Summer has left the group chat. But in its place comes autumn. It might mean swapping suncream and sand for fluffy blankets and the sofa, but TV always understands the brief during this time of the year, saving the best ’til (almost) last.

This season, the telly line up across all channels and streaming services looks very demure (are we using that right?) with a bandwagon of epic and emotional dramas, thrilling new comedies and everything in between. That includes a rude new drama that makes Bridgerton look like positively family-friendly.

So, as you pull on your pjs and thermals, check out our 30 best new TV shows to watch this autumn, plus scroll down to the end to find out which returning telly favourites are coming back this season as well.

Hot drinks at the ready? Let’s get into it…

1. Playing Nice

Coming to ITV1 (CH 103) and ITVX this autumn

What is it? Two couples’ worse fears come to life when it’s revealed that their toddlers were switched at birth, forcing them to face the impossible dilemma of keeping the sons they have raised or reclaiming their biological children.

Who’s in it? James Norton (Happy Valley), Niamh Algar (Mary & George), James McArdle (Sexy Beast), Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey)

Why we’re excited: A sweeping backdrop against the Cornish coast? Check. A gripping storyline with twists at every turn? Check. And a multi-award nominated leading cast? Quadruple check!

2. Ludwig

Coming to BBC One HD (CH 101) this autumn

What is it? When senior detective and family man James Taylor goes missing, his twin brother John – known as “Ludwig” – takes over his identity and tries to find him.

Who’s in it? David Mitchell (Peep Show), Anna Maxwell Martin (A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder), Dipo Ola (We Hunt Together), Ralph Ineson (The Jetty)

Why we’re excited: Mitchell in a rare dramatic role is intriguing enough, but two dramatic roles? We’re all over this decidedly bizarre premise.

3. Mr Loverman

Coming to BBC One HD (CH 101) this autumn

What is it? Barrington Walker is known as a snappy dresser and exuberant character, but his wife Carmel suspects him of having an affair with another woman. She’s half right.

Who’s in it? Lennie James (Save Me), Sharon D Clarke (Doctor Who), Ariyon Bakare (His Dark Materials), Tamara Lawrence (Time)

Why we’re excited: It’s an adaptation of a novel by Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo, and a mouthwatering chance to see James and Clarke – two of Britain’s most commanding actors – go head to head.

4. Nightsleeper

Coming to BBC One HD (CH 101) this autumn

What is it? A sleeper train from Glasgow to London is hacked. As it hurtles towards what could be its final destination, two people – one on board, one not – must work together to avert a catastrophe.

Who’s in it? Alexandra Roach (The Light In The Hall), Joe Cole (Gangs Of London), David Threlfall (Shameless), Katie Leung (Harry Potter), Ruth Madeley (Years And Years)

Why we’re excited: Could there be a more claustrophobic setting for a disaster movie? In the hands of BAFTA-winning writer Nick Leather (The Control Room), this is bound to be a nail-biting thrill ride of the kind we definitely don’t want on our commute.

5. The Listeners

Coming to BBC One HD (CH 101) this autumn

What is it? A teacher’s life takes a bizarre turn when she begins to hear a mysterious low sound. Isolated from her uncomprehending family, she finds refuge with others affected.

Who’s in it? Rebecca Hall (Godzilla v Kong), Samuel Edward Cook (Peaky Blinders), Prasanna Puwanarajah (Payback), Ollie West (Irish film The Sparrow)

Why we’re excited: We’re big fans of Hall, who switches between big movies, art films and classy TV series seamlessly. The seemingly far-fetched sci-fi premise – although some people say they can hear The Hum – leads to an examination of many aspects of society, including the allure of conspiracy theories.

6. Apples Never Fall

Coming to BBC One HD (CH 101) this autumn

What is it? A wealthy couple, Stan and Joy Delaney sell their tennis coaching business and prepare for a happy retirement. But when Joy goes missing, their concerned adult children start to discover the secrets behind their seemingly perfect life.

Who’s in it? Annette Bening (Death On The Nile), Sam Neill (The Twelve), Alison Brie (GLOW), Jake Lacy (High Fidelity)

Why we’re excited: It’s another adaptation of a novel by Liane Moriarty, whose works have been turned into huge hits including Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers. Plus it’s Oscar winner Annette Bening in her first TV role, and it’s a meaty one.

