We are officially in the throes of the fall television season — and the next couple of months will be an especially good time for women on the small screen. From now until Thanksgiving there will be a bunch of new female-driven projects to check out across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms.
This Sunday marks premiere of the much-anticipated “Star Trek: Discovery,” a feminist prequel to the Kirk and Spock-led 1966 original. The CBS All Access series revolves around two women of color: Starfleet officer Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Captain Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh).
October will see the bows of several women-created series. Among them are two ABC shows: Tassie Cameron’s child abduction drama “Ten Days in the Valley” starring Kyra Sedgwick, and Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters’ “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World,” a dramedy about depression, faith, and life. The CW will also debut the reboot of “Dynasty,” co-created by Stephanie Savage and Sallie Patrick. The update of the classic soap will focus on the not-too-friendly relationship between a woman and her same-aged stepmother-to-be.
Three women-hosted talk shows will also kick off in October. Sarah Silverman and Robin Thede will take on politics and current events in Hulu’s “I Love You, America” and BET’s “The Rundown,” respectively. And Amy Sedaris will instruct us on cooking and crafting via her manic, twisted worldview in the truTV series “At Home With Amy Sedaris.”
The second Margaret Atwood TV adaptation this year, “Alias Grace,” will hit Netflix in early November. Written by Sarah Polley and directed by Mary Harron, the Canada-set miniseries follows Grace Marks, an Irish immigrant accused and convicted of murder. For lighter November fare, turn to “SMILF” and “She’s Gotta Have It,” both of which are comedies inspired by films. Frankie Shaw’s “SMILF” is about a young mother trying to find romantic and professional fulfillment, which is extra difficult since she is also raising a child. “She’s Gotta Have It,” meanwhile, sees an independent Brooklyn artist juggle relationships with three different men.
Here are just some of the new series and television projects from and about women premiering this fall.
“Star Trek: Discovery” (Premieres September 24 on CBS All Access)
What it’s about: Set a decade before Kirk and Spock’s adventures on the Enterprise, “Star Trek: Discovery” centers on a female Starfleet officer named Michael (Sonequa Martin-Green), her captain (Michelle Yeoh), and the rest of the crew of the USS Discovery as they encounter new worlds and beings as they travel throughout space.
Why we’re excited: While the number of black and Asian female characters on TV is slowly increasing, it’s still uncommon for a series to feature more than one woman of color, let alone two female lead characters of color. So it seems “Discovery” will be a trailblazer in that regard. Also, per an early trailer, it appears that the mentor-protege relationship between Captain Georgiou and Michael will be a main focus. We think a feminist, diverse “Star Trek” is the sci-fi project 2017 needs right now.
“The Magic School Bus Rides Again” (Premieres September 29 on Netflix)
What it’s about: Kate McKinnon will lead this reboot of the classic kids’ series. Ms. Fiona Frizzle — younger sister of Lily Tomlin’s original Ms. Valerie Frizzle — takes the students of Walkerville Elementary on scientific, adventure-filled field trips with the help of a very special school bus.
Why we’re excited: If “Hidden Figures” taught us anything, it’s that young female viewers crave stories about women in STEM fields. “The Magic School Bus Rides Again” is both a project that will expose young women to the wonders of science and serve as a worthy successor to the “Magic School Bus” of the ’90s. Plus, with her habit of playing smart, weird, enthusiastic characters, McKinnon is the perfect actress to follow in Tomlin’s footsteps.
“Ten Days in the Valley” — Created and Written by Tassie Cameron (Premieres October 1 on ABC)
What it’s about: Jane Sadler (Kyra Sedgwick) is the producer of a controversial television series about the police. Also a single mother, Jane’s personal and professional lives are upended when her daughter goes missing.
Why we’re excited: Sedgwick has a knack for playing skilled law enforcement officials (“The Closer,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) and also had a memorable turn as a lonely widowed mother in last year’s “Edge of Seventeen.” “Ten Days in the Valley” is a drama that will bridge those two aspects of Sedgwick’s talents and could potentially provide meta-commentary on the way police cases are portrayed on TV versus the way they work in reality.
“9JKL” — Co-Created by Dana Klein (Premieres October 2 on CBS)
What it’s about: Newly divorced actor Josh Roberts (Mark Feuerstein) returns home to New York City and moves into an apartment bookended by his parents and his brother.
Why we’re excited: “9JKL” is loosely based on star Feuerstein’s own experiences and was co-created and is exec produced by the actor’s wife, Dana Klein. With a woman in one of the series’ creative roles, it’s likely that “9JKL” will be more than the typical “dude who can’t get away from his overbearing family” fare. It’s also possible that Klein’s presence behind-the-scenes will mean that the roles of Josh’s mother (Linda Lavin) and sister-in-law (Liza Lapira) will be given more depth than is usual for female characters in broad sitcoms.
