Congratulations, television lovers. You’ve made it through the summer, and all your shows (and some new ones) are back on air. Weekend breaks down this fall's batch.
‘American Horror Story’ (FX)
Wednesday, Oct. 8
Two words: freak show. Ryan Murphy (IU alumnus!) is gracing us with strokes from his genius paintbrush for yet another season of “American Horror Story” this fall, complete with the return of the impeccable Jessica Lange , themed as a circus freak show. Let’s just hope this season doesn’t slowly disappoint the way the past two have.
‘The Newsroom’ (HBO)
Sunday, Nov. 9
Among the biggest tragedies of television history is the fact that the executives at HBO decided “The Newsroom,” led by Will McAvoy (played by Jeff Daniels in perfect form) only deserved to be on air for three seasons. Nevertheless, this is a show that’s going to absolutely slay its fall competition.
‘Boardwalk Empire’ (HBO)
Currently | 9 p.m. Sundays
HBO’s period drama is coming to a close this fall after five seasons. “Boardwalk Empire,” with Steve Buscemi at the helm, has been nominated for its fair share of Emmys in its run — 40 to be exact — but alas, all good things must end.
‘Red Band Society’ (FOX)
Wednesday, Sept. 17
“Red Band Society,” on the surface at least, seems like Fox’s halfhearted attempt at milking the “Fault in Our Stars” popularity currently sweeping the country. Either way, the show’s pilot reveals that it has potential, and it’s definitely got Octavia Spencer going for it.
‘Selfie’ (ABC)
Tuesday, Sept. 30
ABC’s “Selfie” looks very, very bad. A social-media crazed Eliza, played by Karen Gilla, needs help to fix her image in the real world. This show makes this list only because it’s definitely going to be one of those “so bad it’s good” type of pilots.
‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (FOX)
Sunday, Sept. 28
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” the non-comedy about Andy Samberg’s New York Police Department officer character, Detective Jake Peralta , received absolutely far too much praise for its first season. However, it’s coming back, and it might be worth another shot.
‘The Voice’ (NBC)
Monday, Sept. 22
New season, new coaches. Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani are joining Adam Levine and Blake Shelton in this season of “The Voice.” Aside from the fact that it’s a great “American Idol” replacement, it’s worth it to watch for the new coaches.
‘New Girl’ (Fox)
Tuesday, Sept. 16
The fourth season of “New Girl,” set to air this month, will bring more of the love-her-or-hate-her Zooey Deschanel , along with her trio of male friends. Having never won a Primetime Emmy, it’s probably not worth getting your hopes up too high, though.
‘Shark Tank’ (ABC)
Friday, Sept. 26
Now here’s a reality show in which it’s easy to become invested. ABC’s “Shark Tank,” which pits up-and-coming inventors against majorly wealthy potential investors (including IU alumnus Mark Cuban!) , is back this year. More of the same would be absolutely fine, thanks.
‘A to Z’ (NBC)
Thursday, Oct. 2
It’s easy to pass “A to Z” off as a “How I Met Your Mother” ripoff. Oh, classic — telling the story of a couple’s entire relationship “A to Z.” It even features Cristin Milioti as the lead: the titular “mother!” But this show looks like so much more. Also featuring the incredibly likable Ben Feldman , this show looks like it’s got potential. At least potential to be better than “How I Met Your Mother.”
‘The Walking Dead’ (AMC)
Sunday, Oct. 12
Groan. Another season of this show? I’m in the minority here, I know, but this show deserves none of the hype it’s gotten over the past few years. Either way, the millions of viewers that obsess over this zombie-apocalyptic soap opera are excited.
‘Madam Secretary’ (CBS)
Sunday, Sept. 21
Oh yeah. We all love a good political drama, right? CBS has jumped on the bandwagon and is bringing its own player to the arena with “Madam Secretary,” a show featuring a female secretary of state. Morgan Freeman is producing it, so really, how bad can it be?
