2015 Fall Television | What’s Worth Watching?

fall tv new

Summer is over! The official movie season has left us again, which means we will be dealt a meager hand of meh for several weeks before winter brings some much-needed cinematic relief. Until then, we’ve got Fall TV!

That’s right, fall television is when we finally get to see shows that the networks have been touting all summer long, and it’s also when some of our favorites finally return. Below is a list of some of our personal picks for this fall – along with some others of note that you might want to catch before they are unceremoniously canceled with no warning – followed by an entire list of what’s coming and their respective airing dates.

What are you most looking forward to this fall?

9/9

The League (FXX)

The series about a fantasy football league full of the most despicable humans ever concludes its hilarious 7 season run this year. Will Rafi return? God, give him a spinoff! 

9/10

Longmire (Netflix)

A&E’s #1 scripted series – that they canceled – is revived by the Godsend known only as Netflix to live another day! Our hero Sheriff Longmire continues on his quest to find his wife’s murderer, as we also find resolution to our Branch cliffhanger from last season. Thank you, Netflix.

9/11

Z Nation (Syfy)

Syfy’s almost mocking attempt at The Walking Dead picks up with everyone who survived the finale searching for a zombie cure, which means hunting down the immune asshat known as Murphy. This show is not very good, which means some people love it. Fans, go figure.

Continuum (Syfy)

This series, on the other hand, is fantastic…which means its run is, of course, cut short. For the final season, at least Liber8 has the chance to wrap their storylines up and give us a proper goodbye. The future has already changed – is that for the better, or worse?

bastard executioner

9/15

The Bastard Executioner (FX)

Created by Sons of Anarchy’s Kurt Sutter, this historical action-adventure show looks to be more hack-n-slash than shoot-em-up, but make no mistake – this is another Sutter-esque tortured hero. In 14th century England, Wilkin Brattle returns from war and begins a new life as an executioner as Wales inches closer to rebellion. His mom, Gemma, will….oops. Wrong show. Oh well, hopefully we can at least get Walton Goggins to drop in a cameo as a transexual court jester.

9/19

Doctor Who (BBC America)

The Doctor and Clara return for a new season—which includes the return of Missy, the Daleks, Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, Osgood, numerous villains, and even Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams.

9/21

Gotham (FOX)

Batman still isn’t hanging around, except in the form of his annoying younger version, so we’re instead treated to another round of watching classic villains…before they were classic. Right? I’m so lost with this show. Regardless, Bruce will supposedly explain what that cave he found under his house is for. We’re guessing this may foretell something.

Minority Report (FOX)

This is a sequel to the Steven Spielberg / Tom Cruise flick. Set in 2065, 15 years after the events of the movie, a former Precog uses his powers to prevent crimes with the help of a dedicated cop. Basically Bones with psychics and sweeter tablets. The pilot is much better than the advertising has been, definitely worth a look.

Scorpion (CBS)

This hacker united show is ludicrous, ridiculous, and impossibly absurd. It’s also a hell of a lot of fun.

Blindspot (NBC)

The FBI discovers a woman (Jamie Alexander) who has no memory of her life, but she’s covered in tattoos that are all clues to crimes that need to be solved. The pilot was engaging and thrilling. It also runs the risk of having a plot that can truly only be sustained for one season.

scream queens

9/ 22

Scream Queens (FOX)

American Horror Story’s Ryan Murphy gets campy with Scream Queens, as a serial killer stalks the sisters of the Kappa Kappa Tau sorority in retribution for a mysterious incident in the past. Starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Emma Roberts. The extended pilot definitely has its moments, but we still wonder how the show will sustain its storyline. That said, if the pilot is any indication, we won’t miss finding out.

The Muppets (ABC)

The Muppets returns to TV after Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy’s well-publicized breakup. The Muppets are back on TV, what more do you want to know? MENOMENON…

Limitless (ABC)

Limitless is another TV sequel to a popular film. Bradley Cooper produces and guest stars as his original character Eddie Mora, who supplies new character Brian with NZT, the drug that gives its users hyper-intelligence. But what is Mora’s end goal here? No clue. All we know is this pilot was all the rage at this year’s Comic-Con.

9/ 24

Heroes Reborn (NBC)

The Blacklist had its premiere bumped a week for this, so it better be flipping amazing. NBC tries to revamp Heroes with this new show that takes place 5 years after Claire outed superheroes to the world. All we know about the new show is a few fan favorites return, but mainly this is an original cast of new heroes who are forced to work together to save the world from a new threat. So basically it’s the same plot as the original. Which means you knocked back Red Reddington for NO GOOD REASON!

The Player (NBC)

A former intelligence officer lands a job playing the odds at saving lives in Las Vegas. Chase Austin stars, but we’re most interested in seeing Wesley Snipes back in action! Always bet on black.

