The autumn television line-up is set to captivate audiences with a diverse array of returning favorites and exciting new offerings. Notable returns include the espionage drama “Slow Horses,” which embarks on its sixth season on Apple TV come September 16. The series sees the Slough House operatives facing heightened risks due to missing MI5 records. Meanwhile, BBC One’s “Strictly Come Dancing” is back with a new presenting team featuring Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis, and Josh Widdicombe alongside a fresh celebrity lineup. Also returning is “The Great British Bake Off” on Channel 4, introducing Nigella Lawson to the judging panel, marking a significant change in the show’s dynamic.
New dramas are equally poised to make an impact. “Last Seen,” debuting on Apple TV on September 9, stars Patrick Brammall as a former officer embroiled in a gripping investigation linked to his daughter’s decade-old disappearance. On October 2, “War” on Sky/Now explores the disintegration of a high-profile marriage between a film star and a tech billionaire, starring Sienna Miller and Dominic West. Catherine Zeta-Jones takes the lead in “Kill Jackie,” a thriller about identity and survival on Prime Video from October 2. The narrative follows her character, a former cocaine dealer, whose life unravels when a deadly group targets her.
Comedy enthusiasts have much to anticipate, with projects like “Brothers” on Apple TV, launching September 23, where Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey parody themselves in a series inspired by their real-life friendship. Sharon Horgan stars in “Youth,” a comedy on HBO Max set to air on September 20, navigating the challenges of aging and parenthood. In addition, the reality format “Apocalypse” on Channel 4, testing participants in a post-collapse scenario, promises to offer a unique twist to the genre.
As for adaptations, several noteworthy projects are in the pipeline. Florence Pugh takes on “East of Eden” for Netflix, revisiting John Steinbeck’s classic tale of family and morality. Meanwhile, Matthew Macfadyen revives the character of George Smiley in “Legacy of Spies” for the BBC, drawing on the works of John le Carré. Prime Video’s “Carrie” brings Stephen King’s timeless narrative of telekinesis and control to a new audience, with expected updates to its setting.
Documentaries and factual dramas also enrich the schedule, such as the BBC’s “Damilola Taylor: The Last 24 Hours,” featuring John Boyega reflecting on the tragic loss of his childhood friend. Lastly, the investigative drama “Mums v Big Pharma” on BBC explores the harrowing consequences of sodium valproate prescriptions during pregnancy, highlighting the quest for justice by affected families. With such a varied and promising slate, this television season is certain to engage diverse audiences with its blend of compelling stories and intriguing characters.