7. Joan

Coming to ITV1 (CH 103) and ITVX this autumn

What is it? The story of real-life criminal mastermind Joan “The Godmother” Hannington, who forged a new life as a notorious diamond thief and key player in London’s criminal underworld.

Who’s in it? Sophie Turner (X-Men: Dark Phoenix), Frank Dillane (Renegade Nell), Kirsty J Curtis (EastEnders), Gershwyn Eustache Jr (A Spy Among Friends)

Why we’re excited: We love a good old-fashioned rags-to-riches story, especially one that involves high-stakes jewellery heists and one of the most fascinating figures in British history.

8. Until I Kill You

Coming to ITV1 (CH 103) and ITVX this autumn

What is it? A lonely nurse thought she’d found her happily ever after, until she became trapped in an abusive relationship with a serial killer. Seven years later, she bravely faces her abuser in court to provide a vital testimony for his conviction of multiple murders.

Who’s in it? Anna Maxwell Martin (Motherland), Shaun Evans (Endeavour)

Why we’re excited: This astonishing true story shines an important light on the ordeal that Delia Balmer survived both at the hands of killer John Sweeney and the institutions that failed her. Don’t miss companion documentary Until I Kill You: The Real Story that’s also narrated by Maxwell Martin.

9. Out There

Coming to ITV1 (CH 103) and ITVX this autumn

What is it? When a farmer confronts a local gang that are transporting drugs across county lines, his livelihood, homestead and family life are threatened by devastating
consequences.

Who’s in it? Martin Clunes (Doc Martin), Louis Ashbourne Serkis (No Return)

Why we’re excited: This thriller has some serious talent both on and off screen, as Clunes reunites with award-winning director Marc Evans and acclaimed screenwriter Ed Whitmore, who all worked together on BAFTA-nominated series Manhunt.

10. So Long, Marianne

Coming to ITVX this autumn

What is it? This intimate series captures the legendary relationship between music icon Leonard Cohen and his muse Marianne Ihlen, and the extraordinary life they shared in bohemian paradise along with Australian novelists Charmian Clift and George Johnston.

Who’s in it? Alex Wolff (Oppenheimer), Thea Sofie Loch Næss (The Last Kingdom), Anna Torv (The Newsreader), Noah Taylor (A Small Light), Peter Stomare (Fargo)

Why we’re excited: Despite its idyllic setting in the Greek island of Hydra, this drama is far from a holiday romance. Expect one of the 20th century’s most epic love stories.

11. Mrs Davis

Coming to ITVX this autumn

What is it? Religion and science collide when determined nun Sister Simone decides to take on Artifical Intelligence, armed with nothing but her faith.

Who’s in it? Betty Gilpin (GLOW), Jake McDorman (The Right Stuff), Andy McQueen (Station Eleven)

Why we’re excited: This totally bonkers sci-fi has already been a smash hit with viewers and critics alike, so we can’t wait to see what all the fuss is about when it arrives to the UK.

12. You Bet!

Coming to ITV1 (CH 103) and ITVX this autumn

What is it? The iconic gameshow has been given a modern makeover and it’s jam-packed with larger-than-life feats and big-name celebrities, as members of the public complete outrageous challenges for their chance of winning £10,000.

Who’s in it? Presenters Holly Willoughby, Stephen Mulhern

Why we’re excited: Watching people perform extraordinary challenges (and jaw-dropping blunders) for a big cash prize? Sign us up.

13. Generation Z

Coming to Channel 4 HD (CH 104) this autumn

What is it? After a chemical leak outside a care home causes a zombie outbreak led-by pensioners, a group of teens are forced to fight an army of their undead grandparents to save their town from certain doom.

Who’s in it? Sue Johnston (The Royle Family), Robert Lindsay (My Family), Anita Dobson (Doctor Who), Johnny Vegas (Murder, They Hope), Lewis Gribben (Somewhere Boy), Jay Lycurgo (Titans), Buket Kömür (Our House), Viola Prettejohn (The Crown)

Why we’re excited: With an impressive cast, a hilarious premise and plenty of flesh-chomping action, this comedy horror is a guaranteed hoot from start to finish.

