September TV Schedule Kicks into High Gear with New and Returning Shows.

September traditionally marks a significant turning point in the television landscape. As the summer’s high-profile series conclude their runs, the fall season ignites with a robust schedule of new and returning content, spanning a wide array of genres from high-concept science fiction to compelling prestige dramas. This period sees an influx of both familiar intellectual property and genuinely original narratives, offering viewers a rich selection to add to their watch lists. While many platforms highlight universally popular shows, WIRED’s curatorial approach remains distinct. The recommended television shows for the month are chosen specifically for their exploration of technology, science, politics, culture, and the intricate, often challenging, intersections between these domains. This discerning selection ensures that viewers are presented with thought-provoking content that aligns with the publication’s core interests, moving beyond mere popularity to spotlight shows that offer depth and relevance. From eagerly anticipated returning favorites to ambitious new series, including one that promises to reignite a passion for traditional anime, these are the standout TV shows poised to captivate audiences this month.

The Paper

In an era where digital media has largely supplanted traditional print, The Paper delves into the challenging yet aspirational journey of a Midwestern newspaper striving not merely for survival but for genuine revitalization. This comedy, a creative offspring from The Office masterminds Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, chronicles the staff’s earnest efforts to breathe new life into their struggling publication. At the heart of this endeavor is Ned Sampson, an idealistic new editor-in-chief, portrayed by Domhnall Gleeson, known for his roles in Star Wars and Harry Potter. Alongside him is Mare Pritti (Chelsea Frei), a hungry young reporter. Together, they confront the fundamental questions defining contemporary journalism in the digital age. Season 2, which premiered on September 9, finds the Toledo Truth Teller enjoying a newfound resurgence, pushing its team to pursue their next major exclusive. The series offers a surprisingly incisive and humorous commentary on the evolving landscape of journalism and the individuals who are actively shaping its future.

Lego Star Wars: The Mandalorian

Following the somewhat subdued box office performance of this summer’s live-action film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Lucasfilm has embarked on a fresh creative partnership with Lego to revisit the beloved Star Wars narrative. This collaboration offers a unique, animated comedy reimagining of all three seasons of the original live-action series, condensed into a 49-minute special. While Pedro Pascal voiced Din Djarin in the live-action version, Gavin Hammon steps into the role for this Lego iteration. For those new to the saga, the story centers on Din Djarin, the stoic bounty hunter known as the Mandalorian, who undertakes a mission to transport a mysterious, Force-sensitive child. This child, affectionately known as Grogu or Baby Yoda, transforms what initially appears to be a straightforward assignment into an expansive, galaxy-spanning adventure, as the duo forge an unlikely and enduring partnership. This Lego version serves as an entertaining and accessible entry point for newcomers, offering a humorous yet faithful rendition of the acclaimed series.

South Park

For nearly three decades, South Park has been an enduring fixture in animated comedy, presenting the outlandish escapades of four foul-mouthed fourth-graders—Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny—within the peculiar mountain town of South Park, Colorado. This decidedly adult animated series has consistently pushed boundaries, featuring encounters with everything from extraterrestrial life and celebrities to real-world figures like Elon Musk, and famously chronicling Kenny’s demise on over a hundred occasions. In recent years, the series has sharpened its satirical edge, evolving into a particularly pointed political commentary. It has taken aim at prominent public figures, prompting reactions from institutions like the White House. The show’s continued relevance and critical acclaim were underscored by its recent 2026 Emmy win for Outstanding Animated Program. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone show no signs of slowing down, announcing a provocative rebranding for its 29th season, which premieres on September 16: the show will be rechristened South America, echoing contemporary political renaming trends.

Slow Horses

Imagine a television series that seamlessly blends the intricate espionage of John le Carré with the dry, often awkward humor of the original The Office. This unique fusion perfectly describes Slow Horses, which is set to return for its sixth season on September 16. The series is an adaptation of Mick Herron’s acclaimed Slough House book series, chronicling the exploits of a dysfunctional cohort of MI5 agents. These misfits, deemed incompetent or problematic by the agency, are relegated to the infamous Slough House unit, a purgatorial outpost for washed-up spies. Their operations are overseen by the notorious Jackson Lamb, a character brought to life by Gary Oldman in a career-defining performance. Lamb is a crude, flatulent, chain-smoking wreck of a man who paradoxically remains the most brilliant operative in the room. Slow Horses stands out as a prestige spy thriller that refreshingly avoids taking itself too seriously, effortlessly transitioning between intense shoot-outs and the droll, observational office banter characteristic of the best workplace comedies. Oldman’s portrayal has garnered immense praise, and the series has also propelled Jack Lowden to the top of oddsmakers’ lists as a leading contender for the next James Bond.

