Autumn TV shows 2021: best new series on in September, October and November on BBC, C4, Netflix, Sky and more

After a summer starved of new TV releases, Autumn looks set to be a bumper TV season.

The selection includes a host of streaming service favourites, the return of an iconic quiz show, and several new BBC and Channel 4 drama’s.

Here’s a look at some of the best TV to look forward to this Autumn.

Vigil

BBC’s new Sunday night drama looks to fill the enormous boots of Line of Duty. The thriller got underway on August Bank Holiday weekend, and saw Suranne Jones board a fictional UK nuclear submarine to investigate the death of a crew member. It features  intrigue, suspense and just the right amount of claustrophobia to have viewers instantly hooked.

BBC, 29 August

Stephen

Following on from 1999’s TV Movie The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, ITV’s new three-part drama picks up the story in 2006. Starring Sharlene Whyte and High Quarshie, the show depicts the legal battle for justice in one of the most important cases in UK history.

ITV, 30 August

The North Water

Starring Colin Farrell, Stephen Graham and Jack O’Connell, this arctic thriller has hints of both The Terror and Master and Commander. Based on Ian McGuire’s 2016 novel, its follows Dr Patrick Sumner after he leaves his military career in disgrace only to find himself on a whaling vessel with harpooner Henry Drax

ITV, 10 September

Sex Education

Sex Education returns for a third season with its cast of sexually frivolous teenagers. The new season promises to continue following the journey of Mooredale Secondary School’s students attempting the twists and turns of puberty and young adulthood.

Netflix, 17 September

The Morning Show

Jennifer Aniston and Reece Witherspoon return for season two of The Morning Show. The Apple TV+ drama was a hit with viewers thanks to its tackling on Me Too issues, and behind the scenes look at morning news TV. Expect big changes in the second instalment.

Apple TV, 17 September

Help

Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham pair up for Jack Thorne’s heartbreaking feature-length drama about a Merseyside care home during the coronavirus pandemic. The drama will explore the struggles of those in the care sector through the Covid-19 crisis.

Channel 4, 16 September

Y: The Last Man

Based on the iconic graphic novel, fans have been waiting a long time for this adaptation. Following Yorick Brown in a post apocalyptic Earth, after every living mammal with a Y chromosome is killed. With the world suddenly dominated by women, what will happen next?

Disney+, 22 September

Never Mind the Buzzcocks

The iconic TV quiz show has received a revival on Sky Max this Autumn. Now hosted by Greg Davies, Daisy May Cooper will join Noel Fielding as team captain to quiz the panel on a variety of pop music questions.

Sky Max, September

The Shrink Next Door

Joining a growing list of TV shows spawned from hit podcasts, The Shrink Next Door tells the story of Paul Rudd as a creepy 80’s psychiatrist. Starring his comedic sidekicks. Will Ferrell and Kathryn Hahn, the show looks to be darkly comic and deeply uncomfortable.

Apple TV+, 12 November

My Name is Leon

Christopher Eccleston and Lenny Henry star in a made for TV adaptation of Kit de Waal’s powerful novel. Set in 80’s Birmingham, the one-off drama tells of the story of two brothers Leon, a mixed race boy who remains in care after being separated from his brother during adoption.

BBC, November

Succession

One of TV’s favourite billionaire families returns for season three. Starring Brian Cox as the Murdoch-esc Logan Roy, his family continue to either rally around him, or in the case of Jeremy Strong, bring him down. Expect more swearing, crying and snarky family dinners.

Sky Atlantic/NOW, tbc

Scenes from a Marriage

Two of Hollywood’s brightest actors appear in a new adaptation of Ingmar Bergman’s 1973 Swedish miniseries, Scenes from a Marriage. Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain star as psychology professor John and tech exec Mira, with the series analysing their marriage over the span of five years.

Sky Atlantic, tbc

Stath Lets Flats

Jamie Demetrious’s BAFTA-winning comedy returns for season three. Following estate agent Stath after he’s been ousted from the family business, series three sees more flat letting chaos and the added pressure of a baby on the way.

BBC One, tbc