1. Joan
Sophie Turner, best recognized for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, takes on the role of Joan Hannington, a real-life jewel thief from the 1980s, in a drama inspired by Hannington’s memoir, I Am What I Am. Fresh out of a difficult marriage and raising her child alone, Hannington turns to crime, famously starting her spree by swallowing diamonds. While painful, this method proves to be quite profitable. The show immerses viewers in the vibrant colors and fashions of the 1980s as Joan skillfully dons various disguises to infiltrate jewelry stores, all while rising within London’s criminal underbelly. Although some names have been altered, writer Annaon (known for Mrs. Wilson and The Essex Serpent) collaborated closely with Hannington herself.
Joan debuts on 29 September on ITV and ITVX in the UK, and on 2 October on The CW in the US.
2. The Franchise
Armando Iannucci Renowned for his witty creations like Veep and The Thick Of It, Armando Iannucci teams up with acclaimed filmmaker Sam Mendes—known for 1917 and Skyfall—to craft a comedic narrative delving into the tumultuous world of a film crew working on a superhero film, with Mendes directing the premiere episode. Daniel Brühl portrays the pretentious director of Tecto, which tells the story of a man whose superpower involves creating earthquakes. The story primarily follows the beleaguered assistant director, played by Himesh Patel, who struggles to maintain order amidst the chaos. Richard E Grant also appears as a theatrical actor dismissive of the film’s merit, while clad in a hilariously cheesy purple and gold costume. “In the UK, it feels like you’re constantly bumping into actors who’ve just spent months in a small green room pretending to battle aliens, being very well compensated while slowly losing their sanity,” Iannucci remarked to The Hollywood Reporter.
The Franchise premieres on 6 October on HBO and Max in the US and 21 October on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK.
3. La Máquina
Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, childhood friends from Mexico and partners in past productions, reunite in this tale of Esteban Osuna (García Bernal), a past champion now faded into obscurity, known as La Máquina or The Machine. Luna, heavily made up, plays Andy Lujan, Esteban’s best friend and manager, sporting excessive cosmetic enhancements. Andy is determined to orchestrate one final fight for Esteban, but challenges from the criminal underworld loom. This marks Hulu’s inaugural Spanish-language series, showcasing the importance of language to its stars. “Spanish is our homeland,” García Bernal shared with Vanity Fair.
La Máquina premieres on 9 October on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK.
4. Sweetpea
Ella Purnell has survived a plane crash in Yellowjackets and navigated a post-apocalyptic world in Fallout. Now, she embraces the dark comedy role of Rhiannon in this series. A wallflower bullied in school and underestimated at work, Rhiannon is fed up with her meek image. In an explosive transformation reminiscent of Carrie, she becomes a serial killer. The show adapts a series of novels by CJ Skuse, with a tagline that reads, “The last person who called me Sweetpea ended up dead,” setting the chilling tone.
Sweetpea premieres on 10 October on Starz in the US and Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK.
5. Disclaimer
A high-profile drama penned and directed by the masterful Alfonso Cuarón (of Children of Men and Roma fame) features Cate Blanchett as a journalist grappling with a hidden past. Blanchett portrays Catherine Ravenscroft, whose neighbor, played by Kevin Kline, holds a manuscript that could expose her scandalous history. As the series toggles between past and present, it explores themes of truth and perception. Will Stephen disclose the manuscript and ruin Catherine’s life? The cast also includes Sacha Baron Cohen as her husband and Kodi Smit-McPhee as their troubled son. The series, based on Renée Knight’s 2015 bestseller, promises to be visually stunning, enhanced by cinematography from Emmanuel Lubezki (known for Gravity) and Bruno Delbonnel (of Amélie).
Disclaimer premieres on 11 October on Apple TV+ internationally.
6. Shrinking
In this returning dramedy, Harrison Ford continues to deliver some of the most delightful one-liners and knowing glances on television, adding his comedic touch to the series, which picks up from where it last concluded. Ford plays Paul, a therapist whose unconventional methods led one of his patients, portrayed by Heidi Gardner, to accidentally push her spouse off a cliff. Meanwhile, Paul is also contending with his own battle against Parkinson’s disease and navigating his relationship with Julie (Wendie Malick), all while trying to help Jimmy, played by Jason Segel, avoid poor decisions. Jessica Williams returns as Jimmy’s best friend and secret love interest, while Luke Tennie portrays Sean, a patient with PTSD living with Jimmy. This season also features Brett Goldstein (from Ted Lasso), who unsettles Jimmy’s world.
