2018 Fall TV Recommendations
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Image Credit to: FX, ABC, NBC, and Netflix
Fall is one of the best times of year for television fanatics. It is usually when the networks are putting out the best of the best in both new and returning programs. If you are like me, you already have your favorite shows programmed in your DVR, have scoped out the fall premieres you want to try out, and are excited for Fall TV Season 2018 to begin. Or, if you are a normal person and you haven't been spending your time researching the fall line-up, you may be overwhelmed by all the great shows out there to watch, so I thought I'd give you my personal list of what I'm excited for this fall. As I have stated before, I am not a film critic or a television expert, and I recognize that there will definitely be other great programs out there to watch this fall that I am not listing here. But, I feel I can only recommend shows I myself have watched, and I can't watch them all. So with out further ado, here is my list of shows I'm most excited for (shows will be listed in the order they premiere):
New Shows
Unlike last fall, there are so many new programs this year that I am excited for. In the past few years television has really blown up, and more and more programs are being released all of the time. But of all the new shows premiering this fall, here are my top picks of what I will be giving a try.
Forever
Premieres: Friday, September 14 on Amazon Prime
Plot
Here is the official summary from Amazon's website:
"June (Maya Rudolph) and Oscar (Fred Armisen) live a comfortable but very predictable wedded life when suddenly they find themselves in a completely unexpected situation, raising questions about love and marriage.”
Check out the trailer below:
Why I'm Excited
I mean Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen playing a couple? This seems like it will be comedy gold, and I’m so excited for it. At first glance this trailer is kind of reminding me of The Good Place in that what seems like a simple formulaic plot will have some underlying twists thrown in that will make the show super interesting. I’m exciting to see where these two actors will take this show, and I hope that since it is on Amazon Prime it will be a little more willing to take risks for this genre that will make it stand out.
Maniac
Premieres: Friday, September 21 on Netflix
Plot
Here is the official summary from Netflix:
”Maniac tells the stories of Annie Landsberg (Emma Stone) and Owen Milgrim (Jonah Hill), two strangers drawn to the late stages of a mysterious pharmaceutical trial. Things do not go as planned.”
Check out the trailer below:
Why I'm Excited
This show looks like a cross between The Hunger Games and Black Mirror. Two people fighting for survival in a futuristic world, where technology has gone awry, but with some added twists. I’m most excited to see all the different “worlds” the two main characters appear to be going through, they almost look like they are based on popular films such as Wolf of Wallstreet and The Lord of the Rings, and are throwing the main characters into these fictional worlds. I just hope that if it becomes extremely popular that it can stick with its limited series format and not try to expand its self just to make more money. The fact that we are told it is a limited series upfront means there will most likely be a definitive ending, so hopefully that decision will stick.
Manifest
Premieres: Monday, September 24 at 10pm on NBC
Plot
Here is the official summary from NBC's website:
”When Montego Air Flight 828 landed safely after a turbulent but routine flight, the crew and passengers were relieved. But in the span of those few hours, the world had aged five years - and their friends, families and colleagues, after mourning their loss, had given up hope and moved on. Now, faced with the impossible, they're all given a second chance. But as their new realities become clear, a deeper mystery unfolds and some of the returned passengers soon realize they may be meant for something greater than they ever thought possible. From Robert Zemeckis and Jack Rapke comes an emotionally rich, unexpected journey into a world grounded in hope, heart and destiny.”
Why I'm Excited
Since I am in the process of re-watching Lost, this show has me very excited because it looks quite similar. A plane full of strangers who all have current situations they are looking to escape, end up missing and traveling through time, all while connecting with each other as though it was destined to be? Yup sounds like a lot like Lost. The twist here is that they never land on an island and in a sense get “lost” in their minds. But to their loved ones not on the plane, they did, and a lot of them have moved on with their lives. So I’m interested to see where this new twist on a familiar story goes. I’m also a huge fan of Josh Dallas from Once Upon a Time, and this cast of relatively new comers seems promising. This may be the show I’m most excited for this fall, and I hope it lives up to my expectations.
