Transitioning into the school year after a fun summer can be brutal. Thankfully, fall has a lot of perks, especially when it comes to TV. Perhaps even more exciting than the release of the Pumpkin Spice Latte is the release of new TV shows!
So while you’re getting back into the swing of the school year, find some time with your girlfriends to watch the best new TV shows. We’ve rounded up the most promising shows that you should watch, so check them out below.
1. Manhattan Love Story
Who’s in it?: Jake McDorman (Greek and Shameless) and Analeigh Tipton (Crazy, Stupid, Love.) star as the new and awkward couple.
The premise: Manhattan Love Story maps out Dana and Peter’s budding relationship, even before it officially starts. Dana is a New York transplant who sees the city through rose-colored glasses, while Jake is a typically smug player. In this clever comedy, you’ll go inside their heads and hear what they’re thinking (sounds like What Women Want).
Why you should watch: This show is hits the same type of sweet spot you felt when you watched Sex and the City. It will make you feel good, and you’ll probably find yourself relating to many of the situations Dana and Peter get themselves into.
When to catch it: Tuesdays at 8:30/7:30c
2. How to Get Away with Murder
Who’s in it?: Viola Davis (The Help) is the main star of this drama, while supporting characters include Matt McGorry (Bennett in Orange Is the New Black) and Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas in Harry Potter).
The premise: Davis plays Annalise Keating, a criminal defense attorney and law professor who sure is one tough cookie. Her students revere her, yet fear her at the same time; she’s a complete mystery. A group of students from her class have done something bad —what that is, we’re not sure yet, but we know it has to do with murder, hence, the title (and a series of flashbacks).
Why you should watch: ABC is on a hot streak with its Thank God It’s Thursday campaign, and it’s all thanks to Shonda Rhimes, whose production company is behind this drama-mystery series. With hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, Rhimes has yet to create an ABC series that isn’t amazing, so we’re anticipating this show will be just as addicting. If you love the suspense of Pretty Little Liars, check out this series.
When to catch it: Thursdays at 10/9c
3. Gotham
Who’s in it?: Benjamin McKenzie still plays a guy who’s tough like Ryan Atwood from The O.C., but this time, he’s playing Jim Gordon. Jada Pinkett Smith will also play a supporting role.
The premise: In an angle never fully explored before by the Batman film franchise, Gotham follows young Jim Gordon as he climbs the ranks of the Gotham City Police Department and the comic’s most famed villains and heroes, like Penguin, Catwoman and, of course, Batman.
Why you should watch: You don’t have to be a DC Comics fanatic to be interested in Gotham. In fact, it’d be even better if you weren’t, since DC Comic fans already know the entire history of Batman and the other characters. Also, this is one of the first presentations of the famous fictional city where Batman isn’t the center of the universe.
When to catch it: Mondays at 8/7c
4. Selfie
Who’s in it?: Karen Gillan, best known for her role as Amy Pond in Doctor Who, plays leading lady Eliza Dooley. John Cho, best known as Harold from the Harold & Kumar franchise, plays self-image guru Henry Higgs.
The premise: In this modern spinoff George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, Eliza Dooley (nope, not Doolittle) is a social-media virtuoso. She has mastered the art of a Twitter hashtag and is an Instagram pro. Her real-world social life, on the other hand, could use some work. That’s where Higgs comes in to help her re-brand herself.
Why you should watch: Underneath its witty one-liners and comical scenes, Selfie actually addresses a relevant topic in today’s age of being glued to your iPhone. If you find yourself over-obsessed with Instagram and Twitter, maybe you could learn a lesson or two from this show. If you were a fan of the sitcom Suburgatory, you’ll be a fan of Selfie, since the two were both created by Emily Kapnek and are bound to share the same overall flavor.
When to catch it: Tuesdays at 8/7c
5. Bad Judge
Who’s in it?: You’re probably used to seeing Kate Walsh in scrubs from when she starred in Private Practice, but this time, she’s decked out in a judge’s robe. Also, expect to see stand-up comedian Tone Bell.
The premise: In this comedy, Walsh plays Rebecca Wright, a tough criminal court judge by day and a totally reckless teenager by night… except not just night, since her inner wild child comes out the second her robe comes off (even if she does so in her office).
Why you should watch: The show was cocreated by Chris Henchy, a founder of the website Funny or Die, and Will Ferrell is an executive producer, so we are 100 percent confident the show will be hysterical. It resembles the movie Bad Teacher, only better.
When to catch it: Thursdays at 9/8c
6. State of Affairs
Who’s in it? Former Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl.
The premise: Heigl plays top CIA analyst Charleston Tucker on this NBC drama. Her job revolves around advising the president on international security. Sounds like a hard job, right? Well that’s not all, of course. Tucker has a muddy past and tangled personal life that we’re sure will get in the way.
Why you should watch: Katherine Heigl has been out of the spotlight for a while, and since this is her re-entry to network television for the first time since Grey’s, she should have a lot to offer. Interestingly enough, critics have likened Heigl’s role to former First Lady Hillary Clinton, so be on the lookout for similarities! If you’re into shows like Scandal or really any political thriller, State of Affairs is a must-see.
When to catch it: Premieres on Monday, Nov. 17 at 10/9c
7. Red Band Society
Who’s in it?: Octavia Spencer (The Help), Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters) and Mandy Moore star as the hospital’s main staff of doctors and nurses.
The premise: What’s it like to live and practically grow up in a hospital? Red Band Society’s kids know. Through the narration of a boy in a coma, this show invites us into the lives of a group of kids trying to cope with typical teenage crises while staying in the hospital. There will be moments that make you tear up and moments that make you smile from ear to ear.
Why you should watch: Red Band Society has some really great characters that aren’t your typical high school classmates, and it reaches beyond just the pity-filled sagas that involve sick kids. If you like Glee but prefer non-musical TV shows, you’ll love Red Band Society. We’re sure the killer cast of doctors and nurses will add a certain sassiness (Ocatvia, girl, we’re looking at you!). Plus, Dave Annable is very easy on the eyes…
When to catch it: Wednesdays at 9/8c