The arrival of autumn means two things – layering and awesome new TV. So, forget the torrential rain and summer party exhaustion for one minute and read our guide to the upcoming shows to have on your radar. There’s even one which starts straight after The Honourable Woman finishes and a week before X Factor starts. How’s that for forward planning?
The One To Watch If You're Still Trying To Fill That OC-Shaped Hole In Your Life
Gotham, AKA The return of Ryan Atwood (ahem, Ben McKenzie), is a Batman-prequel charting the beginnings of commissioner James Gordon. Basically, even if you’re not a comic book geek, you’ll be able to keep up. The whole series follows Gordon as a young detective starting out his career in corrupt Gotham city (sort of like an extra gritty New York) – oh, and did we mention Ryan? It also stars Jada Pinkett Smith and you’ll recognise cameos from villains including Catwoman and The Joker.
October, Channel 5
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The Return Of The Show That Promises It's Actually Going To Be Really Good This Season (Despite What Happened Last Season)
Homeland season four is all about taking 'new directions,' according to the producers. Now, let’s admit it, last series was a little bit sh*t apart from the last two episodes where ‘OMFG, did that really just happen?’ happened. This time round, Carrie’s accepted a new job as Station Chief and we follow her to the depths of Istanbul, Pakistan and Afghanistan. And, rejoice, Peter Quinn (Fit Rupert Friend, who was often seen wearing nothing more than a towel last series) will take on a major role and new cast members include House of Cards’ Corey Stoll and Mistresses’ Raza Jeffrey. Well, hello.
October, Channel 4
**The Latest HBO Drama That Everyone’s Going To Be Talking About **
Remember how last A/W was all about True Detective? People couldn’t get enough of that bleak storyline. So, let us introduce you to The Leftovers. It’s from the co-creator of Lost and stars Jennifer Aniston’s fiancé, Justin Theroux, as a police chief in a post-rapture New Jersey where millions of people have gone missing or died. Adding to the grungy vibes, most of the survivors are either turning to drugs, crime or self-harm to cope with it all. Heavy stuff. Add religious implications, eerie panoramic shots and weird cult-members dressed all in white and it just adds to the darkness. Liv Tyler, who we haven’t seen properly since 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, plays the lead female role. Welcome back, LT.
September, Sky Atlantic
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The Half Hour Comedy Show That's Going To Be Your New New Girl
OK. So it’s not quite as wholesome as New Girl but it is only 30 minutes a pop. Scrotal Recall is all about a dude (played by folk singer Johnny Flynn) who realises he has chlamydia and subsequently needs to contact everyone he’s ever slept with. Also starring Misfits’ Antonia Thomas, every episode delves into each individual shag story. Expect dodgy/lolz relationship advice, awkward moments and yeah, STDs.
October, Channel 4
The Alternative Netflix Original Series That You’ll Binge On
Like Southpark? Love Family Guy? BoJack Horseman, the Netflix original series stars Will Arnett (Arrested Development), Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul and Community’s Alison Brie in an animated sitcom with extra sarcasm. Centred around a half-human, half-horse D-list Hollywood has-been, it sees him navigate his new life as a bit of a town joke. It’s a total parody on celebrity.
From August 22, Netflix
The Nostalgic Biopic To Sit Down And Have A Cuppa To
If the phrase 'What's your name and where do you come from?' doesn’t ring any bells than YouTube Blind Date immediately please. Sheridan Smith takes on the role of Cilla Black in a three-part drama about the Liverpudlian singer/TV presenter in Cilla opposite Aneurin Barnard who plays her husband, Bobby. It’s set way before Cilla’s matchmaking days though, and will take you back to the 1960s when she was singing with the likes of The Beatles. Who knew!?
September, ITV
**Your New Favourite Hangover TV To Catch On 4oD **
After something with a pace that isn’t too taxing but still has humour and wit to it? Let us introduce you to six-part workplace dramedy, CUT. It follows Katherine, a 20something civil servant (played by Zawe Ashton) who’s forced to relocate to Northampton from London after being denied voluntary redundancy. Uprooting her entire life, we’re introduced to all the characters at her new office. Kind of like Fresh Meat meets The Office.
October, Channel 4
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.