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Autumn TV Lineup: Must-Watch Dramas, Reality Hits, and Epic Returns 

By George Shaw, AV Buying Assistant

It can only mean one thing when the leaves begin to fall, the temperature drops, and the darkness starts to creep in… In the lesser-known phrase ‘Autumn is here’. The drama of the summer sporting calendar is set to be replaced by a host of gripping new series, which promise to deliver the intensity to our screens not seen since Bellingham’s stoppage time over head kick. So, whilst the sunny summer months officially came to an end this week, we can take comfort in the fact that we are entering prime TV time. So, sit back and enjoy a host of new content.

ITV kicks off its autumn line-up with the gripping drama Playing Nice. Starring BAFTA-nominated James Norton, Niamh Algar, Olivier-nominated James McArdle, and BIFA-nominated Jessica Brown Findlay, this limited series is set in the beautiful Cornish countryside. When two couples discover their toddlers were switched at birth, they face a heart-wrenching dilemma… Keep the children they’ve raised or reclaim their biological child. As tensions rise and hidden motives surface, Pete (Norton) and Maddie (Algar) must navigate a complex web of trust and family bonds.

Sophie Turner leads an impressive cast in the new drama Joan. Inspired by the real-life Joan Hannington, this six-part series is created by acclaimed screenwriter Anna Symon and directed by BAFTA winner Richard Laxton. The story follows Joan, a fierce woman in her twenties trapped in a tumultuous marriage with a violent criminal. When her husband flees, Joan seizes the opportunity to reinvent herself as a skilled jewel thief, embarking on a high-stakes journey to secure a better future for her and her daughter.

Married at First Sight returns to Channel 4 on Monday, October 7th, with its unique blend of romance and reality. The show pairs singles who meet for the first time at their wedding, with experts guiding them through their new married lives. Last season drew impressive viewing figures, averaging over 1 million viewers per episode. Tune in to experience the highs and lows of these whirlwind marriages and see if love can truly blossom from the first sight!

ITV – Big Brother

Big Brother makes its highly anticipated return to ITV on Sunday, October 6th. Now under ITV’s banner, the iconic reality show features a new group of housemates facing unexpected twists and challenges. The last series on Channel 5 attracted an average of 1.1 million viewers per episode. Don’t miss the drama and excitement as Big Brother makes its comeback!

Streaming

Following the success of The Acolyte, Disney+ is set to launch the new Star Wars spin-off series Skeleton Crew. The show follows a group of Force-sensitive children who, after a mysterious discovery, become lost and must embark on an adventure to return to their home planet. Jude Law joins the Star Wars universe for the first time as the chaperone who discovers the children and guides them, serving as both guardian and mentor.

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May embark on their final adventure in The Grand Tour: One for the Road, premiering on October 13th. The trio sets off on a breath-taking road trip through Zimbabwe in their dream cars, navigating stunning and challenging landscapes. The journey concludes with an emotional finale on a surprisingly familiar island. Don’t miss this epic conclusion to their iconic series!

Enjoy the new season of TV!