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TV preview: Fall promises cornucopia of new television series, installments

(Joy Chen/Daily Bruin senior staff)

By Maya Vibhakar, Puja Anand, Eric Sican, Reid Sperisen, and Paco Bacalski

Oct. 6, 2024 7:46 p.m.

As the season’s palette transitions from vibrant greens to soft reds and yellows, television harvests a bountiful lineup for autumn.

With cozy weather and cool winds approaching, the fall’s fresh releases will surely offer a familiar experience for viewers. Whether watching a comforting spinoff or a riveting thriller, audiences are guaranteed an abundant watchlist this quarter.

Read on for the Daily Bruin’s enchanting television selection for this fall.

[Related: Video game preview: New releases this fall to bring excitement with remakes, series continuations]

(Courtesy of IMDb)
Aya Cash as Anita (left), Billy Magnussen as Adam (right) and Himesh Patel as Daniel (back row second from right) star in HBO’s upcoming series “The Franchise.” The comedy-drama debuts Sunday. (Courtesy of IMDb)

“The Franchise” (HBO)

In HBO’s latest satire, the magic of movie-making has never been messier.

“The Franchise” premieres Sunday and dives into the dysfunctional set of a floundering superhero blockbuster, focusing on characters Daniel (Himesh Patel) and Anita (Aya Cash) as members of the film’s disheveled crew. Created by the writer of the Emmy-award-winning series “Succession” Jon Brown and executively produced by “Veep” creator Armando Iannucci and “Skyfall” director Sam Mendes, the half-hour comedy series is helmed by both satire and franchise veterans who aim to take on the questionable artistry behind cinematic universes.

With Lolly Adefope’s character pointedly asking, “Have you ever thought, ‘Am I killing cinema?’” in the show’s teaser, there’s no question that “The Franchise” is ready to point fingers at dominating blockbuster corporations such as Marvel and DC Studios. Even one of the show’s plot points – in which the studio switches creative direction mid-project and begins secretly filming a new movie without the original director’s knowledge – is supposedly taken straight from the real-life experience of at least one franchise filmmaker, said the series’ producers. Nevertheless, based on its trailer, the show is still looking to highlight the comedy amidst the chaos and let the absurdity of modern superhero filmmaking speak for itself.

Between the green screens and grueling setbacks, “The Franchise” is pulling back the curtain and letting audiences in on what it really takes to get a blockbuster on the big screen.

– Maya Vibhakar

(Courtesy of IMDb)
Engulfed in cool blue light and sporting a concerned expression, Cate Blanchett will star as Catherine Ravenscroft in “Disclaimer.” On Friday, the psychological thriller will premiere on Apple TV+. (Courtesy of IMDb)


“Disclaimer” (Apple TV+)

Audiences may need a disclaimer for a psychological journey this fall.

The thriller series “Disclaimer” will premiere on Apple TV+ on Friday. Based on Renée Knight’s eponymous novel, the series’ seven chapters follow established journalist Catherine Ravenscroft (Cate Blanchett) as she navigates an intense journey through her secretive past. The series boasts a star-studded cast, from two-time Academy award winner Blanchett to Oscar nominees Sacha Baron Cohen and Kodi Smit-McPhee, a talented lineup promising top-notch acting.

The plot surrounds Ravenscroft’s success, drawn primarily from brutally revealing the misdemeanors of others. When a mysterious novel arrives at her doorstep – a ruthless character assassination of the series protagonist – Catherine’s world is turned upside down. Before her past catches up to her, she hurries to unmask the author before her carefully calculated reputation falls to pieces – a fate she subjected countless victims to. “Disclaimer” is a raw portrayal of the destructive power of the written word and the hypocrisy innate to humankind.

A gripping lesson in the ruinous potential of journalism, “Disclaimer” is sure to keep audiences begging for more.

– Puja Anand

(Courtesy of CBR)
Montana Jordan (left) and Emily Osment (right) star as George and Mandy in the comedy series “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.” The “Young Sheldon” spinoff will premiere on CBS and Paramount+ on Oct.17. (Courtesy of CBR)

“Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” (CBS)

Step into the charming world of Georgie & Mandy.

The highly anticipated spinoff exploring the early days of Georgie and Mandy’s relationship after the events of “Young Sheldon” is premiering Oct. 17 on CBS and Paramount+. This series offers a heartfelt look at the complexities of young love set against the vibrant backdrop of Texas. As they navigate family expectations, financial challenges and the chaos of starting a life together, viewers will witness their journey filled with laughter, growth and the occasional misstep.

