If you're in the mood for compelling stories, unforgettable characters, and plot twists that will keep you glued to your screen this autumn, we've got you covered.
RTÉ Player
Yellowstone
What's it all about?
Saddle up... because this is a goodie! This hugely popular drama created by Sons of Anarchy's Taylor Sheridan and John Linson stars Kevin Costner as the patriarch of a Montana ranching family, as they fight to defend the land from modern day forces who threaten their way of life.
Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana and Wyoming, Yellowstone features impressive visuals of the American West, from vast rolling hills to rugged mountains, all while seamlessly blending the grittiness of Western dramas with contemporary issues.
Reasons to watch . . .
The smash hit series has taken the US by storm and it's easy to see why.
The cast delivers powerful performances, particularly from Kevin Costner as John Dutton. Kelly Reilly is outstanding as the fierce Beth Dutton, while Cole Hauser packs a punch as the stoic Rip Wheeler.
Be warned! With spinoff series like 1883 and 1923, viewers have even more opportunities to feast on the Dutton family's delicious antics.
Fun fact:
Series creator Taylor Sheridan, who also plays the character Travis, grew up on a ranch in Texas and is a skilled horseman often performing his own stunts on the show.
Apples Never Fall
What's it all about?
Adapted from Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers author Liane Moriarty, Apples Never Fall has a lot of bite, all while showcasing Moriarty's signature flair for character-driven storytelling.
The gripping whodunnit centres on the sudden disappearance of retired tennis coach, Joy Delaney. The suspense of whether Joy left willingly or if something sinister happened will have viewers on the edge of their seats.
Reasons to watch . . .
The Delaney family members are a multifaceted bunch, each coming to grips with their own personal struggles.
From the weight of living up to expectations to the sacrifices of parenthood, Apples Never Fall is surprisingly relatable.
The writers aren't afraid to delve deep into topics that are rarely mentioned on the small screen such as identity after retirement and the lifelong impact parents have on their children.
Be warned! Like most of Moriarty's work, Apples Never Fall is filled with unexpected twists and turns. You should not press play on this series until Friday evening because once you start, you will not be able to stop watching!
Fun fact: Liane Moriarty is a tennis enthusiast and played tennis regularly while growing up. She even based some of the competitive tennis elements in the novel on her personal experiences.
Mad Men
What's it all about?
In 1960s New York City, an ad agency mixes cutthroat business and social ambition with glamorous allure.
Led by the enigmatic Don Draper (Jon Hamm), the characters in Mad Men are deeply flawed yet utterly fascinating.
The show remarkably captures the spirit and style of the 1960s, from the fashion and decor to the cultural movements of the time.
Reasons to watch . . .
Mad Men is widely acclaimed, scoring numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and Golden Globes.
Though set in a male-dominated world, the drama features powerful female characters like Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss) and Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks), who push against the limitations placed on them.
Be warned!
This is a slow-burn drama! The writers are masters at building tension and revealing its characters' motivations and weaknesses over time....but patient viewers will be rewarded with worthwhile emotional payoffs.
Fun fact:
Jon Hamm was initially rejected by casting directors. The show's creator, Matthew Weiner, had to fight for Hamm to be cast in the lead role, as the network didn’t think he had enough star power.
Parks and Recreation
What's it all about?
Parks and Recreation is packed with witty gags as it follows the shenanigans of an Indiana town's public officials pursuing sundry projects to make their city a better place.
Led by the optimistic and hardworking Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), each character has their own quirks, from Ron Swanson's (Nick Offerman) deadpan chat to Tom Haverford’s (Aziz Ansari) flashy entrepreneurial schemes.
Reasons to watch . . .
The show is shot in a mockumentary format similar to The Office, allowing for hilarious confessionals and laugh-out-loud moments.
In addition to Amy Poehler, Parks and Rec features a stellar ensemble cast, including Rashida Jones, Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza.
Be warned! The spoiled character of Bobby Newport, played by Paul Rudd, was loosely inspired by certain real-world politicians.
Fun fact: Chris Pratt's role as Andy Dwyer was originally intended to be a temporary character in the first season.
The West Wing
What's it all about?
With the upcoming US general election taking place on 5 November, The West Wing is a must-watch. Created by Aaron Sorkin, the political drama features Martin Sheen as the US President and documents the triumphs and travails of White House senior staff.
The series has received widespread acclaim, winning 27 Primetime Emmy Awards over its seven-season run.
Reasons to watch . . .
Sorkin's signature 'walk-and-talk' scenes are legendary.
Viewers are never overwhelmed or bombarded with political jargon, Sorkin effortlessly creates an accessible platform.
From President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet (Martin Sheen) to staffers like Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford) and C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney), the characters are all well-rounded and relatable.
Be warned! The cliffhangers and character arcs make it easy to binge-watch multiple episodes in one sitting. Just don't forget to get some shut-eye!