City of Blood

From Germany comes City of Blood, an eight-episode miniseries that paints a stark and chilling vision of Berlin’s future. In this dystopian narrative, unchecked climate change has transformed the city into a sweltering, unstable metropolis teetering on the brink of collapse. Amidst this chaos, a hidden vampire population is poised to exploit the widespread disorder. While a privileged elite resides safely beneath a climate-controlled dome, the vast majority of Berlin’s inhabitants are left to contend with oppressive heat, rampant crime, and pervasive corruption as their daily reality. The story ignites when estranged sisters Bea (Lea Drinda) and Phoebe (Soma Pysall) are unexpectedly reunited. Their reunion thrusts them into a complex web of deceit, leading them to uncover a nefarious political conspiracy. They soon discover that, thanks to the city’s hidden undead population, blood has become Berlin’s most coveted and dangerous commodity. Premiering on September 16, City of Blood offers a compelling and perfectly strange blend of climate dystopia, profound family drama, and pulse-pounding vampire thriller.

MobLand

Season 2 of MobLand is set to arrive, an event anticipated by fans of this critically underrated, or perhaps simply underseen, crime drama. Despite recent headlines concerning Oscar winner Tom Hardy’s reported behind-the-scenes drama, his commitment to the series is unwavering, as evidenced by his early signing for a third season. The upcoming season plunges viewers back into the volatile world of the Harrigan family, whose formidable criminal empire faces escalating threats from rival factions. Their astute street-smart fixer, Harry Da Souza, portrayed by Hardy, is tasked with navigating the increasingly bloody internal power struggles that threaten to tear the family apart. Harry is supported by his loyal and capable sidekick, Zosia (Jasmine Jobson), a tech specialist whose 21st-century skills offer a crucial advantage to the Harrigans’ old-school criminal enterprise, headed by Conrad (Pierce Brosnan) and Maeve Harrington (Helen Mirren). As external forces close in, loyalties are tested, alliances shift, and violence permeates every facet of the family’s existence. Premiering on September 18, the new season promises more bloodshed, difficult decisions, and features one of television’s most impactful theme songs: Fontaines D.C.’s "Starburster."

Outlander: Blood of My Blood

Before the epic romance of Jamie and Claire captivated audiences across time, there were their parents. Outlander: Blood of My Blood serves as a highly anticipated prequel to the beloved Outlander series, mirroring its predecessor’s structure by weaving together two distinct timelines. The series meticulously details the courtship of Jamie Fraser’s parents, Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy) and Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater), set against the rugged backdrop of 18th-century Scotland. Simultaneously, it explores the burgeoning love story of Claire Beauchamp’s parents, Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine) and Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield), amidst the tumultuous World War I era in England. These two burgeoning love stories unfold across their respective historical periods, masterfully intertwining elements of romance, intricate family drama, and the pervasive time-traveling forces that have enchanted Outlander fans for eight seasons. The second season of this captivating prequel is scheduled to premiere on September 18, promising to further enrich the lore and lineage of the main series.

American Horror Story

The highly anticipated 13th season of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s acclaimed horror anthology, American Horror Story, is generating significant buzz, described by some as an "Avengers-esque endgame-level event" or a "greatest hits" compilation. While specific details remain characteristically under wraps, it has been confirmed that the new season will draw inspiration from various previous installments of the series. There will be a particular emphasis on its fan-favorite witchcraft-laden "Coven" and the apocalyptic "Apocalypse" storylines. Adding to the excitement, the season is reassembling an all-star cast of past series regulars, many of whom are expected to undertake double—or even triple—character duties. This illustrious lineup includes Murphy mainstays such as Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, and Angela Bassett, promising a nostalgic yet fresh experience for long-time viewers. With its premiere set for September 26, audiences have ample time to revisit or brush up on the extensive AHS lore in preparation for this momentous season.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Long before Netflix introduced a new English dub that sparked considerable discussion among fans, there existed the original Japanese-language version of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Released in 1995, this landmark anime holds a revered place in animation history. The series initially follows a group of teenagers reluctantly recruited to pilot colossal biomechanical weapons, known as Evangelions or Evas. Their mission is to defend a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, now designated Tokyo-3, from enigmatic invaders referred to as Angels. However, what begins as a seemingly straightforward battle for humanity’s survival quickly evolves into a far more profound and complex narrative. The series delves deep into themes of trauma, profound loneliness, the search for identity, and the intricacies of human connection, pushing the boundaries of the mecha genre. The Criterion Channel is making a significant contribution to anime preservation by streaming all 26 episodes of the classic (pre-Netflix) English dub for the first time, alongside the original Japanese-language version, catering to purists and new viewers alike. This return is a fitting tribute to one of anime’s most influential and boundary-pushing series.