With a cast of Montana Jordan and Emily Osment reprising their characters, “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” will combine humor and warmth, highlighting the relatable struggles of young adulthood. As Georgie and Mandy support each other through life’s inevitable ups and downs, they will remind viewers that every relationship is a journey of discovery. This spinoff promises the same heartwarming charm that fans have come to love in “Young Sheldon,” making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the complexities of love and partnership.

With a front-row seat to the beautiful chaos of love – this is one journey viewers won’t want to miss.

– Eric Sican

[Related: Cast, producers reflect on “Young Sheldon” coming to an end after seven seasons]

(Courtesy of IMDb)
Michael Dorman (left), Anna Torv (center) and Sam Corlett (right) play Graham, Emily and Marshall Lawson, respectively, in “Territory.” The drama series will premiere on Netflix on Oct. 24. (Courtesy of IMDb)

“Territory” (Netflix)

This fall, Netflix’s television offerings are expanding into new “Territory.”

The streaming giant will release the first season of its new drama series “Territory” on Oct. 24. The program is set in the badlands of northern Australia and follows the Lawson family as they battle for control of the world’s largest cattle station. Without a distinct leader, the Lawson family’s outback ranching empire suffers from instability. A multigenerational cast is set to collide with competitor cattle moguls, billionaire businessmen and Indigenous people to attempt to take power over the lucrative operation.

“Territory” is set to star Anna Torv, Michael Dorman, Robert Taylor and Sam Corlett as members of the Lawson family. The series was filmed across Australia, including in the cattle station Tipperary Station and the UNESCO World Heritage site Kakadu National Park. Some cattle stations in Australia’s desert scrublands that inspired the show– such as the Anna Creek Station – are thousands of acres in size, larger than the state of New Jersey.

With such an unpredictable fight for land, “Territory” is sure to stake its claim with viewers.

– Reid Sperisen

(Courtesy of IMDb)
A character wearing enormous glowing gloves faces a monster illuminated by harrowing red light. The Emmy-award-winning League of Legends adaptation “Arcane” will return for its second season on Netflix on Nov. 9. (Courtesy of IMDb)

“Arcane” season 2 (Netflix)

It’s time to return to Runeterra for round two.

After its first outing went out with a literal bang three years ago, “Arcane” season two is set to arrive on Netflix with an initial batch of episodes dropping Nov. 9. Based on the hit video game “League of Legends,” “Arcane” follows two sisters, Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell), who are caught in a conflict between the prosperous city of Piltover and the subterranean slum of Zaun. Following Jinx’s explosive actions in the season one finale, the second season will see the two cities erupt into outright war – with the sisters firmly situated on opposite sides.

The trailer showcases the signature stylish blend of 2D and 3D animation that helped catapult “Arcane” to critical acclaim, courtesy of French studio Fortiche Production. It also promises an expansion of both the show’s political and fantastical plotlines, even as it leaves the fates of several characters from season one unclear. Despite the increase in scope, however, viewers won’t have to worry about any cliffhangers once the dust settles, as the show’s sophomore season will also be its last.

The final farewell of “Arcane” will surely be in a league of its own.

– Paco Bacalski

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Maya Vibhakar
Vibhakar is an Arts staff writer, News contributor and member of the Editorial Board. She is also a fourth-year political science student from Columbia, Maryland.
Vibhakar is an Arts staff writer, News contributor and member of the Editorial Board. She is also a fourth-year political science student from Columbia, Maryland.
Eric Sican | Lifestyle editor
Sican is the 2024-2025 lifestyle editor. He was previously an Arts contributor from 2023-2024. He is a third-year English student minoring in history from Los Angeles.
Sican is the 2024-2025 lifestyle editor. He was previously an Arts contributor from 2023-2024. He is a third-year English student minoring in history from Los Angeles.
Reid Sperisen | Music | fine arts editor
Sperisen is the 2024-2025 music | fine arts editor and an Opinion, News, Podcasts and PRIME contributor. He was previously an Arts contributor from 2023-2024. Sperisen is a third-year communication and political science student minoring in professional writing from Stockton, California.
Sperisen is the 2024-2025 music | fine arts editor and an Opinion, News, Podcasts and PRIME contributor. He was previously an Arts contributor from 2023-2024. Sperisen is a third-year communication and political science student minoring in professional writing from Stockton, California.
Paco Bacalski | Copy chief
Bacalski is a 2024-2025 co-Copy chief and an Arts, Design, News and Photo contributor. He was previously a 2023-2024 slot editor and a 2022-2023 Copy staffer. Bacalski is also a fourth-year English student minoring in linguistics from San Diego.
Bacalski is a 2024-2025 co-Copy chief and an Arts, Design, News and Photo contributor. He was previously a 2023-2024 slot editor and a 2022-2023 Copy staffer. Bacalski is also a fourth-year English student minoring in linguistics from San Diego.
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