From Travis Kelce to ‘Agatha All Along’

I’m old enough to remember rolling my eyes at the classic dad joke about cable TV: “All these channels, and there’s still nothing on!”

Fast forward to 2024, and we find ourselves in an era where there’s more TV than ever before, spread across countless networks, services, and streaming platforms. Paying for them all could triple what a cable bill used to cost. And yet, there’s still the lingering question: is there anything good to watch?

My initial list for this fall TV preview clocked in at about 80 shows—and that was after being selective. Yet, by mid-September, I’ll probably be complaining about having nothing to watch. Before that cynicism kicks in, there’s a lot on the horizon to be excited about!

Big names like Cate Blanchett, Billy Crystal, and even Travis Kelce will headline new shows. Some of the best offerings, like Somebody Somewhere and What We Do in the Shadows, will be airing final seasons. Plus, there are promising new series like The English Teacher and St. Denis Medical to look forward to.

Without further ado, here are 50 shows to look out for this summer, curated by their buzz, star power, and my very scientific method of “this sounds fun to me!”

The English Teacher (Sept. 2 on FX) kicks off with a gem of a new show. Brian Jordan Alvarez stars in this series about a gay high school teacher in Texas navigating his life and career amid a rapidly changing, yet frustratingly stagnant, world.

Slow Horses Season 4 (Sept. 4 on Apple TV+) brings Gary Oldman back in a standout role in this spy thriller series, which continues to impress in its fourth season.

Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Sept. 5 on Peacock) tells the true story of Muhammad Ali’s return to the ring in 1970 and an armed robbery at the party celebrating his fight. Starring Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, and Samuel L. Jackson, this series promises intrigue and excitement.

The Perfect Couple (Sept. 5 on Netflix) features Nicole Kidman in yet another prestige TV drama, adding to her impressive portfolio.

My Brilliant Friend Season 4 (Sept. 9 on HBO) wraps up the series that has captivated audiences with its beautiful Italian settings long before Jennifer Coolidge’s “high-end gays” escapades.

The Chicken Sisters (Sept. 10 on Hallmark+) is based on the popular novel and is one of the first projects launching the new streaming service.

How to Die Alone (Sept. 13 on Hulu) stars the talented Natasha Rothwell, who leads a series she created. Rothwell plays a lonely airport employee whose near-death experience prompts a life change.

Three Women (Sept. 13 on Starz) follows the lives of three women played by Shailene Woodley, Betty Gilpin, and DeWanda Wise.

American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez (Sept. 17 on FX) revisits the outrageous and tragic tale of Aaron Hernandez in Ryan Murphy’s latest anthology series.

High Potential (Sept. 17 on ABC) features Kaitlin Olson in a hilarious role as a single-mom janitor who becomes a police consultant thanks to her unique mind.

Agatha All Along (Sept. 18 on Disney+) is a WandaVision spin-off centering on Kathryn Hahn’s character and featuring a cast that includes Aubrey Plaza and Patti LuPone in a witchy musical setting.

The Golden Bachelorette (Sept. 18 on ABC) is ABC’s acknowledgment that people over 26 also seek love. Following the messy yet sweet experiment of The Golden Bachelor, this series is a promising watch.

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (Sept. 18 on Bravo) returns with its hottest franchise, continuing the drama and excitement.

Frasier Season 2 (Sept. 19 on Paramount+) brings back the classic TV show with a spirit that fans will appreciate.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Sept. 19 on Netflix) dives into the infamous case of the Menendez brothers, expected to be a hit like its predecessor focusing on Jeffrey Dahmer.

The Penguin (Sept. 19 on HBO) stars Colin Farrell, ensuring that this spinoff will grab attention.

A Very Royal Scandal (Sept. 19 on Prime Video) re-dramatizes the 2019 interview between journalist Emily Maitlis and Prince Andrew, featuring Michael Sheen and Ruth Wilson.

Matlock (Sept. 22 on CBS) surprises with its fun, meta reboot starring Kathy Bates.

Rescue Hi-Surf (Sept. 22 on FOX) is a modern take on Baywatch, promising drama and excitement on the beach.

Brilliant Minds (Sept. 23 on NBC) follows Zachary Quinto as a neurologist solving tough cases.

Grotesquerie (Sept. 25 on FX) is the Ryan Murphy show featuring Travis Kelce, which will undoubtedly get attention.

Colin From Accounts Season 2 (Sept. 26 on Paramount+) is an Australian import deserving of a Ted Lasso or Schitt’s Creek-esque surge in popularity.

Doctor Odyssey (Sept. 26 on ABC) stars Joshua Jackson in a new series alerting fans of his return to TV.

Nobody Wants This (Sept. 26 on Netflix) tells an unexpected story with Kristen Bell and Adam Brody.

The Summit (Sept. 29 on CBS) challenges contestants to hike across New Zealand and climb a mountain together.

The Real Housewives of New York City (Oct. 1 on Bravo) returns, and fans are eager to see what the new season will bring after the successful reboot.

Heartstopper Season 3 (Oct. 3 on Netflix) promises to be as heartwarming and tissue-worthy as ever.

House of Villains Season 2 (Oct. 9 on E!) is back, following the jaw-dropping confrontations of its first season.

Abbott Elementary Season 4 (Oct. 9 on ABC) returns, and even though it’s well-known and awarded, the excitement for its new season is still high.

Teacup (Oct. 10 on Peacock) is a new thriller shrouded in mystery.

Disclaimer (Oct. 11 on Apple TV+) is a new series by Alfonso Cuarón, starring Cate Blanchett.

NCIS: Origins (Oct. 14 on CBS) is a prequel series that will catch the attention of long-time fans.

Shrinking Season 2 (Oct. 16 on Apple TV+) returns with more from Jason Segel, Michael Urie, Jessica Williams, and Harrison Ford.

Ghosts Season 4 (Oct. 17 on CBS) continues to be a popular comedy series worthy of recognition.

Happy’s Place (Oct. 18 on NBC) stars Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman in a new comedy series.

Hysteria! (Oct. 18 on Peacock) is an ’80s-set thriller about Satanic panic.

What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 (Oct. 21 on FX) returns for its final season, closing out one of the funniest series on TV.

Before (Oct. 25 on Apple TV+) stars Billy Crystal in a psychological thriller.

Somebody Somewhere (Oct. 27 on HBO) is a heartfelt and funny series that deserves more recognition.

The Diplomat Season 2 (Oct. 31 on Netflix) continues combining political intrigue with Keri Russell’s performance.

Sweetpea (October TBD on Starz) brings Ella Purnell in a new star vehicle.

The Day of the Jackal (Nov. 7 on Peacock) adapts Fredrick Forsyth’s novel with Eddie Redmayne as the lead.

Yellowstone Season 5 (Nov. 10 on Paramount) returns with more drama.

St. Denis Medical (Nov. 12 on NBC) is essentially The Office set in a hospital.

Bad Sisters Season 2 (Nov. 13 on Apple TV+) promises more of the acerbic and thrilling content fans loved in its first season.

Landman (Nov. 17 on Paramount+) features Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, and Demi Moore.

Leonardo da Vinci (Nov. 18 on PBS) is Ken Burns’ latest documentary masterpiece.

Based on a True Story Season 2 (Nov. 21 on Peacock) stars Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina.

Outlander Season 7B (Nov. 22 on Starz) returns, continuing its devoted following.

Finding Mr. Christmas (Fall TBD on Hallmark) is a new reality competition searching for the next Hallmark Hunk.