That’s a line from his movie, don’t be that guy.

9/ 27

Once Upon a Time (ABC)

Princess Merida of Brave joins Prince Charming, Snow White, Hook and a host of other actors in fairy tale costumes as they hunt for the evil version of Emma Swan. Basically, lots more Disney ripping-off / homage.

The Last Man on Earth (Fox)

After the conclusion of its inaugural season, Phil Miller and company leave Tucson and travel the post-apocalyptic world in search of a place to live. Could they end up taking over the White House? Think Idiocracy.

9/29

Agents of SHIELD (ABC)

Skye assembles a team of warriors to find the Inhumans. Is anyone still watching this show who DOESN’T have a Marvel tattoo? How is it even still on when the ratings are so miniscule? Oh yea, Marvel. Never mind. Carry on.

10/ 1

Sleepy Hollow (FOX)

After a second season that made some of us almost start watching Agents of SHIELD again, Abbie and Ichabod do more battles with the supernatural…and Bones for some reason. Yes, there will be a crossover. We still don’t understand why, but we’ll probably watch it. Also, the Headless Horseman is gone. Which is funny as that’s what the whole show is based around. Semantics.

The Blacklist (NBC)

A show so kickass, Aaron does an entire podcast on it! Ultron returns from the dead to once again play Red Reddington (James Spader) as he helps a criminal Liz evade her former Post Office pursuers. This is NBC’s biggest drama, which totally explains why it got bumped a week for another stab at Heroes. Ok, there could be a little bitterness here.

10/4

The Leftovers (HBO)

Didn’t finish the first season, but LOST’s Damon Lindelof created it. So prepare for exactly zero answers, but a lot more questions. Enjoy your pain.

CSI: Cyber (CBS)

A cyber-team that doesn’t seem to truly understand what cyber-crime is all about. Be sure to watch a Scorpion rerun instead.

10/ 6

The Flash (CW)

Can they top that fantastic first season? Doubtful, but we’ll still be watching. Season 2 will continue to confuse the hell out of us, as the Flash discovers alternate Earths and timelines, and possibly an alternate Flash himself. Such a fun show, welcome back.

iZombie (CW)

Liv and Blain band together to eat more brains, solve crimes, and save zombies? This show is nuts, but it’s also really entertaining. It’s Veronica Zombie. Wouldn’t that be vZombie? Was that a dad joke?

10/ 7

Arrow (CW)

This is a damage control year for Arrow and friends. After a pretty mind-numbing 3rd season, we’re all hoping Oliver and his joy-mate, Felicity, can get back to business. Damien Dark promises to be an engaging new foe for Oliver, but how can he save Starling City when he’s on a beach in Cabo? Tune in and find out. Please don’t suck again, please don’t suck again, please don’t suck again…

American Horror Story: Hotel (FX)

This time they’re in a creepy hotel. Jessica Lange is out, but Lady Gaga is in. While Gaga is definitively talented, she’s no Lange. This show is off-the-rails, in the best way possible.

10/ 8

The Vampire Diaries (CW)

Elena is gone, so what happens now? I have no idea because I don’t watch this twinkle-opera, but the fans love it. Here’s hoping her departure doesn’t detract from whatever the plot remains in regards to the two sucker-brothers.

Haven (Syfy)

Like Continuum, this is the last season for the Stephen King-based series. Unlike Continuum, I won’t notice. Still, this show has a dedicated fan-base so here’s what we know: Audrey has merged with her doppelganger Mara, and there is a lot of new trouble brewing. See what I did there?

walking dead 1

10/ 11

The Walking Dead (AMC)

Psycho Rick is back! I don’t know about you, but wacko-Rick is my favorite Rick. Just let him run loose in Alexandria with blood dripping all over his face and a baseball bat, that’s my kind of Walking Dead. Throw in Morgan, the Wolves, and the potential of losing one of our beloved long-time cast members this season? I have nothing but anticipation left. Also, I’m expanding the mantra this season: If Daryl or Carol dies, we riot.

10/ 26

Supergirl (CBS)

She was sent to Earth to protect her younger cousin Superman, but an accident sent her to the Phantom Zone, and she arrived late. Such a girl. The series follows Kara as she becomes Supergirl, and is forced to fend off the darkest of characters from the same Phantom Zone, as well as those who object to the ‘Girl’ in her title. This pilot is reminiscent of the Christopher Reeve Superman films – all upbeat and positive, while dealing with serious ideology. This is the Supergirl we deserve.

