Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
October 2024 promises a slew of exceptional TV series, capturing the imaginations of viewers with diverse genres – from superhero satire to psychological thrillers. With high-profile actors, top-tier directors, and gripping narratives, these shows offer an immersive viewing experience. As the autumn leaves fall, settle in for some of the most exciting premieres of the year. Here’s a breakdown of the standout series this October.
‘The Franchise’ – Superhero Mayhem Behind the Scenes
Premiering on 6th October on HBO, The Franchise takes an audacious dive into the chaotic world of superhero blockbusters. Far from the glitzy premieres and red-carpet glamour, this satirical drama explores the behind-the-scenes bedlam of a high-budget superhero franchise. Helmed by showrunner Armando Iannucci (Avenue 5, Veep), The Franchise blends sharp wit with biting social commentary.
The series paints a picture of a film set spiralling out of control – actors wrestling with personal demons, missed deadlines, and relentless pressure from studio executives. With an ensemble cast featuring Himesh Patel, Daniel Brühl, Richard E. Grant, and Billy Magnussen, The Franchise promises not just a star-studded performance, but a timely critique of the superhero-industrial complex. Director Sam Mendes (1917, American Beauty) masterfully sets the stage, weaving a meta-narrative that tackles Hollywood’s obsession with franchise films and the pressures of the entertainment industry.
The combination of satirical writing and a behind-the-scenes look at a chaotic movie set offers an entertaining yet introspective take on modern filmmaking. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens on a superhero set, The Franchise offers a unique window into this world.
‘Teacup’ – A Southern Gothic Mystery
October also brings Teacup, a dark psychological thriller premiering on Peacock on 10th October. Based on the novel Gone South by Robert McCammon, this eerie series unfolds on a remote farm in Georgia, where a young boy vanishes, only to return inexplicably transformed. As the strange events escalate, a man in a gas mask arrives, quarantining the farm with mysterious white powder and warning the family not to trust each other.
Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale) leads the cast, delivering a performance filled with tension and emotional depth. Created by Ian McCulloch (Yellowstone), Teacup combines elements of Southern Gothic with a supernatural edge, drawing audiences into a world where nothing is as it seems. The atmospheric tension builds, leaving viewers questioning the nature of the mysterious stranger and the dark forces at play.
Strahovski’s portrayal of a mother unraveling in the face of unexplainable events is both captivating and haunting. The series’ haunting visual style, combined with an ever-tightening sense of dread, makes Teacup a must-watch for fans of slow-burn psychological horror.
‘Disclaimer’ – A Tale of Secrets and Scandal
Premiering on 11th October on Apple TV+, Disclaimer is another unmissable thriller this month. Based on the novel by Renée Knight, Disclaimer centres on Catherine, a high-profile television journalist whose career is built on exposing the secrets of others. But when she receives a mysterious manuscript recounting her deepest, darkest secret, Catherine is forced to confront a past she had long buried.
Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Roma), Disclaimer offers a gripping psychological drama that explores themes of guilt, retribution, and the cost of keeping secrets. Cate Blanchett shines as Catherine, delivering a performance that oscillates between power and vulnerability. Joined by Sasha Baron Cohen and Kevin Kline, the stellar cast further elevates this intricate narrative.
What makes Disclaimer stand out is its exploration of how we construct and conceal personal truths. Cuarón’s direction lends the series an intimate, cinematic quality, blending character-driven storytelling with suspenseful intrigue. As the plot unravels, viewers are left guessing the identity of the mysterious author and the devastating impact their revelations will have on Catherine’s life.
‘Shrinking’ – A Comedy with Heart
Returning for its second season on 16th October on Apple TV+, Shrinking continues its comedic exploration of life’s messier aspects. Created by Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, the minds behind Ted Lasso, Shrinking stars Jason Segel as a therapist grappling with his own emotional baggage while helping others navigate their struggles.
Joined by Harrison Ford, who plays a gruff, yet endearing, senior therapist, the show deftly balances humour and pathos. Shrinking touches on universal themes of grief, love, and the desire to be understood, making it a relatable and heartwarming series. The comedic approach to therapy, though at times ethically questionable, resonates with viewers who find solace in the show’s candid approach to mental health.
With sharp dialogue, loveable characters, and emotionally resonant moments, Shrinking continues to push boundaries, bringing a fresh perspective to the genre of workplace comedies. If you enjoyed Ted Lasso‘s blend of humour and heart, Shrinking is a worthy follow-up.
‘Families Like Ours’ – An Apocalyptic Dystopia
Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg (Another Round, The Hunt) makes his television debut with Families Like Ours, premiering on Danish TV 2 on 20th October. This dystopian drama tackles the devastating impact of climate change, with Denmark facing catastrophic flooding that forces the government to evacuate its citizens to different countries.
Amid the chaos, a young girl named Laura finds herself separated from both her recently divorced parents, missing the evacuation ship and disappearing into the disorder. Vinterberg’s direction grounds the series in an emotional realism that heightens the urgency of the narrative. While climate change may be the catalyst for the plot, Families Like Ours is, at its core, a story about family, identity, and the choices we make under extreme pressure.
Amarilis April August leads the cast with a breakout performance as Laura, capturing the confusion and resilience of a young woman caught in the throes of a world on the brink of collapse. Vinterberg’s characteristic ability to combine emotional depth with cinematic tension makes this one of October’s most compelling series.
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ – Vampires Take a Bow
October wouldn’t be complete without some supernatural comedy, and What We Do in the Shadows delivers with its sixth and final season, premiering on FX on 21st October. This beloved mockumentary follows a group of bumbling vampires as they navigate modern life on Staten Island, blending slapstick humour with deadpan wit.
Jemaine Clement’s quirky take on the vampire genre has charmed audiences since its inception, and the final season promises to bring the series full circle. With Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and Guillermo embarking on their most outlandish adventures yet, What We Do in the Shadows balances absurdity with surprisingly poignant moments of friendship and loyalty.
The final season will focus on the vampires’ “great mission” as they rediscover their purpose, thanks to the reawakening of a centuries-old vampire named Gerry. As always, the ensemble cast – Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, and Mark Proksch – delivers pitch-perfect performances, ensuring that What We Do in the Shadows ends on a high note.
‘Territory’ – An Australian Western Drama
Rounding off October’s stellar lineup is Territory, a gritty Australian drama that premieres on Netflix on 24th October. Directed by Greg McLean (Jungle), this series pits outback farmers against gangsters in a fierce battle for cattle-raising land. With stunning cinematography and a rugged, atmospheric backdrop, Territory draws comparisons to Yellowstone while carving out its own space in the Western genre.
Starring Anna Torv, Robert Taylor, and Michael Dorman, the series explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the clash between old and new ways of life. The vast, unforgiving landscape of the Australian outback serves as a character in itself, heightening the tension and stakes of the story.
Fans of Western dramas will find much to admire in Territory, from its intense power struggles to its beautifully realised depiction of rural Australia. As the characters fight for control over the land, the series offers a gripping meditation on power, violence, and the lengths people will go to protect what they hold dear.
This October, whether you’re in the mood for superhero satire, psychological thrillers, or apocalyptic dystopias, there’s something for everyone. With a range of genres and narratives that push boundaries, these TV shows promise an unforgettable viewing experience.