A Million Little Things
Premieres: Wednesday, September 26 at 10pm on ABC
Plot
Here is the official summary from ABC's website:
They say friendship isn't one big thing, it's a million little things; and that's true for a group of friends from Boston who bonded under unexpected circumstances. Some have achieved success, others are struggling in their careers and relationships, but all of them feel stuck in life. After one of them dies unexpectedly, it's just the wake-up call the others need to finally start living. Along the way they discover that friends may be the one thing to save them from themselves.
Check out the trailer below:
Why I'm Excited
So honestly after watching Bachelor in Paradise I feel like this show has been beaten over my head with all the promotion it was given during the commercial breaks for BIP. And while I slightly feel like it is ABC’s attempt at trying to tap into the This Is Us audience, I’m still interested in seeing what this show has to offer. It is not often we see dramas that are just purely about human stories and interactions without all the added flash and excitement, so I’m very interested to see how this show does! I am especially intrigued by the portrayal of male friendships the show seems to be offering in its promotions. It is not often we see men being so vulnerable with each other on television, and I think it is refreshing, so I hope the show continues to showcase these relationships through the season.
Single Parents
Premieres: Wednesday, September 26 at 9:30pm on ABC
Plot
Here is the official summary from NBC's website:
"This ensemble comedy follows a group of single parents as they lean on each other to help raise their 7-year-old kids and maintain some kind of personal lives outside of parenthood. The series begins when the group meets Will, a 30-something guy who's been so focused on raising his daughter that he's lost sight of who he is as a man. When the other single parents see just how far down the rabbit hole of PTA, parenting and princesses Will has gone, they band together to get him out in the world and make him realize that being a great parent doesn't mean sacrificing everything about your own identity.”
Check out the trailer below:
Why I'm Excited
So I’ll be candid, the main draw for me to this show is seeing Leighton Meester on the small screen again. And in such a different role for her than Blair Waldorf, I’m really excited to be seeing her on a comedy. I also do love Taran Killam from Saturday Night Live, so it will be fun seeing them together. It is also very on brand for ABC with their comedies all being about different types of family setups, this one obviously focusing on single parenting. And if it is anything like the shows that came before it of this brand such as Modern Family and Blackish, then hopefully it will be a success.
Charmed
Premieres: Sunday, October 14 at 9pm on The CW
Plot
Here is the official summary from TV Line:
"The new series — penned by Jane the Virgin scribes Jessica O’Toole and Amy Rardin— is set in the present day and is described as “a fierce, funny, feminist reboot” centered on “three sisters in a college town who discover they are witches.””
Check out the trailer below:
Why I'm Excited
I always intended to watch the original Charmed, but never got around to it. So I think it will be interesting for me coming into this reboot with no background of the original story. And I love that the new sisters will be Latina and exploring that heritage, as it shows that Hollywood is listening when we say there needs to be better representation on television.
Legacies
Premieres: Thursday October 25 at 9pm on The CW
Plot
Here is the official summary from the Legacies Facebook page:
Continuing the tradition of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, the story of the next generation of supernatural beings at The Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted. Klaus Mikaelson’s daughter, 17-year-old Hope Mikaelson; Alaric Saltzman’s twins, Lizzie and Josie Saltzman; and other young adults come of age in the most unconventional way possible, nurtured to be their best selves…in spite of their worst impulses. Will these young witches, vampires and werewolves become the heroes they want to be — or the villains they were born to be?
Check out the trailer below:
Why I'm Excited
If you are new here you should know that The Vampire Diaries is my one of my all time favorite television shows. It is the show that got me interested in studying television, and one of my first TV addictions. It will always hold a special place in my heart, and when its spin-off The Originals ended this past year, I was pretty upset to finally be leaving this world behind. But when it was announced that Legacies, a second spin-off taking place in this shared universe was picked up by The CW, I’m not going to lie at first I was skeptical. With both The Vampire Diaries and The Originals having such careful and somewhat finite consideration put into their endings, did we really want the world revisited? Was it too much of a good thing? But the more I have seen about returning cast members from both shows, and what they are planning to do with the story, I’ve been finding myself growing very excited to see what this show will bring to the table. And let’s be honest, I was never not going to give it a chance, and will probably love it no matter what. But I guess we will find out in just a few weeks!
