Fall TV 2021: 15 new and returning shows to look forward to

Oregonian - 8/27/2021

Remember just a little while ago, when it looked like the pandemic was fading away, and we'd all be able to go outdoors, get together with friends, and party like it was 2019? Obviously, reality had some different plans, and it's again seeming like a fine idea to stay close to home. At least while we're doing that, we'll have some fresh TV to watch.

The fall 2021 TV season is coming up, and it promises the long-awaited return of some fiercely missed favorites ("Succession," you can't come back soon enough!), along with new programs that sound promising. Here's a look at some of the shows that, we hope, provide escape, make us think, and hand us some much-needed laughs.

SEPTEMBER 5

"Billions": The terrific series about high-stakes financial and legal maneuverings among New York power players finally returns from its agonizingly long pandemic pause, to continue Season 5. Damian Lewis, Paul Giamatti, Maggie Siff and Asia Kate Dillon lead one of the very best casts on TV. (9 p.m.Showtime)

SEPTEMBER 7

"Impeachment: American Crime Story": The newest chapter in the anthology tells the story of the scandal that followed the revelation of then-President Bill Clinton's relationship with Monica Lewinsky. The series revisits this saga, which led to the first impeachment of a U.S. President in more than 100 years, from the point of view of the women at the center of it. Beanie Feldstein stars as Lewinsky, Sarah Paulson is Linda Tripp, and Annaleigh Ashford plays Paula Jones. The dazzlingly talented cast also includes Clive Owen as Bill Clinton, and Edie Falco as Hillary Clinton. The executive producers include Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson. (10 p.m. FX)

SEPTEMBER 12

"Scenes From a Marriage": Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac star in a limited series about a couple struggling with relationship challenges. The drama is adapted from Ingmar Bergman's 1973 Swedish miniseries. This version is written, directed and executive produced by Hagai Levi ("The Affair"). Admittedly, with that pedigree, this isn't likely to be a day-brightener, but so many talented people are on board, the limited series is worth getting excited about. (9 p.m.HBO)

"American Rust": Jeff Daniels and Maura Tierney, who make everything they're in better, star in a drama about a a Pennsylvania steel town suffering from economic collapse, and the secrets and lies that lie beneath the surface. (10 p.m.Showtime)

SEPTEMBER 13

"Y: The Last Man": The long-in-the-works drama based on the popular comic series by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra, finally arrives. The story is a dark sci-fi vision of a world in which all mammals with a Y chromosome mysteriously die, with one exception - a man named Yorick Brown, whose companion is his Capuchin monkey. Those left alive struggle to rebuild society and understand the dangers that threaten them. The showrunner is Eliza Clark, and, as the publicity points out, all episodes of the season will be diected by women. The cast includes Diane Lane, Ben Schnetzer, Olivia Thirlby, Amber Tamblyn, Marin Ireland and Missi Pyle. (FX on Hulu)

SEPTEMBER 17

"The Morning Show": The starry series about TV news personalities finally returns for a second season, after an extended pandemic-related shutdown. Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Mark Duplass, Billy Crudup and more will return, and Julianna Margulies is among the new faces joining the cast. The story picks up after Season 1 s finale, in which Aniston and Witherspoon, as the morning show co-hosts, called out their network's messed-up culture. Sounds like the new season will be lively. (Apple TV+)

SEPTEMBER 19

"Muhammad Ali": A four-part, eight-hour documentary series from Ken Burns, his daughter, Sarah Burns, and her husband, David McMahon, who also collaborated on "The Central Park Five" and "Jackie Robinson." The film chronicles Ali's achievements and the cultural impact that made him an icon. (8 p.m.PBS)

SEPTEMBER 22

"The Wonder Years": Word-of-mouth is already strong when it comes to this comedy, inspired by the vintage series of the same name. This version focuses on a Black middle-class family in Montgomery, Alabama, in the late 1960s. The story is told from the point of view of 12-year-old Dean (Elisha "EJ" Williams). The rest of the cast includes Don Cheadle, who narrates, as the adult Dean, Dule Hill and Saycon Sengbloh. (8:30 p.m.ABC)

OCTOBER 13

"Dopesick": The opioid addiction crisis is the subject of this miniseries based on Beth Macy's book, "Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company That Addicted America." The splendid cast includes Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Kaitlyn Dever, Will Poulter, John Hoogenakker, Rosario Dawson and Michael Stuhlbarg. (Hulu)

OCTOBER 29

"Colin in Black & White": A series from Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay tells the true story of Kaepernick's youth, and what experiences made him become an activist. Jaden Michael plays the young Colin, and Nick Offerman and Mary-Louise Parker play Rick and Teresa Kaepernick. (Netflix)

COMING IN OCTOBER

OK, not much on this list sounds like a laugh riot. That's why it's good news that Larry David is returning for a new season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," coming to HBO in October. And it's especially epic news that "Succession," the deliciously witty, devilish series about a power-hungry family is returning for Season 3 in October, also on HBO. Just to keep us smiling, Issa Rae's comedy, "Insecure" also returns in October, for its fifth and final season.

NOVEMBER 7

"Dexter: New Blood": The sequel to the original blood-spattered drama takes place about 10 years after the finale of "Dexter." Michael C. Hall returns as Dexter, now going by the name of Jim Lindsay, and living in a small New York town. (9 p.m.Showtime)

"Yellowstone": The hit contemporary Western starring Kevin Costner returns for Season 4, promising to answer fans' questions about just what happened after that cliffhanger Season 3 finale. (9 p.m. Paramount Network)

More of our coverage:

Fall TV 2021 premiere dates for new and returning shows

-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist