“Barbarian” (2022)

Writer-director Zach Cregger took the horror world by storm with “Barbarian.” The film, an alternately terrifying and gut-bustingly funny horror comedy, was obviously and lovingly made in the shadow of genre artists like Sam Raimi, and yet it stands on its own.

“Barbarian” follows a woman (Georgina Campbell) whose life takes an increasingly horrifying turn after she discovers the Airbnb she reserved was not only double-booked by a mysterious man (Bill Skarsgård) but also contains a strange and dangerous secret. To say much more would be to spoil the fun of a movie that, in the best way possible, takes you on the kind of rollercoaster ride the specifics of which you could never see coming.

“Nightmare Alley” (2021)

Four years after his 2017 film “The Shape of Water” won Best Picture and Best Director at the Oscars, writer-director Guillermo del Toro returned with “Nightmare Alley,” a black-hearted technicolor noir based on author William Lindsay Graham’s 1946 novel of the same name. Bradley Cooper leads the film as an ambitious carnival worker whose con-man ways slowly catch up to him after he begins selling himself as a honest-to-God clairvoyant.

An unwaveringly cynical, haunting drama about sin and the inescapability of identity, “Nightmare Alley” admirably commits to the corrosive darkness at the heart of its story. The result is a film that gets under your skin and stays there, and which ranks firmly as del Toro’s most underrated directorial effort.

“The Substance” (2024)

Speaking of movies that refuse to shy away from their most difficult elements, writer-director Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” is a wholly original, striking body horror comedy. Set in contemporary Los Angeles, the film follows an aging celebrity (Demi Moore) whose use of an experimental black market drug results first in the creation of a younger version of her (Margaret Qualley) and later in a vicious, self-destructive battle between the two of them.

Anchored by a career-best turn from Demi Moore and featuring one of the most unforgettably gonzo climaxes of any horror film in recent memory, “The Substance” takes its story as far as it possibly can. In doing so, Fargeat’s film manages to reach conclusions about the poison of ageism and our cultural obsession with youth that leave a lasting collective mark.

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t

Should this movie have been called “Now You 3 Me?” Yes, yes it should have. Do we all — and “all” includes the cast themselves — call it that in our hearts? Yes again.

“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” is by no means the strongest entry in this franchise, but it’s still a part of this franchise, which means it’s a pretty fun ride. The threequel reunites the original Four Horseman, after Isla Fisher had to sit out the second film. But don’t worry, there’s room for more than one woman in the Horseman (theoretically) and Lizzy Caplan is still there too.

But, this movie also introduces the next generation of Horsemen, played by Justice Smith, Ariana Greenblatt and Dominic Sessa. Meanwhile, Rosamund Pike also joins up as the Horsemen’s latest villain.

“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” does change its structure a bit, but at the end of the day, it’s a bunch of fun actors doing even more fun magic tricks. Just lean in to the fun!

Fever Pitch

We’re officially into October baseball, as well as proper Fall, so you might just be looking for a cozy rom-com. With “Fever Pitch,” you can combine the two. Though, sorry if you’re not a Red Sox fan.

Starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon (hey, remember when Jimmy Fallon was just an actor?), the film tells the story of Ben Wrightman (Fallon), a young teacher and businesswoman Lindsey Meeks (Barrymore), as they fall in love. The relationship is going well until baseball season begins, and Lindsey learns Ben is obsessed with the Boston Red Sox. Like, crazy superfan kind of obsessed.

She tries to understand it, but eventually, it does impact the relationship, and choices need to be made. Don’t worry, it’s a 2005 rom-com, so it all works out in the end. It’ll be a nice little throwback this week, that especially hits if your team’s currently in the playoffs (the Red Sox aren’t, but the White Sox sure are!).

Chemical Hearts

If you’re looking for something to watch on Prime Video, I’m guessing you’ve recently come from watching “The Love Hypothesis,” which premiered at the end of September. If you haven’t seen that, go there first, then come back here.

You’re back? Great! Now you’re probably looking for more Lili Reinhart. And if you’re looking for her in another romance, “Chemical Hearts” is going to be your next move. Here, she stars alongside Austin Abrams (you may have just seen him recently too, if you made it to the theater for “Resident Evil”). Abrams plays a high school newspaper editor, who dreams of being writer.

He considers himself a romantic, but has never actually been in love. That is, until he gets to know Grace (Reinhart). But Grace has a troubled past and some secrets that come to light, throwing a wrench in their relationship.

“Chemical Hearts” is far heavier than “The Love Hypothesis,” so just be warned.