Now I know there are a lot of other new shows premiering this fall, so if you want to decide for yourself what you think you will be interested in, click here to check out this awesome article from The New York Times about all of the new shows coming out this year.
Returning Shows
Obviously all of these shows will have at least one season under their belt, so you will have to catch up in order to start watching them when they return. But I promise they are all worth it, so if you see anything that you like, I will try to list where you can watch them in order to be all caught up!
American Horror Story: Apocalypse
Returns: September 12 at 10pm on FX
Currently on Season: 8
Plot
American Horror Story is an anthology horror series with each season exploring a different theme and story, but using mostly the same set of actors that play various types of characters. With past seasons focusing on such story lines as Murder House, Asylum, Coven, Freak Show, Hotel, Roanoke, and Cult, each season takes a new and interesting look into some of American’s greatest fears. This upcoming season’s theme will be Apocalypse, and focus on a small group of people who manage to survive a nuclear war.
Check out the trailer for season one below:
Why You Should Watch It
Unlike a lot of the other shows I discuss in this series, I want to say upfront that American Horror Story is not for everyone. If you are not a fan of content that can at times be graphic or uncomfortable to discuss, this show may not be for you. It certainly knows how to push the boundaries with it’s storytelling, but for the most part does it in a very interesting and thought provoking way. Not to mention that its use of character study is probably the best part about it. Now that is not to say that if you are not a huge fan of horror this show is not for you. The themes brought up in the show, while centered in horror film settings, are often an exploration of the human condition, and show how we as humans should be the thing we fear the most. But one of the best things about American Horror Story is that you can jump in any time. Each season has its own story and theme, with very little plot points connecting the season’s together. This makes it a great show to skip around or join in to whenever you find the subject interesting. The show also often features some great guest stars such as Lady Gaga, Neil Patrick Harris, Billy Eichner and so many more.
Where You Can Catch Up
This show can be found on both Hulu and Netflix.
For Returning Viewers
So if you somehow didn’t already know this new season’s theme is Apocalypse, and will finally reveal a little bit about how all of the seasons are connected. I know the new season already came back last week, but if you haven’t watched the first episode yet, you can check out the trailer for season eight below. And let me know what you thought about Cult, and which season so far has been your favorite! And most importantly, how do you think Murder House and Coven will tie in this season? Let me know in the comments below!
This is Us
Returns: Tuesday, September 25 at 9pm on NBC
Currently on Season: 3
Plot
This Is Us stars Mandy Moore (A Walk to Remember), Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes, Gilmore Girls) and Sterling K. Brown (The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story). It follows an amazing ensemble of characters (who all share the same birthday) throughout different phases of their lives. Kate is on a journey to loose weight, while also finding new love. Kevin is a famous actor who is starting to realize how lonely his life in the limelight can be. Randell has just found his birth father, and embarks on a journey to learn where he comes from. And Jack and Rebeca are about to begin one of life's biggest journeys - parenthood to triplets. The show beautifully depicts each person's journey, as we in the audience discover how they are all connected, and how life will always find a way of surprising you.
Check out the trailer for season one below:
Why You Should Watch It
I was on board with this show as soon as I saw that Milo and Mandy were starring. I grew up watching Gilmore Girls and Mandy Moore movies, so this show was calling my name. However I did not expect just how much I would fall in love with it, and how much I would connect with the characters. It is so raw, and has the ability to make you cry at least once an episode. There is a reason it was one of the most talked about shows in America last year, and it's because we don't normally see shows this realistic anymore on television, and I think it was something people didn't realize they were missing. With the vast amounts of programming out there today, a lot of shows seem like they have to always being doing things bigger and better to get noticed. But This Is Us was able to get back to the basics and make a show about average people dealing with everyday problems, that had a way of connecting to its audience. If you somehow have not hopped on this band wagon yet, I highly recommend that you do before season three starts, I promise it will be worth it!
Where You Can Catch Up
Depending on when you are reading this post, I know that NBC will have the entire second season available to stream on their website for a limited time. If you happen to miss that opportunity though, you can also catch up on both seasons on Hulu if you have a subscription.
