Fall TV Season: A Cozy Escape or a Cultural Phenomenon? Get Ready to Dive into the Best Shows of the Season!
Picture this: Autumn leaves are falling, sweaters are coming out, and you're nestled under a blanket on the couch, fully immersed in a world of gripping stories and hilarious antics. But here's where it gets controversial—fall TV isn't just about escaping reality; it's a mirror reflecting our societal obsessions, from crime dramas to feel-good comedies. And this is the part most people miss: how these shows can spark deep conversations about empathy, entertainment ethics, and what we choose to watch. Whether you're a binge-watcher or a casual viewer, this guide will help you navigate the season's hottest picks, complete with fresh takes and why they might just change your viewing habits.
This week, we're covering:
- A practical guide to must-see fall programming.
- A touching reflection on the legacy of Diane Keaton.
- An affectionate tribute to a standout Broadway production.
- Speculative fun around a major movie casting reveal.
- A heartfelt shoutout to Gwyneth Paltrow's endearing storytelling.
My Current Favorites: Embracing the Chill Vibes of Autumn
Ah, the fall vibes are in full swing! It's the time for admiring colorful foliage, layering up with warm clothing, and indulging in that sweet, guilt-free solitude—curled up in your favorite corner of the sofa with a plush throw, ready to lose yourself in hours of screen time without a single obligation pulling you away.
The sheer abundance of autumn programming has arrived, and I'm thoroughly enjoying a mix of high-brow dramas and those delightfully guilty pleasures that you might hesitate to admit out loud.
Task
HBO's Task episode from last Sunday stands out as, in my view, the pinnacle of television excellence this year. It kicks off with a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled 20-minute gunfight, followed by the raw, emotionally shattering consequences that play out over the remaining runtime. I've already peeked at this weekend's finale, and let me tell you, it ends on a masterful note—Mark Ruffalo, get that Emmy acceptance speech ready!
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy
I despise the growing fascination with true-crime series about serial killers—they often teeter on the edge of being merely unsettling and can cross into outright offensive territory. Peacock's Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy offers a welcome contrast, focusing compassionately on the victims and the profound human tragedy instead of glorifying the perpetrators. It's a thoughtful approach that humanizes the horror without sensationalizing it, making it a rare gem in the genre.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City
If there's one opinion I'd defend to the death, it's that The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City represents Bravo's crowning achievement for modern culture—and my loyalty to it is unwavering. Each installment this season has been impeccable, so perfectly executed that it's as if the producers have perfected the art of storytelling. I feel like the show has issued a protective order against me for gushing too much!
Ghosts
CBS's enduring sitcom Ghosts captures the essence of fall perfectly—not only due to its ghostly cast evoking Halloween eerie vibes, but also thanks to its blend of witty humor, genuine warmth, and the comforting familiarity of its third season (now in its fifth overall). It's the ideal cozy watch, wrapping you in nostalgia and laughter.
Dancing With the Stars
Is this just a sign of me getting older, or has Dancing With the Stars reclaimed its cool factor? The eclectic mix of semi-famous contestants this season is genuinely entertaining, with performances so impressive they've even gone viral on social media. During this week's show—and I'm serious—I found myself tearing up, which says something about its emotional pull.
Matlock
I'm tempted to grab random people on the sidewalk and yell about how phenomenal Matlock really is! The initial season of CBS's revamped series, featuring Kathy Bates in a tour-de-force role, was brilliantly crafted with a suspenseful 'how long can she evade justice?' plot that kept me hooked. Season 2 has just launched, and it's already proving to be just as captivating, building on that momentum.
The Lowdown
Ethan Hawke is unquestionably dominating this year, from his potential Oscar-caliber work in Blue Moon to his appearance in this week's Black Phone 2, and now his charismatic role in FX's The Lowdown. This series is an exhilarating rollercoaster, and I'm thrilled to be along for the wild journey.
Well, La Di Da, La Di Da, La La
Spending a week reflecting on Diane Keaton's remarkable life, career, and infectious zest for living has been both deeply moving and bittersweet; the context is heartbreaking, yet the immersion has been incredibly rewarding.
