With fall looming, cooler temperatures will be ushered in and all our favourite (and not-so-favourite) TV shows return! So grab a pumpkin spice latte, or ice-cap or whatever it is you enjoy (personally, I like a good pumpkin pie vape liquid) and get ready to hibernate. Here is a list of fall TV premieres in Canada, with commentary, when warranted. If you don’t agree with me, or I’m missing your favourite show on my list, please feel free to comment and let me know!
September 2018
Wednesday, September 12:
Season 8 is being described as a combination between season 1 and season 3. If it’s anywhere near as good as season 7 – Cult or season 5 – Hotel was, then viewers will be in for a deliciously horror filled fall season.
Friday, September 14
Norm Macdonald Has a Show (Netflix Canada)
BoJack Horseman (Netflix Canada)
Tuesday, September 18
This Hour Has 22 Minutes (CBC)
This half hour comedy is a Canadian staple that guarantees weekly laughs as they send up Canadian and American politicians alike. I’m waiting with bated breath to see their take on Ontario’s newly-elected bully-in-charge Doug Ford.
Wednesday, September 19
I Feel Bad (2-part episode) (Global)
I Feel Bad looks quirky and funny. It’s also produced by Amy Poehler, which is a plus in my books! I’ll definitely be tuning into this one.
Thursday, Sept. 20
Dragons’ Den (CBC)
Sunday, Sept. 23
Anne With an E (CBC)
Like there haven’t been enough Anne of Green Gables TV series – thanks but I’ll pass.
9-1-1 (Part 1) (Global)
I generally don’t like cop shows, and the ads with Jennifer Love-Hewitt front and center, sticking out her huge boobs, doesn’t exactly help either .
Monday, September 24
This is a cop show I make an exception for – it takes place in the early 1900’s and is filmed all over Southwestern Ontario. Murdoch Mysteries is full of drama and even some comedic moments, not to mention Yannick Bisson is definitely easy on the eyes.
The Resident (CTV)
NCIS: New Orleans (Global)
I loved Scott Bakula on Quantum Leap and in Star Trek Enterprise but the acting on this show is terrible and the show itself is incredibly boring. Sorry, Scott.
The Big Bang Theory (CTV)
This is the final season of Big Bang. I’ve only watched this in re-runs but it’s grown on me.
The Voice (2-hour premiere) (CTV 2)
I haven’t watched a reality show that involves a singing competition since Kelly Clarkson beat out Justin Guarini on the first season of American Idol. Lil’ Sweet was robbed!
Dancing with the Stars (Citytv)
Young Sheldon (Part 1) (CTV)
If Magnum doesn’t have his trademark mustache then he’s not really Magnum and I’m not watching. They’ve also made the character of Higgins female, similar to what they did with the character of Watson in Elementary, in this ridiculous remake – give me a break!
Frankie Drake Mysteries (CBC)
Bull (Global)
The Good Doctor (CTV)
Manifest (Citytv)
Tuesday, September 25
NCIS (Global)
The Gifted (Citytv)
FBI (Global)
Did I mention I don’t like cop shows? The previews for this one, starring the actress (Missy Peregrym) from Rookie Blue (can she not play any part other than a cop?) make me want to gag.
This Is Us (CTV)
I tried to get into this show, I really did, but I just didn’t feel like sitting around for an hour bawling my eyes out once a week.
Lethal Weapon (Citytv)
New Amsterdam (Global)
I also don’t like hospital shows and this one looks exceptionally lame. I also have a particular dislike for the way the main character (a doctor) winks in the previews.
Mr. Inbetween (FX Canada)
Wednesday, September 26
Chicago P.D. (Global)
One of what feels like 100 boring formulaic shows with the title of Chicago-something. Does no one in television have any original ideas anymore?
I admit, I am addicted to Survivor and haven’t missed a season yet. Why? Well, the host, Jeff Probst is really good-looking, but that’s all I’ll admit to. Also, if Richard Hatch hadn’t won in the first season, I think I might have stopped watching.
Empire (Fox)
The Goldbergs (CTV)
American Housewife (CTV)
The Cool Kids (Citytv)
Modern Family (Citytv)
This show is still on?
Grey’s Anatomy (2-hour premiere) (CTV)
Star (Fox)
Single Parents (Citytv)
A Million Little Things (Citytv)
This is the funniest show on television, bar none and I eagerly anticipate the new adventures of Cartman, Stan, Kyle, Kenny, Butters, Mr. Garrison et al in Season 22.