For Returning Viewers
NBC has released a season three sneak peak, which is very limited in the way of showing new footage from the upcoming season. However, it is still a cute video featuring the cast, so make sure to watch it below! And let me know whose story you are most excited to see more of in the comments section! I know for me personally it will to see what happens with Beth and Randell, and their continued story with Dasia.
How to Get Away With Murder
Returns: Thursday, September 27 at 10pm on ABC
Currently on Season: 5
Plot
Middelton University Professor Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) is a celebrated, well-respected, and feared criminal defense attorney. Every year she picks who she thinks will be the four best students in her class to help her with her cases and learn from not only herself, but also her assistants Frank (Charlie Weber) and Bonnie (Liza Weil). They are coveted positions that managed to be earned by Michaela Pratt (Aja Naomi King), Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee), Asher Millerstone (Matt McGorry), and Laurel Castillo (Karla Souza). This year however, Annalise makes an exception to her rule and also chooses Wes Gibbins (Alfred Enoch) as a fifth member of her group (known as the Keating 5). But when the Keating 5 end up involved in a murder case themselves, they will have to use what they have learned from Annalise to try to get away with what they have done.
Check out the trailer for season one below:
Why You Should Watch It
I will admit, this show does not have as much of my attention as it did in it's spectacular first season. However, the format the show is done in has a way of always pulling me back in each year to solve the new season's mystery. The first and last few minutes of each episode always flash forward in time to show the new mystery the Keating 5 are involved in, and the season eventually builds up to meet those flash forwards in the end, showing you how they got involved in the situation to begin with. The cast is great, and Viola Davis is spectacular as Annalise. I love seeing such empowering women on television, and she definitely is one of the best. The show has also been able to spark positive conversation about both same sex and interracial couples and represents many minorities in its story, which of course is a very positive thing about it.
Where You Can Catch Up
You can watch the entire series on Netflix, or if that is too much for you, the last five episodes of season four are available on Hulu as well. You may also be able to catch up using the on demand feature of your cable provider depending on the company you have.
For Returning Viewers
ABC just recently released the trailer for season five which you can watch below. And let me know in the comments section what big twist from last season surprised you the most? For me it would have to be what happened with the Keating four at Michaela’s company party, and I’m interested to see how the rest of this story plays out.
Riverdale
Returns: Wednesday, October 10 at 8pm on The CW
Currently on Season: 3
Plot
The small town of Riverdale is turned upside down when Jason Blossom, the son of one of the most influential families in town, is killed on the Fourth of July. Based on the Archie Comic series, Riverdale follows the lives of the teens at Riverdale High, particularly those of Archie Andrews (K.J. Apa), Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart), Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse), Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch), and newcomer Veronica Lodge (Camilla Mendez), as they try to figure out who killed Jason, and why. But the more they discover about Jason's murder, the more they discover about the dark past of not only their town, but their parents as well.
Check out the trailer for season one below:
Why You Should Watch It
With two of my longest running teen dramas ending in 2017, The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars, I obviously needed to find a new teen show to add to my roster. Riverdale, which premiered during their final seasons, definitely helped cushion the blow of loosing these two long time favorite teen shows. I never read the Archie comics as a kid, and I know the show premiered to a lot of controversy between fans of the comics and television watchers who had not read them, so I will just say that not having read them, I love the show. Not only did it have some great casting in Cole Sprouse (The Suite Life of Zack and Cody), Luke Perry (90210), and Molly Ringwald (The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles), but the story its self was like a perfect blend of Gossip Girl and Twin Peaks. The show definitely appeals to an audience of any age, and is a refreshing take on the teen drama. If you were a fan of Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, Vampire Diaries, or even The O.C. and One Tree Hill, and are looking for a new guilty pleasure to watch, I highly suggest you check it out.
Where You Can Catch Up
The entire first two seasons can be found on Netflix, and for a limited time, various episodes will be available to stream on The CW's website and mobile app.
