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When it comes to what to watch, there have been some recent misses for sure (*cough* Lizzie Borden *cough*). But fortunately, September 2026 has also been chock-full of great TV shows as well, like The Gentlemen season two.
As someone who watches TV for a living, I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly this month. So, allow me to cut through the "skips" to deliver the best eight September shows to watch right now, from the A Different World sequel series to The Traitors: New Blood.
"This Netflix drama is so good, I'm mad I didn't watch it sooner," my colleague wrote earlier this month. The Gentlemen stars hunk-with-an-accent Theo James as an aristocrat with a major secret: He's running an international underground drug ring. And while the twist-filled show certainly brings the drama, it's also quirky, fun and laugh-out-loud funny, a signature of its creator Guy Ritchie. Season two is just as fabulous and deliciously dark as the first, and fans will be happy to know it's already been renewed for season three.
The 1987 series was groundbreaking in its own right—and it seems this spinoff show, airing more than 30 years later, is fully prepared to fill those very large shoes. The 2026 A Different World follows the next generation of students at HBCU Hillman College. But, fortunately for fans of the O.G., a number of original cast members are back to join in on the fun. Episode one is brilliantly directed by icon Debbie Allen, features fabulous singing from Jenifer Lewis and is packed with allusions to the first iteration (including Dwayne Wayne's daughter copying his signature move and flipping up her glasses).
If you're a fan of Woody Harrelson or Matthew McConaughey like me, this new comedy is certainly for you. The real-life besties charmingly play exaggerated versions of themselves, only to discover they may actually be brothers. It's a playful buddy comedy that leans into their natural chemistry, with the fabulous Holland Taylor as matriarch Ma Mac, who drops the family secret that sets everything in motion.
Even Alan Cumming's outfits are no match for the drama brought by the "regular people" in this exciting version of the hit reality show. I've long been a fan of The Traitors U.K., as it began with non-celebs from the get-go, with each season bringing tears, screaming matches and backstabbing. Now, the U.S. version has finally gotten on board with what (IMHO) is the best Traitors iteration yet. Episode one throws us right into the fray, with a big twist involving two players having to secretly compete for a coveted "prize."
23 Emmy nominations. Six seasons (and a seventh on the way). Slow Horses is the critical darling and under-the-radar favorite that lasted far longer than I ever thought it could. It's a fun and funny spy thriller about a dysfunctional team of secret agents, including the genius Gary Oldman. Oldman has been nominated on numerous occasions for his work on the show (at the Emmys, Golden Globes and BAFTAs), but the statuette has remained elusive. Fingers crossed this season could hand him the win.
The number of friends who have told me, "You have to watch this show!" grew to such a fever pitch, that I caved just in time for season two (which technically dropped in the last few days of August)—and I'm so glad I did. Adults is clever, quick, funny and just really enjoyable to watch. Five friends live together in Queens, New York, leading to chaos, romantic entanglements and ridiculous situations. Pro tip: Before diving into season one (and the equally brilliant season two), watch the special prequel episode titled "Marathon Day."
This six-episode Apple TV thriller follows Ian Ridley (Patrick Brammall, also of the rom-com series Colin from Accounts) on his desperate search for answers 11 years after his daughter's disappearance. The premise isn't exactly groundbreaking (see Peacock's All Her Fault), but Ridley's desperation—and the quick reveal of some disturbing news—was enough to hook me into episode two. New installments of this underrated gem drop Wednesdays through October 7.
As a superfan of The Office, I had high hopes for the initial installment of this spinoff series last year. And while I enjoyed season one, things hadn't yet reached "must-see TV" levels. However, just as The Office floundered in season one before soaring in season two, it seems The Paper has found its footing in its sophomore season. The debut episode of season two is very funny—particularly thanks to White Lotus star Sabrina Impacciatore. Impacciatore steals every scene she's in as the over-the-top villain, Esmeralda, who's out the sabotage the Toledo Truth Teller and its fearless fearful leader, Ned (Domhnall Gleeson).
And if all of these shows aren't enough, check out these recs from even earlier this year. Happy streaming!
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