No matter who you are, where you live, or what you’re interested in, we’re all plagued by the same question: What should I watch?
We’re living in a golden age of TV, where there’s never a dull moment on our screens. So answering that “what to watch” question gets harder and harder with every new streaming platform that launches. And fall is the TV season, when all your favorite shows return or soon-to-be favorites debut. And as the weather gets cooler and all your summer fun fades away, you might find yourself spending more time inside (Delta doesn’t help either). You might even have a little extra TV time on your hands! Once you’ve caught up on the fall premieres, where do you turn? Don’t fret! We turned to pop culture king Danny Pellegrino for help: If there’s anyone we trust to tell us what to watch this fall, it’s him. Keep reading for Pellegrino’s picks for the best fall TV.
New TV for fall? Groundbreaking!
It’s a well-known fact that fall is the busiest time of the year in the television world. With new shows premiering, old shows returning, and more time inside to binge summer content you might have missed, you probably need some help navigating the options. Whether you want something new or need to know when your faves are returning, I’ve got you covered with my picks for what to watch this fall. All you have to do is cuddle up on the couch with a PSL (that’s pumpkin spice latte for you non-devotees), a blanket, those delicious Halloween Oreos with the orange cream in the middle, and the remote, of course.
What to Watch This Fall
LuLaRich (September 10, Amazon Prime Video)
LuLaRich is a new four-part documentary series airing on Amazon that explores LuLaRoe, the questionable multi-level marketing fashion brand that you might be familiar with, thanks to the people you went to high school with who advertised their involvement on Facebook. The series is a fascinating look at social media — and a model of sales that gets more and more absurd as you dive deeper into the documentary.
The Morning Show (September 17, Apple TV+)
Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston are returning to The Morning Show for season 2, which premieres September 17. Season 1 offered a timely look behind the lens of the morning shows we all know and love, and the scandals that we don’t get to see (until years later when those scandals make news). It featured great writing and amazing supporting performances from Billy Crudup, Marcia Gay Harden (who is always perfect in everything), and Martin Short, among others. I thought season 1 was unfairly judged by audiences, due to the hype surrounding the show and the launch of Apple TV+, so I’m excited to see how season 2 is received without the pomp and circumstance that comes with launching a streaming service.
Succession (October, HBO)
Succession fans have been salivating for new episodes ever since season 2 wrapped. (That season premiered almost two years ago!) In season 3, the Roy kids are after the patriarch — aren’t they always, though? — to gain control of his media and entertainment conglomerate, once and for all. I can’t wait to continue to watch the Shakespearean family drama unfold as the siblings take sides. Plus, Sanaa Lathan joins the cast this time around.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (September 12, Bravo)
I had to include a Real Housewives franchise on this list, and this one is a great option for people who’ve never entered the world of Bravo socialites. For starters, the Salt Lake City version is only in its second season, so it’ll be easy to binge season 1 and get all caught up for season 2. Furthermore, this go-around revolves around the real-life legal drama surrounding cast member Jen Shah, who was arrested while filming. If there’s anything I’ve learned from the current season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, it’s that legal drama makes these shows even more entertaining, taking the stakes up a few notches. On top of all that, there’s cult accusations, comedy queens Heather Gay and Whitney Rose, Lisa Barlow’s investigative work, an engaged Meredith Marks, and a new Housewife joining the fold who seems to be more Mormon than the rest of them. Grab your popcorn and let the lush winter landscapes and drama take you to a higher place. After the episodes, check out my podcast Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino for full recaps and reviews.
Insecure (October, HBO)
The final season of Issa Rae’s brilliant series about friendship, career, and all the complications in between premieres in October. I’m thrilled and devastated to watch how the show will wrap up the lives of these characters. Will Issa end up with Lawrence? I can’t wait to find out!
The Many Saints of Newark (October 1, HBO Max)
This one is technically a movie, but it’s a prequel to The Sopranos, one of the most beloved television shows of all time, and it’s debuting on HBO Max, meaning you can watch on your TV from the comfort of your couch, so it felt appropriate to mention. Michael Gandolfini plays the role his father made so memorable, and the film is co-written by David Chase, the mind behind the TV show. I haven’t seen this one yet, but I’ve been rewatching the series in anticipation, looking forward to entering the world again, and optimistic they will do it justice.
Bonus Binge: Small Town News (HBO Max)
This series was released late this summer, but without any flashy movie or reality personalities attached to it, you might have missed it. It’s technically a reality show, but it has more heart and laughs than you’d expect from the genre. It’s a quirky, weird, and very realistic look at a privately-owned TV station in the small desert town of Pahrump, Nevada, with a colorful cast of characters in front of and behind the cameras. Everyone I’ve recommended it to comes away loving it, but warning: There is a cringe factor involved. If you’re a fan of the delicious awkwardness of Christopher Guest movies, I think you’ll adore it, just like I did.
Queens (October 19, ABC)
Starring Brandy, Eve, and Naturi Naughton, who all know a thing or two about music superstardom, Queens is a series about a famous 90s group reuniting in their 40s. The show promises lots of new music, which I can’t wait to hear! It’ll air on Disney+ after airing on ABC (where you can also stream Brandy’s iconic version of Cinderella with Whitney Houston from 1997!).
For more picks, check out my August recommendations, which include The Other Two, The Real Housewives of Potomac, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Heels, and Only Murders in the Building, all of which will continue to release new episodes through the fall!
