For the first time in a long time, I’m putting on my sweater when I leave the house. To me, this means that fall has officially arrived, regardless of the equinox.
While my weekly chilly walks to drink pumpkin spice lattes are at the top of my bucket list (basic, I know), one of my other favorite things about fall is that it’s the best season for TV.
Not only are we seeing the arrival of annual favourites, but it’s also an excuse to cozy up in front of the small screen with a blanket and a candle. If you’re not sure what to watch this season, I’ve got you covered for every type of mood. I’ve even linked where they’re available in the UK and US. You’re welcome.
For cozy, no-nonsense fun: Gilmore Girls
I’ve made so many repeat trips to Central Perk and Springfield that I’ve kind of neglected Stars Hallow. After multiple recommendations, I started watching Gilmore Girls for the first time last fall… but with 153 episodes available, all 45 minutes long, I’ve only gotten through half of Season 4.
The series follows Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother and daughter duo who live in a small town where it seems like it’s always September, and they both have unlimited budgets to spend on coffee and takeout, which seems like every day.
The stakes are generally pretty low, with most of the drama taking place around petty feuds with the townspeople and Lorelai’s wealthy, nosy mother. But that’s part of Gilmore Girls’ appeal: I can put it on in the background and scroll through it on my phone or have it on while I cook.
Plus, I finally know what my friends are talking about when they say they’re either Team Dean, Team Jess, or Team Logan. If you need a sitcom that will warm your heart this fall, this one should be on your list. Plus, the theme song is awesome.
Gilmore Girls is available on Netflix and ITVX in the UK, and Netflix in the US.
For groups: The Great British Bake Off
If the leaves changing colour aren’t enough to get you in the autumn mood, the return of Bake Off certainly will.
If you somehow missed this wholesome show, The Great British Bake Off (or The Great British Baking Show in America) brings together a group of amateur bakers from across the UK to take part in three weekly challenges, judged by two seasoned professionals, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
The best part about this competition is that everyone encourages each other. There is no meanness or rivalry here. It is this wholesome atmosphere that makes Bake Off one of the best shows to invite friends and family to watch together. We have often had parties where everyone brings a treat, homemade or not.
Bonus points if you create a bingo, where you can include things like Hollywood handshakes, people forgetting to turn on the oven, and a participant constantly having the dreaded soggy bottom.
Bake Off premieres on Tuesday, September 24 in the UK on Channel 4. US viewers can watch it on Netflix the following Friday, or watch it the same day it airs on Channel 4 using a VPN.
To feel focused: Only Murders in the Building
Even though I’m really craving feel-good shows this season, this crime series has the right balance of comedic fun and film noir. Add to that the power trio of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, and you have the perfect recipe for a light-hearted crime series.
The three protagonists play the residents of the Arconia apartment building in New York City, who come together when a suspicious murder occurs under their noses. United by their love of crime stories, Charles, Oliver and Mabel join forces to create their own podcast to solve the mystery and hold the culprit accountable.
I recommend watching Only Murders when you’re ready to pay attention to the little details. This show often reveals clues (and red herrings) throughout many scenes, some of which aren’t revealed until much later. If you pay attention, you might be able to guess the murderer before they’re revealed – it’s a satisfying feeling if you can.
If you’re not much of a detective, don’t worry. Instead, you can enjoy the incredible celebrity appearances (Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd are highlights), the homages to film genres, and the musical touches throughout the series. The show is currently in its fourth season, so now is the perfect time to jump on the hype train.
Only Murders in the Building airs new episodes on Tuesdays on Hulu in the US and on Wednesdays on Disney+ in the UK.
For current events: Veep
The upcoming US election will dominate the news this fall, and when candidate Kamala Harris was announced, I was one of many to begin my first viewing of the 2010 comedy Veep, which follows fictional Vice President of the United States Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
This series is written by Armando Iannucci, the same creator of the British series The Thick of It. Like its British counterpart, the ridiculous plots of this satire turned out to be much closer to reality than the author had expected.
Memes of Selina declaring she would run for president are circulating online like wildfire, as are videos of her and her team navigating the many ups and downs of the political landscape. Watching them, one can’t help but wonder if these scenes are similar to those found behind closed doors in Washington.
If you find the real-life debates and rallies a bit much, then Veep is a light-hearted take on the political landscape. But more generally, it’s a great show, with 17 Emmy Awards to prove it.
Veep is available on HBO/Max in the US and on Sky Comedy/Now Entertainment in the UK.
For the live TV experience: Strictly Come Dancing
All that’s missing is a Saturday night classic that everyone follows the best moments of on social media. Luckily, Strictly fills that void perfectly – and it starts this weekend.
For twenty years, Strictly Come Dancing has invited a group of celebrities from all walks of life to train in the arts of Latin and ballroom dancing. Each week, they perform different dance styles and are scored on their performances by a panel of judges. However, these scores only represent 50% of the votes. The other half comes from the public.
This means you can have popular celebrities bring the entertainment factor, rather than the best dancing skills. In the past, we’ve seen iconic moments such as Anne Widecombe being dragged around the dance floor like a sack of potatoes (see above) and Scott Mills dressed as a crab.
Even if you’re not a big fan of dancing, you’ll definitely love the incredible costumes, questionable live covers of songs and awkward jokes from presenters Tess and Claud.
Strictly Come Dancing starts on Saturday 14 September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. US viewers can watch the American equivalent, Dancing with the Stars, on ABC. You can also watch Strictly from anywhere using our guide on how to watch BBC iPlayer from abroad.
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