14. The Hardacres

Coming to Channel 5 HD (CH 105) this autumn

What is it? This adaption of CL Skelton’s The Hardacre Saga sees an ordinary family in 1890s Yorkshire ascend from their working-class background to a new life on a rolling country estate, where they discover if money can truly buy happiness.

Who’s in it? Claire Cooper (Hollyoaks), Julie Graham (Maternal), Liam McMahon (Silverpoint), Conor Deane (Sherwood)

Why we’re excited: We’re already big fans of cosy period dramas and we know that we’re in good hands, with Call The Midwife writers Amy Roberts and Loren McLaughlan and the All Creatures Great And Small production company on board.

15. The Teacher

Coming to Channel 5 HD (CH 105) this autumn

What is it? When a student’s death is revealed to be murder, an art teacher becomes entangled in a web of desire and deceit with her own marriage at the centre of it.

Who’s in it? Kara Tointon (EastEnders), Emmett J Scanlan (Peaky Blinders), Will Mellor (Mr Bates Vs The Post Office)

Why we’re excited: Sheridan Smith’s amazing portrayal in “series 1” of this anthology series wowed audiences. Turning the show into an compendium is a clever move, with the school setting ripe for further stories of teachers in at the very moral deep end.

16. Ellis

Coming to Channel 5 HD (CH 105) this autumn

What is it? DCI Ellis is used to being dismissed and overlooked as a Black female cop, but as a first-class murder detective, she’s parachuted into failing investigations.

Who’s in it? Sharon D Clarke (Lost Boys And Fairies), Andrew Gower (Outlander)

Why we’re excited: Often we see wildcard detectives brought into investigations – the loners, the weirdos, the addicts – to crack the case. But a very good DCI ignored because of her race and gender feels far more real. Clarke as the lead, so often the excellent support act, is a casting stroke of genius.

17. Rivals

Coming to Disney+ on Friday 18 October

What is it? A journalist becomes caught in the crossfire of the long-simmering feud between a charismatic MP and an egotistical TV mogul.

Who’s in it? David Tennant (Good Omens), Aidan Turner (Poldark), Katherine Parkinson (Here We Go), Alex Hassell (His Dark Materials)

Why we’re excited: It’s based on the iconic novel by Dame Jilly Cooper, which is part of her Rutshire Chronicles series packed full of romantic entanglements, dastardly deals, sex and wit.

18. Agatha All Along

Coming to Disney+ on Wednesday 18 September

What is it? A witch finds herself down and out of power after being broken free from a distorted spell. She pulls together a desperate coven and sets off down the Witches’ Road to face a magical gauntlet of trials that, if survived, rewards a witch with what they’re missing.

Who’s in it? Kathryn Hahn (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery), Patti LuPone (Beau Is Afraid), Aubrey Plaza (Emily The Criminal), Joe Locke (Heartstopper)

Why we’re excited: It’s a follow-up to WandaVision, one of the most inventive and engrossing Marvel TV series – with a terrific turn by the always brilliant Hahn, who reprises the role in her own series.

19. Curfew

Coming to Paramount+ this autumn

What is it? In a Britain where the Women’s Safety Act obliges men to observe a strict 7pm-7am curfew, a brutal murder takes place one night – and the evidence points to a male perpetrator.

Who’s in it? Sarah Parish (Industry), Mandip Gill (Doctor Who), Mitchell Robertson (Mayflies), singer turned actor Alexandra Burke

Why we’re excited: We love a drama set in an alternative reality and we’re expecting this to raise important points about women’s safety – as well as being a gripping thriller, based on the novel After Dark by Jayne Cowie.

20. Landman

Coming to Paramount+ on Sunday 17 November

What is it? A drama set among the billionaires and roughnecks driving the booming oil industry of west Texas, with a focus on Tommy Norris – a “crisis executive” and his family.

