TV

Spoilers to know before watching this fall's returning shows

Written by:
September 27, 2018
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Spoilers to know before watching this fall's returning shows

With so many television channels and streaming platforms, it is understandably difficult to keep up with the latest and greatest programs currently on the air. In this age of peak television and binge-watching, there are simply too many options to choose from. Most viewers will eventually find their niche, picking up a few carefully selected shows. Still, the pressure to watch everything is real—no one wants to miss out on when it comes to discussing the season's biggest spoilers at the water cooler.

As the fall season approaches, audiences are gearing up for the return of their favorite shows. From comedies to character dramas and crime procedurals to action shows, the array of programs is more diverse than ever. With an abundance of content, many viewers may realize they aren't caught up on their shows in time for the new season.

In attempt to get viewers up to speed, Stacker has amassed a large collection of television spoilers for the purpose of catching you up on the most anticipated shows returning this fall, thanks to USA Today. Expect only narrative television shows—this list does not include any reality, competition, or game shows.

Read on to get the scoop on your favorite shows before they return.

ALSO: Primetime TV shows that stood the test of time

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Air date: Sept. 5

Where to watch: FXX

The off-color sitcom “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” ended with some uncharacteristically radical changes: Charlie has finally coupled up with The Waitress, Mac has publicly embraced his homosexuality, and Dennis has left The Gang to raise a child he fathered after a one-night stand. Glenn Howerton, co-creator of the show and the actor who plays Dennis, has remained tight-lipped on whether or not he’d return to the show, as he’s currently the lead on NBC’s “AP Bio.” Regardless of his fate, this upcoming landmark 13th season will also be followed with a record-breaking 14th season.

I Love You, America

Air date: Sept. 6

Where to watch: Hulu

“I Love You, America with Sarah Silverman” doesn’t particularly have any spoilers, being a talk show. For those unfamiliar with the format, comedian Sarah Silverman hosts a weekly talk show, but the content is much more personal than topical. The show, which sees Silverman traveling around the country to talk to citizens going through extraordinary change, will have a 10-episode second season on Hulu.

Atypical

Air date: Sept. 7

Where to watch: Netflix

“Atypical” focuses primarily on the character of Sam (Keir Gilchrist), an 18 year old on the autistic spectrum. The first season depicted Sam’s tumultuous family life, with Sam’s father (Michael Rapaport) temporarily leaving the family, his mother (Jennifer Jason Leigh) having an affair, his protective sister (Brigette Lundy-Paine) contemplating a move to a different school, and his 26-year-old therapist (Amy Okuda)—and love interest—being dumped by her boyfriend, only to discover that she is pregnant with his child. As with all Netflix shows, all episodes of the second season are available to binge at once.

Marvel's Iron Fist

Air date: Sept. 7

Where to watch: Netflix

After the events of season one of “Iron Fist” and the crossover event “The Defenders,” the second season of this Marvel television show has Danny Rand (Finn Jones) take on the mantle of New York City’s protector from Daredevil. Facing off against his adoptive brother Davos (Sacha Dhawan), who believes himself to be the true person worthy of the mystical Iron Fist, Danny must also work to prevent an all-out war between gangs in Chinatown. This is the third Netflix show based in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to air a new season this year, following “Jessica Jones” and “Luke Cage,” the latter of which featured the character of Danny Rand in a guest appearance.

The Deuce

Air date: Sept. 9

Where to watch: HBO

Focusing on the rise of the pornography industry in 1970s New York City, "The Deuce" comes from "The Wire" creator David Simon and stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Franco. The first season finale ended in tragedy—while some characters progressed in life, prostitute Ruby (Pernell Walker) is killed after an argument leads to her being pushed out of a window.

Shameless

Air date: Sept. 9

Where to watch: Showtime

The acclaimed off-color comedy “Shameless” is returning for a ninth season, making the show the longest-running program in Showtime’s history. The subject of the show is the Gallagher family and their misadventures, led by the patriarch and drunkard Frank (William H. Macy). This will be the final season for co-star Emmy Rossum, who portrays Frank’s eldest child Fiona Gallagher.

American Horror Story: Apocalypse

Air date: Sept. 12

Where to watch: FX

Anthology show “American Horror Story” presents a different scenario and storyline every season, and “Apocalypse” is the latest installment. New ground is broken here, however, with this eighth season being a crossover of the show’s first and third seasons, “Murder House” and “Coven,” respectively. With stars like Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and the returning Jessica Lange playing multiple roles and reprising old characters, “Apocalypse” depicts a group of survivors after a war results in a devastating nuclear winter.

American Vandal

Air date: Sept. 14

Where to watch: Netflix

Appearing to be sophomoric on the surface level, mockumentary series “American Vandal” is actually a pointed satire of shows like “Making a Murderer” and the popular podcast “Serial.” Depicting two high school sophomores investigating high school-level crimes, the first season had the two look into a student accused of vandalizing 27 faculty cars with phallic imagery. The second season has the two students tackling a new case after someone known as “The Turd Burglar” contaminates a cafeteria’s lemonade with laxatives.

BoJack Horseman

Air date: Sept. 14

Where to watch: Netflix

An existential animated dramedy starring a talking horse (voiced by Will Arnett), “Bojack Horseman” is about an actor past his prime. Season four of the series was lauded as emotional, with the end of the season having BoJack discover that the character of Hollyhock (Aparna Nancherla), who he has bonded with, is his half-sister.

9-1-1

Air date: Sept. 23

Where to watch: Fox

A procedural co-created by Ryan Murphy ("Glee" and "American Horror Story"), "9-1-1" depicts first responders in the city of Los Angeles. By the end of the first season, police sergeant Athena (Angela Bassett) and firefighting captain Bobby (Peter Krause) have gone on their first date, and 911 operator Abby (Connie Britton) has left Los Angeles for Ireland. The Fox show will be back for a second season consisting of 16 episodes.

Bull

Air date: Sept. 24

Where to watch: CBS

Michael Weatherly stars as Dr. Jason Bull, a psychologist, in a show that is loosely based on Dr. Phil McGraw’s past experience as a trial consultant. The second season ends with Bull at a low point, drinking heavily after the revelation that his ex-wife is getting remarried. Even after a brief victory in court, Bull finds himself believing that he is experiencing a heart attack. But is it real or the result of stress? Viewers will find out the outcome once the third season airs on CBS.

The Big Bang Theory

Air date: Sept. 24

Where to watch: CBS

This top-rated television sitcom will return for a 12th and final season. The 11th season is centered around the wedding of Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik), and their marriage is likely to be a focus of the final season. Fans of “The Big Bang Theory” worry not, for its prequel spinoff “Young Sheldon” will probably still be on the air.

Mr. Inbetween

Air date: Sept. 24

Where to watch: FX

Inspired by the 2005 cult film “The Magician,” “Mr. Inbetween” is a new television show from Scott Ryan, the star, writer, and director of the film. Ryan will reprise all of his roles from “The Magician” for the six-part series. The show is about Ray Shoesmith (Ryan), a hit-man who also attempts to live a normal life, raising a child and finding romance.

The Resident

Air date: Sept. 24

Where to watch: Fox

The setting of “The Resident” is Chastain Park Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. With a large ensemble cast portraying various medical interns, residents, and doctors, the show focuses on the daily lives of the medical staff members both inside and outside the hospital. The first season ends with Nic (Emily VanCamp) set up by Lane (Melina Kanakaredes) for her own malpractice. Nic’s name is eventually cleared, and Lane is relieved of her duties.

The Good Doctor

Air date: Sept. 24

Where to watch: ABC

Returning for a second season is "The Good Doctor," which comes from "House" creator David Shore. Starring Freddie Highmore as Shaun Murphy, a gifted surgical resident on the autism spectrum, the show is about his life working at a prestigious hospital against all odds. Shaun discovered in the last episode of the first season that his mentor and biggest supporter Dr. Glassman (Richard Schiff) has an inoperable form of cancer.

Young Sheldon

Air date: Sept. 24

Where to watch: CBS

Spinning off from the widely watched “The Big Bang Theory” is “Young Sheldon,” a single-camera comedy without a laugh track that depicts the childhood of the character originated by Jim Parsons. Sheldon (Iain Armitage) finds that despite his high intelligence, he is ill-equipped to handle most social situations. The show’s inaugural season ends with Sheldon interfering with the romantic relationships of his grandmother, known as “Meemaw,” to the point where Sheldon drafts a contract between the three parties involved.

