For the first time in a while, I’ve been reaching for my jumpers when I’m leaving the house. For me, that means autumn is officially here – equinox be damned.
While my weekly walks in the cool weather for pumpkin spice lattes are at the top of my wish list (basic, I know) one of my other favourite things about fall is that it’s the best season for TV.
Not only do we see the arrival of annual favourites, but there’s an excuse to get cosy in front of the small screen with a blanket and candle. If you’re stuck on what to watch this season, I’ve got you covered for all types of moods. I’ve even linked the places they’re available in the UK and US. You’re welcome.
For mindless cosy fun: Gilmore Girls
I’ve had so many repeated trips to Central Perk and Springfield that I’ve somehow neglected Stars Hallow. After multiple recommendations, I started my first watch-through of Gilmore Girls last autumn… but with 153 episodes available, all 45 minutes long, I’ve only just made it partway through season four.
The series follows Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother and daughter duo who live in a small town where it seems to permanently be September, and they both have endless budgets to spend on coffee and takeaways what seems like every day.
The stakes are usually quite low, with most of the drama being about petty squabbles with the townsfolk and Lorelai’s rich, nosey mother. But that’s part of the charm of Gilmore Girls – I can pop this on in the background and scroll on my phone or have it on while I’m cooking.
Plus, now I finally know what my friends are talking about when they say they’re either Team Dean, Team Jess or Team Logan. If you need a sitcom that feels like a warm hug this autumn, this should be on your list. Plus, the theme song is a banger.
Gilmore Girls is available on Netflix and ITVX in the UK, and Netflix in the US.
For group watches: The Great British Bake Off
If the turning leaves aren’t enough to get you in the autumnal spirit, then the return of Bake Off will certainly will.
If you’ve somehow missed out on this wholesome show, The Great British Bake Off (or The Great British Baking Show in America) brings together a group of amateur bakers from across the UK to compete in three weekly challenges, which are judged by two veteran professionals, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
The best part about this competition is that everyone roots for one another. There’s no nastiness or rivalries here. It’s this wholesome atmosphere that makes Bake Off one of the best series for inviting friends and family around to watch together. We’ve often done parties where everyone brings a sweet treat – homemade or otherwise.
Bonus points if you create a bingo, where you can include things such as Hollywood Handshakes, people forgetting to turn the oven on, and a constestant having a dreaded soggy bottom.
Bake Off starts on Tuesday 24 September in the UK on Channel 4. US viewers can watch it on Netflix the following Friday or watch it on the same day it airs on Channel 4 by using a VPN.
For feeling focused: Only Murders in the Building
While I crave feel-good TV the most this season, this whodunnit has just the right amount of balance between comedic fun and film noir. Add to that the power trio of Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a light-hearted crime series.
The three leads star as residents of the Arconia building in New York, who are brought together when a suspicious murder happens under their noses. United by their love of true crime, Charles, Oliver and Mabel join forces to create their own podcast to solve the mystery and hold the perpetrator to account.
I’d recommend watching Only Murders when you’re ready to pay attention to fine details. This show often reveals clues (and red herrings) throughout numerous scenes, some of which aren’t called out until much later. If you’re paying attention, then you might be able to guess the killer before they’re revealed – it’s a satisfying feeling if you manage it.
If you’re detective skills aren’t that sharp, then no sweat. You can instead enjoy the incredible celebrity cameos (Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd are the highlights), homages to cinema genres and musical touches throughout. The show is rolling out its fourth season right now, so it’s the perfect time to jump on the hype train.
Only Murders in the Building rolls out new episodes on Tuesdays on Hulu in the US, and Wednesdays on Disney+ in the UK.
For topical events: Veep
The upcoming US election will dominate the headlines this autumn, and when candidate Kamala Harris was announced I was one of many to start my first watch-through of 2010’s comedy Veep, which follows the fictional Vice President of the United States, Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
This series is written by Armando Iannucci, the same creator of the UK show The Thick of It. Like its British counterpart, the ridiculous plots of this satire have ended up being much closer to real life than the writer ever anticipated.
Memes of Selina declaring that she would run for President have been circulating online like wildfire, as have clips of her and the team dealing with the many mishaps of the political landscape. When you watch it, you can’t help but wonder if these scenes are similar to what you’d find behind closed doors in DC.
If you find the real-life debates and rallies a bit too much, then Veep is a light-hearted take on the political landscape. But more generally, it’s a great show, with 17 Emmys to prove it.
Veep is available on HBO/Max in the US and on Sky Comedy/Now Entertainment in the UK.
For the live TV experience: Strictly Come Dancing
The one thing missing from this list is a Saturday night classic where everyone follows along on social media, clipping the best moments. Fortunately, Strictly fills that void perfectly – and it starts this weekend.
Now in its twentieth year, Strictly Come Dancing invites a bunch of celebrities from all walks of life to train in the arts of Latin and Ballroom. Each week, they perform different dance styles and are marked on their performances by a panel of judges. However, these scores only make up 50% of the vote. The other half comes from the public.
That means that you can get popular celebrities who bring the entertainment factor, rather than the best dancing skills. In the past, we’ve seen iconic moments such as Anne Widecombe being hauled around the dance floor like a sack of potatoes (see above), and Scott Mills dressed as a crab.
Even if you’re not the best dancing fan, you’ll certainly love the incredible costumes, the dubious live covers of songs and awkward jokes from presenters Tess and Claud.
Strictly Come Dancing starts on Saturday 14 September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. American viewers have the US equivalent, Dancing with the Stars, on ABC. Alternatively, you can watch Strictly from anywhere by using our guide on how to watch BBC iPlayer from abroad.
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