Who’s in it? Billy Bob Thornton (Monster’s Ball), Demi Moore (Ghost), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Ali Larter (Final Destination), Andy Garcia (Ocean’s Eleven), Michael Peña (Ant-Man)

Why we’re excited: Well, there’s that classy cast packed with high-profile Hollywood names, but the most important name here is the show’s creator: Taylor Sheridan, the man behind the huge hit Yellowstone and its spin-offs, as well as Special Ops: Lioness, Tulsa King, Mayor Of Kingstown and more. Everything Sheridan touches turns to gold.

21. Matlock

Coming to Sky Witness HD (CH 110) this November

What is it? A reimaging of the 1990s courtroom drama of the same name, which sees former lawyer Madeline “Matty” Matlock rejoin the workforce at a prestigious law firm, where she uses her unassuming demeanour and wily tactics to win cases and expose wrongdoing.

Who’s in it? Kathy Bates (Titanic), Skye P Marshall (Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina), Jason Ritter (Accused), David Del Rio (Maggie), Leah Lewis (Nancy Drew)

Why we’re excited: Because it stars Emmy and Academy Award winning actor Kathy Bates, whose bread and butter is bringing the house down with portrayals of strong women going against the grain with gusto. And we’re here for every moment of it.

22. The Frost Tapes

Coming to Sky Documentaries HD (CH 188) this autumn

What is it? A series that charts decades of social, political, and cultural change through the eyes of one of Britain’s leading TV interviewers, David Frost.

Who’s in it? Frost himself, along with footage drawn from an archive of more than 10,000 interviews including the likes of Muhammad Ali, The Beatles, Jane Fonda and Richard Nixon, as well as contributions from Michael Sheen (who played Frost on film), Khalilah Ali, Tony Blair and more.

Why we’re excited: It promises to be a journey through some of the most important moments of the late 20th century via revealing conversations with its key players – and to provide striking parallels to today.

23. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

Coming to Netflix (Apps > Netflix) from Thursday 10 October

What is it? Following the recent Tomb Raider video game trilogy, Hayley Atwell voices the iconic adventurer in this animated series as she explores ancient mysteries and uncovers lost truths across breathtaking and dangerous destinations.

Who’s in it? Hayley Atwell (Captain America: The First Avenger), Allen Maldonado (Black-ish), Earl Baylon (Tomb Raider video games)

Why we’re excited: While they’ve never quite got the films right, animation feels like the perfect home for Lara. The fact this series follows on from the critically acclaimed games themselves should also delight fans. Atwell as Croft is absolute chef’s kiss.

24. Territory

Coming to Netflix (Apps > Netflix) from Thursday 24 October

What is it? A billion-dollar industry, a fierce succession war, a family at odds. No, it’s not that show. This is a neo-Western series at the world’s largest cattle station in Australia.

Who’s in it? Anna Torv (Fringe), Sam Corlett (Vikings: Valhalla)

Why we’re excited: Succession but in the unforgiving Australian outback is one of the best pitches we’ve ever heard. Subsequently, we’re all in for this epic and dangerous battle for land, legacy and loot.

25. A Very Royal Scandal

Coming to Prime Video (Apps > Prime Video) from Thursday 19 September

What is it? Chameleon-like Michael Sheen steps into the sweatless shoes of Prince Andrew in this retelling of his ground-breaking interview with Emily Maitlis (Ruth Wilson).

Who’s in it? Michael Sheen (Staged), Ruth Wilson (His Dark Materials), Joanna Scanlan (After Love), Alex Jennings (The Crown)

Why we’re excited: It may be the second adaptation after Netflix’s Scoop, but this one is based on Maitlis’ account (she also exec produces), while its focus on the interview’s fallout and aftermath should contextualise its place in history even more.

26. The Office Australia

Coming to Prime Video (Apps > Prime Video) from Friday 18 October

What is it? When Hannah Howard, boss of packaging company Flinley Craddick, hears they’re shutting her branch down, she tries everything to keep her “work family” together.

Who’s in it? Felicity Ward (The Inbetweeners 2) plays Hannah, the Aussie David Brent/Michael Scott.

Why we’re excited: It’s the 13th adaptation of the acclaimed series, but the first with a female lead. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s mockumentary format and setting still has legs, so much so they’re even doing another version in America as well.