Fun fact: The character of Josh Lyman, played by Bradley Whitford, was inspired by Sorkin's own experiences in politics during the Clinton administration.
Netflix
Firefly Lane
This poignant drama delves into the complexities of enduring friendship. Based on Kristin Hannah's novel, the series follows Tully Hart (Katherine Heigl) and Kate Mularkey (Sarah Chalke) from their teenage years in the 1970s to adulthood. Tully is a vibrant, ambitious woman with dreams of fame, while Kate is more grounded and focused on family. Their deep connection faces numerous challenges as they navigate love, career aspirations, and personal struggles. As time unfolds, the duo encounters life’s trials, revealing the sacrifices they make for one another.
Ozark
Jason Bateman and Laura Linney head up this dark, twisty crime drama as Marty and Wendy Byrde, a seemingly average, all-American married couple who become embroiled in a money laundering scheme for a Mexican drug cartel. Over four seasons, their attempts to keep their family safe while becoming increasingly corrupted is expertly teased out. Linney's performance as Wendy is particularly chilling and masterful.
Catastrophe
This clever comedy explores the unexpected romance between Sharon (Sharon Horgan), an Irish schoolteacher, and Rob (Rob Delaney), an American advertising executive. Following a brief fling in London that leads to an unplanned pregnancy, they embark on a new life together, confronting the challenges of parenthood and the chaos that ensues. From school-run dilemmas to chaotic family events, this show provides a refreshingly honest look at the highs and lows of parenting.
Cobra Kai
A Karate Kid TV spin-off series doesn't sound like the most promising premise, but Cobra Kai is a surprisingly well-crafted, smart, funny and moving continuation of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence’s story. Set 34 years after the events of The Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio and the brilliant William Zabka reprise their roles as Daniel and Johnny whose martial arts rivalry is reignited. Younger cast members Xolo Maridueña and Tanner Buchanan are equally impressive and the show has a lot to say about masculinity, growth and redemption.
Inventing Anna
Engaging viewers with a true story, this drama focuses on Anna Sorokin (Julia Garner), a con artist who deceived New York's elite by posing as a wealthy socialite. The narrative follows journalist Vivian Kent (Anna Chlumsky), who is determined to uncover the truth behind Anna’s elaborate schemes and the web of lies she crafted. As Vivian investigates, the series reveals themes of ambition, privilege, and the extremes people will go to for status. This engaging drama not only showcases the glamorous lifestyle of Manhattan’s high society but also explores the consequences of deception and betrayal, making it a thought-provoking look at identity and truth in a world obsessed with wealth.
Motherland
This sharp British comedy follows Julia (Anna Maxwell Martin), a frazzled working mom, as she navigates the chaos of family life, school politics, and the pressures of keeping up with other parents. Alongside her are a diverse group of fellow parents, including laid-back single mom Liz (Diane Morgan) and eager stay-at-home dad Kevin (Paul Ready), each bringing their unique perspectives to the mix. The show combines laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt reflections, offering a candid look at the emotional rollercoaster of raising children.
Schitt's Creek
It can be hard to find a decent comedy these days, but Schitt’s Creek is one of finest ever made. Created by Dan Levy and his father Eugene Levy, this razor-sharp, laugh-a-minute sitcom follows the formerly filthy rich Rose family who are forced to move to a motel in Schitt’s Creek, a small town they once bought as a joke. Over six seasons we see Johnny (Eugene Levy), Moira (Catherine O'Hara), David (Dan Levy) and Alexis (Annie Murphy) adjust to their newfound circumstances. Hilarious and heart-warming moments abound.
Disney+
The Bear
Jeremy Allen White stars as Carmy Berzatto, a gifted chef who returns home to take over his family's struggling sandwich shop following a personal loss. He faces the challenges of revitalising the business while managing a diverse team, including a determined sous chef, Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri), and an eclectic kitchen staff. The series balances moments of chaos with character-driven storytelling, offering insights into the pressures of ambition and the realities of working in a demanding environment.
Only Murders in the Building
The murder mystery, comedy-drama series Only Murders in the Building was created by the inimitable Steve Martin and John Hoffman and is a pitch-perfect send-up of our obsession with true crime. It follows three strangers, Charles (Martin), Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez), who attempt to investigate a suspicious death in their fancy New York apartment building, all while hiding secrets from one another. It's suspenseful, pacey, original and very funny.
Prime Video
Reacher
Based on Lee Child's ever-popular Jack Reacher books, Reacher is an enjoyable, pulpy action crime thriller series that crucially doesn’t take itself too seriously. Alan Ritchson is perfectly cast in the titular role as a drifter former military police investigator who investigates crimes and dishes out his own brand of street justice. It’s action-packed, irreverent, sometimes silly and always watchable.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
