Honestly, trying to keep track of shows on tv this fall is basically a full-time job. You think you've finally got your DVR set, and then suddenly Netflix drops a five-part documentary about a guy who lived with tigers or something. This year is particularly chaotic. Between the massive franchise expansions and the quirky new network comedies, it’s a lot to sift through. We’re seeing a weirdly high number of spin-offs—like 9-1-1: Nashville and Sheriff Country—that feel like the networks are just doubling down on what they know works.
It’s safe.
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But is it actually good? That's the real question. Let's look at what's hitting your screen and whether it's worth the couch time.
The Big Returns and the New Blood
NBC is leaning hard into the "doctor-drama-with-a-twist" vibe. Brilliant Minds returned for its second season on September 22, with Zachary Quinto doing his best neurologist impression as Dr. Wolf. If you like medical mysteries that actually make you think, it's a solid bet. But the real talk of the town is The Voice. Season 28 kicked off with a panel that’s basically a fever dream: Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg. Snoop on network TV is the gift we didn't know we needed. They even added this thing called the "Carson Callback," where Carson Daly finally gets to interfere with the contestants’ lives directly.
Then you’ve got ABC. They’ve gone all-in on Thursday nights. 9-1-1 moved its high-octane rescue missions to the 8:00 p.m. slot, immediately followed by the series premiere of 9-1-1: Nashville. It’s a bold move to put two shows from the same universe back-to-back, but fans seem to be eating it up.
Kinda predictable? Maybe. But effective.
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Network Schedule Highlights
- Mondays: The Voice (NBC) and The Neighborhood (CBS) are the heavy hitters.
- Tuesdays: High Potential Season 2 on ABC is gaining a ton of word-of-mouth traction because of Kaitlin Olson’s performance.
- Wednesdays: Survivor Season 49 on CBS is still alive and well, proving that people will never get tired of watching strangers be mean to each other on an island.
- Thursdays: The Law & Order block on NBC is basically an institution at this point.
Streaming vs. Broadcast: The Fall 2025 Tug of War
Streaming isn't letting the networks have all the fun. Netflix is currently dominating the conversation with Monster: The Ed Gein Story. It's dark. Like, really dark. Charlie Hunnam plays Gein, and it’s the kind of show you have to watch with the lights on. It premiered October 3 and hasn't left the Top 10 since.
On the lighter side (sorta), Apple TV+ is finally giving us more Slow Horses. Season 5 started on September 24. Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb is arguably the best thing on television right now. He’s gross, he’s rude, and he’s a genius. It’s the perfect antidote to the overly polished "sexy spy" shows we usually get.
What’s New on the Apps
- Netflix: Stranger Things Season 5 (Part 1) is the elephant in the room. Everyone is waiting for the conclusion of the Hawkins saga.
- Disney+: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms just premiered. It’s a Game of Thrones spin-off that feels much smaller and more intimate than House of the Dragon.
- HBO/Max: IT: Welcome to Derry is the big Halloween play. It’s a prequel to the Stephen King movies, and yes, it’s terrifying.
Why Spinoffs are Dominating the Shows on TV This Fall
You might have noticed that half the "new" shows on tv this fall are actually old shows in new costumes. Sheriff Country is a spin-off of Fire Country. Boston Blue is basically the spiritual successor to Blue Bloods, following Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) as he moves to Massachusetts.
Why is this happening?
Money, mostly. Producing a brand-new show with unknown characters is a massive gamble. Networks are scared. They’d rather give you more of what you already like. It’s the "comfort food" approach to programming. You know what you're getting with a Chicago Fire or a Grey's Anatomy (which, by the way, is on Season 22—how?).
But there are outliers. St. Denis Medical on NBC is a mockumentary-style comedy that feels fresh. It’s got that The Office or Parks and Rec DNA, but set in an underfunded Oregon hospital. It’s funny because it’s relatable—everyone has dealt with a frustrating bureaucracy at some point.
Making Sense of the Chaos
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The best way to tackle the shows on tv this fall is to pick one "appointment" show per night. Don't try to watch everything. You'll burn out by November.
If you want prestige drama, stick to HBO or Apple TV+. If you want to shut your brain off after a long day at work, the CBS Tuesday night NCIS block (including NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney) is built for exactly that.
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How to Stay Updated
The schedules are always shifting. A show that was supposed to premiere in October might get bumped to "mid-winter" if the editing takes too long. Keep an eye on your local listings and the "New Arrivals" tab on your streaming apps.
Actionable Next Steps
- Audit your subscriptions: If you're only keeping Paramount+ for Tulsa King, make sure you actually know when the new episodes drop so you're not paying for a dead month.
- Set your DVR for "Series Link": For broadcast shows like Abbott Elementary (Season 5), use the series link feature so you don't miss the weirdly timed holiday specials.
- Follow the showrunners: If you like a show, follow the creators on social media. They often post behind-the-scenes clips and early renewal news that hasn't hit the major trades yet.
- Check "Live" tabs: Many streaming services now have "Live TV" sections that mimic the old-school channel-flipping experience. It’s a great way to discover new pilots without committing to a full binge.
The TV landscape is messier than ever, but that just means there's a higher chance of finding something you actually love. Just don't forget to occasionally leave the house. Or don't. The couch is pretty comfortable.