“The Halcyon” — Created by Charlotte Jones (Premieres October 2 on Ovation)
What it’s about: This glamorous British import is set in a five-star hotel in WWII-era London. “The Halcyon” takes us into the lives of the socialites and guests who frequent the hotel as well those who work at the venue, and explores how everyone has been affected by the war.
Why we’re excited: “The Halcyon” aired earlier this year in Britain and will finally be available in the U.S. come October. Produced by the people behind “Downton Abbey” and “The Crown,” the series has the potential to become the newest obsession for Anglophiles, fans of period dramas, or anyone who appreciates well-executed costume design. And, of course, “The Halcyon’s” focus on war, politics, and class divisions will also make for some great pop culture think pieces.
“Kevin (Probably) Saves the World” — Created by Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters (Premieres October 3 on ABC)
What it’s about: A self-absorbed but unhappy young man (Jason Ritter) is tasked with saving the world by a celestial figure named Yvette (Kimberly Hébert Gregory) after he moves in with his widowed sister (JoAnna Garcia Swisher).
Why we’re excited: For one, anything from former “Agent Carter” showrunners Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters is worth checking out. But “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World” also stands out because it appears to be the rare project that explores faith and the role it can play in people’s lives. Considering the series’ description and the fact that ABC categorizes it as “a light drama,” “Kevin” has the potential to join “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and “Jane the Virgin” in the growing comedy-with-big-ideas TV genre.
“Dynasty” — Co-Created by Stephanie Savage and Sallie Patrick (Premieres October 11 on The CW)
What it’s about: This reboot of the classic primetime soap will present the epic rivalry between the uber-wealthy Carrington and Colby families through the sparring Carrington women: Fallon (Elizabeth Gillies) and her very young stepmother-to-be, Cristal (Nathalie Kelley). Glamour, betrayal, conspicuous consumption, and murder ensue.
Why we’re excited: Over-the-top soap operas can be a lot of fun and “Dynasty” co-creator Stephanie Savage has a knack for building compelling shows around the equal parts fascinating and revolting lives of the crazy rich (Savage has previously worked on “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl”). Not to mention that the best soaps are the ones whose protagonists are both villains and heroes. It seems the new “Dynasty” will have that in spades with Fallon and Cristal.
“I Love You, America” (Talk Show) (Premieres October 12 on Hulu)
What it’s about: Hosted by Sarah Silverman, the weekly series will be a balanced take on the current political climate and the 45th president. Silverman will present us the week’s most pressing topics with her personal commentary, interviews with people who don’t necessarily agree with her, and of course, many, many jokes.
Why we’re excited: In the Trump era, it can be hard to find any news outlet (comedic or otherwise) that isn’t imbued with despair. And if there’s one thing Silverman’s comedy is known for, it’s the performer’s wonder-filled, childlike persona. Optimism and lightness are in short supply right now, so it will be a relief to have a host like Silverman present the garbage fire that is the world through her trademark perkiness. It will also be interesting to see how many times per episode Silverman will manage to reference “pussy-grabbing.”
“The Rundown With Robin Thede” (Talk Show) (Premieres October 12 on BET)
What it’s about: Robin Thede (“The Nightly Show”) will examine the latest in politics and pop culture through commentary, sketches, and parodies. As Thede told The Hollywood Reporter when news of “The Rundown” broke, “This is going to be a show that is absolutely geared to a black audience and told from a black, female perspective.”
Why we’re excited: Thede is already in the TV history books for being the first black female head writer on a late-night comedy show and she’s sure to bring the insightful, razor-sharp observations about race and gender she honed at “The Nightly Show” to “The Rundown.” Further, while there is the rare white female voice in late-night comedy (Samantha Bee and, soon, Sarah Silverman), black women have not had the opportunity to engage as much with political comedy — so it seems like “The Rundown” will see Thede blaze yet another trail.
“The Day I Met El Chapo: The Kate del Castillo Story” (Docuseries) (Premieres October 20 on Netflix)
What it’s about: Actress Kate del Castillo will share her side of the infamous del Castillo-Sean Penn-Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán story in this three-part Netflix documentary miniseries.
Why we’re excited: While the 2016 meeting between between del Castillo, Penn, and the drug lord El Chapo made international headlines, not many details are known about del Castillo’s role in the rendezvous. It was reported that she “brokered” the meeting and effectively introduced Penn and El Chapo, but the rest of her story has not yet been told. It will be interesting to learn del Castillo’s reasons for working with one of the world’s most-wanted criminals and it seems that Netflix will offer audiences information that has previously been kept from the public, including never-before-seen footage of del Castillo, Penn, and El Chapo’s interaction.
“At Home With Amy Sedaris” (Talk Show) — Co-Created by Amy Sedaris (Premieres October 24 on truTV)
What it’s about: This “Martha Stewart Living” spoof sees actress and writer Amy Sedaris cook, bake, and craft alongside guests like Jane Krakowski, Rachel Dratch, and Sasheer Zamata. Sedaris will present her expertise on the domestic arts through segments like “Entertaining the Grieving” and “The Craft of Love Making” and a song about the appropriate uses for each type of glue.
