As summer comes to a close, we can dust off our different Expo markers and begin the complex process of creating a color coding schedule to ensure we don’t miss our favorite television shows. Or maybe that’s just me?

Typically the fall tv schedule is packed with programming new and old alike and we often have to prioritize what shows we dedicate our time to and which ones go to the dreaded “I’ll wait till it’s on Netflix” section of our minds. But, I’m going to try to make this process a little easier by narrowing it down to five shows, in no particular order, that we just can’t wait to see take up our time and television screens.

NBC’s This Is Us

Stills and title screen for NBC’s This Is Us.

Do you enjoy crying and being neck deep in your feeling? Do you enjoy healthy relationships, character growth, and imperfect people? Are you wanting to see amazing actor Sterling K. Brown in something awesome since you found out he would be in Marvel’s Black Panther? Well, look no further! NBC’s critically acclaimed This Is Us is the show for you. Now entering its sophomore season, This Is Us is arguably one of the best shows on television right now. Boasting a stellar cast that includes Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, and Milo Ventimiglia to name a few, this show found a home in my heart and gives an honest look at the lives of three siblings, two of home are twins and the other adopted. There are a lot of different issues This Is Us tackles such as struggles with body image, mental illness, alcoholism, divorce, racism, and others that have to be seen and experienced within the confines of the series. This Is Us returns Tuesday September 26 at 9/8c on NBC.

ABC’s Speechless

Season 2 poster for ABC’s Speechless.

This show was a breath of fresh air to last year’s fall comedy lineup on ABC. The central character is JJ, played by Micah Fowler, a teenager with cerebral palsy who is unable to speak and uses a headset and a laser to point at words. Cedric Yarbrough plays Kenneth, JJ’s aide who has a deep voice and an often refreshing sense of humor. Other characters include Maya, played by Minnie Driver, British helicopter mom whose primary concern is ensuring JJ and her other children, Ray and Dylan, have the best education possible. The comedy deals with typical teenage issues such as popularity, bullying, and budding romance amongst other things as well as exploitation of disabled persons as inspiration porn, desire for freedom that comes with being a teenager, and other things. The best part? Micah Fowler, who also has cerebral palsy, is one of only a handful of actors currently on television to have a disability while also playing the role of a person with a disability. The show doesn’t necessarily have a rigid plot so you can jump in at any time, though I would recommend watching season 1 first. Speechless returns Wednesday September 27 at 9:30/8:30c on ABC.

CW’s Riverdale

Poster of the cast of CW’s Riverdale.

What would your fall TV list look like without at least one super dramatic murder mystery in the lineup? Probably pretty bland and boring. Last fall, CW’s  newest teen drama/mystery show Riverdale became a smashing success and for good reason. Beginning with what seemed like a simple question (Who killed Jason Blossom?), the show bloomed into a complex murder mystery that uncovered the secrets of many central and minor characters, exposing the nasty imperfection of what was supposed to be a perfect town. But, by the end of the first season, I was roped in and the cliffhanger that was the season finale left me immediately wanting more. Riverdale returns on Wednesday October 11 at 8/7c on The CW.

ABC’s The Mayor

Promo art for ABC’s The Mayor.

I have been wanting to check out this show from the minute I heard about it. New to ABC’s fall lineup, The Mayor follows an aspiring rapper who believes he can promote his mixtape by running for mayor of his city. Shockingly, he wins and is faced with attempting to solve and alleviate some of the problems plaguing his community. Executive produced by Hamilton and Black-ish alum Daveed Diggs, The Mayor boasts a stellar cast which includes Yvette Nicole Brown formerly of NBC’s Community, newcomer Marcel Spears, and Glee alum Lea Michelle. The Mayor premiers Wednesday October 3 at 9:30/8:30c on ABC.

CBS’ Star Trek: Discovery 

Promo art for CBS’ Star Trek: Discovery.

So maybe I did save the best for last. My inner nerd is screaming from excitement and happiness and the absolute dream that is Star Trek: Discovery. I can’t even remember the last time I was so excited for a sci-fi TV show. What makes this all the more exciting is the fact that Walking Dead alum Sonequa Martin-Green will be leading this franchise, being the first African-American woman to do so. Better yet, Michelle Yeoh will also be starring, bringing some much desired diversity to this program. Though the first episode will be premiering on CBS the network, all other episodes will air on CBS’ streaming platform CBS All-Access.

So, there is a lot to look forward to as we officially enter fall. Whether you love drama, sci-fi, mystery, or comedy, this fall 2017 lineup has a little something for everyone. What shows are you looking forward to this year?

Published by J'Neia S.

View all posts by J'Neia S.