Marshals

Airs on Sundays

“Marshals” returns for its second season on Sunday, October 4 at 8:30 p.m. ET. The series follows Luke Grimes reprising his role as Kayce Dutton from “Yellowstone,” as he joins an elite unit of U.S. Marshals, combining his skills as a cowboy and Navy SEAL to bring range justice to Montana.

In season 2, Jefferson White will reprise his role as fan-favorite Jimmy Hurdstrom, “a good-hearted yet rough-around-the-edges ranch hand who evolved from a troubled criminal into a resilient, proud cowboy,” in a recurring role.

“Marshals” will return to its typical 8 p.m. ET time slot on October 11.

Tracker

Airs Sundays

Immediately following “Marshals” is the Season 4 premiere of “Tracker,” starring Justin Hartley. In the first episode of the season, “Colter’s search for a teenage boy’s missing father leads him to a dangerous criminal operation at the Port of Los Angeles.”

“Tracker” returns to its 9 p.m. ET time slot on October 11.

FBI

Airs Mondays

“FBI” returns for Season 9 on Monday, October 5 at 8 p.m. ET. Per the official logline of the premiere episode: “After a young traveler is found shot dead in a state park, the team discovers she was witness to an execution of a person involved in a top-secret government-sponsored project. Meanwhile, Maggie struggles to bond with her new partner, Isaiah Green (played by Roland Buck III), and OA adjusts to a new role.”

CIA

Airs Mondays

“CIA” is the next branch of televised government to return on Monday, kicking off Season 2 at 9 p.m. ET. In the episode, “When a known cartel fixer arrives in N.Y.C., the team tracks him down and discovers the body of a DEA agent. After it becomes clear the case is not what it seems, the team must work quickly to prevent additional murders. Meanwhile, Bill makes a shocking discovery when he returns to work after the death of his father and the team enlists the help of FBI Special Agent Stuart Scola (John Boyd).”

Harlan Coben’s Final Twist

Airs Mondays

“Harlan Coben’s Final Twist” rounds out CBS Mondays, returning to start Season 2 at 10 p.m. ET.

“When church-going mother Betsy Faria is found stabbed to death in her quiet Missouri home, police initially suspect suicide … she’d tried it before,” the synopsis teases. “But multiple stab wounds and the surrounding evidence point to her husband. It seems like an open-and-shut case: trial, conviction, done. But then, more dead bodies and strange twists lead back to Betsy’s murder … unraveling a story everyone thought they understood.”

NCIS

Airs Tuesdays

“NCIS” is the veteran kicking off Tuesdays for CBS this fall, as it returns for Season 24 on October 6 at 8 p.m. ET. The premiere is also bringing back a familiar face for fans.

“While dealing with the fallout from the shooting involving McGee’s son, the team investigates a mysterious new threat to the Secretary of the Navy and receives help from an unexpected source: Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), newly arrived in D.C. to open a satellite office of his private security firm.”

NCIS: New York

Airs Tuesdays

Next up on Tuesdays is a new “NCIS” spinoff, “NCIS: New York,” premiering October 6 at 9 p.m. ET.

In this series, Special Agent Sam Hanna (LL COOL J) returns to his hometown of New York City. When his friend and Navy reservist Jack Halloway is found dead, he requests permission to investigate. Sam gets paired “with roguish agent Nick Schaeffer (Scott Caan), who introduces him to the rest of the team: clean-cut Wyatt Sellers (Shane Harper), bright-eyed Addy Ross (Jacqueline Byers) and hacker-turned-computer guy Sean Sullivan (Devin Druid). As the team investigates Jack’s death, they work together to gather key information that can help find the culprits.”

NCIS: Origins

Airs Tuesdays

Rounding out “NCIS” Tuesdays is the Season 3 premiere of “NCIS: Origins” at 10 p.m. ET. In the premiere, fans will do a bit of time jumping back and forth.

“In the present day, ghosts from Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) past finally catch up to him, shattering his peaceful retirement in Alaska,” the logline teases. “In 1992, the team races to rescue a kidnapped Randy (Caleb Foote) while Gibbs (Austin Stowell) and Lala (Mariel Molino) deal with the aftermath of their kiss.”

Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage

Airs Thursdays

On Thursday, October 8, the “Big Bang Theory” universe returns to broadcast once more, with the Season 3 premiere of “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.”

Fans will see a bit of family feuding in the premiere, as Georgie fights with Mary — and “tensions rise when Mandy and the family side against Georgie.” Meanwhile, Connor turns to Georgie when he gets himself into trouble.

Eternally Yours

Airs Thursdays

At 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, spooky season kicks off on CBS with the series premiere of “Eternally Yours.”

From the creators of “Ghosts,” this series centers on a pair of vampires who got married hundreds of years ago, only to realize that “eternity” is a really long time to be with someone. Fortunately, they have their coven, but problems arise when they meet their daughter’s new boyfriend.

