Must-Watch TV: The Autumn 2024 TV Season Is Here with New & Returning Hits.
The summer may be winding down, but the television landscape is just heating up. This week marks the official kickoff of the autumn TV season, bringing a fresh slate of new and returning shows to screens across the UK. From intense thrillers and historical dramas to side-splitting comedies and reality show revivals, there is something for every viewer. Here is a curated guide to some of the most anticipated series set to dominate the autumn watch list. 📺
New and Exciting Series
1. The Celebrity Traitors (BBC One) The runaway hit “The Traitors” returns for its first-ever celebrity version. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the show sees a star-studded cast—including Stephen Fry, Alan Carr, and Jonathan Ross—banished to a Scottish castle. The popular format, which pits loyalists against traitors, is set for a sure-fire success with this highly anticipated celebrity installment.
2. House of Guinness (Netflix) From the creator of “Peaky Blinders,” Steven Knight, comes this historical drama. Set in the 1860s, it chronicles the rise of the Guinness family following the death of its patriarch, Benjamin Guinness. The show delves into the lives of his four children as they navigate power, wealth, and scandal in New York and Ireland. Louis Partridge (known for dating Olivia Rodrigo) is among the cast, adding a layer of celebrity buzz.
3. King and Conqueror (BBC One) This historical drama promises genuine on-screen action, as star James Norton reportedly broke his collarbone while filming a fall from a horse. The “Happy Valley” actor plays King Harold of Wessex, battling Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s William the Conqueror. The eight-part series will cover the dramatic events leading up to and including the Battles of Hastings and Stamford Bridge, delivering a true swashbuckling spectacle.
4. Frauds (ITV) A powerful duo of British actresses, Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker, team up for this six-part heist drama. Jones plays Bert, a recently released fraudster who tries to convince her former partner-in-crime, Sam (Whittaker), to come out of retirement for one final, major score. This is a must-watch for fans of crime and drama.
5. Hostage (Netflix) In her Netflix debut, Suranne Jones stars as a newly elected Prime Minister facing a national crisis. When her husband is kidnapped during a summit, she must rely on her French counterpart, played by Julie Delpy, a political rival she has clashed with repeatedly. The five-part political thriller explores a high-stakes, tense situation that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Returning Favorites
1. Brassic (Sky) The critically acclaimed comedy returns for its seventh and final series. Fans are on the edge of their seats to discover the fate of Michelle Keegan’s character, Erin, after the series six cliffhanger hinted at her leaving the town of Hawley. The beloved cast, including Joe Gilgun and Ryan Sampson, are ready to give the show a proper send-off.
2. Trigger Point (ITV) After a hugely successful second series, Vicky McClure returns as bomb-disposal expert Lana Washington. She and her team face a sinister new threat in the form of a revenge plot from an old enemy. With an average of 8.1 million viewers for the previous season, this crime thriller is sure to captivate audiences once again.
3. Taskmaster (Channel 4) The quirky and hilarious gameshow is back for its 20th season, proving it has no shortage of bizarre challenges. Hosted by Greg Davies and his assistant Alex Horne, the new season features comedians Maisie Adam, Reece Shearsmith, and Sanjeev Bhaskar as they compete for the golden bust of Davies’ head.
This autumn promises a rich and diverse lineup of television content, ensuring there’s a show for every mood and genre preference. From high-octane drama to feel-good comedy, the coming months will be a feast for TV lovers.