Fall 2016 must-watch TV shows

Linnea Kennedy, Staff Reporter

I think it’s safe to assume that everyone loves to settle down on their couch after a long day at work or school with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy an episode of their favorite show. However, how does one prevent wasting their time on a mediocre series that’s soon to be cancelled anyway? As someone who is highly concerned with your personal entertainment, I have compiled this list of must-watch TV shows premiering this fall, so that your next television endeavor is sure to be successful. You’re welcome.

 

  1. Conviction – Premieres Monday, Oct. 3 at 9 p.m on ABC

 

In this intriguing new series, Hayes Morrison, a former first daughter (portrayed by Hayley Atwell), is blackmailed into heading the Conviction Integrity Unit, which is a department made up of detectives, lawyers and forensic experts, who re-examine cases where there is suspicion of wrongful conviction in hopes of setting things right.

 

  1.  Designated Survivor – Premiered Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 9 p.m on ABC

 

In this surprisingly realistic show, Tom Kirkman (portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland), Secretary of U.S. Housing and Urban Development, is named “designated survivor” on the night that an explosion takes the lives of the president and every other cabinet member. Kirkman is immediately sworn in as President and must take on responsibilities that he in no way wants or is prepared for.

 

  1. The Exorcist – Premiered Friday Sept. 23 at 8 p.m on Fox

 

For those who love a good scare, this TV show is based loosely on the movie of the same name, and stars one of its original cast members, Geena Davis. Davis plays Angela, the head of the Rance family, who must deal with her father losing his mind, her daughter becoming a hermit, and of course, an evil spirit living inside her house.

 

  1. Frequency – Premieres Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m on the CW

 

In this new series about time travel, Raimy (portrayed by Peyton List), a detective, begins communicating with her deceased father through an old HAM radio 20 years in the past. Through their correspondence, she is able prevent her father’s death in his timeline, but must deal with the horrifying repercussions that occur in her own.

 

  1. The Good Place – Premiered Thursday, Sept. 22 at 8:30/7:30c on NBC

 

In this TV comedy, Eleanor (Kristen Bell), dies and goes to “The Good Place.” However, there was a mixup considering that she was a terrible person during her lifetime. When Eleanor discovers this, she must keep the secret from the architect of her neighborhood in The Good Place so she isn’t sent to The Bad Place.

 

  1. The Great Indoors – Premieres: Thursday, Oct. 27 at 8:30/7:30c on CBS

 

As an adventure reporter, Jack is paid to travel to and experience many exotic locations. His life couldn’t be more exciting until the magazine he works for decides to focus on online publishing. When Jack is given a monotonous desk job, he is forced to deal with his annoying new coworkers, a group of millennials who have never seen the great outdoors.

 

  1. This is Us –  Premieres Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 9 p.m on NBC

If you’re looking for a tearjerker, this emotional new series is definitely for you. This show follows different people who were all born on the same day. In one storyline, Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia star as new parents who try to teach their children how to make the best out of the bad situations that are sometimes handed to us in life. This story shows that no matter how different people’s lives may seem, their struggles are often more connected than we realize.