The 50 best TV shows to watch this autumn
The Guardian’s seasonal guide highlights 50 television programmes due to air this autumn, spanning comedy, drama, reality television and major returning series.
– Joe Lycett’s The Lycett Arms launches on Channel 4 on 4 September.
– Patrick Brammall stars in a six-part Apple TV drama from 9 September.
– Slow Horses returns for its sixth series on Apple TV on 16 September.
– Sharon Horgan’s new comedy arrives on HBO Max on 20 September.
– Brothers, starring fictionalised Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, premieres on Apple TV on 23 September.
– Strictly Come Dancing begins its first series without Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on BBC One in September.
– Nigella Lawson joins The Great British Bake Off as a judge.
- Autumn schedules mix returning hits with new dramas and comedies.
- Nigella Lawson joins Bake Off.
- Strictly begins a major presenting reset.
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Television schedules change with the seasons, as broadcasters and streaming services launch new programmes and bring back established favourites. Autumn is often a busy period, with a mix of scripted dramas and comedies, entertainment formats, reality shows and competitions competing for viewers.
The main providers include public-service broadcasters such as the BBC and Channel 4, commercial television networks, and subscription streaming services including Apple TV and HBO Max. Returning series usually build on earlier storylines or familiar formats, while new shows introduce new casts and ideas.
Some programmes are closely associated with their presenters, judges or stars, so changes in those roles can attract particular attention. Seasonal guides bring these releases together to help viewers compare what is available across different channels and services.