Essential TV Shows for Autumn 2024

Alma’s Not Normal
The brilliant sitcom by Sophie Willan returns for a second series. The first season was a marvel, transforming a bleak premise about Britain’s care system during austerity into something rich and hilarious. Expectations are high, and if the follow-up is even half as good, it will be very special. BBC Two, date TBC

Amandaland
The standout character from Motherland, Amanda, played by Lucy Punch, now gets her own show. Amandaland follows Amanda as she relocates to a rough part of town, dealing with teenage kids and a mother played by Joanna Lumley. This spin-off has the potential to be just as big as Motherland. BBC One, date TBC

Apples Never Fall
Based on Liane Moriarty’s bestseller, this drama featuring Annette Bening and Sam Neill tells the story of a married couple whose lives turn chaotic when one of them goes missing. Praised for its slick production, it is set to air on the BBC in September. BBC channel TBC, September

A Very Royal Scandal
The infamous Prince Andrew interview with Emily Maitlis is dramatized with Ruth Wilson as Maitlis and Michael Sheen as the prince. Unlike other adaptations, this one has Maitlis’s blessing. Available on Prime Video from September 19. Prime Video, 19 September

After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun
Relive the iconic 90s series with this documentary featuring David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson. It’s a nostalgic trip back to the days of sand, swimsuits, and life-saving drama. Disney+, date TBC

After the Party
Peter Mullan stars in this gripping New Zealand drama alongside Robyn Malcolm, who plays Penny, a woman who blows up her life by accusing her ex of terrible behavior. The show has already received rave reviews. Channel 4, date TBC

Agatha All Along
Kathryn Hahn, who shone in WandaVision, gets her spin-off. Agatha All Along follows her character waking from a mundane slumber to form a new coven of witches. Created by Jac Schaeffer, the show is highly anticipated. Disney+, 18 September US, 19 September UK and Australia

Bad Sisters
Sharon Horgan’s dark comedy about sisters conspiring to kill their abusive brother-in-law returns for a second series. Horgan’s track record hints at another season of enthralling television. Apple TV+, 13 November

Before
Billy Crystal stars as a recently bereaved child psychologist treating a boy connected to his past. This atmospheric thriller includes Rosie Perez and Emmy-winner Judith Light. Apple TV+, 25 October

Black Doves
Joe Barton’s festive spy thriller features Keira Knightley, Sarah Lancashire, and Ben Whishaw. Set in London, it promises to combine action with seasonal cheer. Netflix, date TBC

Colin from Accounts
This Australian comedy, featuring stars like Kevin Bacon, follows a man, a woman, and a dog named Colin. The second series sees Gordon and Ashley reconsidering their decision to give Colin up and potentially stalking his new owners. BBC Two/iPlayer, 3 September

Curfew
A feminist crime drama where men must stay home from 7pm to 7am. The story kicks off with a woman’s overnight murder, challenging the new law’s enforcement. Paramount+, date TBC

Disclaimer
With talents like Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline, and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this psychological thriller is about an investigative journalist whose life is turned upside down by a revealing novel. Apple TV+, 11 October

Dress the Nation
Hosted by AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay, this fashion battle watches aspiring designers compete for a junior position at M&S, offering a fun alternative to The Apprentice. ITV, September

Dune: Prophecy
Set 10,000 years before the 2021 Dune film, this prequel stars Emily Watson and Olivia Williams as siblings in a battle for humanity’s future. Sky Atlantic/Now, date TBC

Gavin and Stacey Christmas special
The beloved sitcom returns for its final episode, nine years after its last season. Will it top the viewership records? Tune in on Christmas Day to find out. BBC One/iPlayer, Christmas Day

Generation Z
Ben Wheatley’s new series focuses on a town where a chemical spill turns elderly residents into zombies, featuring Sue Johnston, Robert Lindsay, and Lewis Gribben. Channel 4, date TBC

Heartstopper
The hit Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels returns for a third season. Fans eagerly await more of Nick and Charlie’s love story. Netflix, 3 October

High Potential
Kaitlin Olson stars in this remake of the French series HPI. She plays a cleaner who solves a crime during her shift and is subsequently hired as a consultant. Disney+, date TBC

Industry
Returning for a third season, this investment bank drama is now likened to Succession. Expect scandal, intrigue, and new stars like Kit Harington. BBC One, date TBC

In Vogue: The 90s
This star-studded documentary dissects the 90s era of Vogue with insights from Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Anna Wintour. Disney+, 13 September

Joan
Sophie Turner stars as Britain’s most infamous jewel thief, Joan Hannington. The true story promises a wild, sparkling ride. ITVX, September