Shrinking premieres on 16 October on Apple TV+ internationally.
7. Rivals
At 86, Jilly Cooper remains prolific, releasing her latest novel, Tackle!, last year. Based on her 1988 book from the Rutshire Chronicles, Rivals showcases her signature blend of sex, power, and deceit, evoking the essence of Dallas and Dynasty. David Tennant stars as Lord Tony Baddingham, the head of Corinium television, while Alex Hassell plays his dashing rival, Tory politician Rupert Campbell-Black. Aidan Turner is Declan O’Hara, a TV host regretting his association with Corinium, and Danny Dyer is Freddie Jones, a self-made millionaire out of place among the elite. The trailer teases with champagne and retro vibes, while Turner humorously notes, “We have so much sex on our show that we actually need two intimacy coaches. Two!”
Rivals premieres on 18 October on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK.
8. The Office
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant set the stage with their original UK series of The Office in 2001, leading to many adaptations worldwide, including nine seasons of the US version. Now, this Australian remake features a female boss for the first time, with comedian Felicity Ward taking on the role of Hannah Howard, managing director at Flinley Craddick. Familiar characters appear in new forms, such as the sycophantic character akin to Gareth (UK)/Dwight (US), now gender-swapped, with Hannah bragging about supporting female staff. The mockumentary format remains, complete with a character acknowledging, “This is a proper HR nightmare.”
The Office premieres on 18 October on Amazon Prime internationally, excluding the US.
9. Hysteria!
Timed perfectly for Halloween, this satire unfolds in the late 1980s, a time when parents worried that their alternative children’s interests were influenced by the devil. Starring Julie Bowen (from Modern Family) and Anna Camp (of Pitch Perfect), the show follows high school students in the small town of Happy Hollow as they try to ride the Satanic wave by branding their garage band, Deth Krunch—a heavy metal act with a quirky name. Their activities quickly draw suspicion, even linking them to local crimes. Bruce Campbell, famed from the Evil Dead franchise, also stars, hinting at comedic devilry. Are the sinister events real, or is Bowen’s character merely imagining them when she sees Satan’s face in her microwave’s glass while her sauce explodes?
Hysteria! premieres on 18 October on Peacock.
10. Before
Billy Crystal, recognized for his portrayal of a therapist in comedic roles, takes a more serious turn in this psychological thriller with supernatural elements. He plays Eli Adler, a child psychologist dealing with the recent suicide of his wife, portrayed in flashbacks by Judith Light. One of his patients, Noah (Jacobi Jupe), unexpectedly links back to Eli’s past. Rosie Perez also plays a role. While Apple TV+ remains tight-lipped about further details, Crystal’s involvement alone is likely to draw in viewers. The series is crafted by Sarah Thorp, known for The Bounty Hunter, with Oscar-winning writer Eric Roth (from Forrest Gump) among the executive producers.
Before premieres on 25 October on Apple TV+ internationally.
11. The Diplomat
Keri Russell returns as Kate Wyler, the U.S. Ambassador to the UK, in a series that previously concluded with an intense explosion and cliff-hanger. Did the car bomb claim her husband Hal’s (Rufus Sewell) life, with whom she was about to separate? Spoiler alert from Netflix: Hal survives, and Sewell reprises his role alongside David Gyasi, who plays the UK Foreign Secretary, with whom Kate shares undeniable chemistry. Allison Janney guest stars as the U.S. Vice President, concerned that Kate might be gunning for her position. Kate has never wished to serve as Ambassador. This captivating series continues to delve into the intricate dealings of the U.S.-UK relationship, cleverly blending political intrigue with melodrama. Kate discovers that the UK Prime Minister was involved in an attack on a British aircraft carrier, complicating her already tumultuous marriage.
The Diplomat premieres on 31 October on Netflix internationally.
