I’m adamant that the best time of year for TV is autumn. As the weather cools down and we’re spending less time necking pints in pub gardens, our TVs become valued old friends once again.
While it’s tempting to browse through Netflix’s endless library to see what I can find, I’ll barely have time to do so. That’s because other channels and streaming services have other, better options for September, with new episodes covering most nights of the week.
Even old autumnal favourites such as Gilmore Girls don’t require Netflix , as all seven seasons are available for free on ITVX. So, if you need to cut down on your spending, now may be a great time to take stock of your monthly streaming subscriptions.
Here are my must-see shows for September – no Netflix needed.
Only Murders in the Building
Cosy crime is having a bit of a moment in the pop culture sphere, and Only Murders in the Building is arguably the series that really catapulted it into the mainstream.
Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez play Charles, Oliver and Mabel, three podcasters who live in the beloved Arconia building in New York. Since the trio pulled together to solve a mysterious death in their apartment building, they’ve been involved in a variety of scandals and crimes.
The upcoming fifth season (which drops in the second week of September) will involve the New York City mob, whose dealings may have a connection to the death of the building’s doorman, Lester. What I love about this show is that it gets me to play detective every week, whether that’s on my sofa or trawling through Reddit forums.
Only Murders in the Building begins on Tuesday 9 September on Disney+ in the UK and on Hulu in the US.
Peacemaker
The DC Universe has been rebooted, and the first live-action TV series in this new world is Peacemaker season 2 . This follows one of the anti-heroes from The Suicide Squad, Christopher Smith, who is recruited to be part of a black ops team. However, he must also come to grips with his very troubled past.
While Superman is fun for all the family, if you’re looking for something grittier and more vulgar (but still hilarious), then this John Cena-led series will scratch that itch. It tackles the topic of parallel dimensions, but in a very different way from Marvel’s approach.
Plus, every week you’ll enjoy what is arguably the best opening credits I’ve ever seen – with certain dance moves providing clues to what’s happening in the upcoming season.
Peacemaker season 2 is rolling out on Now from 2am BST on Fridays, with the episode airing on Sky Max and Sky Showcase at 9pm BST. US viewers can watch it on HBO and HBO Max every Thursday night at 9pm ET.
Strictly Come Dancing
Later in the month, one of the biggest competitions on TV returns, with its attendant glitz and glamour. I am, of course, talking about Strictly .
A new batch of celebrities is ready to tackle a range of Ballroom, Latin and other styles of dancing to win the hearts of the firm judging panel and the audience at home. Some of the contenders this year include Alex Kingston, who plays River Song from Doctor Who , and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, AKA Nitro from Gladiators .
Some of the earlier episodes of the series are often the most entertaining, especially if you get a contestant whose skills are… well, below the standard you’d expect for live TV. Plus, the hair, make-up and costumes are a true spectacle.
Strictly Come Dancing starts on Saturday 20 September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer . American viewers have a 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 .
Only Connect
When I first watched Only Connect, I didn’t think it was for me, with its overly convoluted patterns and pretentious use of Egyptian hieroglyphs to select questions. I’m often humbled watching along, pondering whether I’ve had any form of education at all.
However, this quiz show has gradually become a bit of a Monday night ritual. There’s something rather addictive about trying to solve the connections between each clue, especially when I (rarely) manage to get the answer on the first card.
Plus, host Victoria Coren Mitchell brings her own form of witty charm to the game, forcing guests into impromptu sing-songs and dodging the BBC censors with thinly veiled innuendo.
Only Connect is rolling out episodes now every Monday at 8pm BST on BBC One and BBC iPlayer . US viewers can tune in by using a VPN.
BBC/Parasol Media Limited/Rory Lindsay
The Great British Bake Off
Sixteen series in, and I’m still infected with the Bake Off bug.
Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith are back to judge twelve budding bakers from across the UK in the iconic, cottagecore-style tent, as they take on three challenges each week to avoid being sent home.
Along the way, we’ll get to know the backgrounds of all our contestants and be treated to silly, witty banter from presenting duo Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.
The Great British Bake Off (or The Great British Baking Show in the US) is guaranteed comfort watching for the soul, with low stakes… although those violins as bakers work against the clock may make you more stressed than you anticipate.
While the syndicated version will be shown on Netflix in America, you can watch the season as soon as it airs if you have a VPN .
Bake Off starts on Tuesday 2 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.
Author: Hannah Cowton-Barnes, Entertainment Editor, Tech Advisor
As Tech Advisor’s Entertainment Editor, Hannah is the resident expert in all things streaming, film and TV. Before joining Tech Advisor in 2019, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds and created a website dedicated to geek culture and lifestyle. She’s also reviewed a whole range of gadgets including flagship smartphones, wearables and styling tools. Outside of Foundry, she’s written freelance pieces for Polygon, Metro and Den of Geek, and is proud to be a Women Techmakers Ambassador for Google.
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