10/ 31

Ash Vs. Evil Dead (Starz)

Ash returns! FINALLY! Bruce Campbell dons the Cheshire smile and chainsaw for a new series that follows our favorite Deadite slayer as is forced out of retirement and back into action when those damn Evil Dead come calling again. Campbell back in his signature role is all we needed to know to get us excited. This IS the boomstick we’ve been looking for.

11/5

Angel from Hell (CBS)

Jane Lynch plays a guardian angel who is watching over a dermatologist named Allison (Psych’s Maggie Lawson). Of course they form a wacky relationship, and the potential is pretty inspiring. Fingers crossed this series ends up more than a one-note premise.

11/15

Into the Badlands (AMC)

A post-apocalyptic martial arts series that pits Daniel Wu as the biggest badass alive, and we’re not quite sure what else. This looks action-packed, fantastic and ridiculous, so we won’t miss a minute! AMC – Remember when all you had were John Wayne flicks? Way to shake it up.

11/ 20

Jessica Jones (Netflix)

Marvel’s latest Netflix series stars Krysten Ritter as our titular character, a former superhero now functioning as a private investigator. It has the Marvel brand, so will it be more Daredevil or SHIELD? Hopefully it leans more on the former.

Now, are you ready for Fall TV?! Then come get some!

ash vs evil dead

That’s it for our excitement, but here is a list for all of the big premieres this fall:

Wednesday, September 9
10:00 p.m. – The League – FXX
10:30 p.m. – You’re The Worst – FXX

Thursday, September 10
12:01 a.m. – Longmire – Netflix

Friday, September 11
10:00 p.m. – 20/20 – ABC
10:00 p.m. – Z Nation – Syfy
11:00 p.m. – Continuum – Syfy

Sunday, September 13
10:00 p.m. – Project Greenlight – HBO
11:00 p.m. – Doll & Em – HBO

Monday, September 14
8:00 p.m. – Dancing with the Stars – ABC

Tuesday, September 15
10:00 p.m. – BEST TIME EVER WITH NEIL PATRICK HARRIS – NBC
10:00 p.m. – THE BASTARD EXECUTIONER – FX

Saturday, September 19
9:00 p.m. – Doctor Who – BBC America

Monday, September 21
8:00 p.m. – Gotham – Fox
8:00 p.m. – The Big Bang Theory – CBS
8:30 p.m. – LIFE IN PIECES – CBS
8:00 p.m. – The Voice – NBC
9:00 p.m. – MINORITY REPORT – Fox
9:00 p.m. – Scorpion – CBS
10:00 p.m. – Castle – ABC
10:00 p.m. – NCIS: Los Angeles – CBS
10:00 p.m. – Blindspot – NBC

Tuesday, September 22
8:00 p.m. – SCREAM QUEENS 2-hour premiere – Fox
8:00 p.m. – NCIS – CBS
8:00 p.m. – THE MUPPETS – ABC
8:30 p.m. – Fresh Off The Boat – ABC
9:00 p.m. – Dancing With The Stars: Results Show – ABC
9:00 p.m. – NCIS: New Orleans – CBS
10:00 p.m. – LIMITLESS – CBS

Wednesday, September 23
8:00 p.m. – ROSEWOOD – Fox
8:00 p.m. – The Mysteries of Laura – NBC
8:00 p.m. – The Middle – ABC
8:00 p.m. – Survivor – CBS
8:30 p.m. – The Goldbergs – ABC
9:00 p.m. – Modern Family – ABC
9:00 p.m. – Empire – Fox
9:00 p.m. – Law & Order: SVU 2-hour premiere – NBC
9:30 p.m. – black-ish – ABC
10:00 p.m. – Nashville – ABC

Thursday, September 24
8:00 p.m. – HEROES REBORN – NBC
8:00 p.m. – Grey’s Anatomy – ABC
9:00 p.m. – Scandal – ABC
10:00 p.m. – THE PLAYER – NBC
10:00 p.m. – How To Get Away With Murder – ABC

Friday, September 25
8:00 p.m. – Last Man Standing – ABC
8:00 p.m. – The Amazing Race – CBS
9:00 p.m. – Shark Tank – ABC
9:00 p.m. – Hawaii Five-0 – CBS
10:00 p.m. – Blue Bloods – CBS

Sunday, September 27
7:00 p.m. – 60 Minutes – CBS
7:30 p.m. – Bob’s Burgers – Fox
8:00 p.m. – The Simpsons – Fox
8:00 p.m. – Once Upon A Time – ABC
8:30 p.m. – Brooklyn Nine-Nine – Fox
9:00 p.m. – Family Guy – Fox
9:00 p.m. – CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Finale Special – CBS
9:00 p.m. – BLOOD & OIL – ABC
9:30 p.m. – The Last Man On Earth – Fox
10:00 p.m. – QUANTICO – ABC

