For TV lovers, fall is the most wonderful time of the year.
Sure we’ve moved into more year-round programming, but autumn still remains TV’s busiest time as the traditional networks, cable channels, and online outlets launch a slew of new shows. So what are the new shows you can’t miss this month? Read below to find out.
1. black-ish, premiering September 24 at 9:30 p.m. on ABC
Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross star as Dre and Rainbow Johnson, a couple who suddenly realize their four children are losing their cultural identity. The big hint comes when their son Andre, Jr. (Marcus Scribner), who would rather be called Andy, wants a bar mitzvah for his 13th birthday. The problem? The family is not Jewish. Laurence Fishburne, who will split his time between Hannibal and black-ish, guest stars as Dre’s no nonsense dad. Anderson and Ross have the easy rapport of a happily married couple without the “take my wife please” antics that permeates so many comedies. In the pilot, many of the actors try a little too hard for the jokes, but the comedy has a solid, original premise with lots of room to grow. I’m kind of in love-ish with it.
2. The Chair, premiering September 6 at 11 p.m. on Starz
With all the Kardashians, bachelors and housewivesrunning amuck, it’s easy to forget that sometimes reality TV can be pretty terrific. This 10-episode series follows two novice directors—Shane Dawson and Anna Martemucci. They’re both given the same original screenplay, budget and location (Pittsburgh, PA) to make a feature film. But will their vision for the movie be identical? It’s not likely. The director of the winning movie, decided by the viewers, will win $250,000. Chris Moore, the same guy behind Project Greenlight, serves as executive producer, and actor Zachary Quinto (American Horror Story) mentors the two burgeoning directors. The result is a fascinating look at how movies get made.
3. Gotham premiering September 22 at 8 p.m. on FOX
Perhaps the most anticipated new show of the fall, Gotham mostly lives up to the hype that precedes it. Telling the origin story of Batman, Gotham centers not on a young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) but on a young Detective James Gordon (Ben McKenzie), before he was the Commissioner of Gotham. You’ll also get to meet the fledgling Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor), Riddler, Poison Ivy, Catwoman (Camren Bicondova) and Alfred (Sean Pertwee). Donal Logue co-stars as Gordon’s partner Detective Harvey Bullock and Jada Pinkett Smith turns in a potentially career-defining performance as mobster Fish Mooney. The drama is loyal enough to the comics to make fans happy, but you don’t need to know all the Batman mythology to enjoy the series. The highly stylized pilot left me intrigued, and wanting more episodes. And keep an eye on Taylor—he could be one of the breakout stars of the season.
4. Red Band Society premiering September 17 at 9 p.m. on FOX
Set in the pediatric ward at fictional Ocean Park Hospital in Los Angeles, Red Band Society follows five teenagers living in the hospital who become unlikely friends. Charlie (Griffin Gluck) is in a coma and serves as the all-knowing narrator. Nice guy Leo (Charlie Rowe) leads the group while flirting with bitchy cheerleader Kara (Zoe Levin), and quiet intellectual Emma (Ciara Bravo). Charlie’s best friend is the mischievous Dash (Astro) whose swagger hides his vulnerability. In the pilot, they welcome Jordi (Nolan Sotillo), who cleverly got himself admitted to the hospital. They patients are overseen by the tough, but kind Nurse Jackson (Octavia Spencer) and the most adorable pediatrician around. Dr. Jack McAndrew (Dave Annable). Part Glee (without the singing), part The Breakfast Club (without the Saturday detention), the series, from executive producer Steven Spielberg, is emotional without being manipulative, and inspirational without being hokey.
5. Transparent premiering September 26 on Amazon
Amazon wants a piece of the Netflix action and they’ve got their best chance in Transparent, which has the potential to create Orange is the New Black-like buzz. Jeffrey Tambor stars as Maura, the Pfefferman family patriarch who has spent her life up until this point as Mort. Her children struggle with the news of their transgendered father, and already have plenty of issues of their own. Youngest daughter Ali (Gaby Hoffmann) still hasn’t quite gotten her act together. Record producer Josh (Jay Duplass) refuses to take responsibility for his actions. And oldest daughter Sarah (Amy Landecker) struggles with her sexual orientation. The pensive, innovative series, from executive producer Jill Soloway (United States of Tara), is unlike any other show out there. This is always a good sign.
Amy Amatangelo is a Boston-based freelance writer and a regular contributor to Paste. You can follow her on Twitter[1] or her blog[2] .
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