Elsbeth

Airs Thursdays

Next up on Thursdays is the Season 4 return of “Elsbeth” at 9 p.m. ET. Here’s what to expect in the season premiere: “Elsbeth crosses paths with renowned marriage counselor Serena Collyer (Nicole Scherzinger), whose cool demeanor hides a murderous and messy passion. Also, Teddy sets a wedding date.”

Cupertino

Airs Thursdays

Thursdays are getting a double dose of newcomers, as the series premiere of “Cupertino” airs at 10 p.m. ET.

The series stars stars Mike Colter and Rachel Keller as lawyers Michael Price and Olivia Siffre, who are wrongfully terminated from a tech start-up, and team up to start their own law firm. Together, they “represent those taken advantage of by the tech elite and fight back in a high-stakes battle against the Goliaths of Silicon Valley.”

Sheriff Country

Airs Fridays

CBS Fridays kick off at 8 p.m. ET with the Season 2 premiere of “Sheriff Country,” starring Morena Baccarin. The premiere also brings her real-life husband Ben Mackenzie as a guest star.

“As Sheriff Mickey Fox struggles to process a shocking revelation about her family, she races to save a troubled young woman whose descent into a dangerous criminal operation uncovers a growing threat to all of Edgewater,” the synopsis says. “Ben McKenzie guest stars as Sheriff Wade, a neighboring sheriff who is called in to assist Sheriff Mickey, and has a few secrets of his own.”

Fire Country

Airs Fridays

“Fire Country” returns October 9 as well, kicking off Season 5 at 9 p.m. ET.

Per the synopsis: “As Edgewater celebrates its annual Founders’ Day festival, a catastrophic sinkhole opens beneath Main Street, trapping residents underground and forcing Station 42 into a high-stakes rescue. Meanwhile, a mysterious former firefighter arrives in Edgewater.”

Boston Blue

Airs Fridays

Fridays finish up with “Boston Blue,” kicking off Season 2 at 10 p.m. ET.

To start the season, Danny and Lena must race to stop a copycat killer emulating the Boston Strangler: “As panic grips the city, Jonah and Sean, fresh off their rookie year, as well as Henry Reagan, jump in to help Danny and Lena track down and arrest the killer. Also, Danny faces a career-defining promotion while Lena uncovers a lead that could link the attack on Detective Rodgers to a powerful figure.”

48 Hours

Airs Saturdays

Rounding out the Fall slate over on CBS is “48 Hours,” which returns for season 39 on Saturday, October 10, at 10 p.m. ET. The series takes true crime fans into real cases and investigations, and uncovers real secrets.

Doctor Sleep

“Doctor Sleep” and the balancing act that Mike Flanagan achieved deserved more love than it got. “The Shining” is one of Stephen King’s most iconic novels, and the Stanley Kubrick adaptation is equally revered — by all but King himself. So when the time came to adapt the horror writer’s “Shining” sequel, Flanagan found a way to tell the story of a grown Danny Torrance that felt like a continuation of both the book and the elements Kubrick changed for his adaptation.

The film is long, but moves at such a brisk pace that it is rarely felt. And for the ever-growing number of fans of Rebecca Ferguson, revel in how she plays the villainous Rose the Hat with sick glee here.

Troy

2026 has been all about “The Odyssey” but if you’re wanting the story but wish it was hyper-focused on just the Battle of Troy than there’s a Brad Pitt gem waiting for you.

“Troy” is a full-on action movie. If you want to check out a sword and sandals movie with a heavy emphasis on the “sword” part of the equation, then “Troy” is the movie for you. And if the Trojan Horse scene from “The Odyssey” was the only part of the film that worked for you, then buddy do we have the film for you. But despite the action, Pitt is great as Achilles and Brian Cox is characteristically a scene-stealer as Agamemnon.

V For Vendetta

The 2005 film, based on iconic graphic novel writer Alan Moore’s “V for Vendetta,” takes place in London, which has become a police state following a world war. One man, donning a Guy Fawkes mask, wages his own battles against the secret police using terrorism and knives. One night, he saves a woman from the police and, in doing so, finds a willing ally to help take down the powers that be, who are commanding the city with an oppressive fist.

“Sacrifice” Season 2 (Paramount+)

It has been nearly five years since the first season of “Sacrifice,” creator Chris Stokes’ thriller about an entertainment lawyer (Paula Patton) navigating the tumultuous lives of her rich and famous Hollywood clients, aired on BET+. Nonetheless, the series has made its return this week on Paramount+.

