Ah, fall. You remind me of the joy that comes with the falling leaves, reading packets, and essays. But a girl needs a break between the constant coursework, and one can only refresh their Facebook feed so many times. While socializing with friends is great, the best time can often be alone time. What better way to spend alone time than by watching television? Below is a short list of shows premiering this season, spanning from animated comedies to legal dramas.
1. Black-ish. Series Premiere: September 24th on ABC.
Fall is the season of many, many unsuccessful comedies. That being said, there are some worth watching. The first one that comes to mind is Black-ish, which will add some much needed diversity to the family comedy genre. As the father of a black family in a predominantly white neighborhood, Andre Johnson (Anthony Anderson) fears that his children lack a sense of cultural identity. With the help of his father (Lawrence Fisburne), and some wise advice from his biracial wife, Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross), Andre will work to bring balance between two differing cultures. The family’s attempt to maintain cultural identity is an experience shared by minority groups across the US. Though no two experiences are exactly alike, I am excited to see how the show will bring humor to otherwise serious topic.
2. How to Get Away with Murder. Series Premiere: September 25th on ABC.
Perhaps you are more interested in legal dramas. While you are right in thinking that there are more than enough crime/legal dramas scattered throughout television, How to Get Away with Murder is unlike any show in this genre. Viola Davis plays a criminal defense professor named Annalise Keating. Among her class of ambitious law students are some familiar faces, such as Wes Gibbins (Alfred Enoch) and Rebecca (Katie Findlay). All of the students compete for their ‘big break’ in the world of law. The things they will do to get there are downright scandalous. But these students soon prove that they will do anything for an ‘A’ when they become involved in a murder plot. Is it possible that Professor Keating may have something to do with it?
3. Sleepy Hollow. Season 2 Premiere: September 22nd on FOX.
Maybe you want the mystery without the courtroom drama. In that case, try taking a look at Sleepy Hollow. The mystery of the series surrounds Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison), who rises from his grave some 230 years after his death. He crosses paths with the heroine of the show, Lt. Abbie Mills (Nicole Beharie), after her partner is behead by the Headless Horsemen. Uh, what? It turns out that the return of both Ichabod and the Headless Horsemen are a result of two occult groups – one of good, one of evil – and the apocalypse surround the four horsemen. Abbie Mills and Ichabod Crane are destined to protect Sleepy Hollow, the world, from the forces of Hell.
4. Bob’s Burgers. Season 4 Premiere: October 5th on FOX.
If you have are feeling a little hungry, Bob’s Burgers are the thing for you. If you don’t eat burgers, Bob’s Burgers is still the thing for you, though you’ll still be hungry (sorry!). The show is about Bob Belcher (H. Jon Benjamin), who runs a burger restaurant with his wife, Linda. Bob and Linda’s three children, Tina, Gene, and Louise (Kristin Schaal), work at the restaurant. Now exactly how much can go wrong? A lot, considering that the family once held a dinner theater in an attempt to get more customers, and the restaurant being next door to crematorium, as well as across the street from Bob’s biggest rival, Jimmy Pesto. Oh, and the health inspector is Linda’s bitter ex-fiancé.
5. Steven Universe. New Episodes: Every Thursday at 6:30 PM on Cartoon Network. Reruns weekdays at 6:30 PM.
Sometimes, we just need a kids cartoon. When that happens, we go to Cartoon Network. Among the networks shows is a series named Steven Universe. Created by Rebecca Sugar (from Adventure Time), the series follows Steven (Zach Callison), the fourth member of the Crystal Gems. He and the other gems Pearl, Amethyst, and Garnet (Estelle) summon weapons from the gems on their body in order to defeat intergalactic threats. Well, they would, if Steven could figure out how to summon his own weapon. Nevertheless, Steven is able to help save the world by being his great, Steven-like self, while also causing trouble every now and again.