Lethal Weapon

Air date: Sept. 25

Where to watch: Fox

Based on the 1980s and 1990s buddy cop film franchise of the same name, “Lethal Weapon” will return missing one of its two stars. Initially starring Damon Wayans as Murtaugh and Clayne Crawford as Riggs, the latter has been ousted after his behavior on set was highly criticized by his co-workers, including Wayans. Crawford will be replaced by Seann William Scott portraying a new character. The second season ends dramatically, with Riggs killing his villainous father only to be shot while visiting his wife’s grave—possibly a convenient way to off Crawford’s character.

NCIS

Air date: Sept. 25

Where to watch: CBS

Spinning off from “JAG,” the venerable “NCIS” is returning to the air for its 16th season. Depicting an investigative team looking into crimes surrounding the U.S. Navy and Marines, the 15th season ended with a cliffhanger. While the team investigates the kidnapping of Sloane (new cast member Maria Bello), they are shocked to not only discover the identity of the kidnapper, but to find that he has also kidnapped NCIS director Vance (Rocky Carroll).

NCIS: New Orleans

Air date: Sept. 25

Where to watch: CBS

Similar to the series it spun out of, “NCIS: New Orleans” focuses on criminal investigations by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in the New Orleans area. Starring “Quantum Leap” and “Enterprise” leading man Scott Bakula, this entry in the franchise is returning for a fifth season. The conclusion of the fourth season ended with a cliffhanger, with Pride (Bakula) shot and left to bleed out by a villainous character.

This Is Us

Air date: Sept. 25

Where to watch: NBC

The highly acclaimed drama series will be back for a third season, again focusing on the Pearson family. At this point in the series, viewers now know how Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) lost his life in a fire. The second season of "This is Us" ends with daughter Kate (Chrissy Metz) finally marrying Toby (Chris Sullivan). The upcoming third season will reportedly flashback to Jack's time in the Vietnam War.

The Gifted

Air date: Sept. 25

Where to watch: Fox

A loose spinoff of the “X-Men” film series, “The Gifted” tells the story of  a family with mutant children on the run from an oppressive government after the heroic X-Men have disappeared. The first season has the family and a group of refugees hanging by a string, but the group escapes while fighting off the opposition. The end of the season sees Andy Strucker (Percy Hynes White) tempted by an offer to join the violent pro-mutant Hellfire Club.

American Housewife

Air date: Sept. 26

Where to watch: ABC

Katie Otto (Katy Mixon) is, as the title of “American Housewife” implies, an American housewife. Moving to an affluent suburban town in Connecticut with her family, Katie navigates the social circles composed of wealthy and pretentious inhabitants. The second season ended with Katie proving herself to her peers, being able to run a spring gala event.

Empire

Air date: Sept. 26

Where to watch: Fox

Created by Lee Daniels (“Precious”), this highly successful drama focuses on a family-run hip-hop label and the internal political struggles to control the enterprise. After a series of machinations, power couple Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) and Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) lose the Empire company, but remarry. A shootout at the end of the season ends the fourth season on a cliffhanger, leaving the fates of several characters unknown.

Modern Family

Air date: Sept. 26

Where to watch: ABC

Emmy darling “Modern Family” depicts three related families, and their quirky misadventures and interactions. Depicting a societally traditional family, a step-family, and a same-sex family, this popular sitcom shows how much the idea of a family has evolved. The show is returning for a 10th season, its last, and promises to kill off an important character before the end of the show.

Star

Air date: Sept. 26

Where to watch: Fox

Set in the same universe as "Empire," "Star" follows three young women attempting to break into the music business. Co-starring significant names like Queen Latifah and Benjamin Bratt, "Star" will be back for a third season. The second season ended violently, with Bratt's character Jahil killed in a drive-by shooting and Latifah's character engaged in a gun duel with her sister; the end result is not shown.

The Goldbergs

Air date: Sept. 26

Where to watch: ABC

Inspired by the childhood of creator Adam Goldberg, “The Goldbergs” takes place during the 1980s in small-town Pennsylvania. The fifth season of the show ends at a school prom, with middle child Barry (Troy Gentile) impulsively proposing to long-time love interest Lainey (AJ Michalka), to the shock of all. The show is returning for a sixth season.

Chicago Fire

Air date: Sept. 26

Where to watch: NBC

The original series of Dick Wolf’s “Chicago” franchise depicts the everyday lives of firefighters from the Chicago Fire Department. Renewed for a seventh season, the show will feature new characters while parting ways with some old ones.

Chicago Med

Air date: Sept. 26

Where to watch: NBC

Premiering last out of Dick Wolf’s three “Chicago” television shows, “Chicago Med” is set in an emergency department at a medical center. The show is returning from its summer break for a fourth season.

Chicago P.D.

Air date: Sept. 26

Where to watch: NBC

Dick Wolf treads familiar territory with a new police show in his “Chicago” franchise. Depicting beat cops in Chicago, the cast of characters fight against criminals involved in drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime.

Grey's Anatomy

Air date: Sept. 27

Where to watch: ABC

One of the earliest television projects by now-famous producer Shonda Rhimes, "Grey's Anatomy" is a diverse medical drama and one of the longest-running primetime shows currently on the air. Reaching its 15th season, the show is close to passing by "ER" as the longest-running medical drama.

How to Get Away With Murder

Air date: Sept. 27

Where to watch: ABC

From the mind of Shonda Rhimes,  “How to Get Away With Murder,” stars Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning actress Viola Davis as criminal defense lawyer Annalise Keating. As the show’s title implies, Keating and a group of five law students, become embroiled in a murder plot. After a crossover with the recently ended show “Scandal” and a plotline that leaves the Keating four—one having been murdered at the end of season three—relatively happy and at peace, the show will come back for a fifth season to presumably shake things up.

Mom

Air date: Sept. 27

Where to watch: CBS

Co-created by Chuck Lorre (“Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory”), “Mom” stars Anna Faris and Allison Janney as a previously estranged mother-daughter pair. Filmed in front of a live studio audience, “Mom” sincerely tackles important domestic family issues, particularly addiction. At the end of the fifth season, Christy (Faris) graduates from college and is accepted to law school, but contends with a gambling addiction when she loses a pair of diamond earrings gifted to her by Bonnie (Janney).

S.W.A.T.

Air date: Sept. 27

Where to watch: CBS

A relatively new crime drama, “S.W.A.T.” stars Shemar Moore as Hondo, a well-respected Los Angeles-based former Marine who leads a new S.W.A.T. unit. The final episode of the first season has the team respond to a series of bomb threats in the city—meanwhile, drama ensures within the team, with team member Street (Alex Russell) getting kicked out of the group for lying to Hondo. Returning for a second season, this show is based off a 1975 show of the same name.

The Good Place

Air date: Sept. 27

Where to watch: NBC

The ending of season two of “The Good Place” shook up the premise of the show—in an effort to prove that Eleanor (Kristen Bell), Chidi (William Jackson Harper), Tahani (Jameela Jamil), and Jason (Manny Jacinto) are all worthy to enter The Good Place afterlife, Michael (Ted Danson) strikes up a deal with the powers-that-be. These four characters are sent back to Earth before their untimely deaths to resume their lives, with Michael observing them in order to prove his belief that these once-bad people will inherently become good.

 

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Air date: Sept. 27

Where to watch: NBC

"Law & Order: SVU" will tie with its parent show in terms of running time as the longest-running scripted drama, coming back for its 20th season. "SVU," as always, depicts stories based on real-life cases of crimes, with episodes based on the Charlottesville riots and the Harvey Weinstein scandal. The most recent season ended in tragedy, with the character Peter Stone (Philip Winchester, migrating from the canceled show "Chicago Justice") losing his sister after she was kidnapped and killed.

Blue Bloods

Air date: Sept. 28

Where to watch: CBS

With Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg in the lead roles, “Blue Bloods” is about a family of police officers. The eighth season ends with the investigation of the “Prospect Park Six,” similar to the real-life “Central Park Five.” Meanwhile, youngest son Jamie (Will Estes) gets engaged to his partner Eddie (Vanessa Ray). The show will be back for a ninth season.

