Honestly, trying to keep track of TV schedules used to be easy. You’d just wait for the first week of September, and basically every show you liked would show up on your screen. Not anymore. Now, the 2024 fall season is scattered across networks, streaming services, and random "sneak peeks" that make you feel like you need a PhD in scheduling just to find a single episode of Matlock.
If you're looking for the fall premiere dates 2024, you’ve probably noticed things feel a little... off. Networks are holding their biggest hits like The Rookie and Will Trent until 2025. Meanwhile, the streaming giants are dropping massive shows right in the middle of November. It’s a mess. But it’s a fun mess if you know where to look.
The Big Network Shake-up: Why Your Favorites Are Missing
The most annoying thing about the fall premiere dates 2024 is the "midseason" trap. Usually, the big three—ABC, CBS, and NBC—dump everything in September. This year, they’re playing a longer game. ABC, for instance, isn't bringing back The Rookie or Will Trent until January. If you’re waiting for Nathan Fillion to save the day, you’re going to be waiting a while.
Instead, we're getting a lot of Ryan Murphy. He’s basically taking over Thursday nights on ABC with Doctor Odyssey, which premiered on September 26. It’s Joshua Jackson on a luxury cruise ship. It’s exactly what you think it is.
CBS did something even weirder. They "snuck" the premiere of the new Matlock—starring Kathy Bates—on Sunday, September 22, but then they didn't air the second episode until October 17. Why? Probably to lure in the NFL crowd and then hope they remember to come back three weeks later. It's a bold strategy. Let's see if it pays off.
CBS Heavy Hitters
- Survivor Season 47: Debuted September 18. It’s still the king of Wednesday nights.
- NCIS Season 22: Premiered October 14.
- NCIS: Origins: This one also started October 14. It’s the prequel with a young Gibbs.
- Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage: The Young Sheldon spinoff kicked off October 17.
NBC and the Return of the Procedural
NBC stayed pretty traditional, which is sort of comforting. They leaned hard into their "One Chicago" brand. If you wanted Chicago Med, Fire, or P.D., they all landed on September 25.
The real standout for NBC this fall is St. Denis Medical. It’s a mockumentary-style comedy that didn't actually show up until November 12. If you loved Superstore, this is from the same people. It’s chaotic, it’s funny, and it’s a nice break from all the "ripped from the headlines" dramas.
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NBC Highlights
- The Voice Season 26: Started September 23 with Snoop Dogg as a coach. Honestly, Snoop is the best thing to happen to this show in years.
- Law & Order / SVU: Both returned October 3. Mariska Hargitay is still carrying the world on her shoulders.
- Happy’s Place: Reba McEntire’s new sitcom started October 18. It’s basically Reba 2.0.
Fall Premiere Dates 2024: The Streaming Giants
Streaming doesn't care about "seasons," but they still use the fall to drop their prestige stuff. Netflix, in particular, has been relentless. They split Outer Banks Season 4 into two parts (because of course they did). Part 1 hit on October 10, and Part 2 followed on November 7.
And then there's Yellowstone. The drama behind the scenes with Kevin Costner has been louder than the show itself. But the actual fall premiere dates 2024 for the second half of Season 5 was November 10. It’s the end of an era, sort of. Even without Costner, the ratings were massive because people just want to see who ends up owning the ranch.
The Netflix and Disney+ Slate
Over on Disney+, the big talk was Agatha All Along. It started September 18 and ran through October. It was surprisingly dark for Marvel. Meanwhile, Netflix dropped The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 on October 17, which is basically the perfect "dad show" to binge on a rainy weekend.
Hulu had a sneaky hit with English Teacher starting September 2. It’s one of those shows that people didn't talk about much at first but then everyone started posting clips on TikTok.
The Fox Strategy: Animation and Rescue
Fox is still the home of "Animation Domination." The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, and Krapopolis all returned on September 29. They also added a new one called Universal Basic Guys, which actually previewed earlier on September 8.
But their big swing was Rescue: HI-Surf. It’s a lifeguard drama set in Hawaii. It premiered September 22 after an NFL doubleheader. It’s essentially 9-1-1 but with more surfboards and fewer fire trucks.
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What You Should Actually Watch
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of fall premiere dates 2024, just pick a lane.
If you want comfort, go with the NBC comedies or the ABC staples like Abbott Elementary (which returned October 9). If you want high-budget spectacle, Dune: Prophecy on Max started November 17. It’s basically Game of Thrones but in space and with more sand.
Pro-Tips for Navigating the Schedule
- Check the apps: Most network shows like 9-1-1 (which returned Sept 26) are on Hulu the next day. Don't stress about the live air time.
- The "Part 2" Trend: Shows like Cobra Kai and Outer Banks are being sliced up. Check the dates for Part 2 before you start your binge.
- Midseason is the new Fall: If your show isn't on this list, it’s probably coming in January 2025.
Basically, the traditional TV season is dead. We're living in a world of rolling releases and "special sneak peeks." The best way to stay sane is to focus on one or two "must-watch" shows a week and let the rest pile up on your DVR or streaming queue.
To stay ahead of the curve, mark your calendars for the remaining late-fall finales in December, particularly Virgin River on Netflix (Dec 19) and the final episodes of Yellowstone on Paramount. These will bridge the gap before the massive January 2025 wave hits.