27. Nautilus

Coming to Prime Video (Apps > Prime Video) from Friday 25 October

What is it? A Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea adaptation telling the origin story of Captain Nemo: an Indian Prince robbed of his birthright who steals a prototype submarine and escapes into the Indian Ocean alongside a ragtag crew.

Who’s in it? Shazad Latif (Spooks), Georgia Flood (Apples Never Fall), Thierry Fremont (Fortune Express) and Céline Menville (Emily In Paris). Richard E Grant (Withnail And I) guest stars.

Why we’re excited: Yes, that is Toast Of London’s Clem Fandango leading a big-budget adventure epic. If you love shows like The Spiderwick Chronicles or Around The World In 80 Days, then this will be right up your alley.

28. Cross

Coming to Prime Video (Apps > Prime Video) from Thursday 14 November

What is it? Alex Cross is a decorated D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist who faces a sadistic serial killer leaving a string of bodies strewn around the city.

Who’s in it? Aldis Hodge (Leverage) plays Alex Cross. It also stars Isaiah Mustafa (It Chapter Two), Juanita Jennings (What Women Want), Alona Tal (Veronica Mars)

Why we’re excited: James Patterson’s best-selling Alex Cross book series has long been a favourite holiday read. After Prime Video nailed their Jack Reacher adaption with Reacher, we have very high hopes for this latest book-to-screen showing.

29. Dave Gorman's Modern Life Is Goodish

Coming to U&Dave HD (CH 127) this autumn

What is it? Revival of the popular series as Gorman, armed with a computer and clicker, combines stand-up, visual storytelling, and real-world experimentation.

Who’s in it? Dave Gorman, likely in a checked shirt

Why we’re excited: It has been 7 years since the last series, and a lot has happened. Some of it good-ish, some of it bad-ish. Gorman focusing on the good-ish will be a welcome tonic.

30. Murder, They Hope: Apocalypse Slough

Coming to GOLD HD (CH 124) this September

What is it? Comedy crime drama as Terry and Gemma must crack a curious double murder at a local rugby club – whose members have dark and disturbing secrets of their own.

Who’s in it? Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson lead a cast including Sanjeev Bhaskar (Sandylands), Shaun Williamson (Extras), Annette Badland (Ted Lasso), Simon Day (The Fast Show), Jim Howick (Ghosts), Ben Bailey Smith (David Brent: Life On The Road)

Why we’re excited: The Murder, They Hope specials always bring a big cast and even bigger laughs. After the brilliant Blood Actually, we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

Returning series Autumn 2024

BBC

Colin From Accounts (S2) – Tuesday 3 September

Strictly Come Dancing – Saturday 21 September

Industry (S3) – October 2024

ITV

Grace (S4) – Sunday 1 September

DI Ray (S2) – Autumn 2024

Big Brother (S21) – Autumn 2024

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (S24) – Autumn 2024

Channel 4

Taskmaster (S18) – Thursday 12 September

The Great British Bake Off (S15) – September 2024

Channel 5

All Creatures Great And Small (S5) – Autumn 2024

Dalgliesh (S3) – Autumn 2024

Sky

Brassic (S6) – Autumn 2024

Funny Woman (S2) – Autumn 2024

The Ark (S2) – Autumn 2024

Never Mind The Buzzcocks (S4) – Autumn 2024

Portrait Artist Of The Year (S11) – Autumn 2024

UKTV

Emma Willis Delivering Babies (S4) – Thursday 5 September

Evil (S4) – Autumn 2024

Prime Video

The Legend Of Vox Machina (S3) – Thursday 3 October

The Devil’s Hour (S2) – Autumn 2024

Netflix

Heartstopper (S3) – Thursday 3 October

The Lincoln Lawyer (S3) – Thursday 17 October

The Diplomat (S2) – Thursday 31 October

Disney+

Only Murders In The Building (S4) – Wednesday 28 August

What We Do In The Shadows (S6) – Thursday 17 October

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew – Tuesday 3 December

Paramount+

Tulsa King (S2) – Sunday 15 September

Dr Death (S2) – September 2024