Hawaii Five-O

Air date: Sept. 28

Where to watch: CBS

A reboot of the famous 1968 police procedural, “Hawaii Five-O” is beginning to approach the season count of the original. Entering its ninth season, the eighth season finale had a Russian submarine off the coast initiate some drama. In the meantime, Steve (Alex O'Loughlin) and Danny (Scott Caan) focus on their restaurant, and Tani (Meaghan Rath) finds a gun that matches one that killed the character of Noriko earlier in the season.

Last Man Standing

Air date: Sept. 28

Where to watch: Fox

After its cancellation from ABC, Fox picked up this Tim Allen sitcom, which focuses on a traditional and conservative father. After more than a year off the air, “Last Man Standing” will be revived for a seventh season. Before the series was canceled, Eve (Kaitlyn Dever), daughter of Mike Baxter (Allen) was set to attend the Air Force Academy.

MacGyver

Air date: Sept. 28

Where to watch: CBS

The reboot of the original “MacGyver” is still going strong, about to enter its third season. A U.S. agent, MacGyver, played here by Lucas Till, is a skilled technician who uses his creativity and the environment around him to solve problems. The most recent season ended with Mac making a big decision and quitting the agency that he worked for.

Bob's Burgers

Air date: Sept. 30

Where to watch: Fox

One of several animated sitcoms on Fox, "Bob's Burgers" is returning for its ninth season. Focusing on the colorful and quirky Belcher family and their local burger restaurant, the show often finds the family members thrown into absurd situations and trying to figure their way out. The last episode of the eighth season was just another misadventure for them; the family is asked to cater a wedding between two people who fell in love at the restaurant, but naturally, nothing goes right.

Family Guy

Air date: Sept. 30

Where to watch: Fox

Enetering its 17th season, Seth MacFarlane’s “Family Guy” is still playing catch-up with another perennial Fox animated show—“The Simpsons.” Centering on the Griffin family, the last episode of “Family Guy’s” recent season had patriarch Peter Griffin (MacFarlane) fall into a coma. Apparently meeting God himself, Peter proves himself to be good for his family and returns home.

NCIS: Los Angeles

Air date: Sept. 30

Where to watch: CBS

The first spinoff of “NCIS” boasts a large cast including stars like Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J, but recently lost cast member Miguel Ferrer to cancer. Season nine acknowledged Ferrer’s character as having died off-screen, with new character Shay Mosley (Nia Long) joining in his place. The last episode of season nine had the team go on a daring mission to save Mosley’s son.

The Simpsons

Air date: Sept. 30

Where to watch: Fox

“The Simpsons” is showing no signs of slowing down, entering its landmark 30th season. The 29th season ended with the ghost of Maude Flanders returning, seeking revenge on Homer Simpson. Homer nearly ends up in heaven, but Bart saves his father at the last minute.

Criminal Minds

Air date: Oct. 3

Where to watch: CBS

“Criminal Minds” has a different approach to the crime procedural, with a Behavioral Analysis Unit focusing more on the criminal profile more than the crime itself. The 13th season ends with Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) in a life-threatening predicament, with a cliffhanger to tease fans. The 14th season will include the show’s 300th episode.

SEAL Team

Air date: Oct. 3

Where to watch: CBS

Military drama "SEAL Team" portrays a group of Navy SEALs embarking on dangerous missions, showing the effects that their work has on their lives. Returning for a second season, Jason (David Boreanaz) will have to cope with his physical trauma, which resulted in various hallucinations at the end of the first season.

Station 19

Air date: Oct. 3

Where to watch: ABC

A spinoff of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Station 19” follows the firefighters of Seattle Fire Station 19. The show wrapped up its first season with a major event, the cast of characters responding to a skyscraper fire. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with the fates of all of the characters left uncertain after a blast shakes up the building.

Superstore

Air date: Oct. 4

Where to watch: NBC

A sitcom about the employees of fictional superstore Cloud 9, “Superstore” will premiere its fourth season. The third season ended with a live-streamed company-wide town hall, but employees Amy (America Ferrera) and Jonah (Ben Feldman) have a bit of a conflict. They reconcile and consummate their relationship, but inadvertently do so in front of a hidden camera broadcasting the video in the store.