Junior Taskmaster
The popular gameshow introduces a kids-focused version with Rose Matafeo as the taskmaster and Mike Wozniak as her assistant. Channel 4, date TBC

La Maison
Apple’s first French-language drama about a prestigious couture house on the brink of collapse is packed with award-winning talent. Apple TV+, 20 September

La Máquina
This story of an aging boxer, played by Gael García Bernal, with one last shot at a title is rife with tension and drama. Disney+, 9 October

Landman
From the creator of Yellowstone, this series about Texas’s oil industry stars Billy Bob Thornton and a stellar cast, delving into both corporate and frontline perspectives. Paramount+, 17 November US/18 November UK and Australia

Ludwig
David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin star in this comedy about a reclusive puzzle designer who takes on his twin brother’s persona to solve a mystery. BBC One, September

Matlock
Kathy Bates stars as a brilliant septuagenarian lawyer in this reboot of the 80s/90s legal drama. Created by the mind behind Jane the Virgin, expect a lot of fun. Sky Witness/Now, October

Miss Austen
This four-part adaptation of Gill Hornby’s novel recounts Jane Austen’s sister Cassandra burning her letters posthumously, promising a fascinating story. BBC/iPlayer, date TBC

Mr Loverman
Lennie James stars in this adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s novel about Barry, a 74-year-old British Caribbean man coming out as gay after 50 years of marriage. BBC One/iPlayer, date TBC

Nightsleeper
A six-part real-time thriller set on a runaway sleeper train from Glasgow to London, promising high tension and suspense. BBC One, September

Nobody Wants This
Featuring Kirsten Bell and Adam Brody, this romcom follows the love story between an unconventional rabbi and an outspoken agnostic. Netflix, 26 September

Playing Nice
James Norton stars in this psychological drama about two couples dealing with the revelation that their toddlers were switched at birth. ITV1/ITVX, 19 September

Rivals
Jilly Cooper’s 80s-bonkbuster adaptation features David Tennant, Katherine Parkinson, and Aidan Turner in a campy, juicy story. Disney+, date TBC

Senna
A biographical drama about the life and tragic death of Formula One superstar Ayrton Senna, sanctioned by the Senna family. Netflix, 29 November

Slow Horses
Gary Oldman returns in this fourth season of the espionage thriller, promising more action and drama based on the novel Spook Street. Apple TV+, 4 September

Solar System
Brian Cox returns to explore the latest space discoveries, taking viewers on magical journeys through our galaxy. BBC Two/iPlayer, date TBC

Squid Game 2
The highly anticipated sequel to the global sensation Squid Game returns in December. While details remain secretive, excitement is high. Netflix, 26 December

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
This Goonies-esque adventure follows children who discover a lost Jedi temple, leading to cosmic adventures. Jude Law stars as an enigmatic Jedi. Disney+, 4 December

Strictly Come Dancing
Amid accusations of bullying, the dance contest returns, featuring Chris McCausland as the show’s first blind participant. BBC One, September

Sweetpea
Ella Purnell stars in this “coming-of-rage” British comedy drama based on the 2017 novel about an ignored woman whose life takes a violent turn. Sky Atlantic, October

The Day of the Jackal
Eddie Redmayne stars in this reimagining of Frederick Forsyth’s classic, playing a master assassin while Lashana Lynch’s MI6 agent tries to stop a political assassination. Sky Atlantic/Now, 7 November

The Listeners
Based on Jordan Tannahill’s novel, this series follows a teacher and student who bond over hearing a mysterious low-level sound known as the Hum. BBC One/iPlayer, date TBC

The Madness
Colman Domingo stars in this conspiracy thriller about a media pundit who must prove his innocence after stumbling upon a murder. Netflix, date TBC

The Penguin
Colin Farrell reprises his role from The Batman in this spin-off series filled with overcooked dramatics and fun. Sky Atlantic/HBO, 19 September US, 20 September UK and Australia

The Perfect Couple
Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber star in this mystery about a family unraveling when a body washes up outside their home. Netflix, 5 September

The Savant
Starring Jessica Chastain, this super-secretive series is rumored to be inspired by a story of infiltrating online hate groups. Apple TV+, date TBC

Showtrial
After a three-year wait, Showtrial returns with a new case involving a policeman accused of murdering a climate activist. Led by Adeel Akhtar. BBC One, date TBC

Smoggie Queens
This comedy set in Middlesbrough centers around a group of friends proud of their north-eastern town and small LGBTQ+ community. BBC Three, date TBC

Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light
Mark Rylance returns as Thomas Cromwell in this sequel to the 2015 adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s books. Damian Lewis also returns as Henry VIII. BBC One/iPlayer, date TBC

Source: BBC, Guardian Design, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Channel 4, Sky Atlantic, Netflix, Paramount+