Throughout our lives, we consume countless films, and occasionally, we encounter performers who seem personally spotlighted by some cosmic director, whispering, 'Pay attention to this one—it's meant for you, it'll stir something profound!' It's through these moments that we gain insights into ourselves, recognizing reflections in the characters and actors on screen.
For many, Diane Keaton was that transformative figure. Her iconic, paradigm-shifting performance in Annie Hall was like witnessing sparks from a faulty wire—chaotic yet mesmerizing. (One of my top social media reactions to her passing was the unanimous free pass to rewatch a Woody Allen film in her memory.)
Keaton never portrayed mere eccentricity in her roles; it was empowering to see quirky individuals depicted with depth. They experience intense emotions, pain, and compassion alongside their charming quirks. Her portrayals—and her real-life interviews—reminded us that unconventional people deserve adoration. All it takes is openness to loving and being loved in return. That's the legacy Diane Keaton embodied for me.
A Standout Broadway Experience
Watching the fresh Broadway revival of Ragtime gave me chills repeatedly, so much so that mapmakers might need to add new peaks to the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center.
Musical enthusiasts rave about its soundtrack, filled with standout numbers that, when orchestrated luxuriously and performed with such passion in this staging, become emotionally overwhelming. Tracks like 'Wheels of a Dream,' 'Till We Reach That Day,' 'Back to Before,' 'Make Them Hear You,' and the titular song are delivered with such precision that longtime fans might well up just from the opening chords, anticipating the magic.
Broadway tickets can be pricey, plus travel to New York adds up if you're not local. But if you can swing it, this rendition of Ragtime is absolutely essential viewing.
The Most Buzzworthy Casting Surprise of the Year
For the Wicked: For Good sequel, director Jon M. Chu hinted at a major star voicing the Cowardly Lion, promising that the reveal on the premiere's red carpet will be 'wild.'
Speculation is rampant—who could it be? A voice instantly recognizable, like Morgan Freeman or Hugh Grant, or perhaps gender-neutral options such as Tilda Swinton or Emma Thompson? An icon tied to Wicked and The Wizard of Oz, like Liza Minnelli or Joel Grey from the original stage production? Or, controversially, the predictable choice for such stunts: James Corden?
But here's where it gets controversial: I urge creators to think beyond the expected. If that lion speaks in the voice of Miss Piggy or Fran Drescher, I'll be storming out of the theater in protest— or maybe in delight? What do you think makes a stunt like this memorable versus gimmicky?
Forever in the Gwyneth Paltrow Fandom
If you aren't charmed by Gwyneth Paltrow's anecdote about her initial encounter with Marty Supreme co-star Timothée Chalamet, we might need to reevaluate our friendship:
'I met him during the costume fitting. I was peppering him with questions to break the ice. People tease me for being clueless, so I asked, 'Do you have a girlfriend?' He said yes, mentioning she has children, and I replied, 'That's amazing. I admire hearing about a young guy like you making that choice.' It feels rebellious in a cool way. But here's the kicker—I didn't realize it was Kylie Jenner...'
More From The Daily Beast’s Obsessed
Explore how Severance actor Michael Chernus delved into John Wayne Gacy's psyche. Learn more.
Ethan Hawke opens up about his standout role in Blue Moon that could snag an Oscar. Read more.
Director Colin Hanks uncovers the painful truths in his documentary John Candy: I Like Me. Read more.
What to Watch This Week
Black Phone 2: Even the promotional posters for this film gave me serious chills. (Currently in cinemas)
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy: An uncommon recommendation from me for a serial-killer drama. (Streaming now on Peacock)
Mr. Scorsese: An appropriately grand documentary series on one of cinema's greatest legends. (Available on Apple TV+)
What to Skip This Week
The Astronaut: Sometimes, it's best if the astronaut remains in orbit. (Out in theaters)
The Road: Picture a competition reality show featuring Keith Urban amid real-world events! #TeamNicole! (Airing Monday on CBS/Paramount+)
As we wrap up this fall TV guide, I can't help but wonder: Do you agree that shows like Devil in Disguise represent a ethical evolution in true crime, or is there still room for the more sensationalized versions? And what about stunt casting in movies—does it add excitement or distract from the story? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you side with my enthusiasm or have a counterpoint to offer!
