offering a glimpse into the must-see television events of the season.
New Dramas That Demand Your Attention
The fall season is rich with compelling new dramas that delve into complex characters and intriguing plots. Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock) stands out, a star-studded crime drama based on a 2020 podcast, featuring Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, and Taraji P. Henson, recounting a notorious heist during a Muhammad Ali fight. FX and Hulu join forces for American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, the latest installment in Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed anthology series, dissecting the tragic life of the NFL player. Elsewhere, The Perfect Couple (Netflix) brings Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber together in a Nantucket-set murder mystery adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s novel, while Three Women (Starz) finally makes its debut, adapting Lisa Taddeo’s best-selling non-fiction book.
For fans of the darker side of storytelling, Peacock’s Teacup offers a dose of horror, while HBO and Max expand the DC universe with The Penguin, featuring Colin Farrell reprising his role from The Batman, and the highly anticipated Dune: Prophecy, exploring the origins of the Bene Gesserit. FX also taps into true crime with Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix, another of Ryan Murphy’s ambitious projects.
Returning Favorites Delivering More Must-See Television
Fan-favorite series are back to captivate audiences, promising fresh seasons filled with familiar faces and exciting new directions. The Old Man Season 2 returns to FX and Hulu, with Jeff Bridges back as the titular former CIA agent. Paramount Network continues the saga of Yellowstone with the highly anticipated second part of its final season. From Netflix, The Diplomat returns for its second season, continuing to navigate the complexities of international relations, while Heartstopper Season 3 on Netflix promises more heartwarming LGBTQ+ romance. Paris awaits with Emily in Paris Season 4, Part 2, hitting Netflix for more fashion and romance.
Fans of witty mysteries can look forward to Only Murders in the Building Season 4 on Hulu, which continues to charm with its blend of humor and suspense. The Marvel Cinematic Universe expands with Agatha All Along on Disney+, centering on Kathryn Hahn’s powerful witch. Elsewhere, The Golden Bachelorette premieres on ABC and streams on Hulu, offering a new dose of reality dating drama.
Comedies and British Gems to Brighten Your Fall
The fall lineup also includes a strong contingent of comedies and notable British productions. FX and Hulu introduce English Teacher, created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez, offering a fresh perspective on the life of a high school teacher. How to Die Alone (Hulu), co-created by and starring Natasha Rothwell, follows a woman navigating life changes after a brush with death.
From the United Kingdom, several notable series are trending this fall. Queenie (Hulu/All4), set in London, follows a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman finding her way after a breakup. ITV’s The Long Shadow offers a gripping true-crime drama detailing the hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper, while The Lovers (UK-US) presents a quirky romantic comedy set in Belfast. These series highlight the strong creative output from the UK, adding international flair to the streaming offerings.
The Broadening Landscape of Television
The television industry continues to evolve, with streaming services and innovative storytelling driving much of the news. This fall’s slate reflects a growing trend of adapting popular books and podcasts, alongside continued investment in established franchises and original concepts. The sheer volume of high-quality content underscores the dynamic nature of the industry, ensuring there’s something for every viewer as the television season unfolds. With diverse genres and compelling narratives hitting screens, fall 2024 is shaping up to be a standout period for television enthusiasts worldwide, offering a wide range of streaming options and movie-like production values across many of these highly anticipated shows.
