2018 Fall TV Preview: 25 Notable Shows
In the gallery above, we preview the most notable new and returning television shows scheduled to debut between now and the end of 2018. Note that the new fall shows on the five broadcast networks will be profiled separately next week.
Debuts September 9 on HBO. A bit more Treme than The Wire, David Simon's most recent HBO series is all about its time and place (New York in the 1970s) and—especially—its characters (most of whom work in some capacity in the sex industry). Two of those characters are played by James Franco, who returns (despite his recent controversy) alongside Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Gary Carr, and most of the season one cast, alongside a few newcomers (including Luke Kirby, recently seen playing Lenny Bruce on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel).
Simon and co-creator George Pelecanos have mapped out three seasons for The Deuce, with a time jump of multiple years between seasons. That leaves this new season in 1977 (compared to season 1's 1971-72) as pornography is becoming mainstream, while a potential third season would shift into the 1980s. Season 2 will also run for nine episodes, one episode longer than the previous season.