40 best tv shows this autumn you can’t miss
Don’t Miss Total TV Guide’s Unmissable Bumper Edition!
Get ready to refresh your watchlist - because autumn TV is about to be huge.
On Tuesday, 18 August 2026, Total TV Guide returns with its much‑anticipated “40 Best Shows This Autumn” bumper edition - your ultimate companion to the biggest, boldest and most binge‑worthy season of television yet.
Whether you love gripping dramas, addictive thrillers, laugh‑out‑loud comedies, period dramas or the biggest moments from the soaps, this special issue has everything you need to plan your perfect autumn viewing schedule.
Your essential guide to the season’s biggest TV
Autumn is when the television calendar truly explodes - returning favourites, ambitious new launches and awards contenders all competing for your attention. With so much choice across a plethora of channels, knowing what’s worth your time can feel overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
Our expert team has carefully selected and previewed the 40 standout shows set to define your viewing in Autumn 2026. Inside this bumper edition, you’ll find:
⭐ Exclusive previews of the most anticipated new dramas
⭐ First looks at major returning series
⭐ Insider interviews with top stars
⭐ Behind‑the‑scenes insights you won’t read anywhere else
⭐ Streaming highlights across every major platform
⭐ Hidden gems you’ll want to discover early
From high‑budget global epics to brilliantly crafted British favourites, we’ve curated the season so you don’t miss a single must‑see moment.
Brand‑new series you’ll be first to discover
Every autumn brings a fresh wave of original storytelling - and this year is no exception. Our bumper issue spotlights the new titles that will generate serious buzz, with a guide to what they’re about, who’s starring, and why they could be your next obsession.
Looking for your next crime thriller? A sweeping romance? A bold new sci‑fi world? We break down the shows everyone will be talking about - before the conversation even starts.
The Big Returns
Some of television’s biggest hits are back - and the stakes have never been higher.
In this special edition, we revisit returning fan favourites and reveal what’s ahead this season. Expect exclusive teasers, cast insights and everything you need to refresh your memory before pressing play on those long‑awaited new episodes.
Streaming, sorted
With more platforms than ever competing for your time, our streaming guide is essential reading. We’ve sifted through the crowded release schedules to highlight the series truly worth prioritising - whether you binge in one weekend or savour an episode a week.
If you’re wondering which subscription will deliver the best autumn entertainment, this issue will help you decide.
Expert picks & hidden gems
Some of the best television can arrive quietly - and that’s why our experts go beyond the headlines. Alongside the major premieres, we shine a spotlight on the under‑the‑radar dramas, smart comedies and daring one‑offs that deserve your viewing time.
Because sometimes the show you weren’t expecting becomes the one you love most.
Bigger, better, more essential than ever
This isn’t just another weekly issue. The “40 Best Shows This Autumn” bumper edition is a collector‑worthy, expanded guide packed with extra features, extended previews and curated recommendations designed to carry you through the entire season.
Think of it as your autumn TV planner - all in one place.
Mark the date
The Total TV Guide “40 Best Shows This Autumn” bumper edition goes on sale Tuesday, 18 August 2026.
Available in stores nationwide, it’s the one issue every TV fan needs before the new season begins.
Don’t leave your autumn viewing to chance.
Don’t miss the surprises.
And definitely don’t miss the shows everyone will be talking about.