From “A Different World” to “Abbott Elementary” to “Reasonable Doubt,” and more we round up 12 Black shows arriving this fall on TV.
The humid, muggy long days of summer are getting shorter. The leaves are falling and turning brown by the time they hit the ground. Depending on where you are, there’s even just the slightest nip to the air, inviting a hoodie, a cozy sweatshirt, or even a little jean jacket. Fall has arrived.
And with fall, when the days wrap up naturally by 4 p.m. ET and give way to long evenings spent nestled inside on couches under blankets, comes fall TV. Starting this week through November, several shows are debuting while others are making their triumphant return.
Among the slate, we have the highly anticipated reboot of “A Different World” arriving tomorrow (September 24) on Netflix, executive-produced by the legendary choreographer Debbie Allen and starring Maleah Joi Moon. We also have the return of “American Horror History,” which will revisit the anthology series’ beloved coven and a healthy dose of some New Orleanian voodoo. Plus, hit shows like Hulu’s “A Reasonable Doubt,” Netflix’s “Lupin,” and ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” are all coming back on our screens.
From dramas to biopics to comedies, and a few long-running shows too, theres no shortage of fresh stories coming to keep us entertained long after the sun has set for the day. Below, we have gathered 12 shows debuting or returning this fall.
A Different World — Sept. 24, Netflix
We’re going back to Hillman! Nearly 40 years after “A Different World” first introduced us to the beloved fictional HBCU, a new generation of students is arriving on campus. This time, the series follows Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon), the youngest daughter of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, as she kicks off her freshman year.
American Horror Story — Sept. 24, FX
“American Horror Story” is going back to “Coven.” For its 13th season, the anthology series is bringing back Angela Bassett as legendary New Orleans voodoo queen Marie Laveau and Gabourey Sidibe as Queenie, along with several other familiar faces from the show’s past.
S.W.A.T. Exiles — Sept. 25, Starz
Shemar Moore reprises his longtime role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in “S.W.A.T. Exiles,” a new spinoff that finds the former commander coming out of forced retirement to lead a new team of recruits.
Saturday Night Live — Sept. 26, NBC
When “Saturday Night Live” returns for its 52nd season, in addition to NBA star Jalen Brunson hosting, there will be a new face in Studio 8H. That of comedian, writer, and director Saidah Belo-Osagie, who joins the show as a featured player alongside returning cast members, including Kenan Thompson and Kam Patterson.
Reasonable Doubt — Oct. 6, Hulu
Jax Stewart has another case on her hands. Emayatzy Corinealdi returns for the fourth season of “Reasonable Doubt,” alongside Morris Chestnut and a stacked roster of familiar faces, including Meagan Good, La La Anthony, Rutina Wesley, and Brandee Evans.
Abbott Elementary — Oct. 7, ABC
School is almost back in session at Abbott. Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, and the rest of our favorite Philadelphia educators will be back in class for the Emmy-winning comedy’s sixth season.
9-1-1 — Oct. 15, ABC
Angela Bassett is reporting for duty once again. The actress returns as LAPD’s Athena Grant, only this time as a detective, when “9-1-1” kicks off its milestone 10th season this October.
Grey’s Anatomy — Oct. 15, ABC
Apparently, there is still plenty of drama left at Grey Sloan Memorial. “Grey’s Anatomy” returns for a staggering 23rd season this fall, bringing its doctors, romances, and medical emergencies back for another round.
Lupin — Oct. 23, Netflix
Oui Oui! Omar Sy returns as the gentleman thief, Assane Diop, when the French hit “Lupin” returns for Part 4, picking up four years after viewers last saw Assane turn himself in to protect his family.
The Gilded Age — Nov. 1, HBO
Things are coming up roses for Peggy Scott. Denée Benton returns as the ambitious young writer for Season 4 of “The Gilded Age,” which finds Peggy preparing to marry Dr. William Kirkland and join his prominent Black family, including his formidable mother, Elizabeth, played by Phylicia Rashad.
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins — Nov. 2, NBC
Reggie Dinkins isn’t done trying to make his comeback. Tracy Morgan is bringing the disgraced former football star back for Season 2, alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Erika Alexander, as Reggie continues his quest to rebuild his reputation and make it into the Hall of Fame.
The Greatest — Nov. 4, Prime Video
Muhammad Ali’s story is heading to the small screen. Jaalen Best steps into the ring as the legendary boxer in “The Greatest,” a new scripted series exploring Ali beyond the gloves, including his life as a father, husband, brother, and son.
