Cable channels, Netflix and, recently, Amazon are creating hilarious, edgy, award-winning shows, but networks are creating quality TV, too.
And they’re even gaining more star power.
This fall’s crop of new shows covers a wide spectrum, from light-hearted rom-coms and dramedies to legal thrillers and comic-book remakes, many of which star A-list celebs and even Oscar winners. So read on to decide which shows you’ll be adding to your weekly routine.
Red Band Society
Premieres Wednesday, Sept. 17 on FOX
A hospital full of kids in need of leg amputations and treatment for cystic fibrosis, eating disorders and heart conditions doesn’t sound like the setting of a comedy, but this show will make you laugh. You just might also want to have a box of tissues nearby. Plus, this coming-of-age story, from executive producer Steven Spielberg, stars Oscar winner Octavia Spencer as a no-nonsense nurse.
Madam Secretary
Premieres Sunday, Sept. 21 on CBS
Fans of political shows always seem to have new options come fall, and this one stars Téa Leoni as CIA analyst turned professor turned unexpected Secretary of State. As she learns to work with (and sometimes around) all the president’s men, she must also bring home two American teenagers taken hostage in Syria.
Gotham
Premieres Monday, Sept. 22 on FOX
We all know the story of Batman and his quest to protect the people of Gotham City, but executive producer and writer Bruno Heller has a new take on the night James Gordon met Bruce Wayne and what exactly led to a certain boy becoming one of the world’s most popular superheroes. The show stars Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue and Jada Pinkett Smith.
How to Get Away with Murder
Premieres Thursday, Sept. 25 on ABC
Thursday nights just got a whole lot more, well, scandalous thanks to this new Shonda Rhimes show, which airs right after her other two hits, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal.” Viola Davis plays a tough law professor who teaches Criminal Law 100, or as she calls it, “How to Get Away with Murder.” And it appears that’s a lesson her students take very seriously.
Gracepoint
Premieres Thursday, Oct. 2 on FOX
If this trailer looks familiar, you probably already know that this 10-episode mystery mini-series is based on the British “Broadchurch” and follows two small-town cops as they solve the murder of a local teenager. At first glance, it seems like the only things that changed are David Tennant’s accent and his partner, Anna Gunn, but Executive Producer Carolyn Bernstein has said the show will diverge from the original after a few episodes, which is good news for viewers who already know who the original killer is.
A to Z
Premieres Thursday, Oct. 2 on NBC
Andrew and Zelda date for eight months, three weeks, five days and one hour—and so begins this rom-com from executive producer Rashida Jones. If you’re like me, you’re interested solely based on your need for more of HIMYM’s Mother (Cristin Milioti), and you’ll stick around for at least a few episodes because you’re intrigued by the up-front announcement of how long this couple dates. While Milioti believes the couple will break up, co-star Ben Feldman thinks this show has a happy ending. If you’re considering giving this show, narrated by Katey Sagal, a chance, you can watch the first episode here.
Marry Me
Premieres Tuesday, Oct. 14 on NBC
“Marry Me” is another NBC show that follows a couple, but this time, they’re ready to get married. Unfortunately, both (yes, both) proposals fail miserably. Despite that, Jake (Ken Marino) and Annie (Casey Wilson) prepare to walk down the aisle, and if you’ve ever planned a wedding, you know viewers are in for some good (and crazy) TV.
Top right photo: A TO Z – “Pilot” – Pictured: (L-R) Ben Feldman as Andrew Lofland, Cristin Milioti as Zelda Vasco – (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
