I’m a TV expert – and these my top 13 October 2026 TV shows

• October brings a variety of new TV shows, from period dramas to spooky thrillers, including adaptations of classic novels and true crime documentaries.
• Viewers can look forward to a mix of genres, such as sea-creature thrillers, Marvel spin-offs, and dark comedy-dramas, featuring well-known actors like Paul Bettany, Keri Russell, and Stephen Graham.
• Notable releases include a documentary about Matthew Perry, a series exploring high-stakes international diplomacy, and a thriller starring Catherine Zeta-Jones as a former criminal targeted by hitmen.

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’ve completed television recently. I spend more time scrolling through streaming channels than actually settling on something to watch – and now I know why!

Clearly, all of the streaming platforms were waiting until autumn began in earnest and we were all well and truly snuggled under blankets before giving us a feast of shows to pick from. From star-powered period dramas and a hard-hitting Stephen Graham drama to what is sure to be a tear-jerking documentary about the beloved late actor Matthew Perry, here are my top picks for the best telly to watch in October…

East of Eden – 1 October – Netflix

Starring Florence Pugh and Mike Faist, this adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel is a family saga following the Trasks and the Hamiltons across generations. It all centres on Cathy, a sociopath who creates havoc in the family’s lives with terrible generational effects. Fantastic if you love a period drama, and if you’d like a little break from all of the Jane Austen remakes.

Kill Jackie – 2 October – Prime Video

Starring the luminous Catherine Zeta-Jones, this gripping tale follows Jackie, a former criminal who suddenly becomes the target of an assassination attempt by The Seven Demons – a group of hitmen determined to kill her. Resolved to take down the demons and discover who ordered the hit on her, Jackie must return to her criminal roots to save her own life. It’s extra excellent thanks to Catherine keeping her Welsh accent while playing an international drug smuggler!

War – 2 October – Sky

Dominic West and Sienna Miller star as a high-profile couple whose acrimonious divorce sparks the aforementioned ‘war’ between them. Perfect for anyone who enjoys watching very wealthy, well-put-together people have their lives implode – and especially ideal if you’re a fan of The Split and The Split-Up.

Carrie – 7 October – Prime Video

October is spooky season, so it is practically a crime not to have at least one Stephen King adaptation thrown in for effect. This time, it’s yet another remake of Carrie, but adapted by horror genius Mike Flanagan. Frankly, I feel safe watching a new version of the story knowing that it’s from The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass creator himself!

Below – 8 October – Netflix

If you love a bit of Josh Hartnett, look no further than this sea-creature thriller about a fisherman who teams up with a marine researcher to discover why a mysterious sea creature is destroying his hometown before it’s too late. On a separate note, what is the deal with Netflix and sea-creature thrillers at the moment? First The Last House, and now this?!

The Pet Cemetery Murders: A Ghost Story – 12 October – HBO Max

For real-life thrills and chills, this three-part true crime series looks at the reopening of a mysterious 1985 cold case in Louisiana. Dorothy Lou Thompson was the owner of a pet cemetery who was found murdered, leaving no initial evidence behind… until the case reopened in 2009 when a new witness came forward claiming to have seen a ghost. Most definitely worth a watch!

VisionQuest – 14 October – Disney+

Paul Bettany returns as White Vision, hoping to regain his humanity after the many, many events of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, WandaVision, Agatha All Along, and beyond.

As a big fan of Marvel – and indeed Paul’s understated performance as the soft-spoken robot superhero – I can’t wait to see what Disney+ has planned for his story arc next. That is particularly true considering WandaVision remains one of the strongest Marvel TV spin-offs (in my opinion)!

The Diplomat (Season 4) – 15 October – Netflix

Keri Russell returns as US Ambassador Kate Wyler in another instalment of high-stakes international diplomacy, which sees relations between Washington and London reach breaking point. Since her husband, Matthew Rhys, won not one but two Emmy Awards for his roles in The Beast in Me and Widow’s Bay, it’s about time Keri had her rightful turn in the spotlight with this excellent show!

Phony – 20 October – Disney+

Now, this looks really interesting – and a bit weird. A teenage boy considers his single mother to be one of his closest friends, but after being involved in a car crash, he wakes up to discover that she has been replaced by an almost identical version of herself. Is he hallucinating, or has she really been replaced?

Nobody Wants This (Season 3) – 22 October – Netflix

Everyone’s favourite romcom returns for a new season of true love and great banter. While I think season two was definitely much weaker than season one, I am truly looking forward to the return of this sweet show. Hopefully, it’ll return to its original glory rather than feel like one big product placement advert for Estée Lauder and an Airbnb Experience.

The Audacity – 22 October – HBO Max

The synopsis for this dark comedy-drama reads: “Set inside the bubble of Silicon Valley, The Audacity takes on the warped dreams, outsized egos, and ethical lapses of the self-styled inventors of the future. In a world of jaded billionaires, psychiatrist-gurus, bio-hacked tech bros, AI labs and disillusioned teens being optimised in elite private schools, an audacious data-mining CEO strives to turn insight and influence into profit and power.”

The One About Matthew Perry – 27 October – Netflix

A documentary where the late Matthew Perry’s friends and relatives join together to discuss the actor’s comedy career, his love of making people laugh, and his desire to be famous – as well as his ongoing struggle with alcohol and substance abuse. An absolute must-watch for fans of Friends to celebrate someone who brought us all a lot of joy over the years.

Nocturne – 30 October – Apple TV

Fancy seeing Stephen Graham as a dangerous serial killer? This gripping new thriller is an adaptation of The Sandman by Lars Kepler. It follows a homicide detective who is searching for the hospitalised convict’s last victim, eventually forcing him to send his surrogate daughter up against the dangerous mastermind. Sign me up!