8 TV and streaming shows to binge-watch in October

Superheroes and spacemen. Vampires and ghosts. Therapists and treasure hunters. They are all among the TV highlights in October. Along with gay teenagers and elementary school teachers, all of these character groups make up some of the most popular and compelling series of our time. Do you agree with all of them? These are the eight streaming shows you should catch up on before they continue.

What it is: Quinta Brunson is the creator and star of this mockumentary sitcom, in which she plays a second-grader at the titular school. The show follows her character and the rest of the staff at Abbott Elementary, including a kindergarten teacher famously played by Sheryl Lee Ralph, as they deal with budget problems, poor conditions and mismanagement. The first episode of season four premieres on Wednesday, October 9th.

Why you should watch it: Abbott Elementary School is one of the most acclaimed and respected shows on television and one of the most awarded sitcoms currently airing on network television. These awards include 24 Primetime Emmy nominations and four wins over its first three years on the air. Brunson, Ralph and the rest of the ensemble cast are simply brilliant season after season, while the comedy is as poignant as it is hilarious, episode after episode.

Where to see: Hulu and Max (subscription, seasons 1-3); Buy it on Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Microsoft and Prime Video

Engagement: Approx. 18 hours (for seasons 1-3)

(Photo by ©CBS Broadcasting)

What it is: An American remake of a British series of the same name, Ghosts is a sitcom about a couple who move into a country house inhabited by the ghosts of people who have died on the property throughout history. The first episode of the series’ fourth season premieres on Thursday, October 17th.

Why you should watch it: This version of is an adaptation of the British sitcom Ghosts is still a brilliant idea for a show given the scope and diversity of its characters, and very funny to boot. The fact that it consistently ranks in the top 10 most-watched shows on broadcast television and has the second-best ratings for a broadcast TV comedy is proof that it is one of the most entertaining shows currently airing.

Where to see: Paramount+ (subscription, seasons 1-3); Buy it on Fandango at Home, Apple TV and Prime Video

Engagement: Approx. 17.5 hours (for seasons 1-3)

What it is: Based on the webcomic and graphic novel of the same name, Heart stopper is a coming-of-age romance series about a recently outed gay teenager and his relationship with a popular classmate. The third season begins airing in full on Thursday, October 3rd.

Why you should watch it: Heart stopper is as endearing as teen dramas get, especially because it feels more authentic in its romantic and emotional elements than other shows of its kind today. The series is also driven by two exceptional leads, Joe Locke (now also known for Marvel’s). Agatha all the time) and Kit Connor (the teenager Elton John in Rocket Man). Critics raved about the series from the start (the first season earned a 100 percent Tomatometer score), and it’s time for more viewers to discover its charms.

Where to see: Netflix (subscription, seasons 1-2)

Engagement: Approx. 8 hours (for seasons 1-2)

What it is: A teen drama full of action and mystery, Outer Banks follows a group of friends as they search for a lost treasure linked to the missing father of one of the boys. During their pursuit, they run into conflict with some rich kids visiting their vacation spot in North Carolina. The first half of the fourth season, consisting of five episodes, starts on Thursday, October 10th.

Why you should watch it: Outer Banks is compelling on many levels, with its teenage melodrama, clash of social classes and high-stakes adventure. Plus, it’s a great looking series thanks to its titular setting. Even if you feel like Season 3 is a dip in quality, the boys will eventually reach their goal and the series remains addictive on this journey.

Where to see: Netflix (subscription, seasons 1-3)

Engagement: Approx. 25 hours (for seasons 1-3)

What it is: shrinkage is a dramatic comedy starring Jason Segel in the lead role of a recently widowed therapist who begins to cross ethical boundaries when dealing with his patients. The show also stars Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams as his colleagues. The first two episodes of season two premiere on Wednesday, October 16th.

Why you should watch it: Jason Segel continues to be a joy to watch, Jessica Williams is outstanding, and Harrison Ford is Harrison Ford, fun and in sequels. What more could you want from a show? Oh, how about it Ted Lasso’s Brett Goldstein (who also co-created shrinkage) be there for the second season?

Where to see: Apple TV+ (subscription, season 1)

Engagement: Approx. 5 hours (for season 1)

What it is: The first animated one Star Trek A new series in 50 years, this series takes a rare comedic approach to the science fiction franchise known for boldly going where no man has gone before. Star Trek: Lower Decks deliberately delves deep into the ranks of a little-noticed Starfleet starship in order to follow its support staff rather than its main crew. The first two episodes of the fifth and final season premiere on Thursday, October 24th.

Why you should watch it: While it is mainly focused on the existing Star Trek Fans, you don’t have to be a Trekker to appreciate the film’s satirical and parodic takes or the animated characters, which are really fun and offer a new perspective on the world of Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets. Star Trek: Lower Decks has also gotten better over time, with critical reception reflecting improvements from season to season.

Where to see: Paramount+ (subscription, seasons 1-4); Buy it on Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Microsoft and Prime Video

Engagement: Approx. 17 hours (for seasons 1-4)

What it is: Superman & Lois is the latest in a long history of live-action TV shows based on the titular DC Comics superhero and his equally famous love interest. The premise here is that Clark Kent, aka Superman, and Lois Lane are married, have twin sons, and live in Smallville. While it deals with the usual villainous threats of characters like Lex Luthor, Bizarro, and The Stranger, the series also deals with real-world evils like breast cancer. The first two episodes of the fourth and final season premiere on Monday, October 7th.

Why you should watch it: As the Arrowverse shows, this is how it originally came about Superman & LoisThis is an action-packed fantasy series aimed primarily at the fans – but a very satisfying one. Still, those unfamiliar with all of the comic book characters can easily pick up on the dramatic narrative, which is as down-to-earth and humane as a series can be, while centering around a super-powered protagonist from another planet. With the upcoming season being its last, now is the best time to join in the fun.

Where to see: Max (subscription, seasons 1-3); Buy it on Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Microsoft and Prime Video

Engagement: Approx. 31 hours (for seasons 1-3)

What it is: Based on and spin-off of the 2014 mockumentary film of the same name, What we do in the shadows follows four vampires who live together in an old house in Staten Island. The show centers on a human confidant who cares for his undead roommates, but desperately wants to be turned into a vampire himself. The first three episodes of the sixth and final season premiere on Monday, October 21st.

Why you should watch it: He has received 24 Primetime Emmy nominations over the past five years. What we do in the shadows was one of the funniest and most consistently satisfying series of the last decade, exceeding the expectations of its simple premise even after the original film seemed to reach its comedic potential. Each member of the cast stands out in their own right, while perfectly maintaining a collective balance within the ensemble, giving fans some of the most memorable TV characters in years. It’s particularly hilarious how alive the world of this undead series felt right from the start.

Where to see: Hulu (subscription, seasons 1-5); Buy it on Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Microsoft and Prime Video

Engagement: Approximately 21.5 hours (for seasons 1-5) plus an additional 86 minutes for the original film

Thumbnail image by ©CW

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