As the summer heat slowly dissipates into these upcoming fall months, we are once again reminded of the many things we have to look forward to as the weather turns cooler. Like many of you, this time of year fills me with anticipation for an exciting new school year, falling leaves, and of course, the extensive fall television lineup. With numerous new and returning television shows gracing our screens this fall, it can be overwhelming to stay caught up. But have no fear! Here are five television shows you don’t want to miss this fall.
**Warning – Spoilers Ahead**
1. This Is Us
“This Is Us” is a drama series centering around the Pearson family. The show is presented as a generational story, with each episode featuring flashbacks (and even flash-forwards) to different crucial moments that shaped the Pearsons’ lives. Throughout its three-season run, “This Is Us” has cemented itself as a powerhouse in network television with multiple accolades and millions of dedicated viewers. In true “This Is Us” fashion, the show’s preceding season was filled with many emotionally-charged moments. The season 3 finale, in particular, left fans with a myriad of new questions before the show enters its fourth season. The previous season left off with a flash-forward to the Pearson family coming together to visit a sickly, elderly Rebecca who appears to be suffering from memory loss. This sequence prompted fans to theorize about the many mysteries of the Pearsons’ future, including Toby’s missing wedding ring, Kevin’s son, and of course, Rebecca’s unexplained illness. The show’s upcoming fourth season not only promises more heartfelt, family moments, but also an expanding cast including the likes of “Once Upon a Time” alum, Jennifer Morrison. One thing is for sure, this family drama is anything but predictable. And as the new season’s tagline states, “If you think you know what’s next… you don’t know us.” Season 4 of “This Is Us” premieres Sept. 24.
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2. The Good Place
“The Good Place” is a comedy series created by Michael Schur, known for his work on popular television comedies like “The Office”, “Parks and Recreation”, and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”. The show follows four wayward souls as they mysteriously find themselves in the Good Place after a mediocre life on earth. Believing they have reached eternal paradise by mistake, the self-professed “soul squad” begin a quest through the afterlife to become morally upstanding people. After three acclaimed seasons, the show’s upcoming fourth season will be its last. Viewers can look forward to many new mind-bending adventures and hilarious antics as Tahani, Jason, Eleanor and Chidi attempt to once again elude the Bad Place. This time around, the quartet must help four new test subjects become better people to prove that humans have the capacity to evolve. The show’s final season will also include several new character additions and promises a gratifying conclusion to this beloved series. Season 4 of “The Good Place” premieres Sept. 26.
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3. Riverdale
This highly popular show is loosely based on the classic Archie comics series. However, this depiction of the fictional town of Riverdale is much darker than its source material. In this more modern interpretation, Archie, Veronica, Betty and Jughead find themselves caught up in the criminal underworld of their small town while trying to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of their classmate, Jason Blossom. While season 3 primarily focused on infiltrating the Farm and unveiling the Gargoyle King, the show’s upcoming fourth season presents a new mystery. That mystery being: What happened during spring break of senior year? The season 3 finale teased fans with a sinister flash-forward of Betty, Veronica and Archie splattered with blood and burning Jughead’s iconic beanie. Along with this new mystery, viewers can look forward to witnessing the core four’s momentous senior year, the introduction of a new big bad, and the return of Chad Michael Murray as Edgar Evernever. The season premiere, titled “In Memoriam”, will also pay tribute to the late actor, Luke Perry, who portrayed Archie’s kind-hearted father, Fred Andrews. Season 4 of “Riverdale” premieres Oct. 9.
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4. Nancy Drew
“Nancy Drew” is the latest teen drama from the CW network. Inspired by the classic mystery novels, this show follows its titular character, Nancy Drew, as she solves mysteries in her hometown of Horseshoe Bay, Maine. Taking a page out of “Riverdale’s” book, the show puts a grittier and more modern twist on its source material. It’s safe to say that in this iteration of the beloved teenage detective, she will not be solving the case of the hidden staircase. Rather, Nancy and four other teens find themselves to be the prime suspects in the murder of a socialite. It is up to Nancy and her shrewd detective skills to clear their names and discover the dark secrets that lie beneath the facade of their small town. Now taking up the Wednesday night slot following “Riverdale”, this newcomer is sure to enrapture audiences with the same creative flair that made “Riverdale” a pop culture sensation. “Nancy Drew” premieres Oct. 9.
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5. The Crown
Netflix’s highly acclaimed period drama, “The Crown”, chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her ascension to the English throne to the present day. As the show enters its highly anticipated third season, a brand new cast will be introduced as the story progresses from 1964 onward. This upcoming season, Olivia Coleman will be taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth II following her predecessor, Claire Foy. Additionally, Tobias Menzies and Helena Bonham Carter are joining the cast as Prince Phillip and Princess Margaret. Season 3 will encompass a particularly compelling time in Queen Elizabeth II’s life. This installment will predominantly focus on Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden’s crumbling marriage, Prince Charles’ early romantic relationship with Camila Parker Bowles, and other historic events of the era such as the moon landing. After nearly two years of anticipation, viewers can look forward to another captivating season filled with opulence, familial drama, and political intrigue. Season 3 of “The Crown” hits Netflix Nov. 17.
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Happy watching, collegiettes!