Most Anticipated Series of This Autumn

Autumn – that time of year when the days swiftly grow shorter and the moments for evening TV show binges increase. The unpleasant drizzle outside, chilly gusts of wind, gloomy leaden skies, and ever-present viral infections – the "gifts" of autumn can easily be avoided by simply snuggling under a blanket with hot tea and biscuits. But you need to know in advance where, what, and when to watch.

Sex Education: Season 4 

Premiering on Netflix from September 21st

We're in for new adventures with the socially awkward Otis, who has started clandestine therapy sessions in his school, drawing from insights he heard at home from his mother (played by the accomplished Gillian Anderson). Two years ago, the story left off with Moordale School going bankrupt and closing its doors. Otis' love interest, Maeve, flew to the USA for studies. Eric broke up with Adam. And Jean gave birth to a child from an unknown boy.

In the upcoming season of "Sex Education," its signature unabashed promotion of sexual diversity promises to reach new heights. The characters will move to Cavendish Sixth Form College, where Otis will encounter an already established sex therapist and will have to compete vigorously for a client base. Furthermore, all the newcomers will have to adjust to the rules of this progressive new school, where daily yoga sessions and competitions to be the best human are the norm.

How will Otis mend his broken heart? Does Jackson recover from his romance with Kelle? Where will Amy's newfound fascination with art lead her? And what makes Adam seriously contemplate dropping out? If you're interested in the sexual escapades of self-doubting teenagers, the final chapters of this iconic show guarantee 100% satisfaction.

Continental 

Premiering on Peacock and Prime Video from September 22nd

When rumors about a series set in the world of the "John Wick" film franchise began circulating five years ago, everyone somehow thought that Keanu Reeves was an essential part of the equation. However, instead of him, the leading roles in the new show "Continental" were taken by Colin Woodell and Mel Gibson, which simultaneously raises caution and intrigue.

This miniseries will recount a story that unfolded long before the events of the first John Wick film. Specifically, it delves into the creation of a New York hotel in 1975, which became a legendary cover for an assassins' club and various other criminals. Young Winston Scott, fleeing his haunting past, will plunge headfirst into deadly adventures in the secretive underground world of this criminal league. His sole objective will be to take over the hotel and claim his majestic throne.

Gen V 

Premiering on Prime Video from September 29th

At first glance, it might seem like a series about a generation of Russian orcs who, on February 24, 2022, donned their batty outfits and climbed into old Soviet tanks marked, among other things, with the letter "V," to invade peaceful Ukraine and perpetrate their bloody atrocity.

However, on closer inspection, it turns out that the reference is to a spin-off of "The Boys," an American series where a group of the same name combats villains who abuse their superpowers. The first spin-off was the animated anthology "The Boys Presents: Diabolical" and now they've prepared "Gen V" – complete with real actors and a continuous plot.

The show is described as "The Hunger Games" for superhumans. The action takes place at the Vought International Special College for exceptionally gifted boys and girls. The future graduates will compete for lucrative contracts post-education, test their physical strengths, and personally explore where society draws its moral red lines. This similar yet uniquely grim satire to the flagship series "Gen V" will appeal to those awaiting the next dose of "The Boys" (whose premiere has been postponed at least until the end of the ongoing US Writers Guild strike, now in its third month and showing no signs of resolution).

Loki: Season 2 

Premiering on Disney+ from October 6th

The continuation of the escapades of the mischievous Asgardian deity, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). After the first season revealed the secrets of the Time Variance Authority and Sylvie unleashed the Multiverse by killing the being known as "He Who Remains" (explaining it would be quite a tale, better to watch), an infinite number of timelines and alternate realities have emerged. Now, Loki will traverse the vastly dangerous expanding Multiverse to locate Sylvie, Judge Renslayer, Miss Minutes, and uncover the shocking truth behind the meaning of free will.

The Fall of the House of Usher 

Premiering on Netflix from October 12th

Edgar Allan Poe's tale "The Fall of the House of Usher" was first published nearly 200 years ago. While this macabre story still manages to horrify, director Mike Flanagan ("The Haunting of Hill House," "Doctor Sleep") has decided to blend several of Poe's works together for this horror classic adaptation, using the literary sources as inspiration only.

In this eight-episode Netflix series, events unfold in the aristocratic Usher residence, where the master – the CEO of a major pharmaceutical company that he once founded alongside his sister Madeline – must confront his horrifying past. This comes about as the heirs of the dynasty begin to mysteriously die one by one. As it seems, only a skeletal framework of Poe's narrative remains in the series. However, one must wait until October to determine whether this is a good or bad thing.

All the Light We Cannot See 

Premiering on Netflix from November 2nd

In 2015, American writer Anthony Doerr received the Pulitzer Prize for this historical novel. The plot follows the fate of a blind Frenchwoman and a timid German soldier who attempt to survive during World War II. Today, with a full-scale war once again engulfing the European continent, the story of two individuals desperate to preserve their dearest values – love and care for their loved ones – remains exceedingly relevant. Perhaps only the question of the supply of F-16 aircraft and ATACMS missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces is more pressing.

However, if Western weaponry ignites the trenches of Russian occupiers, then stories like "All That Invisible Light" ignite the hearts of people suffering through war, instilling hope in a brighter future that will inevitably come. For those who find this insufficient, we're delighted to inform you that among the cast of the adaptation are the beloved English comedian Hugh Laurie and Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith 

Premiering on Prime Video in November

Is there anything that unsettles the discerning viewer in the classic 2005 action film "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"? On reflection, it's somewhat odd that the main characters – Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie – are both white. Even more so, having two white leads in a mainstream film feels rather out of step with the times. Fortunately, the serial adaptation of the story about the assassin couple promises to rectify this shortcoming, as the role of Mr. Smith is taken on by the dark-skinned heartthrob Donald Glover, and the role of Mrs. Smith is portrayed by the exotic half-Asian Maya Erskine.

The original film was memorable for two reasons. Firstly, it became one of the best spy comedies in history and grossed nearly a billion dollars at the box office. Secondly, it was during the filming of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" that the romance between Pitt and Jolie sparked, leading to the infamous love triangle with third wheel Jennifer Aniston. What will the upcoming remake bring? We'll find out soon enough...

And if you've missed the summer series review from The Gaze - we recommend adding them to your must-watch list immediately.