Fall TV Preview: 30 Notable Shows

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – September 7, 2016

If you think that fall is the time for broadcast networks to introduce the bulk of their new programming while cable and streaming services hold their best shows back for midseason, it may be time to reconsider your assumptions. Critics are already buzzing about September's surprisingly strong new comedy slate, while the coming months will also bring high-profile newcomers like HBO's Westworld and Netflix's Luke Cage as well as the return of the much-loved Gilmore Girls, among other highlights.

We've picked out the most notable fall TV debuts (both new and returning shows) below, ordered by date. For more premiere dates and details on every upcoming show (including those not profiled here), visit our Fall TV Premiere Calendar.

29 of 31 photo by Saeed Adyani/Netflix

75 Gilmore Girls: Season 8

Although beloved by many, the 2000-07 WB/CW dramedy ended on a bit of a sour note, with a final season that was missing creator/writer/producer Amy Sherman-Palladino. But she, husband and co-writer/co-director Dan Palladino, and virtually the entire Stars Hollow gang (including stars Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, plus Melissa McCarthy in at least a limited capacity) are back for this Netflix revival, which consists of four 90-minute movies/episodes set during a different season over the course of one year (hence the new Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life title), picking up about eight years after events in the original series. And, despite earlier hints at a staggered release, all four of those episodes will be available to stream immediately in November. Expect some new faces as well, including Graham's Parenthood co-star Mae Whitman, plus cast members (including Sutton Foster) from Sherman-Palladino's Gilmore Girls follow-up, Bunheads.

Season 8 streams November 25 on Netflix

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