The 10-episode second season of “Sacrifice” premiered Wednesday on the streaming service, catching viewers back up with Patton’s Daniella Hernandez as she fights to rebuild Blackgammon Records and protect her family’s legacy. If you were a fan of “Sacrifice” Season 1, you might want to add its second season to your watchlist this week.

“East of Eden” (Netflix)

One of this fall’s biggest streaming premieres has finally arrived. Creator Zoe Kazan’s ambitious, seven-part adaptation of John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” premiered in its entirety Thursday on Netflix. Starring Florence Pugh as the ruthless Cathy Ames, the limited series brings the multigenerational story of the Trask family to life with patience and grace at every turn.

Anchored by Pugh’s ferocious lead performance, which ranks high as one of the best she has ever given, “East of Eden” has quickly emerged as one of the must-see shows of the fall TV season. You would be wise to make some time for it.

“Coven Academy” (Disney+)

Disney+ and Hulu have kicked off October with some witchy fun in the form of “Coven Academy.” Created by “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” creator Tim Federle, the new supernatural dramedy follows a trio of teenage witches-in-training in New Orleans as they work toward protecting their city from the threat of dangerous and ancient forces.

Boasting the exact kind of lightly spooky YA vibes that could make it a perfect early October binge-watch, “Coven Academy” is airing its episodes weekly on Freeform. However, the series dropped its complete, 10-episode first season Friday on Disney+ and Hulu, which means those interested have the opportunity to dive headfirst into “Coven Academy,” if they so choose.

“War” Season 1 (HBO Max)

“War,” HBO and Sky UK’s latest co-production, arrived this week in the U.S. on HBO and HBO Max. Created by “Lupin” and “Hijack” co-creator George Kay, the star-studded new anthology drama’s debut season follows the lawyers of two prestigious London law firms as they battle over a case involving the contentious divorce between a powerful tech entrepreneur (Dominic West) and his movie star wife (Sienna Miller).

A second season of “War” has already been ordered starring Marisa Tomei and “Lanterns” scene-stealer Kelly Macdonald, which means new viewers do not have to worry about the series going away anytime soon. Its first episode is streaming now on HBO Max. The remaining seven chapters of its first season will follow one at a time every week through Thursday, Nov. 19.

“Adventure Time: Side Quests” Season 2 (Hulu)

“Adventure Time: Side Quests,” Nate Cash’s soft reboot of the “Adventure Time” franchise, is back just four months after it made its debut on Disney+ and Hulu. When it premiered in late June, the series took viewers back to the early years of the “Adventure Time” story, catching up with Finn the Human during his childhood and exploring how him and his magical dog, Jake the Dog, became so close.

Now, “Adventure Time: Side Quests” Season 2 promises to continue following its lead duo as they embark on more adventures across the fantastical land of Ooo. All 20 of the season’s episodes are streaming now on Disney+ and Hulu.

“Tip Toe” (Starz)

“A Very English Scandal” and “Doctor Who” writer Russell T Davies has returned this week with “Tip Toe.” A psychological thriller set in contemporary Britain, the limited series follows two next-door neighbors, a gay bar owner (Alan Cumming) and an electrician (David Morrissey), who become deadly enemies, thanks to a combination of lingering resentments, tightly held secrets and the kind of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric that has begun to seep into the internet and contemporary politics again.

The series’ first episode premieres Friday on Starz, just four months after the five-part drama made its U.K. debut this past summer.

“Kill Jackie” (AMC+)

Based on author Nick Harkaway’s novel, “The Price You Pay,” AMC+’s “Kill Jackie” follows its eponymous heroine (Catherine Zeta-Jones) as her former life as an international drug smuggler catches back up to her when she discovers that the world’s most dangerous hitmen have been hired to kill her.

Co-starring Ron Perlman and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” scene-stealer Daniel Ings, “Kill Jackie” promises to be a propulsive, violent, twisty and potentially addictive crime thriller. The limited series’ first episode premieres Friday exclusively on AMC+. Its remaining seven episodes will follow suit, premiering one at a time every Friday.

“Get Jiro” Season 1 (HBO Max)

“Get Jiro” has the potential to be one of this fall’s best new animated series. Based on Joel Rose and the late Anthony Bourdain’s acclaimed graphic novel of the same name, “Get Jiro” is set in a post-apocalyptic, near-future Los Angeles where the world’s most powerful figures happen to be chefs. The series follows a mysterious sushi chef (voiced by Brian Tee) as he embarks on a quest for vengeance in a world where food is both currency and a marker of one’s class.

Developed by Alessandro Tanaka and Brian Gatewood, “Get Jiro” premieres Saturday, Oct. 3 on Adult Swim and arrives the next day on HBO Max. If you were a fan of the original graphic novel or just find yourself in the mood for an action-packed new animated series, you may want to put “Get Jiro” on your radar.