If the debate a few years ago was the streaming glut age created an era of #TooMuchContent, we’ve got some good news for you: things are slowing down and the current SAG and WGA strikes likely aren’t helping. But the streaming age, and the Wall Street downturn that arrived last year have definitely caused a new epoch of disruption we’re still experiencing and aren’t sure where things will land. Warner Bros. Max is seemingly canceling shows left and right, Starz has been buying some of them, Showtime has been absorbed into Paramount+, the era where ever series seemed to get a spin-off seems to be dying, and in general, everyone seems to be nervous, on their toes and wondering what the future holds. Will Peacock and Paramount+ exist in 2025? Will Disney sell their stake in Hulu and change the entire game? Will Apple TV+, seemingly unaffected by all the chaos, so far, make some bold move?
READ MORE: Fall Film Preview: 60+ Most Anticipated Movies To Watch
No one seems to know what’s going on and what’s affecting TV in the very moment won’t be seen for years. But look at what Bob Iger has said as a tell of what’s to come and an era of #LessContent. He’s already suggested that Marvel and Lucasfilm are going to scale back, and we’re going to see far less shows than we have in the past now that the economics of streaming have straightened out and cable networks and streamers are realizing that the subscriber ceiling has been hit.
Uncertainty is the name of the game right now. That said, in the interim and the here and now, people need to move forward. So, while some are being cautious about content—see HBO and Max shifting “True Detective: Night Country” into 2024 (January) instead of a late 2023 release— the show must go on and content still needs to roll out. Thus we have a smaller—so far— Fall 2023 TV preview to roll out, but’s only because of the nature of TV scheduling, i.e., most trailers and date only get set one or two months ahead of time. So, by the time December rolls around, this list of 35 shows+ to watch, could easily be about 60-something series long. Time will tell. In the interim, let’s see what’s officially on the schedule for the fall with a couple plausible TBDs.
“The Wheel of Time” (Season 2)
Based on the fantasy book series by Robert Jordan, “The Wheel of Time” follows a humble farm boy who learns he is The Dragon Reborn– a figure from history destined to save, or break, the world. In Season 2, threats new and old seek out the young friends from the Two Rivers. “The Wheel of Time” stars Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Zoe Robins, Madeleine Madden, Marcus Rutherford, Donal Finn, and Ceara Coveney. The show was developed for television by Rafe Judkins.
Premiere: September 1 via Prime Video.
“The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon”
Yet another “Walking Dead” spin-off from the series that’s harder to kill off than an undead zombie. This one centers on its title character, played by Norman Reedus and co-stars Clémence Poésy, Adam Nagaitis, Anne Charrier, Eriq Ebouaney, Laika Blanc Francard, Romain Levi, Louis Puech Scigliuzzi and more.
Premieres: September 10 on AMC.
“The Morning Show” (Season 3)
Apple TV’s Emmy award-winning show based on Brian Stelter’s book “Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV” is returning for its third season. This season sees the future of the network thrown into question as tech titans take an interest in UBA. The 10-episode season will see Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon return as Alex Levy and Bradley Jackson respectively. Alongside Aniston and Witherspoon the series stars Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Nestor Carbonell, Karen Pittman, Greta Lee, Jon Hamm, Nicole Beharie, and Julianna Margulies.
Premiere: September 13 on Apple TV+.
“Wilderness”
Jenna Coleman and Oliver Jackson-Cohen star in a drama about an married couple who embark on an American road trip, trying to repair and recover after its revealed he’s been having an affair. A trip through the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, before ending up with a hedonistic weekend in Las Vegas, is a chance to make amends, but also a dangerous landscape perfect for “accidents” and revenge. Ashley Benson and Eric Balfour co-star.
Premieres: September 15 on Prime Video.
“Still Up”
An almost romantic comedy set in the after-hours world of insomniacs, “Still Up” is co-created & written by Steve Burge (“Seekers”) and Natalie Walter. Bryce Hart (“Ten Percent”) also writes on the series and the show stars Antonia Thomas, Craig Roberts, Blake Harrison, Lois Chimimba, Luke Fetherston, and Rich Fulcher.
Premieres: September 22 on Apple TV+.
“The Continental: From The World Of John Wick”
Peacock is releasing a three-part series into the origin behind the hotel centerpiece of “John Wick.” As a young Winston Scott is dragged through 1970s New York City to face a past he’s left behind, he charts a deadly course through the iconic hotel-for-assassins where he will eventually take his throne. The series stars Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell, Mishel Prada, Ben Robson, Hubert Point-Du Jour, Nhung Kate, and Jessica Allain. Nights one and three of the series will be directed by Albert Hughes, while night two will be directed by Charlotte Brandstrom.
Premieres: September 22 on Peacock.
“Starstruck” (Season 3)
While David Zaslav seemingly cancels shows left and right on MAX, the under-the-radar British romantic comedy. Still living in London and working at the local cinema, Jessie (Rose Matafeo) explores a new single life after parting ways with film star Tom (Nikesh Patel). And season two is set two years after their breakup.
Premieres: September 28 on MAX.