 

Will & Grace

Air date: Oct. 4

Where to watch: NBC

The revived “Will & Grace” was renewed for a second season (out of a proposed three), but is in its 10th season overall. The first revived season ends with much awkwardness, with Will’s mom and Grace’s dad having an unexpected connection with each other. Will and Grace go through their own respective romantic troubles in the meantime, and they reconcile at the end—but their parents unexpectedly get engaged.

Big Mouth

Air date: Oct. 5

Where to watch: Netflix

“Big Mouth” is the creation of actor Nick Kroll, who voices a variety of characters including Nick Birch, a young boy struggling with adolescence. Joined by Andrew Glouberman (John Mulaney), the characters of “Big Mouth” learn about sex and arousal as they experience puberty. Season one ends with a sorrowful Andrew addicted to internet pornography.

Fresh Off the Boat

Air date: Oct. 5

Where to watch: ABC

A sitcom focused on an Asian-American family, "Fresh Off the Boat" takes place in the 1990s in a Florida suburb with a low Asian population. The season four finale ends with the show's protagonist Eddie (Hudson Yang) and his former crush Nicole (Luna Blaise) fighting gender conformity by defying their school dance's dress code; the two dress up in tuxedos inspired by the film "Dumb and Dumber."

Speechless

Air date: Oct. 5

Where to watch: ABC

“Speechless” follows a family with a disabled child—one who communicates through a variety of means other than the spoken word. Starring Minnie Driver, the show’s family lives in a rundown house, but overall maintains a positive attitude. In the second season, J.J., the teenage child with cerebral palsy, wins a film festival for a horror project he worked on.

Madam Secretary

Air date: Oct. 7

Where to watch: CBS

Téa Leoni portrays fictional United States Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord, navigating through her workplace and international diplomatic situations. Season four ends with a major international crisis, with the United States believing Russia to have launched nuclear warheads at the country. The crisis is averted, and McCord decides to run for President of the United States.

The Flash

Air date: Oct. 9

Where to watch: CW

Starring Barry Allen (Grant Gustin), this superhero show’s fifth season is quickly approaching. Team Flash defeats Clifford DeVoe, a.k.a. the Thinker, at the end of the fourth season. Shockingly, the future daughter of Barry and Iris (Candice Patton) arrives in the present day.

Black Lightning

Air date: Oct. 9

Where to watch: CW

This superhero show focuses on a middle-aged man named Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams), who redons his former identity of Black Lightning. The show is heavily focused on local politics and crime, and has yet to show any connection to the other CW shows set in the DC universe. The show’s first season ended with a near-death Black Lightning losing his powers, only to regain them and defeat a corrupt government operation—but Black Lightning’s rival Tobias (Marvin "Krondon" Jones III) believes he has found a way to defeat the eponymous hero.

Riverdale

Air date: Oct. 10

Where to watch: CW

Teen drama "Riverdale" has a reputation for its off-the-rails twists, and it ended its second season with one shocking plot development after another. The identities of the Black Hood killers are revealed, Jughead (Cole Sprouse) becomes king of the Serpents, Hermione (Marisol Nichols) wins a mayoral election, and Archie (KJ Apa) is elected student body president. All goes wrong for Archie, however, when he is falsely arrested for a series of murders that his girlfriend's father, Hiram (Mark Consuelos), is responsible for.

Blindspot

Air date: Oct. 12

Where to watch: NBC

Mystery crime drama Blindspot is returning for its fourth season, featuring Jaimie Alexander as a woman with amnesia who finds herself covered in tattoos. Known as “Jane Doe,” but born as Alice Kruger, by the end of season three Jane is married to Agent Kurt Weller (Sullivan Stapleton) and has reverted to a previous identity known as “Remi Briggs.” Remi has devious intentions, planning to destroy the FBI from within.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Air date: Oct. 12

Where to watch: CW

The Rachel Bloom musical comedy is returning for a fourth and final season. Rebecca, played by Bloom, is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in the third season. At the end, Rebecca’s former classmate and former fake boyfriend Trent goes too far for Rebecca, who pushes him off a roof, putting him in a full body cast—Rebecca then pleads guilty to attempted murder.

