The 8 Best New TV Shows on Netflix in September
Historically, fall has marked the start of the television season. New shows are trotted out each September, hoping to take off. Established series come back, aiming to grow or extend the existing fanbase with new episodes. As kids go back to school and adults go back to work — both fueled by fond memories of summer fun — streamers and networks put forth their best programs in the hope of capturing what little time anyone has left for entertainment. What will motivate students to finish their homework faster, ensuring a little extra TV time? What will adults stay up late to see, sluggish mornings be damned?
Over the last decade or so, the answer to both questions is one that’s shaken Hollywood to its core: Rather than a late-night drama or a fun-for-the-whole-family sitcom, the television season is highlighted by… football. The NCAA and the NFL have a death grip on the industry, and it’s only getting stronger. In 2023, 14 of the 15 top-rated broadcasts belonged to the NFL, which also held down 45 of the Top 100 slots. College football is no slouch either, and the NCAA expanded its playoff system to a full month of make-or-break matchups. Between the two leagues, there will be weekly games every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — that’s five nights a week! And that doesn’t even include holidays! The NFL alone will air games on Fox, CBS, NBC, ABC, ESPN, Peacock, Prime Video, Paramount+ (via CBS), and… Netflix.
More from IndieWire
'Arcane' Season 2 Trailer: Animated Series Concludes the Vi and Jinx Storyline
'The Diplomat' Season 2 Teaser Ties Up That Massive Cliffhanger
Granted, Netflix is only in charge of the Christmas Day games, but the fact that the streaming behemoth got into the football business at all speaks to the sport’s immense power. Until December, Netflix and the rest of television will have to compete against the time devoted to quarterbacks and receivers. They’ll have to release original series that people will watch even when Patrick Mahomes or Caleb Williams is playing on another channel. That’s no easy feat. But you can see a few of the hopeful highlights this September.
A star-driven murder-mystery in a vacation destination? “The Perfect Couple” dreams of becoming a “White Lotus” riff that Netflix subscribers can’t resist. A sequel season to a “Monster” true crime hit? “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” aims to extend Netflix’s winning streak in the morbid mystery genre. Another HBO classic making its Netflix debut? Sure, it’s “Entourage,” but people love “Entourage”! Toss in a romantic-comedy led by two favorites of the millennial generation (“Nobody Wants This”) and a dating reality show entering its seventh season (“The Circle”), and suddenly the streamer has a robust slate of offerings that could very well make for a few difficult decisions. After all, in 2024, it’s not just football all these shows are competing with. There’s also an election going on.
Best of IndieWire
Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