Thursday, September 27
The Good Place (1-hour premiere) (Global)
Now here’s an original show. I love the premise and the cast and I’m truly surprised something this unique has survived this long on the barren landscape that is American network television.
Mom (Citytv)
Chicago Med (Global)
Oh hey look, another show about Chicago! Ugh.
Law & Order: SVU (2-hour premiere) (CTV)
Murphy Brown (Citytv)
S.W.A.T. (Global)
Friday, September 28
MacGyver (Global)
Last Man Standing (Fox)
Hawaii Five-O (Global)
How to Get Away with Murder (CTV)
Hell’s Kitchen (Citytv)
Chicago Fire (Global)
Wait, this show is also about Chicago? You don’t say.
Blue Bloods (CTV)
Saturday, Sept. 29
Saturday Night Live (Global)
Hosted by Adam Driver, with musical guest Kanye West.
Sunday, Sept. 30
60 Minutes (CHCH)
God Friended Me (CTV)
The Simpsons (Citytv)
Bob’s Burgers (Citytv)
NCIS: Los Angeles (Global)
This show has been on the air for more than 18 years and has kept its irreverent humour throughout. Conceived and written, and many characters voiced, by the brilliant Seth McFarlane, Family Guy is still as funny as it was when it first began.
October 2018
Monday, October 1
The Neighborhood (Global)
Happy Together (Global)
Wednesday, October 3
SEAL Team (Global)
Criminal Minds (CTV)
Thursday, October 4
Superstore (Global)
Will & Grace (Global)
The return of this show last year, with the original cast, after an 11 year absence was a stroke of brilliance. Karen and Jack are as hilarious and f***ked up as ever and even the characters of Will and Grace don’t get on my nerves like they used to. Maybe it’s just nice to see people close to my age on TV again.
Station 19 (CTV)
Sunday, October 7
Dancing with the Stars: Juniors (Global)
I didn’t even know this show existed. Who watches this garbage?
After destroying The Walking Dead by killing off the character of Carl last season, Showrunner Scott M. Gimple has moved on to obliterate its sister show, Fear The Walking Dead. But the damage is done and Andrew Lincoln, who plays Rick Grimes, is leaving the show and this will be his final season.
Madam Secretary (Global)
This show stars Tea Leoni, one of the worst actresses in the history of film. Her bland delivery of each and every line is mind numbing. Why are people still tuning in to this snooze fest?
Shark Tank (CTV)
Wednesday, October 10
Chicago Janitorial (Global)
Just kidding!
All American (W Network)
Friday, October 12
Blindspot (CTV)
Sunday, October 14
Supergirl (Showcase)
Charmed (W Network)
The Alec Baldwin Show (CTV)
Monday, October 15
Arrow (Space)
Tuesday, October 16
The Conners (CTV)
The Kids Are Alright (CTV)
Splitting Up Together (CTV Two)
I believe I mentioned a hatred of cop shows, however, I might give this one a try, but only because it features the very handsome Nathan Fillion running around in a uniform.
Wednesday, October 17
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (W Network)
Black-ish (Citytv)
Monday, October 22
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (Space)
Thursday, October 25
Legacies (Showcase)
Friday, October 26
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix Canada)
November 2018
Friday, November 2
House of Cards (Netflix Canada)
Obviously, Kevin Spacey won’t be back, which is too bad really, because his character was someone that was so much fun to hate. Rumor has it, they’re going to kill off the Francis Underwood character this year, in House of Card’s final season.
Sunday, November 4
Outlander (W Network)
I have a funny memory that comes to mind every year this show comes back, it’s my brother texting me years ago to tell me there was a show on called Outlander that he thought I might like. I practically bit his head off when I replied: “I have been anticipating this show for over a year. I’ve read all the books, multiple times and I’ve met the author, so yes, I know about this show!”
Wednesday, November 7
Mr. D (CBC)
Wednesday, November 14
Canada’s Smartest Person Junior (CBC)
Wednesday, November 28
Vikings (History)
Poor Doug. ☹️ You nearly had me with Chicago Janitorial. Obviously it’s going to be a mid-season replacement. But what’s up with Murphy Brown, MacGyver and Magnum P.I.? Who felt a need to bring back any of those shows?
At least Murphy Brown is coming back with Candice Bergen. I would much rather see Tom Selleck return for a re-vamped version than some new actor (sans mustache) playing the role. And this will be the second season of MacGyver. I wonder how Patty and Selma feel about it?