Tuesday, September 29
8:00 p.m. – GRANDFATHERED – Fox
8:30 p.m. – THE GRINDER – Fox
9:00 p.m. – Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – ABC
10:00 p.m. – BEYOND THE TANK – ABC

Wednesday, September 30
9:00 p.m. – Criminal Minds – CBS
10:00 p.m. – Chicago P.D. – NBC
10:00 p.m. – CODE BLACK – CBS

Thursday, October 1
8:00 p.m. – Bones – Fox
9:00 p.m. – Sleepy Hollow – Fox
9:00 p.m. – The Blacklist – NBC

Friday, October 2
8:30 p.m. – DR. KEN – ABC

Saturday, October 3
11:30 p.m. – Saturday Night Live – NBC

Sunday, October 4
8:00 p.m. – Madam Secretary – CBS
9:00 p.m. – The Good Wife – CBS
9:00 p.m. – Homeland – Showtime
9:00 p.m. – The Leftovers – HBO
10:00 p.m. – CSI: Cyber – CBS
10:00 p.m. – The Affair – Showtime

Tuesday, October 6
8:00 p.m. – The Flash – the CW
9:00 p.m. – iZombie – the CW
9:00 p.m. – Finding Carter – MTV

Wednesday, October 7
8:00 p.m. – Arrow – the CW
9:00 p.m. – Supernatural – the CW
10:00 p.m. – American Horror Story: Hotel – FX

Thursday, October 8
8:00 p.m. – The Vampire Diaries – the CW
9:00 p.m. – The Originals – the CW
10:00 p.m. – Haven – Syfy

Friday, October 9
8:00 p.m. – Undateable – NBC
8:00 p.m. – Reign – the CW

Sunday, October 11
7:00 p.m. – America’s Funniest Home Video – ABC
9:00 p.m. – The Walking Dead – AMC
10:30 p.m. – Talking Dead – AMC

Monday, October 12
10:00 p.m. – Fargo – FX

Tuesday, October 13
10:00 p.m. – Chicago Fire – NBC

Friday, October 16
8:30 p.m. – TRUTH BE TOLD – NBC
10:00 p.m. – The Knick – Cinemax

Monday, October 19
8:00 p.m. – CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND – the CW
9:00 p.m. – Jane the Virgin – the CW

Friday, October 23
Hemlock Grove – Netflix

Saturday, October 24
8:00 p.m. – Da Vinci’s Demons – Starz

Monday, October 26
8:30 p.m. – SUPERGIRL – CBS

Tuesday, October 27
10:00 p.m. – WICKED CITY – ABC

Friday, October 30
9:00 p.m. – Grimm – NBC

Saturday, October 31
9:00 p.m. – ASH VS EVIL DEAD – Starz

Sunday, November 1
8:00 p.m. – The Librarians – TNT

Monday, November 2
10:00 p.m. – Legends – TNT

Thursday, November 5
8:00 p.m. – The Big Bang Theory – CBS
8:30 p.m. – Life In Pieces – CBS
9:00 p.m. – Mom – CBS
9:30 p.m. – ANGEL FROM HELL – CBS
10:00 p.m. – Elementary – CBS

Friday, November 6
Master of None – Netflix
8:00 p.m. – Masterchef Junior – Fox
8:30 p.m. – World’s Funniest – Fox

Sunday, November 8
9 p.m. – AGENT X – TNT

Tuesday, November 10
10:00 p.m. – Chrisley Knows Best – USA
10:30 p.m. – DONNY!! – USA

Sunday, November 15
10:00 p.m. – Into the Badlands – AMC

Tuesday, November 17
9:00 p.m. – CHICAGO MED – NBC

Friday, November 20
The Man In The High Castle – Amazon
Jessica Jones – Netflix

Thursday, December 3
8:00 p.m. – THE WIZ Live! – NBC

Monday, December 14
8:00 p.m. – CHILDHOOD’S END – Syfy
10:00 p.m. – THE EXPANSE – Syfy
Aaron Peterson
The Hollywood Outsider

About Aaron B. Peterson

Aaron is a Rotten Tomatoes accredited film critic who founded The Hollywood Outsider podcast out of a desire to offer an outlet to discuss a myriad of genres, while also serving as a sounding board for the those film buffs who can appreciate any form of art without an ounce of pretentiousness. Winner of both The Academy of Podcasters and the Podcast Awards for his work in film and television media, Aaron continues to contribute as a film critic and podcast host for The Hollywood Outsider. He also hosts several other successful podcast ventures including the award-winning Blacklist Exposed, Inspired By A True Story, Presenting Hitchcock, and Beyond Westworld. Enjoy yourself. Be unique. Most importantly, 'Buy Popcorn'. Aaron@TheHollywoodOutsider.com