Why we’re excited: Sedaris has been stealing scenes as a guest star for years (see: “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Broad City,” “Difficult People”) and it’s been 17 years since “Strangers with Candy” went off the air. Needless to say, it’s high-time she starred in her own series. Spending a half-hour with Sedaris each week will be amazing and if we learn how to make fancy, probably X-rated center pieces along the way, so much the better.
“Alias Grace” (Miniseries) — Directed by Mary Harron; Written by Sarah Polley (Premieres November 3 on Netflix)
What it’s about: Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s historical novel, “Alias Grace” centers on 19th century “murderess” Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon), who was accused and eventually convicted of killing her employer and co-worker. After 10 years of maintaining her innocence in prison, Grace tells her story — or what she can remember of it — to a psychiatrist (Edward Holcroft).
Why we’re excited: Well, if “The Handmaid’s Tale” is any indication, adaptations of Atwood’s work tend to make great TV. As in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Alias Grace” centers on a woman trapped in a terrifying, misogynistic system. What makes “Alias Grace” even more chilling is that it is based on the true story of Grace Marks and it’s unclear whether Grace herself is a patsy or a sociopath. And, of course, the upcoming Netflix show is written by “Away from Her” and “Stories We Tell” helmer Sarah Polley and is directed by “American Psycho’s” Mary Harron. There’s no way we’re missing a project that boasts talented women on and offscreen.
“SMILF” — Created by Frankie Shaw (Premieres November 5 on Showtime)
What it’s about: Frankie Shaw stars in, writes, directs, and produces this comedy about a young single mother who finds it’s hard to balance the duties of motherhood with an active sex life, relationships, and a career. “SMILF” is based on Shaw’s 2015 short film of the same name.
Why we’re excited: “SMILF” appears to be a spiritual spinoff of another one of our favorite shows, “Catastrophe,” the Amazon comedy about a couple navigating the ugly realities of parenthood and marriage. With her sexual frankness, her awkward conversations with her gynecologist, and intense love for her kid, Shaw’s “SMILF” character, Bridgette, could be Sharon Morris’ younger, slightly more insecure American sister.
“Danica” (Documentary) — Directed by Hannah Storm (Premieres November 8 on EPIX)
What it’s about: Racecar driver and mogul Danica Patrick looks back on her career in the male-dominated world of racing — and provides viewers a glimpse into her life off the speedway — in this documentary from sports broadcast journalist Hannah Storm.
Why we’re excited: Most people who have heard of Danica Patrick know that she’s a NASCAR driver, but probably couldn’t tell you too much else about her. Storm’s doc presents a full picture of Patrick as a person, not just as one of the few women in a sport that’s especially male-driven. We’re confident that Storm’s vision will make “Danica” a particularly compelling story. After building a successful career in the man’s world of sports journalism, the director herself is surely familiar with being known as the only woman in the room.
“Anne of Green Gables: The Good Stars” (TV Movie) (Premieres November 23 on PBS)
What it’s about: This sequel to the 2016 TV movie “Anne of Green Gables” sees Anne Shirley (Ella Ballentine), now 13 years old, struggling to support her family as her guardian Matthew’s (Martin Sheen) health begins to fail. Anne also discovers she has romantic feelings for Gilbert (Drew Haytaoglu), which threatens her close friendship with Diana (Julia Lalonde).
Why we’re excited: Between last year’s “Anne of Green Gables” and the Netflix series “Anne with an E,” L.M. Montgomery’s beloved heroine seems to be making a major comeback. Which makes total sense: Anne is headstrong and true to herself, and must face plenty of hardships at home and at school. That’s something most 13-year-old girls can personally relate to. Keeping that in mind, “The Good Stars” could make for the perfect family — and feminist — Thanksgiving entertainment.
“She’s Gotta Have It” (Premieres November 23 on Netflix)
What it’s about: Based on Spike Lee’s 1986 romantic comedy of the same name, “She’s Gotta Have It” centers on artist Nola Darling (DeWanda Wise) as she splits her time between building her career and spending time with her friends and three lovers (Cleo Anthony, Lyriq Bent, and Anthony Ramos).
Why we’re excited: Sex-positive depictions of women on TV have increased in the past few years, but it’s still fairly rare to see a female character who is, on the whole, unconcerned with having a monogamous relationship. Also, “She’s Gotta Have It” seems like the perfect show to fill the “Insecure”-shaped hole in our lives. Like the ladies of Issa Rae’s HBO series, Nola is an intelligent, flawed black woman trying to carve out a space for herself in both the professional and social spheres. And we definitely could see Issa, Molly, Kelli, and Tiffany attending one of Nola’s art shows.
