I’m not saying I don’t love summer, because I dedicate half of it to the blue-skied Balearic Islands. However, there is a certain degree of relief when the nights draw in autumnally back in London, signalling cooler days and longer nights. And autumn signifies the return of ‘Sofa season’ or Autumn TV. I’m excited, and ready and willing to lock myself down!
As we gear ourselves up for dark, cosy nights on the sofa, here’s my ultimate guide to the must-see autumn releases.
PJs, bottle of prosecco and a tub of Ben & Jerrys at the ready…
- The Crown (Netflix)
- The Suspect (ITV)
- Inside Man (BBC and Netflix)
- Ridley (ITV)
- Karen Pirie (ITV)
- The Pact (BBC)
- The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power (Amazon Prime Video)
- Crossfire (BBC)
- Funny Woman (Now and Sky)
- Riches (ITV)
- Industry (BBC)
- Gangs of London (Now and Sky)
- Brassic (Now and Sky)
- I Hate Suzie Too (Now and Sky)
- The English (BBC)
Here’s some more detail about some with particular appeal.
Crossfire
A sunny getaway to the Canary Islands interrupted by a devastating shoot out on a luxury holiday resort, starring Keeley Hawes, as a survivor. I’m obsessed already, and getting serious Bodyguard vibes.
The Crown
The most opulent and beautifully produced show about the British Royal Family is back – we’re returning to Princess Diana’s story, with Elizabeth Debicki playing Diana this time, as the show tackles her untimely death. Imelda Staunton has taken over Olivia Coleman’s mantel as Queen. Unmissable.
Funny Woman
Adapted from Nick Hornby’s novel Funny Girl, Funny Woman sees the fabulous Gemma Atherton embody a 1960s Blackpool queen and take on the sexist entertainment world. I cannot wait for the fashion and the sass.
Riches
From the pen of Abby Ajayi, who was in the writers room of shows like Inventing Anna and How to Get Away With Murder, Riches tells the story of a power struggle within the Richards family, set between New York and London. Super slick.
The Pact
Given that Season One was an absolute obsession, The Pact is a must watch when it returns this autumn. While the first offering looked at the story of a murder at a brewery, and the ‘whodunnit’ that followed, this season will be led by Rakie Ayola, who will play a social worker Christine, whose world is turned upside down by a stranger.
Industry
A huge 2020 hit, it was only a matter of time before Industry returned to our screens. We return to the bleak-yet-glossy London office at the tail-end of the pandemic lockdowns, with our overworked team pushed to the limits in more ways than one.
The English
Starring Emily Blunt, The English takes us back to 1890 where our female aristocrat heroine is pursuing the man responsible for her son’s death. Super intriguing, and great 19th century fashion by the looks.
