Name a better feeling than curling up on the couch after a long day, when the weather’s cool and there’s a pot of chili on the stove. Cozy season is upon us, and I, for one, couldn’t be more excited about it. Movie nights just hit differently in the fall, don’t you think? There’s so much to stream, and a new season always means new releases. Below, I’ve rounded up the fall movies and shows you don’t want to miss.
TV Shows
Returning Favorites
Did any other “Ted Lasso” fans get more excited about the new season watching the World Cup this year? I know I did. Thankfully, the wait is officially over—Season Four premiered on Aug. 5, with new episodes dropping weekly on Wednesdays. If you’re new to the series, Jason Sudeikis plays Ted Lasso, an American soccer coach hired to help a struggling British football club. It’s a great show to binge, especially with the new season just getting started, and this time, Ted’s coaching a women’s football team, a brand-new challenge for our beloved coach.
The Paper
When I first heard there was a spinoff series to “The Office,” I knew I needed to check it out. “The Paper”‘s second season drops in September, following the same documentary crew—now trailing the staff of a struggling Midwestern newspaper and the publisher trying to breathe new life into it. My favorite detail: Oscar Martinez, one of my favorite characters from The Office, works there, too. A full-circle moment. Season Two premieres on Peacock Sept. 9.
Tolkien fans, the next chapter is almost here. Season Three of Prime Video’s “Lord of the Rings” series premieres Nov. 11, two years after the last season ended—plenty of anticipation built up. A prequel to both “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” drawn from the appendices of the original trilogy. There’s still time to binge the first two seasons (or even the movies) to get yourself back in the zone.
Reality TV
Dancing With the Stars
DWTS has been around for years, but this past season picked up serious social media momentum — and the hype for this one is real. Season 35 premieres on ABC Sept. 15. Only four cast members have been announced so far, with the rest revealed on Good Morning America throughout September. Who’s ready to rumba?
I’m obsessed with “The Traitors.” This competition reality show is so silly and so fun, and so much of the magic comes from host Alan Cumming—the way he and the cast take this game so seriously is delicious. Every past season has cast celebrities, but this will be the first time it’s full of civilians. I will be sat for the premiere on Sept. 17.
Speaking of competition reality shows: Netflix is dropping one based around “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” and let’s just say: I’m here for it. The chocolate factory set looks incredible, and the challenges appear to be pulled from classic scenes in the beloved book and films. Fun, and a little chaotic, in the best way. The series premieres Sept. 23—might as well make this salted chocolate date tart to celebrate.
Movies
New Releases & Comedies
Don’t Say Good Luck
Adam Sandler’s production company, Happy Madison, is known for off-the-wall comedies—think “The Waterboy” and “50 First Dates.” “Don’t Say Good Luck,” a coming-of-age film starring Sandler’s daughter Sunny, veers into new territory. The trailer looks great, promising something earnest, funny, and moving. Sunny Sandler plays Sophie, a high-schooler preparing for the lead role in her school musical amid an unsteady home life, alongside Melanie Lynskey, Stephanie Beatriz, and Steve Buscemi. Mark your calendars for Aug. 14.
Keanu Reeves as an angel, Aziz Ansari as a gig-worker down on his luck, and Seth Rogen as a venture capitalist—with Sandra Oh and Keke Palmer along for the ride? Sign me up. Written, directed by, and starring Ansari, “Good Fortune” premieres Aug. 21 on Prime Video and looks like the perfect fun, low-stakes fall movie night. The premise: an angel helps Arj, a man juggling multiple jobs and living in his car, by swapping his life with Jeff, a wealthy venture capitalist.
You, Me & Tuscany
Rom-com girlies, this is the perfect way to kick off the fall season. Halle Bailey plays Anna, a chef who jets off to Tuscany to stay in an empty villa, only to find an engagement ring in a junk drawer and get caught red-handed by the villa owner’s family—so she convinces them she’s the owner’s fiancée. Naturally, she meets the dreamy nephew (Regé-Jean Page, obviously), sparks fly, and chaos ensues. The perfect pick for a fall girls night, especially if you love a gorgeous Italian backdrop. Streaming on Peacock starting Aug. 7.
Dramas & Character Studies
Anything with Ian McKellen is sure to be good, as far as I’m concerned—and here he stars alongside Michaela Coel. McKellen plays a once-celebrated artist who’s abandoned multiple projects; in a bit of quiet deception, his children hire a forger (Coel) to finish the canvases so they can sell the paintings after his death. I imagine watching this one with a glass of red wine, curled up on the couch in a chunky sweater — it is about artists, after all. Streaming on Hulu starting Aug. 22.
If you’re less of a rom-com girlie, “Midwinter Break” may be more your speed. Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds are powerhouse actors, and they play a long-time husband and wife who decide to travel to Amsterdam. It ends up being a life-changing trip as cracks in their marriage start to appear—leaving them to grapple with hard truths and past traumas. The film starts streaming on Netflix on Aug. 10.
If you’re not quite ready for cozy knits and mugs of cider, Prime Video has the perfect antidote with this late-summer release. Set on the beaches of Mallorca, “The Last Sunrise” follows Ry (Maia Reficco) as she falls for a charming local, Julián (Fernando Lindez). Ry is a college student navigating chronic illness, and a summer of steamy romance, stunning scenery, and life in Spain that tests her family obligations in ways she doesn’t see coming. Romance, drama, and plenty of eye candy, streaming Aug. 26.
Documentaries
I love Billie Eilish, and I love a music documentary, so this one was an easy yes—streaming now on Paramount+. The concert film includes footage from her most recent tour along with behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on the road, and the immersive style puts you right in the middle of it all. Expect the hits: “Bad Guy,” “Birds of a Feather,” “What Was I Made For?,” and more.
Spooky Season
Just in time for spooky season, this television adaptation of Stephen King’s debut novel streams on Prime Video starting Oct. 7. “Carrie” follows a sheltered teenage girl and her overbearing mother as she navigates public high school for the first time—and as strange powers begin to emerge alongside relentless bullying, this one is the perfect watch to ease into the Halloween spirit.
You, Me & Tuscany
Rom-com girlies—You, Me & Tuscany is the perfect way to kick off the fall season. Halle Bailey plays Anna, a chef who jets off to Tuscany to stay in an empty villa. After finding an engagement ring in a junk drawer and getting caught red handed by the villa owner’s family members—she convinces them that she’s the owner’s fiancee. Of course, she meets the dreamy nephew (Regé-Jean Page, obviously), sparks fly and chaos ensues. This is the perfect movie for a fall girls night, especially if you love a gorgeous Italian backdrop! You can stream You, Me & Tuscany starting Aug. 7 on Peacock.
Midwinter Break
If you’re less of a rom com girlie, Midwinter Breakmay be more your speed. Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds are powerhouse actors, and they play a long-time husband and wife who decide to travel to Amsterdam. It ends up being a life changing trip as cracks in their marriage start to appear—leaving them to grapple with hard truths and past traumas. The film starts streaming on Netflix on Aug. 10.