Dynasty

Air date: Oct. 12

Where to watch: CW

This reboot of the 1980s soap opera, “Dynasty” is centered on the billionaire Carrington family and their machinations for and against each other. Updated from the original show, the cast of characters is far more diverse than that of its namesake. After its first season ended with a fire, the second season will follow up on the aftermath and reveal who amongst the family survived.

Supergirl

Air date: Oct. 14

Where to watch: CW

Tangentially related to the CW Arrowverse, Supergirl focuses on Kara Danvers (Melissa Benoist) and her adventures as both a superpowered heroine and a reporter. The third season ended with Kara traveling back in time to change the outcome of an essential fight, an action that is sure to have consequences. One such result was teased at the end of the finale, with a duplicate Kara appearing.

Arrow

Air date: Oct. 15

Where to watch: CW

This superhero show has fluctuated in popularity, but will undergo some radical changes for its seventh season. Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) outs himself as the Green Arrow Vigilante in order to save his team from further prosecution. The story of this new season will begin with Queen in prison.

Black-ish

Air date: Oct. 16

Where to watch: ABC

The popular politically and socially charged sitcom is coming back for a fifth season, not long after getting a spinoff called “Grown-ish.” The fourth season ended with parents Dre (Anthony Anderson) and Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross) having been separated, but the two reconcile and resume their marriage. During the fourth season, ABC canceled the airing of an episode that criticized President Donald Trump.

Splitting Up Together

Air date: Oct. 16

Where to watch: ABC

The set-up of “Splitting Up Together” finds a family in a peculiar and specific arrangement after the parents' divorce. The mother (Jenna Fischer) and father (Oliver Hudson) alternate between being the primary parent and living life as a single adult. The first season ends with the parents, Lena and Martin, potentially reconciling their love.

Supernatural

Air date: Oct. 18

Where to watch: CW

The longest-running fantasy series “Supernatural” will return to the CW for a 20-episode 14th season. The 13th season ends with long-time character Lucifer defeated by Dean (Jensen Ackles) with the help of archangel Michael (also played by Ackles)—Michael then double crosses and takes control of Dean. Presumably, co-protagonist Sam (Jared Padalecki) will deal with this development.

DC's Legends of Tomorrow

Air date: Oct. 22

Where to watch: CW

A motley crew of characters from all over the Arrowverse unites in a series of crazy time-travel adventures. Rip Hunter (Arthur Darvill), the time-traveler who brought these characters from “The Flash” and “Arrow” together, sacrifices his life for the team, who triumph over main villain Mallus. At the end of season three, their vacation is interrupted by John Constantine (Matt Ryan), who will join the cast for the fourth season.

Midnight, Texas

Air date: Oct. 26

Where to watch: NBC

A supernatural story, "Midnight, Texas" is based off a series of books from the same author of the book series that became "True Blood." The show focuses on a group of mythical characters, including a witch, a demon, and a vampire, amongst others. By the end of the first season, psychic Manny (François Arnaud) is saved from demonic possession, but is plagued by spirits soon afterward.

Ray Donovan

Air date: Oct. 28

Where to watch: Showtime

“Ray Donovan” stars Liev Schreiber as the titular character, a fixer involved with a law firm that represents rich and powerful clients. The show is returning for a sixth season and will move its location to New York. At this point in the story, Ray has transitioned more into a hitman than a fixer, and his wife Abby (Paula Malcomson) has committed suicide rather than continuing cancer treatment.

House of Cards

Air date: Nov. 2

Where to watch: Netflix

The sixth and final season of Netflix’s flagship show “House of Cards” is finally arriving after some real-life controversy delayed production. Former star and producer Kevin Spacey played President Frank Underwood, who resigned his position, leaving his wife and Vice President Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) as his successor. After Spacey was fired from the show following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, Wright finds herself as the lead of the show—with Frank Underwood apparently killed off in-between seasons.

Oultander

Air date: Nov. 4

Where to watch: Starz

Adapted from the book series of the same name, “Outlander” combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, history, and romance into one television show. The show tells the story of a World War II nurse Claire (Caitriona Balfe) who is transported back in time to 1743, encountering Highland warrior Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). At the end of the third season, Claire and Jamie make a grand escape on a ship, eventually surviving a shipwreck. The show is not only due to air its fourth season, but eventual fifth and sixth seasons are planned as well.

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