For Returning Viewers
An official teaser trailer for season three was just recently dropped, and I have quite a few thoughts about it. First of all, the music seems to be a bit of a tonal shift for the show thus far, and it is interesting to hear it mixed with the imagery that we get of some sort of ritual and strange creatures. Speaking of that, what is going on with that ritual imagery? Could have something to do with the already teased cult that Penny is involved in, or possibly a future tie in to the world of the new Sabrina the Teenage Witch show coming to Netflix? The producers have already said we shouldn’t be expecting to see a cross over with these two shows any time soon. Since the what was originally a Riverdale spin off to moved to Netlfix instead of The CW, making these worlds connect may not be as easy as it once would have been. But it is made by the same creators, and I’m assuming takes place in the same universe, so maybe introducing some supernatural elements into this season of Riverdale is a way to open future doors for these series to interact? I guess we won’t know for sure until we find out what these images truly are this season. You can also check out this Comic Con teaser below! I'd also love to hear your thoughts on season two! Were you shocked when you found out who the black hood really was? What did you get from these new images in the trailer? Let me know your thoughts below!
Splitting Up Together
Returns: October 16 at 9:30pm on ABC
Currently on Season: 2
Plot
Lena (Jenna Fischer) and Martin (Oliver Hudson) make the decision to get a divorce because they don’t feel like they are truly in love anymore. But since they still get along well, they decide to continue living together. Each week they switch off, with one parent staying in the house to take care of the kids, while the other parent gets the week off and stays in the garage. But when they both start to try to explore their new found freedom, they start to realize that they may still be in love after all.
Check out the trailer for season one below:
Why You Should Watch It
While this show has a corny plot and setup, it is just such a cute and fun watch. Jenna Fischer is always great, and honestly has me laughing so much more on this show than she did on The Office. Her and Oliver Hudson have great chemistry, and the show does tackle some really interesting topics when it comes to divorce and continuing to still try and be a family.
Where You Can Catch Up
The first season can be found on Hulu if you have a subscription.
For Returning Viewers
Season two looks like it will be delving more into the on again off again plot of Lena and Martin, which I hope this show can put a fresh spin on. You can check out the trailer below. And I would love to hear your thoughts on season one in the comments section. Was it weird for you seeing Jenna Fischer with someone on a TV show other than John Krasinski? Where do you think the plot will go from here with it seeming like Lena and Martin are starting to fall for each other again? Let me know below!
Outlander
Returns: November 4 at 8pm on STARZ
Currently on Season: 4
Plot
When Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe) reunites with her husband Frank (Tobias Menzies) after World War II in Scotland, she is suddenly sent back in time when she touches the magical stones at Craigh na Dun. Now taken back to the 18th century, Claire realizes she has fallen right into the battle for Scotland between the Scottish clans and the Red Coats, and tries to figure out how to return to the stones and back to her time. But when she begins to fall for a Scottish man named Jamie (Sam Heughan) , Claire will have to decide if she wants to return to Frank, or stay with Jamie.
Check out the trailer for season one below:
Why You Should Watch It
This is quite possibly one of the greatest love stories I have ever seen. Jamie and Claire have amazing chemistry, and their story is unlike anything I have yet seen on television. It is a true romance story but with action, adventure, and a little time travel. Not to mention the acting, cinematography, and costuming is absolutely fantastic. The way this show uses the backdrop of 18th century Scotland to drive the plot and the love story is incredible, and the show covers so many modern day topics despite being set so far back into history. It is a show that proves you can tell a period piece without having to make the women in the story meek and damsels, and is so thought provoking in its subject matter while also being wildly entertaining. Now I will admit if you are just beginning your journey into the Outlander universe, the show does get off to a bit of a slow start. But I promise it is worth sticking with and investing in, so be sure to keep an open mind as you start the series!
Where You Can Catch Up
The series is only available on Starz, but all previous seasons are available on the service for streaming.
For Returning Viewers
A season four trailer was just recently released! I am so excited to see what America has in store this season for Claire and Jamie. And I want to hear what you guys think. Have you read the books and already know what is coming? Are going in blind like me and are wondering if we will find out more about the time travel element this season? Let me know below!
If you have other recommendations of returning shows you think people should tune into, let me know in the comments below! And also be sure to click here to check out this great fall TV schedule from Esquire for when your other favorite shows will be coming back. Happy fall watching everyone!
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